Top 20 Cruise Lines Hiring in 2026 (Updated Recruitment List)
The cruise industry is in a major growth phase, and 2026 is set to be a huge year for hiring. With new ships launching and itineraries expanding, thousands of jobs are available. This guide highlights the top 20 cruise lines and concessionaires actively recruiting for 2026 contracts.
Top Cruise Lines & Concessionaires Hiring for 2026
Below is a list of major employers, what they're known for, and the roles they are typically hiring for.
1. Royal Caribbean International
Hiring for: All departments, especially Food & Beverage, Entertainment, and Guest Services. High demand for their new record-breaking ships.
Recruitment Portal: Royal Caribbean Careers
2. Carnival Cruise Line
Hiring for: Entertainment Staff, Bar & Restaurant Staff, Housekeeping. Known for a high-energy, fun environment.
Recruitment Portal: Carnival Careers
3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Hiring for: Restaurant Staff, Casino Dealers, Youth Staff, and senior roles. Focus on "Freestyle Cruising" concept.
Recruitment Portal: NCLH Careers
4. MSC Cruises
Hiring for: A huge number of roles across their expanding fleet. Strong need for European language speakers.
Recruitment Portal: MSC Careers
5. Celebrity Cruises
Hiring for: Fine Dining Staff, Sommeliers, Spa Therapists, Butlers. Focus on luxury and premium service.
Recruitment Portal: Celebrity Careers
6. Princess Cruises
Hiring for: Guest Services, Housekeeping, and entry-level positions. Great for first-time crew.
Recruitment Portal: Princess Careers
7. Holland America Line (HAL)
Hiring for: Culinary professionals, Musicians, and Guest Relations. Caters to a more mature guest demographic.
Recruitment Portal: Holland America Line Careers
8. Disney Cruise Line
Hiring for: Youth Counselors, Character Performers, Life Guards, and all hospitality roles. A top choice for those who love working with families.
Recruitment Portal: DCL Jobs
9. Virgin Voyages
Hiring for: Restaurant Staff, Fitness Instructors, Entertainment. Modern, adult-only ships with a focus on well-being.
Recruitment Portal: Virgin Voyages Careers
10. Viking Cruises
Hiring for: Hotel and culinary roles for Ocean and River vessels. Focus on cultural enrichment.
Recruitment Portal: Viking Careers
Luxury & Expedition Lines Hiring in 2026
11. Seabourn Cruise Line
Hiring for: Butlers, chefs, and expedition team members for ultra-luxury small ships.
12. Silversea Cruises
Hiring for: Expedition leaders, guest lecturers, and high-end hospitality staff.
13. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Hiring for: Five-star hotel professionals for superyacht experiences.
14. Scenic & Emerald Cruises
Hiring for: Luxury hotel staff for both ocean and river itineraries.
Top Onboard Concessionaires Hiring in 2026
Concessionaires operate specific departments (like shops, spas, or photo galleries) on behalf of cruise lines.
15. Starboard Cruise Services
Hiring for: Luxury Retail Sales Associates, Brand Ambassadors, and Shop Managers for lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
16. Dufry
Hiring for: Retail staff for duty-free shops on various cruise lines.
17. OneSpaWorld
Hiring for: Spa Therapists, Massage Therapists, Hair Stylists, and Fitness Instructors for over 150 cruise ships.
18. Harding+
Hiring for: Retail professionals for P&O, Cunard, and Virgin Voyages.
19. Image Photo Services
Hiring for: Photographers and Videographers on lines like NCL and Holland America.
20. The Apollo Group
Hiring for: Culinary and hospitality staff for various cruise lines.
How to Apply for 2026
The best way to apply is directly through the cruise line's career portal or via a certified hiring partner. Avoid any agency that asks for a fee for job placement.
Key takeaways for 2026 applications:
- Update Your CV: Tailor it to the specific role and cruise line.
- Be Patient: The recruitment process can take several months.
- Network: Connect with recruiters and current crew members on LinkedIn.