People considering a career in hospitality could find an abundance of opportunities in the cruise industry. Industry veteran Erling Frydenberg said he believes the expansion of the cruise hospitality sector has created an "employees' market" where recruitment needs outweigh available staff. He added that cruise lines - and the maritime industry as a whole - is enjoying a "boom time", with 41 new ships worth a total of $23 billion scheduled to take to the seas by 2012. In this growing market, hospitality roles with cruise lines are becoming more creative and innovative in order to meet the demand for increasingly varied itineraries, shore excursions and onboard products and entertainment. According to Travel Tree, cruise line jobs are among the most popular in the tourism industry, as they offer a chance to meet new people and see other parts of the world with food and accommodation thrown in. Contracts on board cruise ships are usually between four and six months, although good performance will often result in the offer of an extension. Salaries vary based on job role and individual cruise lines, the site added.  |