Costa Cruises is the largest cruise operator in Europe with over 67 years of experience. It has a young and multinational staff of over 19,000 employees from 70 countries. Costa Cruises offers state-of-the-art ships accommodating 1,600-5,000 guests that sail worldwide. The recruitment process involves applying online, assessments, interviews, training, and obtaining required documents like medical certificates, safety training certification, and police clearances before embarking.
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See you on board
1. See you on board!
Global Recruiting
Corporate Human Resources Department
career.costacruises.com
3. 3
Welcome to Costa Cruises
The Company
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is the largest Italian travel group and Europes number one cruise operator with
over 67 years of tradition in passenger shipping. The Group is headquartered in Genoa (Italy) and
comprises the brands Costa Cruises e AIDA Cruises.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is a member of Carnival Corporation & plc, the worlds largest cruise operator, and
it is also a member of the exclusive Worlds Leading Cruise Lines.
The ships in the Costa Cruises fleet fly the Italian flag and sail to over 250 destinations worldwide in
the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the
United Arab Emirates, the Far East, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, plus Round-the-World cruises.
The Company can count on a young, multinational staff: 80% of its more than 19.000 employees
(17.500 shipboard personnel and 1.500 in the shoreside offices) are under 40 and they come from 70
different countries.
Costa Cruises is also the first company in the world to be assigned RINAs prestigious Green Star
notation across the fleet; this certifies that all Costas vessels comply with strict environmental
standards.
Europes largest and most advanced fleet, with ships that can accommodate from 1.600 to
5.000 Guests, offering technological innovations, numerous works of art, state-of-the-art spas,
splendid theaters and show lounges, a large choice of excellent restaurants and quality bars.
All Costa ships are fascinating places, which are aimed to provide comfort and all
pleasures of the holiday can provide through our unique style that led us to be the
first Cruise Company in Italy and in Europe.
4. - Costa Cruises Values4
COMMITTED to safety:
1 We do not compromise when it comes to safety
2 Our priority is ensuring a safe environment for everybody including myself
3 We continuously strive to improve safety
RESPONSIBLE citizens:
1 We live the company code of conduct and the HESS policies
2 We are recognized for our honesty, transparency and integrity
3 We always take into account the social implications of our actions
PASSIONATE for results:
1 We are enthusiastic and passionate in doing our job
2 We always strive for the best economical impact of our activities
3 We recognize that working together is essential to be successful
Costa Cruises Values
5. Costa Cruises Values - 5
CARING and TRUSTING people:
1 We do our best to improve the well-being of my colleagues and to ensure the happiness of the guests
2 We work to create trust and credibility by improving relationships
3 We believe in equality and we respect people of different races, cultures, religions, gender and sexual orientation
ENGAGED in listening and learning:
1 We listen with an open mind
2 We learn from our failures as well as our successes
3 We give and receive constructive feedback in a respectful way
UNIQUE and SIMPLE in our delivery:
1 We search for smart ways to make our delivery special
2 We look for fast and efficient solutions without complicating things
3 We strive to achieve what makes the difference in all we do and we serve it with a smile
6. The three main shipboard departments are as follows:
Engine
Engine Officers and personnel
Deck
Deck Officers and personnel
Hotel
Hotel Officers and personnel
Our organization
7. The Hotel Department is managed by the Hotel Director and includes:
Administration Housekeeping
Bar Hospitality
Beauty Salon Photo
Casino Restaurant
Crew Services Shops
Entertainment Stores and Provisions
Galley Tours
7Our organization -
8. F&B Director
Executive Chef
Head
Pastryman
Head Baker
Executive
Sous Chef
Head Butcher
Chef de cuisine
Chinese
Kitchen
Steward
Chef de cuisine
Korean
Chef de cuisine
Japanese Partie
Assistant
F&B Director
1st Pastryman 1st BakerSous Chef 1st Butcher Chinese Partie
Galley utility
Korean partieJapanese Partie
2nd Pastryman
2nd Baker /
Pizzamaker
1st Cook /
Pizzaiolo
2nd Butcher
3rd Pastryman 3rd Baker
2nd Cook /
Ice Carver
3rd Butcher
3rd Cook
Hospitality
Service Manager
Guest Relation
Manager
Hospitality
Senior Supervisor
Hospitality
Service Specialist
Assistant
Bartender
1st Bartender
Bartender
Bar Waiter
Cocktail Waitress
Bar Boy
Bar Manager
Assistant
Bar Manager
1st Ma樽tre
Waiter
Waiter
Supervisor
Buffet
Supervisor
Assistant
Waiter
2nd Ma樽tre
Snack Steward
Administrative
Director
Assistant
Administrative
Director
Crew Purser
Cashier
Customs &
Immigration
Purser
Crew Purser
Cashier
Operator
Hotel Maintenance
Officer
Hotel
Upholsterers
Hotel Fitter
Hotel
Carpenters
Hospitality
Service
Senior Specialist
Sound
Technician
Light
Technician
Assistant
TV Director
Lounge
Technician
Some examples of career paths in the main Hotel sectors
To find out additional important information about the Company, our ships and our destinations, we suggest you visit our website www.career.costacruises.com
where you can find all updated information regarding our career path, the responsibilities of different profiles and the positions open.
8 - Our organization
9. Inventory Officer
Hotel
Storekeeper
Assistant
Inventory Officer
Provision
Master
Hotel Tiler
Desk Top Pubblisher
Assistant
Desk Top
Pubblisher
Cruise Director
Assistant
Cruise Director
Chief Adult
Animator
Chief Children
Animator
Head C-Wonder
Operator
Entertainment
Technical
Manager
C-Wonder
Operator
TV Director Stage Manager
TV Programmer Stage Hand Sport Instructor
Dancing
Maestro
Adult Animator
Tour Manager
Tour Escort Port LecturerConcierge
Housekeeping
Manager
Housekeeping
Steward
Assistant
Housekeeping
Manager
Cabin Steward
Crew Steward
Crew Cabin
Steward
Laundrumer A
Assistant
Chief Laundry
Washer
Laundrumer B
Dry Cleaner
Room Service
Supervisor
Assistant
Room Service
Supervisor
Room Service
Attendant
Photo Manager
Photographer Printer
Casino
Manager
Casino
Supervisor
Head Casino
Technician
Head Casino
Cashier
Casino Dealer Slot Technician Casino Cashier
Assistant
Casino Manager
Hotel Director
Captain
Chief Crew
Housekeeping
Cruise Direction
Staff Cleaner
Room Service
Dishwasher
Chief Laundry
Concessionaires
Adult Animation
Assistant
Children
Animator
Teen Animator
9Our organization -
10. 10
How does the recruitment and selection
process work?
The stages of the recruitment and selection process are as
follows:
1. Apply on our Career website at career.costacruises.com to
the position desired or spontaneously.
2. Prescreening done by the recruiting team.
3. Online aptitude tests.
4. Group assessment or individual interview.
If the outcome is positive:
1. Offer Letter to be received.
2. Preparation of the necessary documentation and medical
examinations.
3. Pre-embarkation training courses.
4. Your contract and travel to your assigned destination.
What documents do I need to have in order
to embark?
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least another 12 months at
the date of embarkation.
Application Form
This form is required for the records in the Company database.
Medical certificates
The medical examinations and Lab Test required by the
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) will be communicated
in case of positive result at the end of the recruiting process.
STCW (IMO) Basic Safety Training (BST)
This safety certificate is mandatory for embarkation on any
cruise ship.
Survival Techniques
Fire Fighting
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
Security Awareness
Please check that your chosen training center is officially
recognized by the national maritime authorities following the
current regulation.
The Training center selected for the Basic Safety Training (BST)
and for the Security Awareness must be Certified and should be
in agreement with the current maritime regulation.
Here for You Orientation Certificate
Issued after you have successfully completed the associated pre-
embarkation orientation course organized by Costa Cruises.
Police clearance certificate and Certificate of charges
pending
Issued by the relevant authorities.
Any visas or vaccinations required
This depends on your country of embarkation (you will be given
specific information in due course).
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) Certificate
or equivalent
For food handlers only.
Focus on Children Certificate
For positions within the entertainment department
Very important: these documents are essential for the
purposes of embarkation, and original copies must be
presented to the shipboard Crew Office each time you
embark. Please ensure that you have them with you before
you leave home, and keep them in your hand luggage.
Where can I do the Basic Safety Training
(BST)?
There are accredited training centers that issue this certificate
located throughout Europe: you will be given a list with the
relevant details. The duration of the course varies from one
center to another, but it generally lasts between a week and 10
days.
You are reminded that you must have this certificate to work
on board any cruise ship, as per IMO (International Maritime
Organization) rules and regulations and that participants pay
their own fees.
Whats the Here for You Orientation
course?
Its a Company orientation course arranged by Costa Cruises
to prepare future crew members to adjust to life on board. It
provides information about the Company, the Costa style, the
main shipboard procedures, etc. A Costa tutor will assist you
during the course, which lasts an extra day for food handlers
(who are required to do the dedicated sanitation and HACCP
training) or an extra day for positions within the entertainment
department (who are required to do the Focus on Children
training).
There are several tests during the course to verify your
progress.
Whats a police clearance certificate?
A police clearance certificate is a declaration of the absence of
any criminal record. Such judicial record extracts are required to
prevent individuals who pose a risk to security from joining our
Company. They are also requested by visa offices.
Before embarkation
- Before embarkation
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How can I obtain a visa?
If you require a visa for embarkation on account of your
assigned itinerary, you will be given help and instructions
regarding the visa application procedure.
When will I receive my employment
contract?
Once you have been recruited and have gathered all the
documents required, you will receive a letter containing a job
offer. Subsequently you will be sent a copy of your contract
showing the ship you have been assigned to, your period of
embarkation and your salary.
C.S.C.S. (Cruise Ships Catering & Services International N.V.),
which is a Costa Group subsidiary, is in charge of the issue of
contracts of embarkation.
How long does a contract last?
On average a contract lasts 5 months. The Company can vary
the length of a contract from a minimum of 4 months to a
maximum of 6. In agreement with the seafarer concerned, the
contract may be extended for another 3 months (8 months in
all).
Can a contract be renewed after each
embarkation?
Sure! Were looking for people who want to have a career
on board our ships and to grow in the profession. After each
contract and the subsequent period of rest, you will be called
for your next contract provided that your performance in the
job has been evaluated favorably.
Can I be asked to change ship during a
contract?
Yes, the Company can ask you to change ship for operational
reasons related to the demands of the product or the service.
How long is the rest ashore between
contracts?
At the end of each contract, you are entitled to a period of rest
generally lasting the equivalent of about 40% of the period you
worked on board. So if, lets say, youve just finished a 5 month
contract, you will have the right to about 2 months holiday.
What are the rules regarding baggage?
We would ask you not to bring bulky suitcases on board. The
weight allowance for seafarers traveling by plane is 40 kg (a
maximum of two pieces of luggage, neither of which may weigh
more than 23 kg).
What can I bring on board?
We suggest you bring casual clothes for your spare time
(clothing that is suitable for both hot and cold weather, since
you will experience different seasons during the contract and
you may be required to change ship). Shoes and socks are not
provided with your uniform so you will need to bring your
own from home. In any event, its a good idea to have two
pairs (one black, one white) of loafers (for men) or pumps (for
women). Irons or other electrical appliances (portable stoves,
electric coffee machines ) are not allowed in the cabin. Crew
cabins are equipped with hair dryers, TVs and telephones. Youll
need to bring your own personal hygiene products with you,
whereas towels and bed sheets are provided on board. You can
bring your laptop, camera, iPod, mobile phonebut youll be
responsible for all these valuables and you must declare them
when you embark.
How do I get to the ship?
The Company will make the necessary arrangements and pay
for your travel to and from the port (when you embark at the
start and disembark at the end of the contract). Costa provides
travel all the way from your place of residence (stated in your
Application Form) to the ship and vice versa. If you pay any
associated expenses (meals, taxi fares) yourself, you can
obtain reimbursement by filling the form available at the crew
office with the receipt in original.
12. 12
Who will be my point of reference on board?
Who should I report to?
When you first embark, you will be met by Security, who
will show you to the Crew Office where you will go through
the initial embarkation procedure. Your points of reference
will be the Manager of your shipboard department and their
assistant. During your first month on board, one of your more
experienced colleagues will act as your Mentor, introducing you
to your new working and social life on board, helping
you to settle in and adjust to the new environment. In order to
be confirmed in your position onboard you need to be positively
evaluated, at the end of your mentoring period, by your
Supervisor or Manager. Ask who your Mentor is as soon as you
board the ship!
The person in charge of the Hotel Department is the Hotel
Director, while the Master is in charge of all the Crew members
and Guests on board. The position of the HR Director is
present on every ship. He/she act as the first point of contact
for HR issues and services, ensure that rules are respected,
promote staff development, foster a climate of integration and
participation and support the welfare of the crew.
Will my training continue on board?
On board each ship there is the Learning Officer who is the
Costa Campus representative for all the training activities and
programs carried out to develop the skills of our shipboard
personnel, the only exception being mandatory safety,
environmental and security courses conducted by the Officers
concerned (Safety Officer, Environmental Officer and Security
Officer). The Learning Officer guarantee the quality and
effectiveness of training, in line with the Companys procedures
and objectives, and they also provide support and assistance for
people doing the e-learning courses on Costa Cruises e-learning
platform.
Is there a trial period?
All Costas shipboard and shoreside employees receive an
evaluation of their performance on the job by means of the
Performance Management system, whereby an evaluation
sheet is filled out by your direct superior and approved by the
relevant Manager.
The first Performance Management assessment takes place
within 3 months after embarkation, the second prior to
disembarkation.
The Performance Management helps managers to assess the
behaviors expressed by the employee and traces the path of
training and development of all Costa employees, helping to
ensure that merit is always rewarded and fairness guaranteed.
What are the working hours?
On board, you work 7 days a week, but you also have rest
periods and free time every day. The specific rules regarding
working hours are stated in your contract and may vary
depending on your position. Broadly speaking, you will be
working an average of 11 hours a day, with a minimum of 10
hours of rest every 24 hours and 77 hours of rest every 7 days.
The hours of rest may be divided into several periods.
How am I paid?
Your salary is paid on a monthly basis into your bank account or
postal savings account and varies depending on your position.
For almost all positions there is a Hotel Service Incentive or
Hotel Performance Bonus* which depends on reaching certain
performance or customer satisfaction targets.
Can I ask for an advance on my salary?
Yes, each month you can request an advance payment on your
salary.
Can I deposit cash on board?
Yes, once youre on board youll be given information on how to
do this.
What career possibilities do I have?
Costa wishes to recruit people who want to grow professionally
on board our ships and build careers for themselves in our
Company.
For this reason career paths have been created in all
departments so that, as long as you are motivated and devoted
to the job, you can reach management positions in a few years.
The Performance Management (evaluation sheet) system allows
you to be positioned by your superior in any one of several
areas, including growth in the position, building to move
and if you perform particularly well recommendation for
promotion.
One of the Companys top priorities is the empowerment of
its people and the advancement of employees who wish to
progress in their careers.
Who can I contact on board if I have any
other questions?
HR Director
For information about work and/or working hours, ask your
direct superior in your department.
Crew Office
For information about your salary and/or administrative matters
What about the shoreside offices?
In the Human Resources Department in our shoreside offices
there is one HR Manager for each shipboard department who is
responsible for supervising the crew members concerned during
their working lives on board.
The Crew Office will provide you with further details.
- After embarkation
After embarkation
13. 13
Wheres my cabin?
When you arrive on board, the Chief Crew Housekeeping
will provide you with the key to your cabin and information
regarding your accommodation; youll share a cabin with a
colleague of the same gender and (usually) from the same
department. In most cases two cabins share one bathroom.
People working in certain positions will have their own
individual cabins. The crew accommodation areas include inside
cabins which are not particularly large, but all crew cabins are
comfortable and have TVs as well as room for your personal
effects and access to bathroom facilities and a shower.
Where do I get my uniform?
Uniforms are available on board in the storage area, and they
should be collected on the day of embarkation. A third of
their cost will be charged to you and deducted from your first
months wages; this allows you to keep your uniforms with you
when you disembark. You must always look after your uniform
and wear it in accordance with Company rules and regulations,
with your name tag and the Costa PIN clearly visible.
What about washing uniforms and my own
clothes?
The laundry service for uniforms is free of charge and you can
have your own clothes washed at a reduced price. In any case
there are washing machines for use in the crew area.
What food is served on board?
The self service buffet meals served (with water and fruit juice)
in the Crew/Staff/Officers mess are free of charge. We always
offer a range of dishes catering to different international tastes.
What expenses will I incur on board?
You will be charged for extra drinks consumed in the mess or
the crew bar, though at reduced prices. Purchases in the shops
on board and the Internet connection are also discounted for
crew members.
Cash is not used on board; your crew pass works like a credit
card. When you reach your credit limit, youll need to go to the
Crew Office and make a cash deposit.
Is there an Internet connection on board for
the crew?
Yes, you can buy a special card for Internet access for the crew.
There are also often wireless access points in the different ports
of call and Internet points in the passenger terminals.
How can I phone home?
On board you can buy special phone cards at the Crew Office,
which you can use to call home from the comfort of your own
cabin.
How can my family contact me for any
reason?
All the ships have a satellite phone number that can be called
from ashore in case of emergency. Also, you can take advantage
of the Family & Friends or ask for a Family Passage (after
4 months of contract) to invite your family on board for a
period with a special discount, subject to cabin availability and
Company approval. Lastly, if members of your family are in or
near one of the ports when your ship calls there, they can come
on board during the stopover provided you submit a request for
a day pass.
What can I do in my spare time?
During port calls you can go ashore and visit our many splendid
destinations, provided that youre not on duty at the time and
in accordance with the In-Port Manning procedure. On board
theres a dedicated sunbathing area and a crew gym, as well as
an Internet point and crew bar. At the welfare office on board
you can borrow DVDs or books and receive mail.
Life on board -
Life on board
14. 14
What should I do if I get sick on board?
If youre not feeling well, you can go to the ships infirmary
where the nurse or doctor will prescribe any medicines or,
if necessary, make an appointment for an examination at a
shoreside health care facility. This service is provided free of
charge. Consulting hours for crew members are posted outside
the infirmary. In the event of illness, you may be suspended
from service for up to 5 days. If the problem persists and
requires more specific treatment, the ships doctor may decide
to request your repatriation for health reasons. Of course youll
be allowed back on board as soon as you recover.
What rules do I have to follow?
On board it is vital to follow some basic rules for your own
safety and welfare: upon arrival you will be given a document
setting out the main shipboard rules and regulations.
Generally speaking, we wish to draw your attention to the need
to:
always treat Guests and your colleagues with respect;
look after shipboard equipment, whether youre in the
workplace or off duty;
never use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol;
take care of your grooming appearance and your uniform
(the following are not permitted: visible tattoos and pier-
cings, long hair or earrings for men, too much make-up or
jewelry for women);
not smoke in, or take food into, your cabin (there are
designated smoking areas on board);
be back on board at least an hour before scheduled
departure.
Failure to comply with the basic rules of communal living or
with regulations regarding ship security and personal safety
may result in disciplinary disembarkation. In order to guarantee
the safety of Guests and crew, baggage is inspected when it is
embarked and crew cabins are also inspected from time to time.
- Life on board
15. You are our ideal candidate if
Information for shipboard personnel
Cruise Ship Catering and Services International N.V.
Stabile Organizzazione Italia
Piazza Piccapietra, 48
16121 Genova-Italy
General question phone: +39 010 5483 000
Emergency Travel phone: +39 366 8541 543
Disembarkation information: onboard Crew Purser
Fax: Hotel+39 010 5483 741
E-mail: HrDataProcess@costa.it
www.costacruises.com
How to use the numbers:
Emergency Travel phone to be used when you are travelling:
Missed Flights
Cancellation of flights
Ticket cancellations
Any other problem rekated to travel arrangements
General questions phone to be used for information regarding:
Visa, flights (general), contract, position, payment, contacting a HR Manager.
When you need to obtain your disembarkation date, please always contact
the Crew Purse onboard the ship.The Crew Purser is in contact with the
HR Managers and will be information regarding the disembarkation date.
Certifications of emergency disembarkations need to be handed to the
Crew Purser onboard the ship.
See you on board!
You do speak fluently English
You do like the idea of living in a multicultural environment
You do like travelling
You do enjoy the company of other people
Your values include a belief in work and merit
You do want to have a career in an international Company
You are outgoing, sociable and flexible
We do hope that this has satisfied your curiosity at least in part and we would also point out that this guide may be revised from time to time.
We invite you to visit our website career.costacruises.com to see the latest updates
Thank you for your attention!