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Corporate Departments

Match your skills and interests to the perfect career, air services jobs.

As part of our Air Services department, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with over 75 airlines worldwide to develop programs that give our guests access to the most current and competitive fares, as well as hotel and car-rental products. This department also manages reservations, ticketing, and updates for corporate and crew travel, Princess Cruises guest bookings made in our Australia and UK offices, and Cunard’s North American guests. We work closely with departments such as Reservations, Customer Relations, and En-Route.

Retail & photo/video operations jobs

As part of our Retail and Photo/Video Operations departments, you will have the opportunity to contribute in such areas as product development, financial planning, visual and store planning, and operations. You will collaborate with many other departments such as Onboard Revenue, Strategic Analysis, Marketing, Store Design, Technical, Finance, and Hotel Operations.

We offer challenging career opportunities in areas including:

• Developing annual budgets and monthly forecasts
• Consulting with other revenue departments
• Planning and executing new products and services

Customer service & call center jobs

As part of our fast-paced Customer Service and Call Center division, you’ll provide excellent customer service and communicate an in-depth understanding of our product offerings to travel agents and customers.

We offer challenging career opportunities in these areas:

• Reservation sales
• Reservation support
• Direct desk
• Cruise vacation planning
• Customer relations

Entertainment jobs

As part of our land-based Entertainment department, you’ll partner with various teams to provide exciting, high-quality onboard entertainment throughout our fleet.

• Show productions
• Production and music services
• Adult and youth programs
• Onboard media
• Shipboard event and entertainment scheduling
• Guest entertainers

Finance jobs

As part of our Finance division, you’ll help the company meet its financial objectives while maintaining internal controls (including Sarbanes-Oxley) that are consistent with our core values.

• Accounts payable
• Cash operations
• Financial systems
• Risk advisory and assurance services
• Management accounting
• Financial planning and reporting
• Financial and asset accounting
• Shipboard and revenue accounting

Fleet operations jobs

The Fleet Operations department offers challenging career opportunities in these areas:

• Fleet services–technical
• Fleet services–marine operations
• Fleet services–medical

Food & beverage jobs

As part of our Food and Beverage department, you’ll take part in the overall operation and administration of shipboard activities related to food, beverage, and dining service. This includes managing revenue generation in bars and alternative dining, cost control and inventory management, product specification and selection, policies and procedures, product development, delivery, training, and guest satisfaction.

• Beverage operations
• Culinary operations
• Food and beverage services

Hotel services jobs

As part of our Hotel Services department, you’ll collaborate with key land-based teams to support all ships in our fleet.

• Customer service
• Shipboard guest logistics
• Housekeeping: Responsible for maintaining the highest level of cleanliness and service in guest staterooms, public areas, and open decks as well as providing laundry services to both guests and crew members. This department is also responsible for the movement of baggage on and off the ship and making sure the ship is ready for new guests each and every cruise.
• Groups and charters
• Printing operations
• Future cruise sales

Human resources jobs

As part of our Human Resources department, you’ll assist our highly motivated team in providing an engaging work environment that fosters pride and career satisfaction and promotes work/life balance and growth and development—both personally and professionally.

• Administrative and office services
• HR solutions and technologies
• HR operations
• Total rewards and compliance
• Employee relations and engagement
• Talent acquisition
• Learning and organizational development
• Internal communications

Information technology jobs

As part of our Information Technology department, you’ll help ensure needed information flows from one part of the company to another—whether it’s guest bookings, purchasing data, money paid for tickets or food, or navigational data for the fleet.

• Application development
• PC systems and support
• Enterprise systems
• Web development
• IT customer service systems
• IT shipboard systems

As part of our Legal department, you’ll be responsible for handling and/or advising on all legal matters affecting the company.

• Corporate governance
• Marketing and promotion
• Contractual matters

Marine operations jobs

As part of our Marine Operations department, you’ll help manage programs and provide support to all areas of the ships to ensure the safe, secure, environmentally sound, and efficient operation of the fleet. You’ll partner with and support Market Planning for itinerary development, Finance for fuel data, Shore Operations for security advances in certain regions, Technical and Claims departments for shipboard safety issues, and more.

• Environmental

Market planning & deployment planning jobs

As part of our Market Planning and Deployment Planning departments, you’ll have the opportunity to help craft strategic pricing options and sales policies, conduct competitive analysis, and schedule exciting worldwide itineraries to over 250 destinations for our fleet. Along the way, you’ll collaborate with virtually every department in the company, including Marine, Safety, Sales, Marketing, Shore and Port Operations, Onboard Revenue, Logistics, and more.

Marketing jobs

As part of our Marketing division at Princess Cruises or Cunard, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of internal groups to develop consumer insights and communication strategies, build brand perceptions and awareness, drive customer relationships and enhanced loyalty, promote onboard revenue opportunities, and analyze new promotional and business opportunities for maximum return on investment.

• Brand management
• Digital and social media marketing
• Direct marketing
• Marketing technology and website development
• Market research and analysis

Medical & public health administration jobs

As part of our Medical and Public Health Administration department, you’ll develop policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of our guests.

• Public health

Onboard revenue jobs

As part of our Onboard Revenue department, you'll assist with the Lotus Spa, Casino, and programs focused on shopping, the Princess-branded loyalty Visa card, communications, and onboard weddings. You'll contribute to the overall operation, management, maintenance, marketing, promotion, and reporting of these onboard revenue programs and related projects and initiatives.

• Operations and product development
• Strategic planning and analysis

Product management jobs

As part of our Product Management department, you’ll have the opportunity to help stimulate demand with strategic pricing initiatives and promotional programs, as well as manage inventory availability for our worldwide destinations. You will also collaborate with our Marketing and Sales teams to deliver promotional programs and new onboard product news to consumers and travel agents.

Public relations jobs

As part of our Public Relations department, you’ll partner with various teams to manage, control, and promote the Princess Cruises message and public image. You’ll be involved with news releases, interviews, video tours, press briefings, promotions and contests, and monitoring articles in travel and other publications.

Revenue strategy & systems jobs

As part of our Revenue Strategy and Systems department, you’ll have the opportunity to work with and develop systems and tools that help manage demand for our staterooms and support decision-making in areas such as revenue forecasting, reporting, pricing, and overbooking.

Supply chain jobs

As part of our Supply Chain department, you can pursue exciting career opportunities including:

• Technical procurement
• Project management procurement
• Guest experience procurement
• Corporate, IT, and Marketing procurement
• Logistics, distribution, and freight cost management

FinanceBuzz

15 Incredible Cruise Ship Jobs (Get Paid To Travel!)

Posted: October 16, 2023 | Last updated: October 16, 2023

Traveling the world while getting paid to do it might sound like a dream, but it can be a reality if you take a job on a cruise ship.

Of course, this type of work isn’t for everyone — the hours can be long, and it may mean a lot of time away from home. But there are plenty of benefits as well.

If working for a cruise line sounds ideal, there are plenty of career opportunities on board. Here are 15 jobs that can help  boost your bank account  as you travel the world.

Editor's note:  All salary figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Activities coordinator

Even short cruises are packed with activities for travelers to engage in. Among other things, you'll find games, happy hours and live music.

An activities coordinator is similar to an event planner. In this role, you oversee things like recreation on board and coordinating shore excursion activities. The BLS does not offer wage information for this position.

If you want to start traveling more — and get paid to do it — this can be a good role to consider.

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It’s no secret that people on cruises like to drink. Many cruise lines offer a food and alcohol package as part of the booking process.

The amount of money you can make working as a bartender on a cruise ship varies greatly, depending on whether guests are expected to tip. But the average salary for bartenders is $29,380 annually.

Casino dealer

Working as a dealer at a cruise casino can be an exciting gig. These workers may oversee poker, blackjack, roulette, and more games.

Gambling service workers make $31,290 a year. However, as with tending bar, the actual wages for casino workers on a cruise can vary.

Many cruise ships have cafeterias and restaurants for when guests are in the mood for fine dining.

Cruise ship chefs may be involved in cooking and planning menus for guests and staff. Chefs or head cooks make $56,520 on average annually.

Deckhands help maintain the cruise ship. They may be involved in keeping these massive ships running, including cleaning and maintaining equipment, loading cargo, and getting passengers safely on board.

The experience required to work as a deckhand can vary greatly depending on the job description. The BLS does not offer salary information for this position.

Entertainer

Cruise lines hire all sorts of entertainers, from dancers to cover bands and magicians.

Working on a cruise ship can be a great way to hone and improve your craft or even take it in a different direction. The average wage for entertainers and performers is $29.67 an hour, which equates to about $61,713 annually.

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Entertainment director

Cruise ships also need people to manage their entertainers, particularly if the ship has a lot of shows and performances scheduled.

Entertainment directors may be involved in scheduling staff, planning performances, and doing administrative work. The average salary for entertainment/recreation managers is $67,220 annually.

Fitness instructor

Many cruise ships also offer various fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, spin, and more.

For qualified instructors, this can be a great way to stay healthy, make money, and travel the world all at the same time. The average fitness instructor makes $45,380 annually.

Hair/makeup artist

On cruise ships, hair and makeup artists may work in spas, providing services to guests looking to get pampered while on board, and may be needed to work with the ship’s performers.

The BLS groups barbers, hairstyles, and cosmetologists together and states an average of $33,400 annual salary for these workers.

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Hotel director

Since a cruise ship is essentially a floating hotel, many employees with experience working in hospitality are needed.

Hotel directors ensure that guests are comfortable and enjoy their experience. They may also be involved in planning and coordinating cruise activities.

The average salary for lodging managers is $61,910 annually.

Some cruise ships also hire nurses to provide care to passengers and cruise staff.

The amount of money nurses make on average usually depends on the type of nurse. Registered nurses (RNs) make $81,220 annually. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) make $54,620 a year.

Massage therapist

Many cruise passengers opt to take advantage of spa services. Massage therapists may work in a spa or travel to guests’ rooms with their equipment to provide massages.

Licensed massage therapists make just under $49,860 annually on average.

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Cruise ships also frequently employ security staff to ensure the safety of guests and crew members. These workers may patrol the ship regularly and respond to any issues that come up.

The average salary for security guards is $33,030 annually.

Eating often and well is a big draw for many cruise passengers. Ships often have several restaurants on board and employ experienced servers to staff them.

Pay for these workers can vary, depending on the cruise line’s tipping policy. The average salary for a server in the U.S. is $29,120 annually.

Sales associate

Part of the beauty of the typical cruise ship is that it’s kind of like a floating mall, filled with gift shops and retail stores galore. Ships often need many sales associates to staff these stores.

Again, depending on the cruise line and the job, the pay for these gigs may vary. However, BLS data puts the average salary for a retail sales worker at $30,750 annually.

That’s not huge money, but perhaps it's enough for students to get ahead financially during breaks between school years.

Bottom line

Working as a cruise crew member is certainly not for everyone — lodging for staff can be cramped, days can be long, and you might be away from home for weeks at a time.

But for those looking to tap into a new source of income as they travel, it just may be a win-win situation.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash .
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

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Can You Take Days Off Without Pto?

Yes, by using holidays, weekends and unpaid time for vacation.

By Robert Schrader | Published on April 19, 2024

For those who prioritize adventure in their lives, no amount of exploration is enough. As the year progresses, travel-lovers might wish they had more paid time off while asking themselves, "Can you take days off without PTO?" For some, this is a key question because of the sheer number of items they hope to check off their bucket lists. Others want to be able to hit the road — or the open sea — without depleting days they need for family holidays such as Thanksgiving. Read on for strategies to maximize your travel experiences without depleting your vacation time.

How Much Unpaid Time Off Can I Take?

How much time you can take off work depends not only on your company and the terms of your employment but also on the needs of your team and the demands of your job. If you're an accountant, taking unpaid time off might be a taller order in March than it is after tax day has passed. Likewise, if you work on a small team and have a colleague out on leave, you might not be able to take unpaid time off at all. Some jobs may also let you work on a company holiday and use that time off on another date that fits better into your vacation plans.

When you ask, "Can you take days off without PTO?" the answer isn't always a clear-cut "yes" or "no." It could be that your unpaid time off is conditional. Perhaps you'll need to finish a project before you go, make yourself available for a virtual presentation or be willing to answer client emails if the volume becomes too much for your co-workers. Finally, your supervisor will probably consider how much time you've had off before granting your request. If you've been absent a lot (whether due to an illness, childcare responsibilities or for bereavement), it might be more difficult to get time off.

Leverage Long Weekends And Holidays

One of the best travel tips, regardless of whether you take paid or unpaid time off, is to always leverage weekends and holidays. For example, let's say your job gives you Good Friday and the Monday after Easter off. By adding a day or two on either side of this window (whether paid or unpaid), you can give yourself a vacation of up to a week in length, even though you're only taking off a few days. This can be valuable if there's a limit to the number of days you can take off at any one time.

If you cannot take unpaid time off, you might still be able to take a short trip. There are plenty of places within the United States (as well as in Canada and Mexico) where you can jet off on a Thursday or Friday and get back in time for work on Monday or Tuesday morning. Depending on your ability to overcome jet lag and what flights depart from the city you live in, you might even be able to swing a weekend trip to Europe.

You can also choose to take a cruise if you only have a long weekend or holiday weekend available. There are many cruises (especially to the Caribbean , Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Coast of Mexico) that last three or four days. Whether over a holiday weekend, such as Memorial Day or Labor Day, or because of a "summer Friday," this can be plenty of time to get away.

At the end of the day, enjoying a vacation without taking time off is not as insurmountable a challenge as it may seem, particularly if you can strike a balance between relaxation and productivity. Again, there's also the possibility of leveraging flexible work arrangements in order to convince your boss to agree to one of your proposals. That said, it's advisable to set clear boundaries about what work you will and won't do during your vacation.

Don't Forget About School And Other Jobs

If you're a solo traveler, planning your next trip can be simple. If you manage to get time off, whether paid or unpaid, you can make your trip happen. If you're traveling with a partner, however, or with school-age children, you'll need to do more preparation.

Can you take days off without PTO? This is a relatively easy question when referring to a job, but not always when you need to factor in children's school schedules. It usually makes sense to first plan trips around school holidays before you try to schedule your own time off from work. Some schools have stricter absence policies than others, so you'll want to check the regulations before you book flights and a sailing. It's easier to take a preschooler out of school than it is to yank a high school student away from their academics and activities (especially one with sports or other commitments), so take any kids' ages and responsibilities into consideration.

Make A Short Trip Feel Long

Even if you won't be able to cruise for many days, there are ways to make your vacation feel longer. One great travel tip to improve relaxation is to fully disconnect. While you might decide to purchase an onboard Wi-Fi package in case of emergencies, turning off notifications (especially for emails and text-based services) will remove connections to many obligations from your life, allowing you to live more fully in the present moment.

You can also use the days of your cruise as an opportunity to enhance daily routines you need to stay focused and healthy at home. For example, while you might continue to wake up early on your cruise to exercise or meditate, you can also indulge in daytime naps whenever you feel like it, or have a cocktail — or two! — by the pool. Small indulgences taken steadily throughout your trip can make the travel experience feel like more of a break from the ordinary.

Choosing your destination carefully is also a travel tip that can help your vacation feel more relaxing. Picking an itinerary with more chill time and less sightseeing makes a big difference. Spending a few days on a beachy, island paradise — especially if you call on Perfect Day at CocoCay® and book an overwater cabana, where anything can be delivered to your lounge chair the moment you want it — can make you feel like you're halfway around the globe in the South Pacific instead of right off the coast of the mainland United States. In turn, booking a European cruise — with plenty of sightseeing and historical sites to explore — might make you feel accomplished but not any more refreshed than when you left home.

Even if you only end up having a few days at sea, that's plenty of time to find amazing adventures. From modifying routines and getting yourself into cruise mode to silencing distractions (especially those related to work) and being strategic about the destination you choose, the will to travel is often more important for an unforgettable experience than the particulars of the trip.

Your Next Getaway Is Closer Than You Think

As you browse cruise options, you might ask yourself "can you take days off without PTO?" Another travel tip to consider is taking partial days off or working during business hours on your cruise and having evenings free to dine, connect and celebrate with your partner or loved ones. Some jobs might even allow you to shift your hours when you're traveling, getting up early or working late in order to take advantage of time in cruise ports with your family or friends. This can be especially beneficial when you're working around school vacations and taking your own job requirements into consideration.

As a result, the answer to the question is "yes" in most cases. The key, no matter your circumstances, is being strategic — both in terms of using weekends and holidays to your advantage, as well as using your time wisely as you travel. Your next trip doesn't have to wait until next year.

Written By ROBERT SCHRADER

Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer and one of the web's original travel bloggers. In 2009 he launched his blog  Leave Your Daily Hell , which has taken him to nearly 100 countries, and has since spun off niche sites focused on Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Robert seeks to inform, inspire, entertain and empower travelers through his work, which has been featured in in-flight magazines and digital media outlets around the world. He's excited about travel's post-pandemic rebirth, and in particular the cruise industry's comeback!

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How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

The average cost of a cruise varies by ship, destination, trip length and more. Use this guide to learn more about cruise costs.

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With the rising cost of everything, including travel, cruise fares – some as low as $26 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables; unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $171 per person for a four-night Bahamas cruise to up to $94,999 per person for a 154-night world cruise and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

• A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November costs approximately $424 to $1,158 per person.
• A seven-night Alaska cruise in May costs approximately $244 to $1,632 per person.
• A seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise in June costs approximately $439 to $3,218 per person.
• A seven-night Mexico cruise in January costs approximately $529 to $695 per person.
• A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October costs approximately $470 to $954 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Mass-market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues, several types of nonalcoholic beverages (nonbottled water, iced tea, lemonade, juices, hot coffee and tea), the ship's pools, the gym, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a porthole or window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

If you splurge on a suite or a higher room category, such as Celebrity's Concierge Class, you'll get perks like priority embarkation, a Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch, complimentary sparkling wine and daily tastings (upon request), concierge service, invitations to exclusive destination seminars, pillow selection and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also have priority check-in and boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as MSC Cruises' Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer an all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a rooftop pool, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that includes airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate, while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary. 

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships. You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slides on a new ship like Norwegian Prima or its new sister ship, Norwegian Viva, set to debut in summer 2023.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Solo travelers may pay more

If you're traveling alone , you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo cabins.

These smaller accommodations – around 100 to 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Complex and Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Kids cruise free promotions can help families save

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for the kids on select sailings. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages whose regular fares are around $6,000 and up. This fare also includes unlimited shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Food and beverage packages are another expense to consider

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues , alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on most ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship. For an example of the savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 to $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $75 or more for dinner. Other venues feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these may not include gratuity, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price. Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive. Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a call brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

Other lines have packages that cover top-shelf beverages of up to $20 each and include wine, large bottles of water and soda, and other perks. You'll need to budget around $85 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer.

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers a "Have It All" package that encompasses a shore excursion credit, a signature beverage package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and Wi-Fi. If you're sailing on longer cruises of 10 to 21 days or more, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

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Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship – such as Norwegian's racetrack and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT. See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more starting at $12.75 per day per person. The cost increases to $17 per day per person with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan starts at $18.70 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "Always Included" fare includes basic internet, a classic drink package and gratuities. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

• Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion where you'll arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.

If these types of experiences are not in your budget, then look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These excursions are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Most of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town, or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee, if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on the ship. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

• Base cruise price
• Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
• Specialty dining
• Beverage package
• Optional activities
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Air or ground travel to the port
• Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's nine all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate 930 passengers – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to The Nordic Spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have complimentary alternative dining options and free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge. Guests are also invited to a welcome cocktail party and farewell reception.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line, so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

Read:  The Best Adults-Only Cruises

All-inclusive cruises

Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare, depending on the destination.

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, open bar and gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports activities and nightly movies under the stars.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Baltic region in June with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive fare with suite accommodations is $12,540 ($6,270 per person). There are also additional perks available, depending on where you book the cruise. Some of the extras include a cash-back offer, a two-category upgrade and shipboard credit.

Silversea has a similar itinerary in June, and the fare also comes with added perks for $13,860 for two people ($6,930 per person) in suite accommodations.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own.

Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, opt for a cruise on a small luxury line.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass-market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Snake and Columbia rivers, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Planning & Accounting Manager

Job description.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Planning & Accounting, the Manager plays an integral role in the management of the annual Corporate Support Capital planning process. This role also includes the Corporate Support month-end closing processes, including journal entry review, review of balance sheet reconciliations, and internal reporting.  The Manager’s responsibilities also include collaboration with the CLT’s departments and assisting with the quarterly forecast & accounting needs of these departments.  The Manager should provide a strong professional presence and accounting expertise.

Essential Functions: 

• Review/preparation of the annual Corporate Support Capital planning process
• Assistance in Capital Appropriation process
• Review of the quarterly forecasting process, variance analytics, Corporate Support Operating Plan
• Review of journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations & month-end closing process
• Special projects as needed   

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant or similar certification is preferred but not required 
• 5-6 years of accounting experience at a public accounting firm or similar experience; Progressed to the manager level or above
• Previous experience with Oracle Financial Systems, Hyperion Essbase and BlackLine is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Attention to detail
• Dedicated to the timely delivery of a superior product
• Strong process skills and ability to interact with all levels of the organization Uncompromising work ethic
• Possess intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Creative thinker and solutions-oriented
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills. Able to analyze, evaluate and move quickly to support rapid decision making
• Excellent interpersonal skills.  Collaborative communications style
• Tenacious in meeting deadlines, well organized, adept at managing peak workloads
• Uncompromising personal integrity, as well as a high level of respect for all individuals

Physical Demands : Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

Travel : No or very little travel likely

Work Conditions : Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential. Other job specific working conditions Visual acuity is required to perform activities such as:  preparing and analyzing data, viewing a computer terminal, reading documents, reports and emails.

The range for this role’s base salary is $75,900 - $132,900.  Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.  

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival’s discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:

• Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
• Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage 
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 7 company-wide holidays, plus an additional floating holiday to be taken at the employee’s discretion. 
• Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
• Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.  
• Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
• Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement 
• On-site preschool program and wellness center at our Miami campus
• A comprehensive benefit program which includes medical, dental and vision plans
• Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage and a 401(k) plan that includes a company match
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Cruise benefits
• An on-site fully accredited preschool educational program located at our Doral campus
• An on-site Wellness Center and Health clinic at our Doral campus

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