I was young, single, dreamed of travelling and seeing some of the big wide world that's out there. I wanted new experiences, to meet new people from different nationalities and backgrounds.

Most of all I wanted excitement.

After having my application accepted, I set off on my journey. I can still remember leaving my home and family for the first time and contemplating how I would manage through the next six months without them.

I often considered how this different lifestyle would impact me as a person. People had told me all the stories of long shifts, being homesick as well as the rude, demanding passengers I could expect.

Quietly, I pondered if I was doing the right thing.

However, apprehension like this is normal and I didn't pay it much attention. I was starting a new life. I was going to earn decent money, visit amazing destinations, and make new friends from all over the world. Being young and single, obviously I was thinking too about all the girls I hoped to meet!

Over the following years, it became apparent I had made the correct decision in obtaining cruise ship employment. There's no doubt, sometimes it was hard work but the negatives parts were easily outweighed by all the positive experiences.

I'm revealing all this to show you that it's important that you think carefully about your own reasons for wanting employment on cruise ships. It's very important that you take some time to carefully consider it and that your desire is strong enough to keep you going and moving toward your dream job.

The most common reason why people don't succeed in this industry is down to the simple fact they lack determination. It's no good just dreaming of landing a job or giving up at the first hurdle. You must persevere until success comes your way.

Keep your aspirations alive and to the front of your mind. Doing this will increase your motivation and desire to succeed in an industry that can offer you rewarding, positive and life changing experiences.

If you've definitely decided this is the career for you, your next step is finding cruise ship employment. Where do you start? Whom do you apply to?

You will increase your chances of securing work on cruise ships if you send out as many applications as you can. However, if you concentrate on the 'top ten' companies in the industry, your chances will improve even more. This 'big ten' are:

* Cunard Line

* Norwegian Cruise Line

* Carnival Cruise Line

* Costa Cruises

* Celebrity Cruises

* P&O Cruises

* Crystal Cruises

* Holland America Line

* Royal Caribbean Cruises

* Princess Cruises

There are several reasons why you should focus on these leading companies.

1. These ten companies employ 85% of current crewmembers.

2. These companies frequently add more extravagant liners to their fleet, bigger and better than their predecessors. Amenities onboard are improving all the time, with one particular vessel now having a Surf Park!

3. These cruise lines have ships that visit a lot more destinations than other companies. Effectively, you're getting paid to travel to exotic places and visit exciting attractions.

4. There are many more crew working on these liners, so you get the chance to meet far more people and make more friends than you would on a smaller vessel.

5. Due to the size of these vessels, more positions become available, which means there are better opportunities to get hired and more long-term career prospects.

So, now it's up to you. Adopt a determined attitude and start applying right away to realise your dream of cruise ship employment!