A group of people sitting closely together, some holding open books and notebooks, with one person writing in a notebook. The scene suggests a classroom or seminar setting. Close-up of people sitting with notebooks and pens, taking notes during what appears to be a lecture or meeting. The focus is on hands writing and holding pens, with blurred people in the background.

Crew HR & Training team

Support the people who make unforgettable holidays happen. Our Crew HR & Training team is dedicated to every crew member’s journey, from onboarding and contracts to welfare, learning and career development. With up to 1,700 crew on board from over 60 nationalities, this team ensures colleagues can be themselves and be their best.

This team champions our people and our culture by managing performance and providing expert guidance on everything from payroll and immigration to wellbeing and mental health. The crew office is the hub for administration and compliance, keeping documentation accurate and operations smooth, while our learning and development officers bring learning to life with engaging programmes that build skills and confidence across service, safety and leadership.

Joining this team means making a real impact every day. You’ll help create a respectful, supportive environment where people can thrive, grow and deliver exceptional guest experiences. It’s a dynamic role with variety, responsibility and the chance to shape careers at sea.

Work in a diverse, collaborative environment

Bring cultural awareness and teamwork skills to a role that connects with colleagues from over 60 nationalities.

Travel the world

Get paid to explore incredible destinations while building your career.

Grow your expertise

Apply organisational skills and attention to detail in areas like payroll, immigration and compliance, while developing leadership and coaching abilities.

Make a real impact on people’s lives

Support crew welfare, mental health and career development.

Deliver learning that inspires

Use creativity and presentation skills to design engaging training sessions that help colleagues SHINE.

Crew HR & Training roles
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.
HR Manager working at computer in onboard office, supporting crew recruitment, training, employee relations and HR administration on a cruise ship
A smiling woman with fair hair pulled back wears glasses on her head, a light blue waistcoat over a white shirt, and a name badge. She stands indoors in front of a wooden background.
Crew Welfare Officer in a blue polo shirt sits at a desk, smiling and writing in a notebook, whilst a crew member in a striped shirt stands on the other side of the counter.
Crew Services Manager in uniform standing in cruise terminal, supporting crew travel, embarkation coordination and welfare services for shipboard teams
Cruise ship assistant crew services manager in uniform standing in modern cruise terminal, welcoming crew and supporting embarkation experience and crew service operations
Crew Administrator handing documents to crew member at onboard office desk, supporting HR processes, onboarding, payroll and crew welfare administration on a cruise ship

Learning & Development Officer

From service skills to compliance, you’ll coach, mentor and support development, empowering colleagues to grow, perform brilliantly and create unforgettable guest experiences every day.

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.

HR Manager

Champion our people and culture as part of the Senior Management Team. Lead HR strategy, crew welfare, training and performance. driving engagement, compliance and development to help every individual shine and deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

HR Manager working at computer in onboard office, supporting crew recruitment, training, employee relations and HR administration on a cruise ship

HR Officer

Support crew and leaders with expert HR guidance. From performance and training to welfare and development pathways, you’ll champion fair practice, drive learning and help create a respectful, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

A smiling woman with fair hair pulled back wears glasses on her head, a light blue waistcoat over a white shirt, and a name badge. She stands indoors in front of a wooden background.

Crew Welfare Officer

Promote wellbeing and positive mental health across the ship. Plan inclusive events, offer pastoral care and collaborate with departments to support crew happiness.

Crew Welfare Officer in a blue polo shirt sits at a desk, smiling and writing in a notebook, whilst a crew member in a striped shirt stands on the other side of the counter.

Crew Services Manager

Lead crew administration with confidence and care. Manage payroll, logistics and compliance, ensuring every crew member is supported and onboard operations run smoothly, creating a welcoming, well-organised environment for our diverse team at sea.

Crew Services Manager in uniform standing in cruise terminal, supporting crew travel, embarkation coordination and welfare services for shipboard teams

Assistant Crew Services Manager

Support crew administration with tasks from payroll and immigration to welfare and logistics. Make sure every crew member has a positive experience, keeping records accurate and people supported throughout their journey.

Cruise ship assistant crew services manager in uniform standing in modern cruise terminal, welcoming crew and supporting embarkation experience and crew service operations

Crew Administrator

Keep crew journeys smooth and organised. You’ll support sign-on, payroll, immigration and documentation with care, supporting every colleague with friendly service and reliable admin from arrival to departure.

Crew Administrator handing documents to crew member at onboard office desk, supporting HR processes, onboarding, payroll and crew welfare administration on a cruise ship
How to apply

Hear from our crew

A man with grey hair and a beard, dressed in a dark green double-breasted uniform with captain's stripes on the shoulders, stands indoors with warm lighting and a blurred background.

“P&O Cruises has a commitment to delivering unforgettable holiday happiness as well as the opportunity for personal and professional development.”

Shawn, Learning & Development Officer ,

Crew member in a formal dark suit standing indoors beside a tall decorative illuminated structure, with seating and interior décor behind.

“Every cruise brings new horizons, ports and people to meet. It’s a journey that constantly challenges and inspires me, both personally and professionally.”

José-Luis, Learning & Development Officer,

Skills & qualifications
Team roles
Development opportunities
Working on board

What qualifications and experience do I need to work in HR or Training on a P&O Cruises ship?

HR and Training roles on board P&O Cruises require experience in HR, training, or office‑based roles within hotel, cruise, or corporate environments, plus strong organisation and MS Office skills.

Senior HR roles typically require CIPD‑level qualifications and experience in employee relations, performance management, and leadership development.

Learning & Development roles require experience in facilitating or delivering training and confidence using digital presentation tools.

Do I need previous cruise ship experience for HR or training roles?

Cruise experience is helpful but not essential. P&O Cruises values transferable HR and training experience from hospitality, retail, education, corporate HR, or large workforce environments.

What skills are essential for HR and training roles on board?

Strong communication skills, conflict resolution, coaching ability, cultural awareness and confidentiality are essential. You’ll also need to be organised, adaptable, and comfortable supporting a diverse, international workforce.

Are HR and Training roles suitable for people new to maritime careers?

Yes. Many HR and training professionals join P&O Cruises from shore‑based roles. Full shipboard inductions and systems training are provided to support your transition to life and work at sea.

Do I need to speak more than one language?

English is essential, as it’s the working language on board. Additional languages are an advantage but not a requirement for most HR and training positions.

What does an HR role on a cruise ship involve day to day?

HR teams support employee relations, welfare, performance management, policy guidance and onboarding. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to both crew and management while ensuring company policies are followed.

What does a Training or Learning & Development role involve on board?

Training professionals deliver mandatory safety training, skills development programmes, leadership workshops and support career development across departments on the ship.

 

Who do HR and Training teams work with on board?

You’ll work closely with ship leadership teams, department heads, safety officers and shore‑based HR and L&D teams to ensure consistent people practices across the fleet.

Are HR and Training roles guest‑facing?

These roles are primarily crew‑focused, but you may interact with guests indirectly when supporting leadership, operational standards, or people‑related matters.

Can I cross‑train in Crew Office, Training, or Payroll?

Check with Ship/ops

How does P&O Cruises support career development for HR and Training professionals?

P&O Cruises offers structured learning pathways, leadership development programmes, professional skills training and opportunities to progress across ships or into shore‑based roles.

Can I progress from an onboard HR role to a shore based career?

Yes. Many HR and training colleagues use their on board experience as a pathway into shore‑based HR, talent, learning or people operations roles within Carnival UK or the wider Carnival Corporation.

Is professional training and certification supported?

Where relevant, P&O Cruises supports mandatory training, regulatory certifications, and role‑specific development to help you maintain professional standards and grow your expertise.

Will I gain leadership experience in an HR or Training role?

Absolutely. HR and Training roles are influential positions on board, offering hands‑on experience in coaching leaders, handling complex people matters, and supporting large, diverse teams.

What is it like living and working as part of the HR or Training team on board?

You’ll live on board the ship with your own/shared cabin (role depending), meals provided and access to crew facilities. Life at sea is structured, social, and rewarding, with a strong sense of community.

 

What support is available for wellbeing and work life balance?

P&O Cruises prioritises crew wellbeing with welfare support, mental health resources, onboard social activities and clear duty hours to promote balance while at sea.

 

Will I have time to explore destinations?

Yes. When operationally possible, HR and Training colleagues can enjoy shore leave, allowing you to experience destinations around the world during your contract.

How diverse are the teams on board P&O Cruises ships?

Crews come from many different countries and cultures, making HR and Training roles ideal for professionals passionate about inclusion, fairness and supporting international teams

How many crew members are on board at one time?

From the smallest to the largest ships, P&O Cruises crew counts range approximately from 860 to 1,800 crew members on board at any one time.

People are checking in at a P&O Cruises counter. Two staff in uniform are assisting guests; one is on the phone. Two people with luggage stand at the counter. Signs reading Check-in are visible. Five smiling women in uniform pose together, some making peace signs with their hands. They are standing indoors, close to each other, appearing cheerful and friendly.

Got the skills and the spark?

How to apply