Q : Who is Starboard Cruise Services, Inc. and what types of positions are offered on board?

Starboard Cruise Services, formerly known as Greyhound Leisure Services, is the world's largest and leading duty free retailer on board 80 cruise ships worldwide. We offer career opportunities that begin with Sales Associate positions. Associates who demonstrate excellent performance can later qualify and be considered for shop management opportunities.

Q : What is Starboard's affiliation with the cruise lines?

We are a concessionaire, which means we lease the shop space on board; staff the retail sales teams and supply the merchandise that is presented and sold.

Q : What qualifications are required to join the on board retail sales team?

For our Sales Associate position, we prefer 2 years retail sales and merchandising experience. Specialties in fine jewelry, cosmetics, watches and fine gifts are a definite plus. Applicants should also be energetic, customer service-oriented individuals!

Q : What types of official documentation will I be required to have in order to be employed on board?

• U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport for at least two years.
• Citizens of other countries are also required to have a passport that is valid for at least two years and a C1/D Transit/Seaman's visa. Successful applicants are required to apply for the C1/D Transit/Seaman's visa at the American consulate in their home country with an employment letter provided by Starboard Cruise Services, Inc.

Q : Will I be allowed to choose the cruise line and ship of my choice?

Newly hired employees are assigned to open positions based on qualifications and the placement making good "business sense". World cruises as well as Special Itineraries are offered to our employees as an incentive for their previous successful contract(s).

Q : How long is the onboard employment contract?

The length of the employment contract is six months.

Q : Once employed, will I have to pay taxes while working on board?

Citizens of the United States as well as U.S. Alien Residents will be required by IRS regulations to have 15% taxes deducted from on board earnings. Employees who are citizens of all other countries are required to abide by the tax laws governed by the country of their passport.

Q : How will I be paid while on board?

Each on board employee's salary is paid semi-monthly (twice per month) while commissions are paid at the end of a cruise. All compensation is paid in cash (US dollars.)

Q : Do you provide room, board and uniforms?

Through our cruise line partners, we provide accommodations for our on board employees that are shared in crew quarters with at least one other person of the same sex. (Keep in mind, crew quarters are not as spacious as passenger quarters!) Meals and uniforms are also provided, with the exception of footwear. We support a dress code standard that may vary from cruise line to cruise line. These dress standards are also in reference to "off time' when employees access the passenger areas in addition to attending on board events such as "formal nights". These dress code expectations enable our employees to remain consistent with our cruise line partners' standards and presentation commitment to our passengers.

Q : How do I get to my first ship assignment?

Newly hired employees must pre-arrange a one-way ticket with Starboard to their first ship assignment. Upon embarkation, $500 is required to be deposited with the Shop Manager. Upon successful completion of the six-month contract, the $500 deposit will be reimbursed to the employee and Starboard will arrange the return flight home. The Company will use the $500 deposit to purchase a returning air ticket only in the event that an employee does not complete an 8-month contract.

Q : How many hours per week will I be required to work?

Depending on the ship's itinerary, employee work hours may vary between 40-70 hours per week. Each employee is expected to work while the ship is at sea as well as working during some port time hours.

Q : What are some of the policies, rules and regulations of the ship that I need to be aware of?

All crewmembers are expected to abide by the "Ship's Rules and Regulations" as well as those outlined in our employee contract. Each employee is expected to participate in weekly Safety and Lifeboat Drills. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations may be grounds for immediate termination. Because we uphold the standards of a safe and drug-free environment, there is also zero tolerance for the use or sale of drugs or narcotics. In some cases, random drug screenings may be facilitated by our cruise line partners.