Job on cruise ships regardless if you take it as a temporary or permanent employment, will bring you stable income. Therefore you should consider all the expenses associated to getting this job as your INVESTMENT that will pay back within several weeks and will also bring additional interest such as travel and career opportunities, international experience and valuable connections.
You may need to spend money to get yourself ready for the job interview – for example take English classes to improve your English and professional knowledge. You will also have to collect necessary application documents, and some of them may be at additional cost to you. you will also have to travel to the place of job interview with the cruise company representative. All of that is not yet connected directly with your employment as your joining expenses start as soon as you hear the desired “YES” during interview with the employer, as most cruise lines expect you to cover most of the expenses yourself when you join for the first time.
It is important to know that Ismira Agency does not charge any fees for employment.
Total program cost depends on the following factors:
- Cruise company – some employers provide joining ticket whereas others only start paying for travel starting your first ticket home from the contract and onward. Most of the employers cover expenses for medical exam and joining visas, but you will get this money back only after you arrive on board. Some employers require to obtain safety certificates, additional documents and seaman’s book before joining at your expense, but those are usually valid for at least 5 years.
- Joining port (port where you start your contract) – airplane prices may range depending on the season and ticket availability. In most cases it is possible to use marine fare tickets as they allow last minute changes and free re-routing/cancellations in case of emergency.
That is why it is quite complicated to calculate fixed program price. We can say that the average amount is around 1500-2000 USD.
What is included in this amount ?
- Joining visa (you will receive reimbursement on board, but only for consular fee and only if you present receipt). You may need to open several visas though depending on your vessel itinerary during your contract.
- Medical examination (cost depends on the medical center and the amount of tests you need to take as specified by the employer).
- Airplane ticket (only few cruise companies cover first joining ticket and all companies provide all other tickets – repatriation and re-joining).
- Safety certificates – (if required) issued at certified training centers at your home country and these centers establish their own prices.
- Seaman’s Book – (if required) issued by your country maritime authorities or based on your vessel registry.
- Other costs – documents translation, trip to other cities where you get documents. etc.
- Additional services provided by Ismira only upon your choice and according to the price list.
Our managers will provide you with the details about program cost for the chosen cruise company & position.