Thousands have been benefited from cruise ships jobs since 2021 and more continue to search for opportunities 4 years down the line. Our forum helped to champion or kickstart cruise ships and we are proud for the role we played. Initially there was resistance but with time more embraced cruise ships jobs.
When did cruise ships jobs start?
Way back from as far back as 2010—Zimbos were already working on cruise ships—but there were a tiny few. Requirements to join cruise ships jobs were extremely tough. In South Africa one needed to part with no less than US$600 to get a placement.
So what happened?
Cruise ships faced serious challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic as there were fatalities—and on reopening some opted not to return, so a very serious gap opened in late 2021. Bottom line is cruise ships were very desperate for staff members. A change in immigration laws resulted in mass recruitment from Southern Africa region with Zimbos and South Africans dominating.
How many were recruited?
It’s difficult to come up with numbers, but directly from the forum—around a thousand were recruited. Outside of the forum—the numbers could run above 10,000.
Are recruitments going on in May 2025?
Yes but very limited—just last week, a Zbinite who had waited for 3 years finally got an offer letter from Msc Cruise, I also assisted on interview coaching someone who had an interview for a laundry assistant position. Just be patient—don’t give up but the numbers of recruitment had drastically gone down. We however do expect more ships to be added and this will result in more recruitment—wait for the next BOOM in recruitment.
What are the requirements?
Qualified professionals from all areas are recruited—from culinary services, to support services such as Accounting, Digital Marketing, House-keeping, Laundry, butchers. The list is long. Look for posts on the forum.
Are there any scammers?
Yes there are plenty with some guaranteeing jobs—but there is no recruitment agency for cruise ships in Zimbabwe. It’s a Do It Yourself Process. You apply (using relevant resume templates), get interviews(there are tricks for winning), and if successful—an offer letter given which you use to obtain an American Visa (You have to physically go to the Embassy—no middlemen), you also need to pass medicals, and obtain a Police Clearance.
Final Advice
Be extremely patient—cruise ships still recruiting but in drips and drops—no longer enmasse recruitments. Be innovative in applications and wait for the next BOOM. Also consider job fairs which regularly take place in South Africa—some have been successful after travelling all the way from Zim to SA. Regular posts and updates found on our subscribed members forum for cruise ship jobs.
