A diverse group of eleven cruise ship crew members in uniform stand in a row on deck, smiling and raising their arms in celebration against a cloudy sky background. Six smiling crew members in different uniforms stand on a ship deck with their arms raised, celebrating together against a backdrop of water and cloudy sky.

There's a world of opportunity waiting

We recognise and reward talent while giving you the tools to succeed. Whether you’re building new skills, boosting your confidence, or preparing for your next step, we’ll support you every step of the way so that you can progress and shine in your career at sea.

A smiling ship officer in a white uniform sits at a control station on the Bridge with three other crew members in uniform standing in the background, all appearing relaxed and engaged.
Deck
Two men in uniforms stand in an industrial engine room; one wears a headset and white overalls labelled “P&O Cruises,” while the other, in a staff chief's shirt with stripes, speaks to him. The background features green machinery and equipment.
Technical
Three men in white short-sleeve uniforms and black trousers walk together on the deck of a ship, smiling and talking. The P&O Cruises logo and blue funnel are visible in the background.
IT
Two bartenders in uniform stand behind a bar, smiling and conversing. One person dries a glass with a tea towel, while the background shows shelves filled with glassware and drink dispensers.
Bar
A smiling waiter in a black waistcoat and white shirt carries a plated pudding to a table in a busy, elegant restaurant, where guests are seated and dining.
Restaurant
Two chefs in white uniforms and hats slice cooked meat on a yellow chopping board in a professional kitchen. One chef smiles at the camera whilst the other works in the background.
Galley
A woman in a light blue uniform smiles whilst cleaning a wooden stair bannister with a yellow cloth inside a modern, well-lit suite.
Housekeeping & Laundry
A smiling woman in a blue shirt and white shorts holds a microphone and raises both arms in excitement on a cruise ship deck, with people and festive decorations in the background.
Entertainment & Production
A man kneels and smiles enthusiastically whilst holding up two bottles, engaging a group of young children sitting on the floor in a colourful indoor setting.
Youth
A woman in a cruise officer uniform sits at a desk, talking to a guest. She is gesturing towards a brochure. Behind her, a wooden wall sign reads LOYALTY & CRUISE. There are plants and a screen in the background.
Sales & Shore Experiences
A nurse wearing a white uniform smiles whilst checking the blood pressure of a seated patient, also in uniform, in a medical setting with monitoring equipment in the background.
Medical
A woman in a white uniform is smiling warmly whilst speaking to a person across a counter, suggesting a friendly customer service interaction.
Guest & Hotel Operations
A man in a cruise ship officer’s uniform stands smiling beside a desk in a bright, modern room with large windows, beige curtains, and several chairs. Papers and a pen are on the desk.
Crew HR & Training
Two ship officers in uniform stand at a control panel on a ship's bridge. One points at a monitor whilst the other observes, both focused on navigation tasks—a glimpse into P&O Cruises deck careers in action.
Cadets
A woman in a white shirt smiles brightly whilst talking to a colleague in a shop aisle filled with soft toys and jars on shelves. The scene appears friendly and cheerful.
Shops, Spa, Photo, Art, Casino

Career Passports

At P&O Cruises, we want you to grow your skills and build a rewarding career at sea. That’s why we offer Hotel Career Passports – tools that help you understand your strengths, set personal goals and see the steps to progress into your next role. They highlight clear development opportunities and support your journey, so your career can be as exciting and fulfilling as the destinations we visit.

Career Passports are currently available across restaurant, bar, housekeeping, galley and entertainment departments.

Three restaurant staff members in uniform stand together, smiling and looking at a folder. They appear to be discussing something inside a bright, elegant dining area with neatly arranged tables and chairs.

Leadership and Management Essentials

This practical, thought‑provoking development programme takes first‑time line managers on a meaningful journey of self‑discovery. Through a blend of interactive workshops and engaging e‑learning, participants build the confidence and capability to lead with purpose, while also developing new skills to carry forward through their career. As a result, the programme framework empowers people to be the best leader they can, while also helping them form valuable connections across the business.

Two uniformed professionals, one man and one woman, stand smiling and conversing behind a reception desk with a computer monitor in front of them.

FAQs

Is P&O Cruises my employer when working on board?

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.

What is it like working on a P&O Cruises ship?

Working on a P&O Cruises ship means being part of a well‑established British cruise line with a strong team culture. Life on board is busy and structured, with clear standards and a strong focus on safety, teamwork and looking after guests. You’ll live and work on the ship while travelling to different destinations around the world.

What jobs are available on P&O Cruises ships?

There are a wide range of cruise ship jobs across many teams, including:

  • Hotel and Guest Services
  • Food and Beverage (restaurants, bars and kitchens)
  • Entertainment and Youth Services
  • Deck and Engine
  • Onboard Technology (IT)
  • Housekeeping, Spa and Retail

There are roles for people starting their careers as well as experienced professionals.

Do I need cruise ship experience to work on board a P&O Cruises ship?

No. You do not always need cruise ship experience to work on board P&O Cruises ships. Many people join from land‑based jobs. What matters most is having the right skills, a good attitude and the willingness to work as part of a team. Some technical and deck roles do require specific maritime qualifications.

How long are assignments with P&O Cruises?

Most assignments that are offered to crew are on a fixed term basis and last between four and nine months in length, depending on the role.

Do crew live on P&O Cruises ships?

Yes. All crew live on board for the length of their contract. While on board you’ll receive:

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Uniforms and laundry

Because your main living costs are covered, many crew find it easier to save money while working at sea.

What are working hours like on a P&O Cruises ship?

Working hours vary depending on your role and what the ship needs each day. Cruise ship work is shift‑based rather than a standard 9–5 job. Some days are busier than others, especially on embarkation days. P&O Cruises follows international ship safety rules to make sure rest time is managed properly.

What training and development is available?

All crew receive safety training and job‑specific training before joining the ship and while working on board. P&O Cruises also supports learning and development on board, with clear opportunities to move into more senior roles. Many colleagues build long‑term careers on P&O Cruises ships by progressing through the ranks.

How much can I earn working on a P&O Cruises ship?

Pay depends on the role, level and experience. Salary details are shared clearly during the recruitment process. Because accommodation, food and uniforms are included, many crew are able to save a higher percentage of their earnings than in similar shore‑based jobs.

How do I apply for a job on a P&O Cruises ship?

You can apply for P&O Cruises ship jobs through this careers website or one of our approved recruitment partners. The process includes:

  • An online application
  • An interview and assessments
  • Medical, visa and certification checks

Applying through official channels ensures you get accurate information and support.

Can working on a P&O Cruises ship lead to a long‑term career?

Yes. Many people build long‑term careers on P&O Cruises ships. Some progress into senior shipboard roles, while others move into shore‑based jobs within Carnival UK. The skills you gain on board – teamwork, leadership and problem‑solving – are valuable both at sea and on land.

Can I apply if I have never worked at sea before?

Yes. Many crew members start their maritime careers without previous cruise ship experience.

The requirements depend on the role. Some positions, particularly officer and technical roles, require specific qualifications or maritime certifications. However, many hotel, hospitality, entertainment and guest-facing positions welcome candidates with relevant land-based experience.

If you’re passionate about delivering great service, enjoy working with people and are ready for the adventure of life at sea, there could be a role for you.

Head office opportunities

Shoreside careers at Carnival UK offer exciting opportunities across departments like marketing, finance, HR, and guest experience, all based in our Southampton head office. Be part of a passionate team that supports our ships and crew, drives innovation and helps deliver extraordinary service to our guests every day.

Learn more
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