My partner and I talked about it today and we decided that we'd like to expand our horizons while we're still young and see more of the world and get a job working for a cruise line as instructors/performers.

Unfortunetly a search online has resulted in me being a little worried about getting ripped off by the many employment agencies that are listed online.

Can anyone give any tips on what is the best way for me and my partner to get started on this new path (I'm also a little worried about blinding sending out our resumes and audition tape to cruises) or even reputable agencies that we can trust to not take our money and run and actually help us get placed?

Thanks!

Well, I'm not sure how much you've looked into this, so I may be repeating what you know...

Legitimate employment agencies should ALWAYS make money off of the employer. By you applying, you are doing the agency a favor, who is doing the employer a favor by finding someone like you to send to them.

Have you tried checking out career advice websites? I thought that monster.com had some kind of article about finding work on a cruise ship, but I might be mistaken...

have a holiday on a cruise ship before you discide. talk to the entertainment staff on board, they I'm sure will help you ( good and bad points ) + you will find out if you like being on a ship for months at a time. ( even though a holiday is only a week or two it might help )
Julie x

Send an e-mail to:

terri@sixthstar.com

I've found her to be incredibly honest and good to deal with. I've sent her about 20 Dance Hosts over the last year (I don't work for Sixthstar).

Unfortunately http://www.sixthstar.com

is one of those services that charges you ($25 US/day) to go but you travel as a supernumary/passenger). However, it's a start and can get you some insight and possibly some direction to the paying gigs.

Another possibility is that on our very first cruise (Royal Caribbean)friends of ours let it be known that they were dance instructors and willing to do some workshops. These were quickly listed/announced onboard as an extra. When our friends got home the phone was ringing and hasn't stopped since:

"Can you give us 3 months?"

"We're only able to do one month."

"OK, one month is fine, etc."

They go about twice a year now either paid (employee) or unpaid (passenger with free trip).

Crystal employs instructors but they are about to be down to 2 ships so are hard to get on.

Hope some of this helps.

OB