CRUISE SHIP MUSICIAN

JOBS & AUDITIONS

There's an array of incredible job opportunities available for musicians to perform on board luxury cruise ships. We conduct regular auditions around the world and if you can’t make it to one of those, we can arrange an audition by video call. Discover which job position best suits your skill set.

SHOWBAND MUSICIANS

We are recruiting cruise ship Showband Musicians, both horn and rhythm section players to

work in the main theatre on board 5-Star Cruise Lines. These cruise ship musicians MUST be good sight readers, improvise well, and play comfortably to a click track recording. The Showband plays Broadway-style production shows with a full cast of singers and dancers, as well as visiting Guest Headliner Acts. You will also occasionally be required to perform Big Band, Dance, and Jazz sets on board. A Showband gig on a cruise ship can be compared to that of a studio gig on land. Challenging…and highly rewarding! More details on each instrument can be found below. For information on online auditions for Showband Musicians, click here.

Piano / keyboard players in the showband must demonstrate advanced sight-reading and improvisational skills. Showband pianists should also have a good knowledge of various styles and able to comp/solo over each (rock, pop, musical theater, jazz, funk, etc). If this sounds like your niche, join us and let us bring you to the main stage. Click the link below to Apply

Guitar players in the showband must be able to sight-read both individual notation and charts with chord changes. Working knowledge of a wide range of musical styles is required. Performance experience in rock, pop, theatre, jazz and funk is needed as is a solid command of commercial sounds and effects (overdrive, reverb, delay, wah, etc.). Experience playing with a click track is also preferred. If this sounds like your niche, apply with us today to set up your audition.

Bass players in the showband should be excellent sight-readers, comfortable reading individual notation and playing charts with chord changes / lead sheets. Must have excellent time and feel in a variety of styles. Performance experience in rock, pop, theatre, jazz and funk is preferred as you will most likely encounter all of these scenarios during a contract. The ability to play upright is a plus, however, not mandatory. Bring your talent to the high seas. Click the link below to Apply

Showband drummers must have advanced sight-reading skills as well as and excellent time. Must be proficient in a wide variety of musical styles. Drummers will need to perform challenging production shows accurately and consistently every week so experience in theatre work is preferred. In addition, drummers must have an excellent demand of dynamics, tempo and form, and can assume a leadership role within the band. If this sounds like your niche, join us and let us bring you to the main stage.

We recruit for 2 trumpet positions on board – Lead and 2nd/Soloist.

Working with the main theatre, both trumpet chairs require excellent technique and, as rehearsal time is often limited, solid reading skills. Experience playing with big bands, small groups and musical theatre is preferred. Lead players should have proven section-leading abilities and a dependable working range up to a high G. 2nd/solo chairs require improvisational abilities across a range of styles. Click below to Apply

Alto and Tenor players need to be able to double effectively on flute and clarinet. This is very important because all ships will expect you to be proficient on all three instruments. Strong reading skills are required as rehearsal time is often limited. Commercial improvisation skills are required and experience playing theatre shows where quick instrument changes are preferred. If this sounds like your niche, click the link below to Apply

Showband trombone players must have experience playing lead in a big band situation and should also have a dependable low range. In addition, you will be required to improvise at times so some experience in commercial improvisation is preferred. Click the link below to Apply

New to cruise ships? We’ve got you covered. You have questions?
We have answers.

Click the link below to view some of the more common questions we get asked. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have!

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BANDS & ENSEMBLES

Bands & Ensembles perform in various lounges around the ship. In general, repertoire varies greatly depending on the ensemble, however, most groups should have at least 200+ songs, covering an array of different styles (Pop, Rock, Motown, Latin, Show tunes, etc). Your band should be very engaging and should have prepared themed or tribute sets ready to go. Successful cruise ship Bands & Ensembles always leave guests with something to remember!

More details on each can be found below. For more information on the submission process for Bands & Ensembles, please click here

Classical Ensembles include Duos and Trios performing in various lounges around the ship. String groups should be well-versed and able to merge together Classical, Jazz, Show Tunes, & Contemporary styles. You'll set the mood for an elegant experience for the guests and bring top notch entertainment to the high seas. If this sounds like your niche, we'd love to have you on the Flagship Team. Click the link below to Apply

Caribbean Ensembles are normally 2-4 musicians with at least one Vocalist, in addition to; steel pan, guitar, bass, keys, or drums. Your repertoire should demonstrate versatility and having theme sets can give you an edge. Caribbean groups will be performing poolside, as well as outdoor venues on board. Join the Flagship team and bring that island vibe to the high seas. Click the link below to Apply

Party Bands bring the party every night for the guests on board. Typically 4 or 5 members, these bands have large song lists and it is preferred that multiple members add vocals. The most common instrumentation is Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Lead Vocals. Atrium Sets, Theme Nights, and Dance Parties on the pool deck are where the guests fall in love with the Party Band and always have something to remember. Join us and bring a party to the high seas. Click the link below to Apply

Normally as trios and quartets, the most common arrangement for Jazz Groups include; Keys, Bass, Drums, Horn or a Vocalist. Should be able to crossover Jazz with Pop, Funk, Top 40, and Ballroom styles. If this sounds like your niche, join us and bring your talents to the high seas. Click the link below to Apply.

We’re always on the lookout for duos where both members play an instrument and sing lead. Duos that can perform acoustic and to backing tracks are preferred. Should have about 200+ songs and cover most genres. Engaging with the guests is a must and being able to take requests will equal success on board. If you think your duo has what it takes, click the link below to Apply

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SOLOISTS

As with all cruise ship musicians, Soloist need to bring it night after night through interactive songs, sing-alongs and repartee with the guests. You'll be scheduled to perform in various venues throughout the ship such as the main atrium, the pool deck, or smaller stages along the promenade. Soloists with a large repertoire, including themed or tribute sets are preferred.

More details on each can be found below. For information on the submission process for Soloists, please click here

Guitar/ Vocal entertainers create a fun and engaging atmosphere for the guests. Performing in different venues around the ship, having the ability to take requests and create sing-a-longs is the root of success on board. Loop pedals, harmonizers, and other effects are welcome, however, backing tracks are not preferred. Join us and bring your talents to the high seas. Click the link below to Apply

Piano / Vocal Entertainers bring it night after night. Theme Nights, Name-That-Tune, Sing-A-Long favorites, requests from guests. You are literally there to entertain and keep the guests coming back for more. These cruise ship musicians should have a large song list, ranging from the 1950's to current Pop hits and be able to perform without the use of backing tracks. If this sounds like your niche, join the team and let us bring your talents to the high seas. Click the link below to Apply

Solo Steel Pan players should have a large variety of songs; mostly Reggae and Pop, however, some dance styles are always good to have in the rep as well. These cruise ship musicians perform on Vocal/Steel Pan with high-quality backing tracks in most outdoor venues on board, and are typically geared for the Caribbean itineraries. If you’re thinking about bringing that fun island vibe to the high seas, contact us today! Click the link below to Apply

Solo Piano players should have a large repertoire ranging from Classical to current Pop and Top 40 hits. All soloists perform for various events on board, including afternoon teas, evening sail-aways, or after dinner background music in the different lounges. The ability to provide vocals and/or sight-read is not required, however is encouraged. If this sounds like your cup of tea, we’d love to have you on the team. Click the link below to Apply

Solo Guitarist who can cover most genres with ease; classical, latin, jazz, pop, and everything in between. Successful candidates have a diverse repertoire and the ability to play guest requests on the fly. From Bach to Jobim, solo guitarists should have prepared themed sets and be able to adapt to different settings on board. Versatility is key. Guitarists perform in the atrium and various lounges on board. Click the link below to Apply

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CRUISE SHIP MUSICIAN

JOBS & AUDITIONS

SHOWBAND MUSICIANS

BANDS & ENSEMBLES

SOLOISTS

PARTY BAND