How to Get a Cruise Ship Musician Job
There are two ways to get a cruise ship music job, first directly through the cruise line, and second through a talent agency.
Talent Agencies
I’ve only worked with one talent agency, Proship Entertainment. They have a good website and there are some nice people there. I used to think that they were a bit callous with their treatment of musicians, sending people out on ships like cattle with very little information about the gig and very little warning – but I don’t feel that way anymore. The agent I usually talk to these days, Martin, is very communicative and friendly, and I’ve taken that to mean that the company has generally become a lot more communicative and friendly.
There are other talent agencies in North America. There is also Oceanbound Entertainment, which is also a Canadian agency based in Quebec (what’s with the Canadians?). I don’t know much about Oceanbound other than what I found on their website, and from a brief email from the boss over there, Marco Kasel. From what I can tell, Oceanbound is a smaller company run mostly by Mr. Kasel. There is a forum and a blog at the site, and the boss often updates both of them. I think that kind of communication is a really good sign for a company, and although I don’t have any other information, I would recommend the company based only on that. When you are being sent to a ship in Tunisia for 6 months, believe me, you want to know everything you can, and a talkative talent agency is a real value.
Another company is Landau Music, Inc., opperated out of San Diego, CA. They also audition all over the U.S. as well as accept promo videos (the others probably do as well). Landau Music is run by Michael Landau, an Indiana University grad like myself, who takes special care to keep in communication with his performers, even when they are on the ship.
Auditions
Although headquartered in Quebec, Proship auditions all over North America, often at colleges and recording studios. I auditioned for them in 2003 at a recording studio on the south side of Chicago. They scored me as a 3 on my audition and told me that they never hire anyone that scores less than a 4. Two months later they hired me for a 6 month contract. Everyone I worked with had scored a 3, so I must say I was and am still a little confused by the judging system. In the audition I played a few jazz standards and sight-read a short song to a recorded accompaniment.
If you ask me, the sight-reading portion was a little stupid hard. They give you a sheet of music that changes meter, key, feel and time signature erratically every 4 to 9 measures and has very little distinguishable melody. Or, at least they did in 2003. Of course it’ll sound like a mess when you play it – it is a mess.
Assuming my experience was normal, you’ll have to wait a few months after auditioning before you can get out on a ship. When you finally get the call to go out on a ship, you’ll have only a few days to a week’s notice before you have to be on the ship. I got my call on a Tuesday, and I was in northern Germany by Thursday. In the company’s defense, they often get very little notice about positions that need to be filled, especially in replacement positions (which mine was).
Directly Through the Cruise Line
The second way to get a gig is directly though the cruise line. If you go this route, call the cruise line headquarters (not the reservations toll-free number) and ask for the entertainment department. Tell them you are interested in auditioning. They will set up a time and either give you an audition over the phone or have you send them a video. I’ve heard that this way of getting on ships takes a little longer, but I’ve also heard that this is becoming a more popular route, so perhaps that’s not true anymore.
There are pros and cons to both ways of getting on a ship. I’ve only experienced the talent agent route. Although they do take 10-15% of your paycheck, I would still recommend let a talent agency guide you through the employment process, at least the first time.
About the author
Just wanted to ask about booking a combo/trio on a cruise ship…
I have a project with female lead vox, dance entertainer.
Male lead vox w/guitar…
Sometimes we play w/percusssion…
I have custom background trax…. I recently filled out ap for proline on-line…. just wanted to see if there was anything you might suggest…
Thank You,
Craig
12/2/2008
Hi Craig –
Booking a group for one of the lounges on a ship is essentially the same procedure as getting hired as a sideman. I would suggest sending your stuff to talent agents and then contacting the cruise lines on your own while you wait for the agents to get back to you. You’ll need to put together a nice press kit and everything, but it’s likely you already have that.
By Proline do you mean Proship?
12/3/2008
HI!
This blog is really great. btw, I’m a violinist from the Philippines. I just want to ask something. Do cruise ship hire violinists also? and If ever me and my friend would apply, do we get on the same cruise? Thank you so much! :)
2/1/2009
Do you know what cruise ships hire violinists? I also play piano and dance. How/where do I begin? thanks!
2/22/2009
Dave,
I have experience from being hired directly by the cruise line. I emailed the office and they emailed back to set up an audition over the phone. I’m a drummer and they asked me to play several different styles (rock, swing, shuffle, funk, bossa nova, samba, etc.). At first, they wanted them played separately, then they gave me random combinations and from single time to double time and so on. Then they emailed me 3 charts and called me back after giving me 10 minutes to look it over. When I finished they offered me a contract on a ship 2 months out.
I agree that a lot of people would benefit from the administrative side by going with an agency. A lot of musicians aren’t exactly paperwork-oriented. But one issue is that even after you finish your first contract on a ship, you are usually locked in to your agency because of the initial contract you must sign. Most contracts are worded that as long as you stay with that particular cruise line, then you must pay the agent fees. Even if you set up your next contract with the cruise line, you owe your agent. I know some guys who have done one contract with a different cruise line and then come back so that they are then released from their contract with their agent.
3/7/2009
Hi, what is the pay on a cruise ship these days?
Thanks
3/10/2009
Hi Richard – check this out:
Cruise Musician Average Pay
3/10/2009
Hello,
I recently was offered a contract on board an R6 ship (formerly of Rennaisace cruises) and I was wondering if you have ever worked on this type of ship? It’s about 30,000 tons and holds 700 pax and 300 or so crew. I have worked on a larger ship before, but am concerned about living space (can it get any smaller??) and a place to practice. Just curious if you’ve ever done a contract on one and how you felt about these issues. Thanks.
3/20/2009
Hey Robert –
Try your question in the cruise ship forum. I think we could discuss it better there.
3/20/2009
how bout those violin questions? do they ever hire violins, i looked on a some job websites and they never mentioned string instruments. i imagened a cruise would be like the titanic, with quartets everywhere, but now i’m not so sure. any hope?
4/18/2009
Some ships do hire string groups, I had one on my first ship. The rumor is that eastern European string groups – who can sound good and work for relatively less – are given preference in the hiring process. That’s just a rumor though.
Again, though, please ask these questions in the forums, so that others can find the answers more easily. I much prefer answering questions there than in the comments or through email.
Thanks!
4/18/2009
As for work possibilities for strings, try Holland America. They hire string quartets and trios on their ships. David is right as he also worked for Holland America: The two I saw on the two ships I did were from Romania and Hungary. They were truly superb musicians!
5/4/2009
You may also want to try Cunard, SilverSea, Seabourn, Oceania, Regent and Crystal. They are high-end lines that cater to the very wealthy who love classical strings.
5/4/2009
Iam professional ex seaman , deck officer, also music school educated cantauthor. Naw I am interested for aboarding on cruisers not in my nautic deck officer proff, than as musician and top performer
I am one of greatest European polly musicians , singer ,cantauthor, guitar aqustic virtuous , pianist and keyboard player . Iam one man band with about 500 songs able to perform . My voice color is particullar , and when I play Dylan for example seem he is playing , or Boccelli , Ramazzotti . STEVENS, SPRENGSTEEN. Having great experiences , and being able to mixing on workstation and singing , also performing American music , Italian pop and canzonas , I have programm very interesant .
Be so kind and help about with advice.
Sincerelly Yours ANGELO DI SOLENTIA
6/12/2009
David,
Does Cruise ship hire genre specific bands?(eg. jazz, reggae,ska,slow rock etc.)And how sensitive they are when picking a band? I’d like to know more about this David, hope to hear to you more.
thanks,
Kenneth Posey
6/15/2009
Dear David,
could kindly mention other agencies for gigs on the ship beside proship and oceanbound?
Many thanks.
Best,
Alfons
6/23/2009
Great information Thanks! looking forward to my first cruise job :)
7/24/2009
David,
As a touring, singing, drummer out of Nashville on tours with Brooks & Dunn, Mickey Gilley, 38 Specaial.etc…my quiestion is, do bands ever need musicains/ drummer, for a lounge band ? I do not want to put together a band..I would just like to hook up with a dance/ lounge /cruise ship gig…I sing , play exceptional, clean, no drugs , and will travel…I live in Florida and Texas..I am on tour in Europe right now , back August 5,2009….Who can I contact to get hooked up with a cruise ship band…I do not want a show band deal…I do not want to have to read charts…Help??
7/29/2009
Hi!I am interested job for musician.Help my,please!
8/4/2009
Hi there
Heres a comment to David
The gig you want is actualy called “showband” . There is the “orhcestra” wich is actualy a show band but what they call “showband” is basicly a 4 pc band in the lounge you play on average 2 hours a night for 6 nights a week with royal carribean average is $500-$600 US a week and they are 14-24 week contracts and also with that cruise line the showband is status as :guest entertainer” so u can eat anywheres the guest can
9/26/2009
Hi!
I have an audition next wednesday with proship and I would like to know some informations about the sight-reading..I’m a litlle bit worried. It’s very difficult? I am a pianist… Thanks!!!
10/5/2009
I have been thinking about auditioning for cruise ship jobs. This article helped me figure out what I need to do.
10/13/2009
hi Dave. I’m trombonist from S.A. i would love to do the cruise ship gig, but would like to know how do i go a bout getting in from down here. Are there any auditions set up in S.A, or would i audition via skype, send in an audition cd or do it over the phone?
11/3/2009
Hey Dave,
I am an undergraduate in college, music major. I was wondering if cruises hire college students for summer gigs or shortened trips (no more than 3 months)
Thanks,
Alan
11/3/2009
Hi!
I am an undergrad music major in university and i master the steeldrums. do cruise ships hire college student bands for 3 month summer gigs?
Josanne
11/15/2009
Hello Dave,
I am the lead singer of a 3 piece pop/funky rock band. We have been playing original music and recording albums for a few years now but have decided we would like to try the cruise ship route.
we do play covers but normally we play the ones we like which are probably a bit too obscure for a cruise. Where could i find a sample list of covers that we would need to learn to get a cruise gig? we are all able musicians so would have no problem putting together a blues set or jazz standard type set if need be.
any advise you could give us would be great!
thanks a million
Jess
2/18/2010
Hi Jessica –
Try this list:
Top 100 Piano Bar Songs
That might help, it’s much of the same rep as cover bands. See what you think.
2/18/2010
Great blog…thanks for all of the enriching insights!
I do an original one man show in which I portray each of The Beatles; it is a theatrical piece in which I morph between each of the 4 (dresses as an amalgam of all 4), play a bunch of their hits, give back story, interact/improvise with audience (one portion of the show is taking impromptu questions from the audience and answering them on the spot), though with larger audiences, I can have them write their questions on cards before hand/during the show.
I also do an act especially for kids and one especially for senior citizens.
My questions are:
1. How would you recommend I try to get bookings for this/these acts…?
2. Would these pay well/afford me my own cabin?
3. Would I be able to earn more, by say, performing for the kids in the morning, the seniors in the afternoon and The Beatles show at night…?
Any thoughts you have would be helpful.
Also…
4. I’ll need to pay my bills on land…like rent, etc.; is this complicated or do you have opportunities to mail at regular intervals…?
Thanks very much.
Dave Jay
2/28/2010
@davejay – Mail is complicated. See:
Mail and Shipping Packages to Your Cruise Ship
I’m not really sure, actually, how to get booked as a guest performer act. I never did that directly. Perhaps start with contacting all of the cruise lines and researching talent agents that deal with cruise agencies. That shouldn’t be too hard to find.
If you are a guest performer you’d definitely get your own cabin.
I guess it’d be feasible to make more money if you worked more. I know magicians that do extra acts for more bread. Maybe you could negotiate that into the contract. Try Norwegian Cruise Lines – that’s where I saw magicians doing extra shows on the side.
3/1/2010
What would you say is the most beneficial part of playing on a ship?
4/6/2010
Hi Dave
I’m a bassist looking for cruise work,i’m 18 and can play very well but i’m currently learning to sight read and am average at it. Just wandering whether my age and lack of efficient sight reading skills would hold me back atall
Thanks,
Craig
4/17/2010
Curious about smoking policy. Celebrity has a no smoking policy for cabins and hallways. Does that apply to crew members as well? In general does the no smoking policy for passengers also apply to crew?
Thanks for responding.
6/15/2010
Hi Dave…
Im currently majoring in jazz performance in alto and soprano saxophone at the University of Cape Town South Africa. Firstly im 21 years of age, do you think im too young for a cruise job?
Secondly, as i have stated above I only play alto and soprano sax… will they accept me if i cant double on clarinet and flute?
6/17/2010
What about the health requirements…i’ve heard people mention it..have not seen anything about it posted here..I may be wrong..thanks for viewing anyways
6/29/2010
Hi:
I live in Orange County, California and we have a local talent that has amassed a pretty huge following over the years locally. How do I go about submitting his audition to the cruise lines? We are looking to get him booked on special local cruise and several hundred of his fans will book the cruise. He is very popular with all ages and we would love to have him on a cruise.
Any assistance you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Maureen
7/14/2010
Hi, I am a drummer living in Kent United Kingdom and I would like to get some work on a cruise ship. Is there an organisation in the UK where I can get an audition? I can read band parts in the swing, jazz, rock, Latin genera. I played in Jazz bands, big bands, groups’ country and rock. I have worked professionally at a holiday centre for a summer season. I am now on my own (my wife has passed) and want to get more involved with the music side of my life. I have been playing for over 50 years and have a wealth of experience in bands of all types.
Regards
Eddy Newport
Rainham Kent
7/24/2010
It has been an extensive search for employment on a cruise ship as a solo saxophonist. There are categories for solo pianist/guitar/vocals but when it comes to the sax it apprears to be all orchestra.
I have been performing for a number of years on a grand scale and was told that I am perfect for a cruise ship entertainer. I have emailed a number of cruise ships from my web site. The problem lies in my classification, Show Band, One Man Band etc. I am desperatley trying to persue the ships to consider this option. Do you have any suggestions on how to further persue this?
Is there a link where you can submit all your infor and promotional requirements and they inform you of prospective job opportunities or is my best bet just to call each cruise ship and inquire about getting an application or book an audition.
Your site has really been a great help. I am determined to showcase my talent on a cruie ship! I have been trying for three years now just to get a reply from on back.
Thank you for your insite
“The Saxman”
8/13/2010
i have been playing 45 years tired of bars and single i had 25 years on the road. been on stage with steve warner forrister sisters mel mcdaniel so many i can’t name them all. need to work i sing back up harmany as well.thanks fred
8/22/2010
what is pay how long out how manny shows a day room and meals included
8/22/2010
i love to travel would be great time
8/22/2010
Craig, could you tell us about the people you play for on cruise gigs? What are their ages? What styles do they like?
I’m a healthy 60-something lifelong jazz guitar player who would like to try a cruise gig after I retire from my day job. I like and respect all styles, but it would be nice to focus a bit more on the standards, bossa, swing, etc. Is there a place at the table for guys like me?
8/27/2010
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