Im in the uk (northern ireland), want a job on a cruise ship?

how do i even start? ive tried many online searches but they ask for payment just to get the application form.

Please help as i want to work away from this godforsaken place.

www.hardingbros.co.uk
they are a concession that runs duty free shops on some 50 ships.
the whole thing is directly with them
add some retail experience to your CV

phone interviews
160pounds a week + comission to work for the duty free shops
easy work
usualy you get all the port times free...
since shops cant open while on port

hey! I'm from Northern Ireland too, it's not that bad...the grass always seems greener on the other side. I don't have any info on cruise ships but thought I would make a wee comment none the less seeing as you are from the same part of the world :)

I knew a guy who was ships photographer - he loved it. There are tons of jobs just like on land e.g. in catering, bar work etc
I hope you find your job. If you have the time and inclination you could do a TEFL course and teach abroad like I do. Iv'e just come back from Uganda and am off to Tajikistan at the end of the month. There are many ways to get away - why not just bugger off now and pick grapes in France, or pack bulbs in Holland? There are some guide books on working your way around europe and stuff like that. Once you get started you get on the network and off you go. I did it for 6 years - had a fantastic time.
Good Luck my friend.

when you get that job, can you get me a free ticket?

nobody should charge for application forms for any employment, that seems very suspect. Try checking out the head office of Cunard (Liverpool ?) or P and O. They should be able to supply info on careers on cruiseships.

I used to work on the cross channel ferries and believe me that is a golden passport to cruise ships. Many of my friends went on to work the cruisers. Its easy to get a job on the ferrries coz the staff turnover is so high, instant experience for you, sea-going tickets (basic sea survival, first aid at sea and maybe a lifeboat course) which give you a better chance at employment on cruisers.

http://catererglobal.com
You can feed in a job, then 'worldwide' then 'cruise ships'
Unfortunately cruise companies only seem to advertise their vacancies about twice a year.
Visit princess web and then recruitment.
bartenders seem to be the way in. Receptionist etc require you have three languages.
Once you get an interview prepare for a full day, they show videos of their ships/cruises. They like you to be very smartly dressed, so nice suit/shirt.
If you get through you then need a visa and they usually give a ten year one (America) Then you need a marine medical which seems only to be in Preston or London (Harley street) these cost around 拢60. The pay for bartenders on Princess is only $800 (about 拢400) a month but bear in mind you have no rent/food/laundry expenses etc and you get a lot of tips from the tourists. Flights to and from ship are arranged and paid for you. The cruises which are best for pay are the seven days ones as tourists board and 'yahoo' for the duration whereby ten/twelve day cruises, they tend to spread the same amount of money over those days.
You would need to go to Southampton for the interview. From being offered an interview to actually going on ship would be about 4 months. You have to be at least 21 years old.