Kamaxi Overseas Consultants

Getting hired for your first cruise ship job can be daunting, considering thousands from all over the world are applying for the same or similar position. Many cruise ship companies prefer to hand over the responsibility of short-listing candidates to well-known recruitment agencies such as Kamaxi Overseas Consultancy.

This works well for the cruise ship company as well as candidates since selected individuals will receive assistance all the way until they land on the vessel. So here’s what the process looks like:

RESUME CHECK

Once you send in your resume, professionals at recruitment agencies will go through them and check to see if you meet the minimum requirements. If needed, they may contact references or institutes you studied at, so it is vital that you are truthful in your CV.

PRE-SCREEN INTERVIEW

You will either be called on the phone or into the office to let you know whether you have met the requirements and been short-listed or not. If you haven’t, the recruiting officer will offer you information on what you will need to do to qualify in the near future. In the rare cases that they do not, do not shy away from asking. It will put you in a better position the next time.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW

At this meeting, the recruiter will ask you questions regarding your job profile – information you will have learnt at your certificate or graduate course and will be expected to know. It helps to have your base shaped at a good culinary institute or skills centre to help you ace this part of the cruise recruitment process.

FINAL INTERVIEW

Once they know you will be capable at your job, recruiters will call in the short-listed candidates. They will want to confirm your commitment to the job and perhaps offer you a chance to clear any queries you have regarding your role. The cruise recruitment agency will take a few days to consider the data they have collected about you and other candidates before letting you know their final decision.

PROCESSING

In a typical job scenario, this is where the interview process ends and you turn up for work. With cruise recruitments, this is only half-way through. As a selected candidate, you will be required to bring in a list of items and documents so that the recruitment agency can process your papers and help you reach the vessel on time. Remember to carefully go through the list, check in with the recruiter if you have a doubt about any item or document, and keep copies with you if needed before handing them over. Some of the necessary items needed to join a cruise ship include a valid passport, STCW certificate, medical papers, visas, seaman’s service book, police clearances and vaccinations. If you haven’t got some of these, the cruise recruitment agency will help you through it. 

SCHEDULING

Processing can take some time, but good cruise recruitment agencies like Kamaxi Overseas Consultancy ensures you are ready as soon as possible. Scheduling teams from cruise ship companies contact recruitment agencies when they need to fill positions, and with your processing complete, crew administrators can immediately swing into action. They will contact you to make final arrangements.

ONBOARDING

Before you leave, the cruise recruitment agency will give all selected candidates an insight into what to expect during travel and in their new positions. Depending on the cruise ship company, recruiters will often book and send you flight tickets to your new job.

Statistics indicate that North America accounts for most of the world’s cruise ship passengers. Many itineraries start from ports in the US and cruise ship crews often begin and end their contracts in US ports. It is therefore imperative for all joining a vessel to have a valid US visa, which can be daunting for a first-time cruise ship job holder. We’re here with basic information to make this process smoother and less stressful.

VISA TYPE

Crew members have special visas. American D visas are non-immigrant visas offered to those working on commercial sea vessels or international airlines in the US, and intending to depart within 29 days. In addition, cruise ship crew members will also require a C-1 visa, which is a transit visa offered to crew members travelling to the US to join a ship or aircraft.

The C-1/D visa you will need to join a cruise ship will require you to fill in an application form and schedule an interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.

APPLICATION FORM

The first step in getting a US C-1//D visa is to fill in the DS-160 form which you will find on the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application Center website. Before you do this, it might be helpful to view a sample form to get an idea of the steps ahead. Remember to note down your application number so you can easily retrieve a form you are in the process of filling. 

The form includes requests for personal information such as your name and residence, travel information including date of arrival and departure in the US, information about the company sponsoring you, the purpose of your trip, whether you have travelled to the US before, residential address, passport details, contact person in the US, family information, your educational qualifications and work, medical and security information, financial information, information about the recruitment or manning agency and your vessel. 

Remember to always be truthful in your application form and hit save at the end of every page.

DOCUMENTATION

It’s important to upload all documents requested in the visa application. The better they corroborate the information you have provided, the easier it is to get your visa. These will include a valid passport that is valid for at least six months, application fee payment confirmation, application form confirmation, interview confirmation letter, a visa photo in the correct dimensions, qualification certificates, employment letter, salary or funding documents, continuous discharge certificate (CDC), proof of residence, and criminal records if any.

INTERVIEW

Once your DS-160 application form is complete, it will prompt you to book and pay for an interview at a visa application centre where you will have to get your biometrics taken, show your original documents and answer a few questions from the consular officer. 

Select a date on which you know for sure you can visit the visa application centre. Print out your appointment schedule and take note of the time. It is wise to dress decently (business formals are appropriate), cross-check that all your documents and papers are in order before the interview, and arrive well in time. Have a clear understanding of your shipboard duties and experience so far, the date and port of joining written in your employment letter, and information about your qualifications.

The centre will send you an email and SMS letting you know if your visa has been approved and information on collection or delivery of your passport. 

Private dining may have been the bastion of the incredibly rich and famous, but a certain virus changed all of that. Since 2020, restaurateurs and other hospitality ventures have seen the benefits of offering this experience to the masses. While it certainly isn’t cheap, it’s no longer out of reach.

Private dining brings fine-dining chefs and restaurants home for service. It could also mean highly individualized menus at a private space in a restaurant or other venue, generally for a rather small number of guests.

The latter is rather like the concept of a Chef’s Table, now increasingly popular on cruise ships. Concepts like these offer epicurean guests the opportunity to interact personally with the chefs, understand what inspired each dish and really know the person who cooks their food, unlike the incredibly brief visits some head chefs make during meal service at some restaurants.

It’s possible that the need for open-air dining spaces is still instilled in our brains – chefs speaking to Food & Wine magazine in December last year have said they are continuing to see high demand for private dining, not just in restaurants but also in private apartment spaces.

Food television personality Martha Stewart pointed out that all things limited capacity and personal would trend in 2022, from wine tastings to pasta-making classes and white truffle dinners. These allow guests to feel like they’re part of an exclusive experience.

Following its international set up, the Take A Chef experience in Goa allows patrons anywhere in the state to hire a chef for a private dining experience in the comfort of their homes. With a few clicks, guests can choose the kind of food they would like served on a specific date in their homes. 

They can select a chef from among those registered on the platform, the number of guests in attendance, the preferred cuisine and a budget range. Patrons simply offer information on the kind of stove top they have at home (gas, electric or induction), whether they have an oven or not, if any dietary restrictions are being observed and a cuisine style that ranges from Mediterranean, Italian and French, to Asian, Latin American and an option to be surprised by the chef’s talents. Chefs prepare the food, serve guests and interact with them personally, and finally ensure everything is cleared and cleaned before leaving.

As a chef offering private dining, you will be expected to put great attention into curating a menu according to guest requirements, sourcing the right ingredients, pairing or suggesting drinks, and ensuring everything is made to perfection. While private dining was earlier relegated to celebrations such as wedding anniversaries or milestone birthdays, guests are now looking at everyday occasions as opportunities to meet close friends or family. 

It’s important to remember that as a foodpreneur, restaurateur or chef offering private dining services that you look into incorporating as many local and sustainable food sources as possible. Not only is it better for the environment, but it showcases your capabilities in incorporating these ingredients into global cuisine while also fostering closer relations with vendors, suppliers and farmers.

In the hospitality industry, resumes never go out of fashion. Ensuring your master file is up-to-date at all times makes applying for new jobs easier and quicker. Recruitment firms such as Kamaxi Overseas Consultants are always on the lookout for skilled candidates to place in reputed companies.

Recruitment managers go through dozens of resumes a day, and many simply skim over to find what they’re looking for. It makes sense, therefore, to highlight these things so in the 6-7 seconds they glance through, you’ll stick out as one of the interesting candidates of the day. Here’s how:

LEARN ABOUT THE COMPANY & JOB PROFILE

It’s never a good idea to use one resume for all jobs. Learn about the company and job profile you’re applying for and edit your resume accordingly. Understanding what the company is looking for will help you tailor your application to meet their requirements. You should do this for every company or job profile you are applying for.

INCLUDE STATISTICS

Including vague information about your experience can make it difficult for recruiters to pick you out from the pack. Instead of pointing out that you have five years of experience, offer statistics of your accomplishments. You can show how you were a team player by detailing how you worked with a team of 15 people to cater to 500 guests on short notice. Using numbers and metrics helps recruiters more easily quantify how you made a difference at your previous workplace. 

STRONG ACTION WORDS

Starting every bullet point with words like ‘Responsible for’ or ‘Handled’ will get boring. Look for action words that describe the difference you made in your role, such as ‘Achieved’, ‘Improved’, ‘Curated’, Organised’, ‘Created’, etc and pair them with relevant statistics and information. This will offer far more information in a single sentence or point than more vague terms such as ‘detail-oriented’, ‘professional’ or ‘results-driven’.

LIST YOUR SKILLS

Divide your skills into sections – say skills directly related to the job profile you are applying for, soft skills, leadership skills and any other additional skills. Knowing how to use the internet and Microsoft Word no longer stand out as special skills so consider others you might have – perhaps a foreign language, or even sushi skills if you are applying as a cruise ship chef at a Mexican restaurant. 

RELEVANT EDUCATION ONLY

There’s no need to include your primary and secondary school education. Just the last one or two relevant qualifications are necessary – perhaps graduation from a culinary college and specialisation certificates. 

BEST INFORMATION FIRST

Recruitment managers typically skim over documents from the top down so you must aim to hook them in the top half itself. Place all your best accomplishments in the top third of your resume as this is the section that will show up first on computer screens and mobile phones too. 

BE BRIEF, EVEN IN BULLET POINTS

It’s no longer an employment necessity to fit resumes in a single page, but that doesn’t mean you should go on endlessly. Keep everything on your resume brief, including information in bullet points. Think about ways to include 2-3 skills in a single sentence. For example, stating that you successfully led a team of 15 to cater to 500 people at short notice showcases your professionalism, ability to work as part of a team and manage one, and ability to work under pressure. Include links to appropriately managed social media profiles or an online portfolio for a more in-depth look at your skills.

KEEP IT ERROR-FREE

There’s nothing that makes you look more unprofessional than errors in your resume. Read through every time you make a change and ensure there are no mistakes in spellings and punctuations. Get someone else to read it in case you missed something out.

Although revenues for cruise ship companies haven’t floated back to pre-pandemic levels, things are still looking up. Last year saw a 96 per cent year on year increase in recovery rates, which is excellent news for recruiters and ship employees alike.

According to Cruise Market Watch, 323 ships sailed into 2022 but there are likely to be 25 new vessels added this year. So far, seven of these were delivered in 2021 and are debuting this year. 

Among the first to set sail this year was the Viking Octantis, which set off on its first expedition cruise at the start of this quarter. Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady sailed from Portsmouth to Bruges earlier this month. The much-awaited Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean also made its maiden voyage this quarter, sailing out of Port Everglades on March 04. 

A day later, Costa Cruises’ latest ship Toscana sailed out of Savona in Italy on its maiden voyage towards Marseille. This is the brand’s second cruise ship fueled by liquified natural gas (LNG), which can offer almost zero emission of sulphur oxides and particulate matter, reduce direct nitrogen oxide emissions by 85 per cent and cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 per cent.

Interestingly, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has indicated that more half the number of new cruise ships ordered for 2022 and beyond will be powered by LNG rather than diesel, and nearly all of those still being powered by fossil fuels will be fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems which remove 98 per cent of sulphur content from emissions.

The new 183,000 GT Aida Cosma embarked in February while Discovery Princess is seeing its inaugural cruise set off at the close of this quarter. Emerald Azzurra also left on its maiden voyage this quarter, calling on resort towns in Jordan, Egypt and Israel.

Cruise ship job opportunities are also opening via an unexpected route – the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year. The independent emirate has signed an agreement with MSC Cruises to offer fans a chance to live on board two floating hotels with a combined capacity of 4000 cabins that look out across the West Bay skyline. Europa and Poesia will berth at Doha Port and offer quick mobility to the stadiums.

The four-star Poesia offers four gourmet dining options and 15 bars and event spaces, while the five-star World Europa offers 13 eateries including six fine dining options and more than 30 bars and event spaces. Bookings for accommodation on these two cruise ships opened this quarter.

In a spot of humanitarian news, cruise ship companies are stepping up to offer aid to refugees affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Costa Magica – which has a maximum capacity of 3400 if all berths are filled – has been offered as temporary housing for refugees if needed while Carnival Cruise Line donated USD50,000 to World Central Kitchen and Carnival Corporation’s chairman dedicated a million dollars each to World Central Kitchen, medical aid and supplies and UNICEF USA. Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises also donated medical supplies to treat injuries and common diseases in Ukraine. 

Cruise ship companies are also coming forward to offer support to their crew members from Russia and Ukraine.

The pandemic might seem to be on wane, but it has burnt many fingers in the industry and cruise ship companies are taking no chances. COVID-19 certainly upset the apple cart and cruise ship chefs will be looking at tweaks to their SOPs in the new era of contactless dining. So what could this look like?

Decreased menu size

Instead of the incredible variety of dishes that almost became synonymous with cruising, menus are likely to stay curated and smaller. This allows restaurants to streamline ordering  and service to ensure better efficiency. Chefs will therefore be able to focus on what they do best.

Tech-based ordering

Reducing touch points is a key feature of contactless dining. Cruise ship chefs might have to forget about handwritten tickets of orders for a while as updated systems kick in to offer automated slips. Service staff can use a mobile or tablet that sends orders directly to a system in the kitchen with features that allow meals to be modified for allergies, preferences or restrictions. This also helps reduce ordering mistakes.

Pre-ordering meals

To encourage a more efficient system that is faster and reduces contact between guests and service staff, many restaurants might consider pre-ordering meals. This way, guests can make their choices from the comfort of their staterooms and head down to the restaurant when their meal is ready.

Strict implementation of safety protocols

With the risks so high, cruise ship companies will ensure strict implementation of all safety and hygiene protocols. Some land-based restaurants are looking at restricting uniforms from being worn outside the place of work. This could mean that chefs will not visit guests at their tables. Regular temperature checks, social distancing, masks and frequent hand sanitisation will probably be the norm for some time to come.

Organised seating plans and traffic flow

Instead of allowing guests to walk in and order as they please, restaurants on cruise ships might consider more organised seating plans and planned traffic flow. Restaurant managers will look at limiting close contact and minimising social interaction, which could mean fewer guests served within a certain time frame compared with before. Chefs could be expected to speed up service to be able to accommodate more diners. 

Kitchen BTS 

Many guests are still concerned about what goes on behind closed doors. To counter that, restaurants might look into live streaming the action from the kitchen. With this, diners can see how their food is being cooked, although this means that chefs are under the microscope at all times. 

Case study

Here’s how Princess Cruises is rolling out contactless dining to keep guests happy yet safe. Through its OceanNow app, guests can order food from anywhere on the vessel at any time and it will be delivered to a place of their choosing at no extra charge. The app also allows guests to choose their desired seating location – outdoors, near a window or near the entrance, share dietary preferences and information about allergies, request the same time or venue each night, particularly if they prefer the same staff.

Cruise ship employees from India often have to make a long journey to their vessels on the other side of the world. This typically includes long-haul flights, extended layovers and sometimes emergency landings. 

Some new recruits may have never flown before. Others may suffer minor jitters or aerophobia which can make it difficult for them to reach their cruise ships without fear or stress. Enjoying the last few hours of alone time can help before cruise ship life takes over.

You are not alone

According to a literature review on the United States National Library of Medicine, around 2.5 per cent of the general population in the US suffer from clinically significant phobia of flying while around 40 per cent have a self-identified fear. So if you do feel nervous on your first flight ever, or on any flight at all, know that the fear is common and there will probably be a bunch of others around you who share your anxiety. 

What does it feel like?

A fear of flying has been described as any other fear. The general and typical symptoms include chills, sweaty palms, nausea and shortness of breath. Sometimes the fear may be linked to other triggers such as a fear of enclosed spaces, of crowds, of heights or of not being in control. 

It could also manifest emotionally in the form of irritability and clouded thinking. In rare cases, people with an irrational fear of flying could have a panic attack such as heart palpitations or a tummy upset. If you are flying for the first time to join your cruise ship job, you might also be worried about your baggage and smoothly getting through customs.

How to deal with it

Given that you’ve chosen a career in the cruise industry, you will be required to take a flight (or more) at the start and end of every contract. So learning to cope with your anxiety can help immensely. Here are a few tips.

• Learn about flying

The more you know about the mode of transport you are taking, the better you’ll feel in control of it. According to the International Air Transport Association, a person would have to travel by air every day for 461 years before experiencing an accident with at least one fatality. More people die in road traffic accidents. Learn more about how planes work, the sounds they make and their safety measures to help reduce your anxiety on the flight.

• Think positive

This can be hard, but telling yourself positive things repeatedly can help reduce your anxiety. Instead of thinking you’re afraid because the plane will crash, repeat positive affirmations such as ‘flying scares me but I will be fine, I’m in good hands and I am safe’.

• Distract yourself

Load your media device with your favourite music, movies or books. You can also download instructional breathing or meditation sessions. Choose comedy movies or series from the in-flight entertainment system and keep yourself occupied as much as you can.

• Outsmart anxiety

Do the opposite of what your anxious feelings suggest. You can also enlist the help of fellow passengers by informing them what triggers you and what is most useful to overcome your anxiety. And remember why you are doing this – enjoy the excitement of joining a new cruise ship, making new friends and seeing new places.

Since the beginning of 2020, loyal cruise-goers have been denied their indulgences and getaways. Two years on, they are hungry and raring to go. The industry has seen a massive surge in bookings – Oceania’s world cruise for 2023 sold out in just a day. So what can the industry look forward to in the coming months, and maybe even years?

INDUSTRY TRENDS

Vaccine passports

More cruise ships are mandating vaccines for some or all passengers, including children. Since requirements vary between ships, companies and ports of call, it appears that cruise lines are taking the most preventive measures to safeguard their own and their patrons’ interests. Norwegian, for example, requires every passenger and crew member to show proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19 and be tested for the virus before boarding. 

Contact-less cruising

Technology will play an even bigger role on board cruise ships as COVID-19 continues to return in waves. Prepare for contactless everything – from online check-ins and boarding passes to keycards on your phone and portable devices such as RFID wristbands to pay for food and beverages. The ship’s mobile app will offer everything from layout plans, children’s trackers, reservations, menus and even e-muster processes. Voice-enabled AI will probably answer any cruise-related queries you have in your cabin itself.

Private islands with strict protocols

Cocooning away from COVID-19 can be tough on vacation, but cruise ships are making it easy for guests. Many own private islands in the Caribbean and around the world where they enforce their own health and safety protocols. It is expected that most itineraries will include a stop or overnight at a private island in the coming year.

Destination-specific protocols

Every country and port of call will have its own set of rules for cruise ships to follow. And companies will work overtime to ensure they adhere to these. Cruise crew and passengers can expect companies to help them get COVID tests if required before returning home, or organise screenings before disembarking in port. Most will be expected to have contactless check-ins, temperature checks and maybe even PCR testing.

NEW SHIPS

According to Travel Market Report, as many as 17 new ocean-going ships are expected to launch in 2022 covering a range of sizes. Viking Cruises is launching the Octantis and Polaris with space for research scientists and a six-guest submarine each. The biggest ship in the world – Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas – boasts a cantilevered pool bar and a suite class neighbourhood. Seabourn is launching its all-suite, all-balcony Venture with 26 expedition guides and 24 Zodiac boats. 

There are also new ships expected from Virgin Voyages, Discovery, Celebrity, Ritz-Carlton, Disney, Norwegian, and MSC Cruises.

RISE OF RIVER CRUISING

River cruising is seeing increased interest in longer sailings and bucket-list trips to places such as the Peruvian Amazon, Egypt or the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. Many guests have been working remotely since the pandemic began, which makes it more convenient for them to take longer trips. Other trends in river cruising include solo travelers, cruise-and-rail combo trips, domestic cruises and add-on port excursions.