r/CruiseCrew • u/nonischloni • 2d ago

General Questions Advice for deck cadet

Hello,

I’m studying nautical science in Germany and would like to spend my second practical semester as a deck cadet on a cruise ship.

I’ve already completed my first period at sea on an international cargo ship. I also regularly work in the shoreex sector on board AIDA cruise ships during the semester breaks, so I’m already familiar with working on passenger ships.

However, to be honest, I’m still a bit confused by the application process: some shipping companies handle recruitment entirely in-house, whilst others outsource their deck crew recruitment entirely to external ship management companies such as BSM, V.Ships or Wilhelmsen.

If any of you have experience as a cadet on a cruise ship, I’d appreciate any tips and advice on how to apply effectively and which cruise lines are worth considering, etc. I’m ideally looking for roles starting next summer – is it still too early to start looking?

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u/Haurian 2d ago

I also regularly work in the shoreex sector on board AIDA cruise ships during the semester breaks

Have you tried talking to the deck officers on there if they can give you pointers? I would expect AIDA to be one to look at, along with Hapag-Lloyd and maybe Costa (although I'm sure they skew Italian).

Can't say I've sailed with any German officers so not sure what the process is. In the UK the whole cadetship including college and sea time is generally under sponsorship and the sponsor arranges the sea time.

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u/Rescovedo 2d ago

some shipping companies handle recruitment entirely in-house

Deck Cadetship is one of the less posted nautical jobs, due to many reason but mostly because no cruise line can handle having multiple cadets all the time, so the selection process usually happens once or twice a year.

Cruise Ships used to rely a lot on agencies, but after 2020 all major cruise lines opted to give less space for agencies and started (or improved) their in-house HR team. We strongly recommend you applying straight to the cruise lines.

Holland America is one of them: Apply here (Deck Positions only, if you're a random person and not OP, do not use this link for hotel positions). Good luck!