Onboard Media Places Shopping Guides on Cruise Ships
CruiseJobFinder interviewed the Vice President of Onboard Media, which is a concession in the cruise line industry. They recruit their own internal candidates for specific shipboard positions.
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Please describe what your company does for cruise lines? 
Onboard Media is a leading provider of custom, integrated media solutions to the global travel industry. Founded in 1989, Onboard Media was instrumental in developing the niche market of cruise line shopping promotions programs. Since then, the company has grown to offer an array of media services to its diverse clientele around the world. Onboard Media is proud to be a part of the world-renowned LVMH (Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton) Group.
Onboard Media is unique in its ability to operate every aspect of its customized media solutions under one roof. Few companies can claim to conduct sales, publishing, television programming, promotions, collections, ad services and customer relations with an experienced in-house staff.
What is your role in the staffing process?
As Vice-President of Cruise Operations, it is my responsibility to insure that we attract and secure the top talent in the industry for the role of Shopping Guide onboard the cruise lines that we support. Onboard Media developed a proprietary website (www.portshopping.com) that provides applicants with a thorough understanding of a "day in the life" of a shopping guide utilizing video and still images of our veteran shopping guides in action. Interested applicants can complete a profile online which includes uploading a photo, resume, and video audition (script available on the website).
For which cruise lines does your company recruit and provide staff?
We are recruiting and providing staff for Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.
What types of jobs do you recruit for? Is there a particular department or role?
Specifically: Shopping Guide (whose title has a different branding depending on the cruise line...)
Are there any common traits people should have in order to get hired, and then to succeed in the cruise industry?
Adapting to living in a cruise ship environment takes: patience, perseverance, discipline, a strong work ethic, flexibility, the willingness to accept and value cultural differences, and you must like PEOPLE! The industry has so much to offer to anyone interested in making it a full-time career. There is tremendous opportunity for growth.
What are the typical terms of employment offered? For instance, contract length, pay rate, etc.?
Average contract length is 6 months; compensation is commission based.
How long does it take from the time someone contacts your organization to getting a job?
Applicants must successfully complete a one-week training before being awarded a contract. On average, it typically takes one to three months, depending on the schedule of trainings for the year. This allows the applicant to give proper notice to their current employer.
Can you describe the job placement process?
Once the applicant successfully completes the one-week training requirement, they will be placed on the next available ship that matches their skillset and experience. There is typically a one cruise overlap/handover with the outgoing Shopping Guide so the new candidate can acclimate accordingly.
What contact do you have with your candidates after they accept a contract with Onboard Media?
Onboard Media Shopping Guides have daily contact with the corporate office via telephone and E mail, and are assigned a Regional Marketing Manager that continually supports and coaches them on performance.
Other tips and advice given in this exclusive interview:
- Misperceptions people have about working on a cruise ship
- Training overview
- What the hiring process entails, and how long it takes
- How to be prepared for job interviews
- Best pieces of advice for first-time cruise job applicants
- And a lot more...
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