Shipside FAQs
Do you need help?
Browse through our FAQ section to find quick answers to the most common questions. If you can't find the information you're looking for or need more in-depth support, don't hesitate to contact us.
Application
Getting to Know Each Other
You will hear back roughly within a month.
- Include your education level clearly.
- Specify your language skills, especially your level of English.
- List your work experiences with exact years of experience for each role.
- Highlight any certifications, especially those relevant to the maritime sector.
Yes, but we recommend applying only for roles that truly reflect your profile.
Make sure you meet all the requirements for each position.
You will receive a confirmation email from our system.
English is the official language onboard our vessels, therefore, all employees must be able to read, write and speak English. Some positions have specific language requirements, but (in general) English is sufficient. However, because of our international guests and exciting itineraries, it is helpful if you speak additional languages, including (but certainly not limited to): Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese. Additional language skills are always a plus! Specific language requirements are detailed in the job posting.
In principle there is no age limit, unless specified in the job posting. Every candidate shall be at least 18 years.
Please note that vacancies listed on the Company’s web portal are for EU candidates, unless specified in the job title. You can check the “Talent Agent Partners” page and see if any agency is available in your country. If so, please check their website to see vacancies. Hiring partners are third party service providers; they are not employees of our company. Only those listed on this site are authorized to recruit for our company
Should no hiring partner be listed for your country, we regret to inform you that we cannot consider your application for the time being. Before recruiting candidates in a new country, the company makes an assessment on the hiring partners available, on the process for Italian visa and other criteria. We suggest you to check the Talent Agent Partners page regularly on company’s website as we keep exploring for new opportunities.
Unless specified in the job vacancy, posting on the company’s website are bound to EU candidates only, no matter where their residence is. However, and based on a case by case evaluation, you might be asked to process your embarkation documents in the country of your passport.
If you are a No-Eu candidate, you can be processed through a Talent Agent Partner and only if you are not resident in an Eu country.
Hiring Partners included on the company’s website work for Costa and for other shipowners. Under these circumstances, they might specify whether they are offering a vacancy or not. In any case, you can check their website for every position open to candidates.
Costa Crociere values the Cadetship programs as a key part of shaping the future of our fleet. That’s why we work closely with top maritime training institutions and universities to support the recruitment and development of young talents who will become tomorrow’s Officers. We encourage anyone interested to visit our partners’ websites to learn more about the training programs and explore the opportunities available.
Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile:
https://accademiamarinamercantile.it/
Istituto Superiore "Nino Bixio":
7 ITS ACADEMY - UFFICIALE DI MACCHINA - I.I.S Nino Bixio
Università degli Studi di Genova:
https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/10948
Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope:
https://orienta.uniparthenope.it/laurea-triennale/conduzione-del-mezzo-navale/
First Contact
Charting Your Course
You’ll be invited to complete online assessments. If successful, you’ll move on to the technical interview. After that, you’ll receive feedback on the final outcome of the selection process.
You’ll be part of a vibrant, multicultural environment, with up to 70 different nationalities, hosting between 3,500 and 6,500 guests, plus crew.
It’s a supportive environment where collaboration and inclusion are keys.
You can check out the description of the department you’re interested in, listed in the shipboard careers section on our website.
Living onboard means sharing your daily life with colleagues for several months. Depending on your role, you may also share the cabin with same gender colleague.
Flexibility is key, as shifts and routines vary depending on ship operations.
An open mindset and respect for different cultures, among both crew and guests, are essential.
First Interview
Getting to Know Each Other
The type of assessment depends on the position you are applying for. All candidates are required to take an English language test. You may also be asked to complete psychometric and/or aptitude tests, as well as additional language assessments, to evaluate your cognitive abilities, behavioral traits, and communication skills.
The technical interview focuses on your knowledge of technical skills required for the position. To prepare, we recommend clear and structured answers that highlight your expertise.
Online Assessment
Navigating Your Fit
At Costa, professional growth and development are key priorities. The company offers continuous training opportunities, especially onboard, through a team of dedicated Learning Officers. Training programs include:
- Safety training, which is mandatory and regularly updated to comply with international standards.
- On-the-job training, tailored to the specific role, allowing crew members to learn directly through practical experience.
- Language courses, to enhance communication in a multicultural and international environment.
For supervisors and managers, Costa also provides specialized training focused on:
- Soft skills development, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving.
- Leadership and team management, to strengthen the ability to lead, motivate, and develop team members effectively.
This structured approach ensures that every crew member has the opportunity to develop new skills during their time with the company.
KPIs are evaluated based on the role and typically include operational performance, guest satisfaction, teamwork, compliance with safety standards, and problem solving skills. For supervisors and managers, they also cover team management and leadership. The specific KPIs will be explained during the interview and once onboard.
Offer Letter
Setting Sail Together
Costa provides a wide range of benefits for crew members, including free on-the-job training, paid travel, hotel and meals during transfers, and onboard perks like free meals, discounted dining, and crew bar offers. Accommodation is provided with cleaning and laundry services. Crew also receive free internet (250MB/month), discounts on shops and spa, access to medical care, and a crew app to check embarkation schedules and payslip.
For full details, you can visit the official page: Costa Shipside Benefits
The timeline depends on how quickly you can prepare the required documents, such as the STCW certificates, medical and vaccination records, and any additional documents specific to your role. On average, the process takes about 2 to 3 months from confirmation to embarkation planning.
Preboarding
Pack Your Luggage
You’ll be supported and followed throughout the document preparation by the Post-Selection Team or Talent Agent Partner.
Regardless of the position for which you are applying, to qualify for shipboard employment you must have a valid passport, and the ability to:
- Obtain an Italian working visa type D (unless you are an Eu candidate)
- Pass National medical examination in accordance with MLC and ILO guidelines.
- Obtain relevant itinerary-driven visas
- Present the proper qualifications/certifications required, based on your role, including safety certificates (STCW ’78 as amended)
- Obtain MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Varicella vaccines. Additional requirements apply to foodhandlers
- Seaman’s book (for Deck and Engine crew and specific Hotel positions)
- Pass a job-specific medical examination with the Company’s Occupational Health practitioner.
- You are not required to hold such documents prior to your application, unless certificates are role-specific.
Ship Assignment
Ready to Go!
Ship assignments are based on crew rotation and operational needs across the fleet. You’ll be assigned according to availability and role’s vacancy.
Yes, as soon as your embarkation is scheduled, you’ll receive a notification with all the final steps and details about your assigned ship and itinerary.
You’re allowed to bring two checked bags (up to 40kg total) and one hand luggage (up to 8kg). It’s always recommended to check your airline ticket for specific baggage rules. Additional packing tips and recommendations will be provided by the Post-Selection Team or Talent Agent Partner before departure.
We suggest you verify any information on Costa’s career website if you want to apply to Costa. For embarkation on other companies under the Carnival Corporation, please make reference to the corporate page at following link
There is an Internal Talent Mobility Process, that is activated according to needs and vacancies available. HR Shoreside periodically sends onboard the available positions’ list with the requirements to apply, then the HR Director will activate the whole steps and interviews (soft & technical skills). In case of positive feedback, the change of position will take place as per Company requirements in terms of available vacancies and operational needs of both current and landing department/position.
Cadet Ship Program
The path leading to the qualification of Cadet Officer is not the same for everyone: access requirements vary depending on the educational background of the candidate.
For graduates of a Transport and Logistics Technical Institute (formerly Nautical Institute), the qualification is recognized upon obtaining the nautical diploma. Candidates coming from other educational backgrounds, however, must complete a specific Alignment Course designed to fill the gap of knowledge on nautical/technical topics.
The Alignment Module is a training pathway designed for graduates from non-nautical educational backgrounds who wish to pursue a career as a Deck Officer or Engine Officer. Successful completion of the program enables candidates to acquire the educational requirements necessary to obtain the qualification of Deck Officer Cadet or Engine Officer Cadet, in accordance with current educational standards.
The program must be attended at training institutes or maritime academies authorized by the Italian Coast Guard Headquarters (Comando Generale delle Capitanerie di Porto). The total duration of the course varies according to the specialization selected:
- Deck Department: 700 hours of training.
- Engine Department: 800 hours of training.
Upon completion of the training program and successful passing of the final examination, candidates may apply for official recognition of the relevant Officer Cadet qualification.
Holding the Officer Cadet qualification does not automatically entitle a candidate to embark on board a vessel. Before joining a ship, an Officer Cadet must possess all documentation and certifications required by current maritime regulations, including:
- A valid Seafarer’s Book (Seaman’s Record Book) showing the qualification of Officer Cadet
(Following registration as a seafarer, a temporary registration document is initially issued before the Seafarer’s Book is released.) - All mandatory STCW certificates required for seafarers, including:
- Basic Safety Training (BST)
- Crowd & Crisis Management
- Security Duties
- Any additional certifications required depending on the specific vessel and assignment.
- A valid Medical Fitness Certificate for Seafarers, issued by the competent authority. (The medical examination must be renewed every two years.)
- Any additional certifications that may be required by maritime regulations or by the Company for the specific embarkation program (i.e. Vaccinations).
Only after fulfilling all of the above requirements can an Officer Cadet be assigned on board and begin their professional training pathway at sea. During this period, the cadet gains the required seagoing experience. Twelve months onboard as an Officer Cadet are required to apply for the exam as a Deck Officer/Engine Officer.
Additional FAQ
Generic Information
You can write to getonboard@costa.it. Please note that this e-mail is not valid for submitting applications. We believe that recruitment is more than just a process, it's the beginning of a potential adventure together.
You can explore the candidate journey on each career opportunity’s dedicated page.
You can find the foreseen benefits listed on each career opportunity’s dedicated page.
Costa is a global community where everyone belongs. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, belief, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that makes us unique.
You can check out the related timings on each career opportunity’s dedicated page.
The average recruitment process at Costa Crociere can take between 2 to 6 weeks from the first contact to the offer letter, depending on the role and how quickly candidates complete each step. Throughout this journey, we stay connected. Whether you're preparing for an interview or waiting for feedback, our Talent Acquisition Team is here to support you.
Absolutely! Please visit our dedicated section under shipside and shoreside opportunities.
We have evolved our purpose and mission into six core values that set our corporate navigation system defining who we are, what we stand for, and how we operate. To know more visit the dedicated pages.
We prioritize transparency and delivering a positive candidate experience. At present, we do not utilize AI technologies on our career website or during the application process, primarily due to the high standards required by the compliance with the EU Ai Act, still to be implemented by the majority of providers.
Career progression is supported through a structured and transparent approach that empowers employees to grow professionally across different functions and levels. Discover our Hotel Career Development Model and Internal Mobility Program in the dedicated section 'Our Opportunities/Unlock Your Potential' on our website.