All shipboard teammates must undergo a medical examination conducted through one of the Princess Cruises recognized medical facilities or approved doctors. You'll be provided with a list of Company-approved Medical Providers so you can start the process of obtaining a Seafarer’s Medical Fitness Certificate. This is usually valid for 2 years unless restrictions apply. Very Important: Please remember to bring your original Medical Certificate when joining onboard as copies will not be accepted and you risk being denied boarding and sent home.

Yes, employment with Princess Cruises is dependent upon obtaining background clearance. No assignment will be provided until the results of the Police Background Check have been received and approved by the Company.

While specific position requirements depend on the job you are interested in, there are some essential requirements that all Teammates must meet to work onboard:

Yes, STCW Security Awareness training is mandatory for all seafarers working on board cruise ships. STCW
Security Awareness Certificate can be obtained through any STCW Training Centers in your Home Country or by
taking an online CBT (Computer Based Training) at any Marlins-approved training facility (if available in your
Country) or remotely from home.

Contract lengths vary by position but range between three and nine months. After each assignment, you will receive approximately two months of vacation before your next assignment. Your daily work schedule while onboard is in accordance with ILO Convention guidelines and will depend on your position, but you must expect to work seven days a week and anywhere between 10-13 hours per day.

Our onboard Teams are very diverse and consist of dozens of nationalities. English is the official language spoken onboard and all Teammates are required to speak English in guest areas and while on duty. For reasons of Safety, all Teammates must meet minimum English language skills requirements.

By signing the Employment Agreement, you agree to work onboard until your scheduled disembarkation date, hence going home during the contract is not an option unless under unusual or extenuating circumstances. In case of family emergencies, Princess Cruises accommodates requests to go home early before the end of the contract on a case-by-case basis. This may mean that you are responsible for your flight ticket home and back to the vessel unless it is approved as per company policy for compassionate reasons.

Princess Cruises has zero tolerance for the possession, use, purchase, sale, transfer, or transportation of any form of illegal or unauthorized drugs (including Cannabis) or any type of drug paraphernalia, including prescription drugs prescribed to someone else. Violation of our Drug Policies constitutes willful and gross misconduct and will result in immediate termination of employment. You may also be subject to criminal prosecution in certain jurisdictions in which the ships visit and/or the flag state rules. Random Alcohol or Drug Tests are regularly carried out onboard.

There is no set curfew onboard, however there are designated “Quiet Hours” and teammates who are out late should be respectful of other teammates and guests in nearby cabins. Our company Quiet Hours are from 1300 – 1600 hours in the afternoon and from 2300 – 0700 hours at night. When going ashore always remember to return onboard well in advance of the ship’s departure, as advised by the Security Team and signage at the gangway. Failure to return in a timely manner can lead to your termination from the company and potential loss of visas.

Teammates who miss the ship should contact our designated Port Agent who will be at the port (the address and phone number can be found in the Princess Patter, a daily newsletter for our guests). Depending on the port, all teammates are required to be back onboard one to two hours prior to sailing time. The Port Agent will arrange transportation to the ship's next port of call. Note that it is the responsibility of team members to pay these transportation costs. Teammates may be disciplined for missing the ship, employment could be terminated, and visas revoked.

There are ATMs available in crew areas for Teammates for withdrawal of U.S. dollars (fees may apply).

While some officer-level positions allow for restricted access in guest areas, most facilities are for guests only. However, there are a variety of crew-only facilities, such as a crew pool, whirlpool, bar, gym, and Crew Recreation Room, a communal room where teammates can gather to watch movies, play games, sing karaoke, and much more.

There is a dedicated HR Department and a Crew Welfare Coordinator who organizes activities both on board and ashore including discounted tours for teammates to visit some of the most beautiful ports around the world.
Teammates may also receive approval to dine in our specialty restaurants per policy.

All crew areas onboard have access to Wi-Fi where you will be able to connect to the internet which allows limited access for apps like WhatsApp, available free of cost. For full internet access, a 24-hour package is available for purchase. You will also have access to computers in the crew areas for those who don’t have their own device. Satellite capabilities can be limited while the ship is at sea.

While onboard, teammates can speak to one of our doctors for any health concerns. Medical consultations and treatments are covered by the Company; for more serious health issues you may need to be medically disembarked and repatriation costs will also be covered by the Company.

Since the ships are in operation each day, you will be scheduled to work every day during your contract. We understand that after working long hours, it can be challenging to unwind so we have a robust program of recreational and social activities in our Crew Welfare program to help you relax and enjoy your experience at sea!
Our team member activities include Discos, Bingo games, Port tours, Football matches, Karaoke, International parties, Holiday parties, and Deck parties.

Yes, given the nature of seafaring as an occupation that requires teammates to spend their working and leisure hours in the confined environment and in the company of individuals representing over 50/60 different nationalities, it is clear that there is a need for appropriate policies pertaining behavioral rules and disciplinary procedures . 

The most effective form of discipline is self-discipline, which in turn springs from a responsible attitude to the job together with a concern for the efficient operation of the ship and for the comfort and convenience of other teammates. Failures of self-discipline are supported by appropriate disciplinary actions such as Verbal Warning, Conduct Advisory Notice, Formal Warning, Discharge from the Ship, and Dismissal from the Company. 

The Company Code of Conduct is included as part of the Seafarer’s Employment Agreement and provided to all teammates before joining onboard.

The livelihood of the entire crew on board a passenger ship depends largely on the interpersonal relationships and the quality of service provided to the passengers. Therefore, you are expected to treat your co-workers and other colleagues in a respectful manner and it is of the utmost importance that everyone on board behaves in a polite, cheerful, professional and helpful manner when serving passengers.

Any altercations, physical assaults, verbal threats, vulgar language, derogatory comments, intimidation, bullying, coercion, discrimination based on age, gender, color, race, national origin, ancestry, marital status, religion, or sexual orientation are considered Gross Misconduct for which discharge from the ship may be deemed appropriate (aside from any legal action which may be called for).

A Human Resources Officer is available on every vessel to address any queries relating to the disciplinary rules and
procedures, as well as any other matters pertaining to employee relations, career opportunities and other human
resources related matters.

Yes, all team members must declare all potentially visible tattoos based on the uniforms they may wear and based on their current rank for all seasons/itineraries. This may include the wearing of shorts and short-sleeve shirts. While tattoos that can be covered by applying make-up or small plaster (5 cm x 5 cm) may be allowed, larger bandages that cover sleeves or lower limbs are not in compliance with the uniform standards and are therefore not acceptable. Tattoos like skulls, daggers, guns, general weapons, potentially offensive or obscene words, phrases or pictures, and full ‘sleeve’ tattoos on either the arms or legs are not permitted. 

Teammates are not permitted to have tattoos applied or modified whilst on assignment and any team member found to do so will be subject to disciplinary action. Any tattoos on the hands (except for religious observance) or above the neckline, including the face, and behind the ear, are also prohibited. Shipboard management has the discretion to determine whether a tattoo is allowed or not.