How to become a cruise ship musician: A complete guide
Travel the world and get paid to perform. Sounds like a dream, right?
Being a cruise ship musician opens the doors to a world of professional experience. Unlike land gigs, once you have your first stage lined up, the journey continues.
At Northwave Talent, we help performers get ready for cruise jobs. We guide them through auditions and explain what cruise lines want.
In this guide, we will cover everything we wish musicians knew before applying for their first cruise contract! We will explain the process, what you need to apply and what to expect working at sea.
What does a cruise ship musician do?
A cruise ship musician is part of an international music team. The job requires you to adapt to different venues and audiences. A casino gig with a New York crowd, or a serene lido set out of Hawaii, the adventures are endless.
Starting with rehearsals, a musician must build a repertoire that meets cruise line requirements. They must ensure they can present and perform different music styles.
Musicians may perform several sets throughout the day and evening. This gives musicians valuable performance experience and regular opportunities to perform for international audiences.
Days off are scheduled so musicians can explore ports of call and connect with other crew members. They also give musicians time to rest and reset between gigs.
What kind of cruise ship musician jobs are available?
Jobs can vary depending on the cruise line. We are generally scouting for:
Showband musicians / orchestra musicians
Lounge or bar musicians
Soloist (solo) performers
Duos / trios
Cover band musicians
Party bands / contemporary bands
Piano bar entertainers
Cocktail pianists
Vocalists (band and production shows)
Northwave Talent often posts instrument-focused updates on our social media. We do this when we need to fill an urgent spot. Follow us to be the first to hear!
What skills do you need to become a cruise ship musician?
Northwave Talent looks for the following three requirements when we handpick our talent. Musical ability, professional experience and soft skills. Take a look further into these categories:
Musical ability
Naturally, you must have strong instrumental technique. Furthermore, it helps if you can learn repertoire quickly and play it to a high level.
Can you sight-read? Fantastic! We also look for variety across musical genres and the ability to adapt and take requests.
Tick all those boxes? You are already on your way!
Professional experience
Having previous live performance experience is always a plus, whether it is a professional or semi-professional gig. Showing you can work with other bands or ensembles, and having strong stage experience, gives you a great advantage. Have you worked with set lists or click tracks? All important skills that Northwave Talent considers when we recruit.
Soft skills
High on our list, not to be overlooked:
Reliability
Professionalism
Ability to adapt
Teamwork
Communication
Confidence performing repeatedly
Do you need previous cruise ship experience?
No. You do not need years of cruise experience.
But you must show you can perform well in a demanding setting for months at a time.
What documents do cruise ship musicians require?
Requirements may vary by cruise line, role, nationality and itinerary. Depending on the role and cruise line, you may need a seafarer medical exam. You may also need proof of fitness to work, vaccination records, visas, or other documents.
Before Northwave Talent presents you to a cruise line for hire, there are a few things you need to have ready. We will help you through this process.
Cruise ship musician application checklist
Valid passport
Work visa/permit (where applicable)
Seafarer medical certificate - *Please ask us for an approved Dr list as it varies between cruise lines
Vaccination certificate
Professional photos
Demo URL
CV and repertoire information
Northwave Talent stays up to date on the latest requirements. We will let you know if you need any specific documents to complete your application.
Northwave tip: Have your video links and documents ready before you apply. Some opportunities can move quickly, so being application-ready and prepared can make a real difference!
How to apply for a cruise ship musician job.
Before you hit that apply now button on our website, make sure you have the following on hand:
Professional CV including previous experience and performance credits
Performance video (URL link)
Availability (We might need you in a week!)
Vaccination booklet (proof of vaccinations)
Once you have this, your application process will follow these 5 steps:
Step 1: Apply
Go to our website and hit the Apply Now button! Our application form will collect the initial information. It also lets you upload your demo URL link for review.
Step 2: Your profile is reviewed
We assess your experience, musical ability, availability and suitability. Based on our findings, if you are eligible for a cruise line musician position, we will move you to our ‘ready to match’ list.
Northwave tip: 3 things we notice first when receiving an application - Your demo, your experience, your availability.
Step 3: Matching
Northwave Talent will then identify open opportunities that match your talent and place you in the ‘potential applicant’ list.
Step 4: Audition & Selection
If you are shortlisted, Northwave Talent will help you prepare for auditions. They will base this on the role and each cruise line’s needs.
Step 5: Contract and preparation
Once selected, Northwave Talent will walk you through the recruitment process. A contract will be sent to you to sign. Flights will be booked to a rehearsal location or to join the ship in port, and you will need to pack your bags. We will ensure you have all the documentation on hand to take with you onboard.
Once onboard, you must also attend some cruise line training sessions, as required by maritime safety laws. Each cruise line will guide you through the training programs.
The whole process can be fast if you have the documents, demo links, and medical exams ready to go. Keep checking our available opportunities and let’s get you onboard!
How to make a cruise ship musician demo video
With cruise musician auditions, keep it concise and show variety. Lead with your strongest performance and avoid long introductions! Make sure the audio quality is of a high quality and that it shows off your live performance ability. Lastly, avoid excessive editing - It is unnecessary for what we are looking for.
Northwave tip: Recruiters often have little time to review your demo. So don’t spend the first 30 seconds introducing yourself! Hit us with your talent and let’s go!
What makes a demo stand out?
Smile! Natural talent. Personality. We need to see you being you! If you can prove that you can perform and hook us in with your talent, you got us!
What makes an application get rejected?
Honestly, talent. We cannot move forward with your application if professional standards are not met.
What instruments are commonly requested?
While we have ongoing recruitment for every instrument, we are always specifically looking for pianists and horns.
What would a good repertoire include?
Variety! We may place you in multiple positions which will require knowledge of many genres and styles. The more you can show the better.
What mistakes are commonly made when submitting audition videos?
Northwave Talent asks for URL links to your demos. Sometimes, a musician will send a link which is private and we have to request access to view the link. Help speed up the process by checking your link first and make sure the settings are set to viewable by anyone with the link.
What does professional experience mean?
Paid stage work. Things include wedding band gigs, corporate events, stage shows and much more.
What about vocalists?
Yes, we recruit show band vocalists, stage show vocalists and solo performers.
Northwave tip: Your demo presentation to Northwave Talent is your audition before the cruise ship audition! Only if you make the cut, can we guide you to audition for the right cruise line job opportunity, so make it good!
How do the cruise ship auditions work?
Once we have reviewed and accepted your file, we present your profile to the cruise lines. Often, the cruise lines will review the demo you sent us, but sometimes they will require a scheduled audition.
If so, Northwave talent will prepare you for the audition process and guide you in the right direction. Some cruise lines require a live audition. Others require an online sight-reading audition. Some will give you music to learn a few hours ahead of the online audition.
Think you are ready for a cruise contract? Apply to Northwave Talent today.
What is life like on a cruise ship?
You see all the Instagram worthy pictures, and hear the stories of the amazing places people have visited. But what about the real facts about living onboard? We are here to introduce the reality of ship life and bust the myths surrounding the job!
The benefits.
Travel while getting paid
A guaranteed income for your contracted gig
International destinations
Regular performance experience
Meeting musicians from around the world
Building your professional network
Living overseas
The challenges.
Being away from home (for months at a time)
Busy performance schedules
Shared accommodation (role depending)
Working within a structured environment
Adapting to different people and cultures
FAQ’s about cruise musician jobs:
Q) Do I need previous cruise ship experience?
Not at all. Any stage experience helps, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be cruise entertainment work.
Q) How good do I need to be to work on a cruise ship?
You need to be able to play at a professional level, and sight-reading is a bonus.
Q) How many songs should I know?
We recommend knowing at least 100 - 200 songs, especially as guests will expect to throw requests your way!
Q) Do cruise ship musicians get paid?
Of course! Working on board is a professional salaried job. Depending on the job title, musicians will receive compensation starting at $2600 per month. (USD)
Q) How long are the musician contracts?
Anywhere between 4-6 months long. You will remain on the same ship for the duration of your contract. Northwave Talent will then keep you on our roster and match you to future contracts.
Q) Do musicians get time off?
Absolutely! You require rest days to reset. A lot of musicians enjoy adventures in the ports of call with other crew members during their time off.
Q) Do I need a visa to work on cruise ships?
It depends where you are from and where the ship is heading. Northwave Talent will guide you through these details.
Q) Do I need a medical examination?
Yes. Every hired musician will need to complete a seafarers medical exam before joining the cruise ship.
Ready to become a cruise ship musician?
Cruise ship entertainment jobs can offer professional experience, travel and the opportunity to work alongside an international team. Northwave Talent can guide you through the application process for a seamless experience, leaving no leaf (or document) unturned!
Trust us to match your unique talent to a cruise line job that fits your skills.
Northwave tip: Don’t wait until you see your dream vacancy to prepare your application. Keep your CV, photos, repertoire list and demo video current so you’re ready when an opportunity arises.
Your next gig awaits!
Let Northwave Talent find your stage.
About the author:
Written by Northwave Talent Recruitment Team, with experience connecting professional performers with cruise line opportunities worldwide.