American Hospitality Academy - Hospitality Programs

Cruise Line Professional Course - Online & Onboard
Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does the Cruise Depart From?
7 day onboard training takes place upon Princess Cruises departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

What are the departure dates for the onboard cruise training?
Current departure dates are November 17th and March 9th Additional dates may come available as onboard training sells out.

What is the fee?
Total fee is $1800.00

What does the fee include?
Fees include:

Accommodation and food onboard the Princess Cruise vessel at passenger status;
All instructions and certificate
Studying material
Housing in a standard two-person passenger cabin with private facilities

Not included:

Shore excursions in the ports of call and purchases in the onboard shops and spa
Air-ticket to-and-from the vessel and visa (Maritime Holdings Group’s travel department will assist in procuring the most convenient air arrangement)

What is the payment schedule?
Program deposit of $500 is due 60 days prior to cruise departure date.

International students are expected to apply for B1/B2 visa immediately after paying deposit, no later 45 days prior to cruise departure date.
Program deposit is refundable in the event of visa denial. Proof of visa denial is required for refund - no refunds will be given to students who waited past the 45 day mark to apply for his/her visa.
30 days prior to cruise departure date 100% of program fee is due.
30 days prior to cruise student is enrolled into world campus and completes module 1 of online training AHA's Professional Development and Cultural Awareness and Module 2 Introduction to the Cruise Line Industry
Student completes onboard training
After onboard training, student completes online module 3 and 4 (an overview of these courses will also be presented onboard)
Student completes online test (finals)
Student receives AHA/MHG certificate

What are the Eligibility Requirements?
Minimum 21 years of age (Princess Cruises Requirement). Minimum Education: High School. Good command of English, both written and spoken.

As an international students, what visa will I need to obtain?
B1/B2 Visa. In practice, the two visa categories are usually combined together and issued as a "B1/B2 visa" valid for a temporary visit for either business or pleasure, or a combination of the two. Students indicate on their application they plan to travel to the USA, board Princess cruise in passenger status while attend hospitality training seminars onboard the cruise ship. To learn more about the visitor visa please visit https://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html

How many hours a day will I train while onboard?
Students will be scheduled to attend training seminars approximately 8 hours per day while at sea. When at port, students hours of training will be reduced allowing students to visit and tour the ports.

What are my chances of being hired by Princess after the course?
AHA and MHG is working with Princess Cruises to provide a training program, we cannot make any promises or guarantee of possible employment opportunities. The shipboard training focuses on Purser/Administration or Culinary position and the course will not only give students a hands-on understanding of how cruise line operate, but also the chance to be seen by and interact with shipboard management and supervisors that may recommend them to be hired. However it is important to set clear expectations, final hiring decision is up to the cruise lines and should not be seen as part of the program offerings.

Overview

Training Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

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