Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Who is BSM Cruise Services, and what do you do?

BSM Cruise Services provides complete, modular, or fully outsourced shipboard management up to a five-star service level for different international cruise lines, ferry operators and hospitality service providers. Our core capabilities span technical management, fleet maintenance, crewing services, newbuilding supervision, and comprehensive hotel and catering solutions — everything a modern cruise operation needs, delivered under one roof.

2.  What makes BSM Cruise Services a true “one-stop-shop” for cruise operators?

Following our full acquisition of sea chefs, BSM Cruise Services handles the technical operations while sea chefs delivers world-class hospitality and catering. Together, we give clients the ultimate flexibility to select individual boutique services or fully outsource their entire fleet operation.

3.  How large is your global recruitment network?

We leverage the Schulte Group’s global network of 29 fully owned Crew Service Centres across 15 countries. This reach allows us to efficiently source, vet, and deploy top-tier marine and hospitality talent worldwide.

4.  What types of vessels does BSM Cruise Services manage?

Our team brings firsthand operational expertise across classic cruise liners, specialised expedition vessels, RoPax vessels like ferries, river vessels and luxury ships. Through YPI Crew and BSM Yachting, our capabilities also extend to specialised recruitment and placement for the elite superyacht sector.

5.  Which cruise lines and ships does BSM Cruise Services work with?

We manage and crew a diverse portfolio of vessels — from classic cruise liners, ferries, river and expedition ships to luxury cruise brands. Because our partnerships and live assignments evolve over time, the most accurate picture of where you could sail is always the current vacancies on our Careers page: schultecruise.com/careers/  

6.  What health and safety standards do your hotel and catering operations follow?

We enforce strict international compliance frameworks across every managed vessel to protect guest safety and satisfaction. Our hospitality operations adhere to USPH, UKPH, HACCP, and EU SHIPSAN public health guidelines, depending on flag-state and local requirements.

7.  What positions are currently open? / Do you have a vacancy for a specific role?

Openings change constantly across deck, engine, hotel, food & beverage, culinary, and other departments. Please check our career website for the most up-to-date openings. If you find a match, apply directly online or submit an open application through the “Register for future jobs” option on our Careers page: https://schultecruise.com/careers/ .

8.  Where can I find the latest job vacancies and updates?

Only follow BSM Cruise Services’ official website and social media channels for the newest vacancies. New roles are posted regularly, so we recommend checking back often and registering your profile so you can match you as openings arise. Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Indonesia | Instagram Indonesia.

9.  I saw a role advertised (for example on LinkedIn), but I can’t find it on the website. Why?

Some social media posts are general talent calls rather than a specific live vacancy, and a role might be filled already, if not visible on our website anymore. Our Careers page is the single source of truth for open positions. To be considered, always register your profile through the official portal – this is the only acceptable way to apply with us and ensures your application reaches the correct recruitment team.

10.  I don’t see a role that fits me right now. Can I still register?

Yes. If no current opening matches your profile, submit an open application through the “Register for future jobs” option on our Careers page. Our global recruitment team will review your CV and contact you as soon as a matching role becomes available.

11.  Do I need previous cruise ship experience?

Not always. Some positions require prior cruise experience, while many others welcome candidates from hotel, and other hospitality backgrounds. Requirements depend on the role and the cruise line and are clearly stated in the job advertisement.

12.  I have hotel, restaurant, or culinary experience but no sea time. Can I still apply?

Absolutely. We actively recruit hotel, restaurant, and catering crew who may be new to ships. We’ll guide qualified hospitality professionals through the steps needed to obtain the required documents and certifications before deployment to become a real seafarer.

13.  Are fresh graduates and cadets eligible to apply?

Yes. We regularly recruit fresh graduates and cadets for selected entry-level positions. If you’re motivated, willing to learn, and meet the basic requirements, we’d be glad to receive your application if and when an entry-position is open and advertised.

14.  Is there a minimum or maximum age to work onboard?

You generally need to be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the cruise line and position. There is no universal maximum age — we assess candidates primarily on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

15.  How many years of experience do I need?

It varies by position and client. Each vacancy lists its own experience requirements, and our recruitment team might advise you on the best-fit roles for your background.

16.  Can I move from a cargo or tanker background into the cruise sector?

Yes — relevant seagoing experience is valuable, and many marine professionals transition successfully into cruise. Register your profile with your certificates and sea service, and our team will assess suitable opportunities across the fleet.

17.  What language skills are required?

Strong English is essential for all roles on ships as English is the communication and safety-language onboard. Some clients require additional language skills like German or French, for example, which are stated in the job advertisement. In general, additional languages are always an advantage for guest-facing positions and international travel.

18.  Can I work onboard if I have visible tattoos?

Tattoo policies vary by client. Many lines allow tattoos that can be fully covered by the standard uniform (long sleeves and trousers), and some permit visible tattoos in all roles. Tattoos on the face, neck, or hands are generally not permitted for guest-facing positions.

19.  How do I apply for a job onboard?

Browse active vacancies and submit your application directly through our Careers page, or register for future roles. You’ll benefit from transparent selection procedures, timely payments, regular appraisals, and global career development opportunities.
Important: BSM Cruise Services does not charge any recruitment, placement, or application fees at any stage of the hiring process. If anyone requests payment in exchange for a job opportunity, interview, or placement, please do not proceed. Report such incidents immediately to [email protected] including all details. Your safety and trust are our priority.

20.  What is the step-by-step recruitment process?

Our process runs as follows:

Application Review → Document Screening → Initial Interview → English or language Assessment (if required) → Client Interview (if required) → Client Approval → Medical Examination → Visa & Documentation → Deployment.

All communication regarding your application will be conducted through official BSM Cruise Services recruitment channels.

21.  Can I apply for more than one position?

Yes. If your experience and qualifications match more than one vacancy, you’re welcome to apply for multiple roles. Our recruitment team will review your profile and recommend the position that best fits your background and our partners’ current hiring needs.

22.  Can I email or message my application directly instead of registering online?

Due to transparency and GDPR restriction, your application can only be received through and online application through our Careers website. This ensures your profile enters our system, reaches the recruitment team, and is matched against current and future openings.

Applications sent by email, through social media comments or DMs will not be considered.

BSM Cruise Services does not work with external recruiters or agencies that collect applications on our behalf. We never charge recruitment or placement fees, and no authorized representative of BSM Cruise Services will ask you for money, gifts, or favors at any stage of the recruitment process.

If anyone claims to represent BSM Cruise Services and requests payment for a job opportunity, please do not proceed. Report such incidents immediately to [email protected] including all details. Your safety and trust are our priority.

23.  Can I come for a walk-in interview at your office?
Please first register on our website. If your application is successful, we will call you to invite you for a personal interview, if needed.

24.  What are the general requirements to apply?

Requirements vary by position and cruise line, but in general we look for:

• relevant work experience,
• good English communication skills,
• and a positive, service-minded attitude.

For hotel department roles, you’ll typically need:

• to be at least 18 or 21 years old (depending on the line),
• hold a valid passport, and
• have relevant hospitality experience in the field of your application with a good level of English.

25.  What documents do I need to prepare?

Have an updated (English) CV outlining your full job experience, along with your passport and relevant certifications. In case you have them already from previous employers, keep your STCW certificates, medical certificates, and Seaman’s Book ready. Employment certificates, references, and appraisals from previous cruise employers will further strengthen and speed up your profile evaluation.

26.  Which STCW certificates are required?

Generally Basic Safety Training (BST), Security Awareness Training (SAT), and Crowd & Crisis Management, where applicable to the role. Specific requirements depend on your position and the cruise line.

27.  Do I need references or previous appraisals?

References strengthen any application. For candidates with previous cruise experience, recent appraisals from your last cruise employer are highly recommended and may be required. References for shore positions are also helpful to support your application.

28.  Will I receive confirmation after I apply, and how will I know if I’m shortlisted?

Once we receive your application, our team reviews it against client requirements. Only if your profile is a match, our recruiters will contact you for the next stage, either by phone or email. (Remember to check your junk folder)

29.  Will I be notified if I’m not selected?

If your profile doesn’t match with any opening, you will be informed that your application was unsuccessful. Otherwise, your profile stays in our system and may be considered for future opportunities. Please remember to always keep your profile and your Date-of-Availability always up to date in your profile.

30.  I applied but haven’t heard back. What should I do?

If you haven’t been contacted, your profile may not match a current opening — but it remains on file for future roles. Make sure your registration is complete and your documents are up to date, and keep an eye on new vacancies.

Posting in social media comments or emails won’t speed things up; applications are processed only through our official channels and in the order of their application. Please remember to always keep your profile and your Date-of-Availability always up to date in your profile.

31.  Are interviews conducted online or in person?

Both. Interviews may take place online or face-to-face in one of our offices, depending on the role, location, and cruise line.

32.  Is there a practical assessment for culinary roles?

Culinary candidates may be asked to complete a practical cooking assessment as part of the selection process, depending on the cruise line.

33.  Will I interview with the cruise line directly?

Some positions may include a final interview with the cruise line client before approval. This mainly concerns Officer-roles.

34.  Can a recommendation from a senior officer improve my chances?

No. Selection is based solely on merit, including your qualifications, experience, certifications, and suitability for the role. The best way to strengthen your application is to maintain a complete and up-to-date profile, supported by relevant references and appraisals.

Recommendations, referrals, or personal connections do not guarantee employment and are not required. Under no circumstances should anyone ask you for money, gifts, or favors in exchange for a recommendation, interview, or job opportunity. BSM Cruise Services never charges recruitment or placement fees. Report such incidents immediately to [email protected] including all details. Your safety and trust are our priority.

35.  How soon can I join after being selected?

Joining depends on documentation, medical clearance, visa approval, and the client’s schedule. In total, the recruitment-to-deployment journey typically takes 1 to 6 months.

36.  What kind of contract will I have, and who issues it?

Depending on the client, your employer will either be BSM Cruise Services directly or the Cruise Line directly. We offer temporary and permanent contracts.

37.  How long are contracts?

Most contracts run 4 to 9 months, depending on the cruise line and position. Hotel department contracts generally range from 6 to 9 months and are typically followed by around 6 to 8 weeks of vacation before your next assignment.

38.  What salary and benefits can I expect?

Salary and benefits vary by cruise line, position, and experience. Full details – including any role-specific figures – are shared transparently during the recruitment process. Some benefits may include free cost of living on board, food and drinks and travel arrangement to the vessel and back home.

39.  How many hours will I work each week?

Cruise ships operate 7 days a week. You’ll typically work 10 to 12 hours per day with no full days off until your contract is completed. The working hours are tracked onboard to ensure sufficient rest hours according to international rules and regulations.

40.  Are accommodation and meals provided?

Yes. Accommodation (usually a shared cabin with a crew member of the same gender) and all meals in the crew mess are provided by the cruise line at no cost to you. Depending on your position you might also have a single cabin and further benefits.

41.  Is there internet or Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, and crew can purchase discounted internet packages to stay in touch with family and friends during their contract. Some Cruise Lines even offer the internet free of charge.

42.  Can I go ashore when the ship is in port?

Yes. When you’re not scheduled for duty or port watch, you’re free to go ashore and explore the ports of call, just like the guests.

43.  Do you charge any placement or recruitment fees?

No. In line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), we never charge candidates any recruitment or placement fees. If anyone asks you to pay to be hired, it’s a scam. BSM Cruise Services never charges any fees with agencies for recruitment. If someone requests payment for a job opportunity with us, do not proceed. Report such incidents immediately to [email protected] including all details. Your safety and trust are our priority.

44.  How do I make sure I’m dealing with the real BSM and avoid recruitment scams?

Only use our official website and verified application portal to apply and never pay a fee or send money to secure a position or speed-up the process. Genuine recruitment through BSM Cruise Services is always free of charge to candidates and comes from an official email address.

47.  Can I update my application or documents after submitting?

Yes. You can send updated documents at any time — a renewed passport, new certificates, or recent work experience.

48.  Can I reapply if I wasn’t successful before?

Absolutely. We encourage candidates to reapply after gaining additional experience or improving their qualifications.

49.  How do I check the status of my application?

You can reach our recruitment team through our official communication channels for an update.

50.  Will my profile be kept for other or future roles?

Yes. If another opportunity better matches your profile, we’ll contact you — and open applications are held for future openings.

51.  What career development can I expect with BSM Cruise Services?

We offer transparent selection procedures, timely payments, regular appraisals, and global career development opportunities backed by the Schulte Group’s worldwide network.

52.  Where are your offices, and do you have a Crew Service Centre in my country?

We operate through the Schulte Group’s network of 29 fully owned Crew Service Centres across 15 countries. For the dedicated BSM Cruise Services offices, please visit: https://schultecruise.com/contact/

53.  How can I contact the recruitment team?

For general enquiries, please reach our recruitment team through our official email, , or social media channels.

54.  Do you assist with visas (for example, the US C1/D or Schengen-visa)?

Visa and documentation support is a standard part of our deployment process — once you’re selected, we guide you through the required steps before you join.

55.  Is cruise recruitment handled by the same team as cargo and tanker roles?

BSM Cruise Services is the dedicated cruise arm within the Schulte Group, with an own team of specialists on cruise, hospitality, and marine crewing for passenger vessels. Most of our recruiters were seafarers before who can guide you best through the whole process.