Anne-Marié de Bruin is a Cruise Ship Night Auditor. She gave us some insight into her career, so we could learn more about life on an international cruise liner.
Anne-Marié de Bruin is a Cruise Ship Night Auditor. She gave us some insight into her career, so we could learn more about life on an international cruise liner.
Even as a kid, Anne-Marié wanted to work overseas. She started her careers as a Restaurant Manager, working for two famous coffee brands in Pretoria, South Africa.
One day a cousin, who worked aboard a cruise ship, told her about Crystal Cruises, a cruise liner company that was looking for candidates from South Africa to work on their ships. She applied, and everything was arranged by an agency based in Pretoria.
Following a brief Hospitality course, her career on the ships started in the Dining Room. From there, Anne-Marié says she just worked her way up. From the Dining Room she moved to the Reception Desk, and now she works as a Night Auditor on board the Crystal Symphony.
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A night auditor works overnight in hotels, or in this case onboard a cruise liner, performing front desk and accounting duties. No formal education is required to work as a night auditor, and on-the-job training is generally provided with employment. However, previous experience in a similar industry will make an application stand out.
Anne-Marié confirms that she has received plenty of training on the ships. “Most training is specific to the department you work in, and when you are based in an office training is often longer than in some other positions. We are also trained in Safety, Security, Safety Drills, Harassment and Excellence and Service” she tells us.
She says it is a privilege to work on a luxury cruise liner. “You see the world and meet amazing people and get to do amazing things. My personal dream has come true five times! I have seen five different ballet performances in St. Petersburg in the Mariinsky (previously the Kirov). Unforgettable.”
“This career has made me independent. I have to think on my feet, as I work at night without management on duty” Ann-Marié tells us. “It is hard work on a ship. There are a lot of rules, and you will work with many different nationalities. Those with successful careers on the cruise liners are usually sociable, but also responsible.”
Anne-Marié warns that when applying for a cruise liner job, applicants must make sure the agency is legitimate, as there are scammers who prey on excited youngsters who are keen to work and travel the world. Only deal with cruise ship approved agencies.
If, like Anne-Marié, you would like to share your pride in your career, send an email to editor@careers24.com, telling us about yourself and your awesome job, and we’ll be in touch.
