How to apply

To apply for a role onboard with P&O Cruises, you’ll need to complete an online application form and upload an up‑to‑date CV. Some specialist or senior roles may request additional information later in the process.

Timelines vary by role at P&O Cruises, as some positions include additional interview stages or assessments. If successful, onboarding and compliance typically take 4–8 weeks. If you are placed in the P&O Cruises Talent Pool Register, the team will keep you informed of assignment opportunities once all onboarding requirements are complete.

Yes, this depends on the role. Any mandatory qualifications, certifications, or licenses required to work onboard P&O Cruises ships will be clearly listed in the job advert.

Not always. Some roles at P&O Cruises are suitable for candidates without previous shipboard experience. Where specific experience is required, this will be stated in the job description.

The P&O Cruises Resourcing and Onboarding team will keep you updated throughout the recruitment process via email or phone. Please check your inbox regularly, including junk or spam folders. If we attempt to call and cannot reach you, a voicemail or follow‑up message will be left where possible.

Yes. You can apply for more than one role with P&O Cruises. We recommend focusing on positions that best match your skills, experience, and long‑term career goals.

To ensure you are working with a legitimate recruiter, only use P&O Cruises Hiring Partners listed on this page. All these are authorised recruitment agencies.

Yes. The minimum age to work onboard P&O Cruises ships is 18 years old.

Yes. P&O Cruises offers seasonal contracts, particularly within Youth Staff, Venue Experience Officer, and Pool Supervisor roles. These typically require a minimum commitment of four weeks per year. Most other onboard roles are longer‑term contracts.

Recruitment happens throughout the year for many on board roles, so applications are often open year-round. However, some positions, such as cadetships, seasonal opportunities and specialist roles, may have specific recruitment campaigns or intake periods.

We recommend applying as soon as you find a role that matches your skills and experience. If there are no current vacancies in your chosen department, sign up for job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities.

This depends on the role. Some roles at P&O Cruises include practical assessments, technical tests, or competency‑based interviews. Full details will be shared by the resourcing team during the screening process.

Most interviews for P&O Cruises roles are conducted virtually. Certain specialist or senior roles may require additional stages. Your interview format will be confirmed in advance by the resourcing team.

The number of stages varies by role. Details will be explained during the application and screening process by the P&O Cruises Resourcing and Onboarding teams. If successful, you’ll progress to compliance and onboarding to prepare for joining one of our ships.

All roles with P&O Cruises are offered either directly through our official careers website or via one of our authorised hiring partners. We will never ask for payment to secure a role or interview. You can verify approved agencies via this page.

If your application is unsuccessful, you may reapply after 6 or 12 months, depending on the feedback provided and the role applied for.

Yes. P&O Cruises has a dedicated onboarding team who will guide you through all required documentation, including visas, medical examinations, and background checks.

The medical certificate required depends on your country of residence. Examples include ENG1, Norwegian Maritime Medical, or Bermudan Maritime Medical. Your onboarding advisor will confirm the exact requirement after you receive an offer.

Some roles require mandatory training before joining a P&O Cruises ship. This may include STCW, First Aid, Safeguarding, or role‑specific certifications. Required courses will be confirmed after offer.

Joining instructions are typically sent around 45 days (6 weeks) before your joining date. If your assignment is confirmed within six weeks of sailing, instructions will usually be sent within seven days of assignment.

Yes. You’ll have ongoing support from the P&O Cruises onboarding team, as well as your Resourcing and Onboarding consultant.

Costs vary depending on the document. Full details are outlined in the Crew Compliance Document, which will explain which costs are covered by P&O Cruises and which may be your responsibility.

Assignments are made by P&O Cruises based on fleet requirements, operational needs, and business demand. Specific ship or itinerary requests cannot be guaranteed.

Your P&O Cruises onboarding advisor will work with you to resolve any delays. You will not be asked to join a ship until all mandatory documents and compliance checks are complete.

Many people join P&O Cruises without previous shipboard experience. During onboarding and once onboard, you’ll receive structured guidance, mandatory training, and support from onboard teams to help you settle into ship life and your role.

You’ll receive your joining instructions and travel details around 45 days (6 weeks) before joining. If assigned within six weeks of sailing, instructions will be provided within seven days of confirmation.

P&O Cruises arranges flights and hotels required for your joining assignment. You are responsible for travel from your home address to the assigned departure airport. Transfers from arrival airport or hotel to the ship are arranged by P&O Cruises.

P&O Cruises covers flights, hotels, and ship transfers related to your joining assignment. Travel from your home address to the departure airport is your responsibility.

You must arrive with your passport, signed Joining Instructions, signed Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA), Seaman’s Book, valid medical certificate, and any required visas.

Yes. All new joiners to P&O Cruises ships complete a structured onboard induction. This includes safety briefings, mandatory training, and an introduction to shipboard life and departmental procedures.

We recommend business‑casual or smart‑comfortable clothing for embarkation and travel. You’ll be advised when and where to change into uniform once onboard.

On arrival, you’ll be directed to the Crew Office or onboard HR team, who will guide you through initial formalities and introduce you to your department leadership.

You’ll spend most of your first day completing induction activities, safety training and settling into your cabin. Work duties begin after initial onboarding requirements are completed. Depending on operational needs, this can sometimes be the same day you arrive.

Your first days onboard a P&O Cruises ship focus on:

• Safety training and mandatory briefings
• Completing compliance checks
• Meeting your department team
• Familiarising yourself with the ship and crew areas

This ensures you are fully prepared before stepping into your full duties

Yes. New joiners are supported by onboard teams, including the Crew Office and department leadership, who will help you understand ship routines, safety procedures, and expectations.

You can speak to your line manager, the Crew Office, or onboard HR team. P&O Cruises encourages open communication and provides support to help crew settle successfully.

While working on board a P&O Cruises ship you will be employed by either Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited (FMSB) or Fleet Maritime Service International Limited (FMSI), depending on your country of residence.

Many crew members complete multiple assignments with P&O Cruises and build long-term careers at sea.

Future assignments depend on factors including performance, business requirements, operational needs and available vacancies. Crew who consistently demonstrate strong performance and live the company values are often considered for future assignments and career progression opportunities.