The Internet is a great tool with lots of information available for the job hunter. You need to learn how to apply, where to apply, what jobs are available, and what skills or experience are needed for the jobs onboard.

When doing your research, determine which job appeals to you. Don't just send in an application for "any position available". The cruise line will think that you are only doing this for "fun" and they probably won't take your application seriously.

Instead always begin your resume or application with your job objective clearly defined. In other words, let them know right away what position you're applying for.

For example, if you want to go and work on a ship in the onboard duty-free gift shops, then you will state this job objective at the beginning of your cover letter and at the top of your resume. The same applies for Bar Tender, Social Host, Dancer, Hair Stylist, etc. Do not put "any", you must be clear and right to the point.

Always remember that ideally cruise lines want serious, committed people who will hopefully stay around for a few contracts. It's okay if this job is only for a year or two whilst you save a bit of money, see the world and have some fun. But don't mention that to the cruise line because it costs good money to keep finding and training new hires that only stay for 6-months!

When writing your resume, try to make sure that all of your skills and experience are targeted and worded to meet the requirements of a specific job. For example, if you apply to one cruise line for a job as a Casino Cashier, then everything on your resume should be tailored to back your application up.

If at the same time you also apply to a different cruise line for a position as Youth Counselor, then you should adjust your resume by re-arranging and re-wording it slightly to back this different application up.

Also consider that if your resume or application package is inaccurate, incomplete, poorly written, or goes to the wrong person, then you may have wasted your time. Go through and check for any typing or grammatical mistakes and get someone else to check it for you. A misspelling or grammatical error will get noticed before the point you're making is.

On this notes, also be sure to have your correct and current address including your postal code and country of residence. Your phone number, area code and country code should also be included, along with an alternate number for messages. Include your email address only if you have regular access to it.

In summary, finding a job on a cruise ship can require a lot of research, time and effort to seek out the position and company that's right for you and to prepare a winning job application. But many crewmembers find that the initial time and effort put into getting such a job is well worth it. After all you do get PAID to see the world, have fun and meet lots of new people of all different nationalities!