Should I join a cruise ship?

Question

I have recently been thinking a lot about what I want to do in the next 10 years. I am keen on furthering my career in the hotel industry, and hope one day to reach the chief executive level. I am 22 years old and know that I have a lot of hard work to do and many years until I get there.

I am currently a front office manager in a three-star hotel. I have only been working in the industry for two years and feel that my career has taken off quickly.

I am thinking of moving at the end of the year as I am keen to do a bit of travelling. I would like to do some work on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, but was worried that by doing so I would not get the experience needed to fulfil my ambition. Would it be a good move to work on a cruise ship for a couple of years or should I carry on working in hotels and do extra business studies on the side? Also, what qualifications would be appropriate for my chosen career?

What the expert says

Hannah Bailey, chief operating officer, Chess Partnership

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I would certainly recommend working on a cruise ship if you want to work and travel at the same time. Working on cruise lines is a fantastic experience that exposes you to so many different walks of life, both professional and personal, and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them as a terrific way not only to take a break from your career, but to further it at the same time. There are, however, a few things to consider: - The company you work for. If you want to return to the UK after your time on board, make sure you choose a company that will be recognized in the UK - for example, P&O or Cunard. - The position you take. Be choosy about the position and rank that you apply for. With your experience I think you should aim for a department where you are automatically made an officer - for example, purser, accounting or guest relations departments. - Arrangements for your return. When you decide it is time to come back to a land-based job, be sure to make preparations in good time. It is very hard to come back to the UK and be out of work, and it's even worse if you do not have anything in the pipeline. Some useful web addresses include [www.pocruises.com](http://www.pocruises.com) and [www.cunardline.com. It is worth sending your details through to these and other companies as an on-spec application, because positions are not always advertised. Regarding qualifications, I think it would be useful to keep working in hotels and gain more experience. When you get to about 28- or 30-years old, look at doing an MBA.