Train for the role you want, the way cruise lines expect.
Role specific, practical training built around the standards the cruise lines expect. Every course is clear and consistent, and ends with a knowledge check and a certificate of completion.
Built by people who worked at seaWe never sell jobs, not everSTCW at SAMSA accredited centresHonest guidance on life at seaPOPIA compliant and secureA certificate on every courseLifetime access to your trainingBuilt by people who worked at seaWe never sell jobs, not everSTCW at SAMSA accredited centresHonest guidance on life at seaPOPIA compliant and secureA certificate on every courseLifetime access to your training
The team that built the training
The people behind the training
Built by real people, with real experience
The team behind this training has spent decades in hospitality, on the actual ships and in the world's best restaurants. That experience is in every lesson, every scenario and every piece of advice.
What the training actually covers, and what it does not
A Career Training Course teaches you the role. Set Sail, our full career package, also books your SAMSA accredited STCW, gets your police clearance in days through our agency and adds Crew Ready, all coordinated for you. Start with a course, or start with Set Sail.
A Career Training Course
Online training in one job, 12 to 15 lessons, a manual, quizzes and a certificate of completion. Yours for life.
Set Sail, the full career package
SAMSA accredited STCW and your police clearance, the training for your career path and Crew Ready, coordinated for you from the day you enrol, for R27 072,82 in total (R15 500 to us, the rest to the training centre and SAPS).
Pick a role to see what you pay today, what that role earns at sea with tips, and how quickly it earns the course back.
Your choices
1
Pick your role
Each course trains you for one role on board.
2
Want Crew Ready as well?
Your price
What you pay today
R 2 900
Cruise Ship Waiter Course 50% off
Normally R 5 800R 2 900
Monthly earnings at sea
USD 1 800 to 3 000
With tips, about R29 600 to R49 300 a month
Earned back in
under a week
of work at sea, once you are hired
Based on the middle of the Waiter range, with tips, if you save 90% of it, once you are hired. Earnings with tips, as at October 2026. They vary by cruise line, ship and itinerary and are not guaranteed.
Rand figures use the live rate of R16,43 to the US dollar, updated 16 October 2026.
On board, for real
The standard you are training for
Our own footage and our own photographs. This is the service, the uniform and the pace of a real cruise dining room, not a stock library.
The waiter parade. One of the moments that makes a dining room at sea unlike anywhere on land.
One venue, one team. Waiters, sommeliers, bar crew and chefs, all on the same standard.
A tasting night on board. Knowing your product is how a bar server earns the tip.
The team you join. Dozens of nationalities, one standard, every single service.
Inside every course
Everything inside your course
One payment and lifetime access. Everything below is laid out in full, including what is only on our flagship courses so far, and the one optional upgrade.
Built by people who did the job themselves
Video and written lessons
Every course is written out in full. The flagship courses add filmed technique you can watch again and again.
Built for your phone
The portal is built for a phone on a weak signal, and picks up exactly where you stopped.
Free smart tools
A career planner, an earnings converter, a readiness checker, a roadmap planner and a role finder quiz. No payment, and no account needed.
Taught from experience
The lessons come from decades of real service work, at sea and in restaurants, not from a textbook.
STCW at SAMSA accredited centresSTCW booked, never issued hereCertificate of completion on every courseOne payment, lifetime accessNo job ever for sale
R15 500 to Cape Marine Academy, R11 382,82 to the training centre (invoiced to you directly at its published price), R190 to SAPS through our agency. The centre's prices are as at 1 April 2026 and can change.
SAMSA accredited STCW and police clearance, your career path training and Crew Ready, coordinated for you.
STCW Basic Safety Training at a SAMSA accredited centre
1 career course pack of your choice
STCW Security Awareness at the same centre
Police clearance in days, through our agency
The CV builder and smart tools, inside the academy
Your Seaman's Book, lodged with our help at your offer
Crew Ready: CV review, mock interview, direct line
Who hires South African crew, and how to apply
Plus
One on one guidance from an academy member, from the day you enrol.
No waiting list on our side: the day you enrol, we book you onto the centre's next available STCW dates, its core courses run every week, and our agency gets your police clearance in days, not the weeks or months of the SAPS backlog.
The course teaches you the job. Crew Ready gets you interview ready
Role training is half the job. Crew Ready adds a real person at the academy for R1 999 on top of any Career Training Course, and it is already included in Set Sail and Set Sail Light.
Your CV read by a CMA expert
Not a score from software. A person who has hired and worked on ships reads your CV line by line and sends back written feedback on what is holding it back. You get one rewrite after you have made the changes.
A mock interview with real feedback
A live practice interview run the way the lines actually run them, with someone who has sat on both sides of the table. You find out how you come across before it counts.
A direct line to our experts
Your own priority channel inside the portal, straight to the CMA team. Ask anything, from a contract clause you do not understand to what to pack. Answered within 24 hours on working days.
A cruise contract is hard work, long hours and months away from home, and we are honest about that. But for the people who are ready, the rewards are unlike anything on land.
Life at sea
Wake up in a new country
The Caribbean, the Med, Alaska, all part of the job.
Earn in US dollars
Cruise crew are paid in US dollars at internationally competitive rates, so your income holds its value and goes much further back home.
Live rent free
Your cabin and your meals are covered onboard. With almost no living costs, far more of what you earn stays yours.
See the world
Finish your shift and step ashore in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or Alaska, places most people only ever see in photos.
A real career path
There is a clear ladder to climb, from assistant waiter to head waiter to Maitre D, with promotions that follow the work you put in.
Save like never before
No rent, no groceries, no transport. Many crew finish a contract with more saved than they could manage in years on land.
Meet the whole world
You will live and work with people from dozens of countries, and leave with friendships and a confidence that stays for life.
All reviews
Filmed at sea
Every clip, from our students
Working crew who trained with us, on camera in their own words. Tap any clip to watch it with captions.
Security on board, in his own words
Not every job at sea is in the dining room. A security officer, filmed on board, on what the work is actually like and what the ship expects of him.
Part of our student reviews
Swipe to watch the clips
Our students
A wall of real momentum
Our students, on camera and in writing. Crew cards are backed by the clips above; written reviews come straight from our students, first name and initial only.
And here I am. I landed the job on board. I am enjoying it. Keep it up guys.
On camera
Vencesla
Restaurants · Madagascar
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for the training, and Jean. You guys are the best. Thank you for giving me this training.
On camera
Siya
Working on board now · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy changed my life in so many ways. I bought courses online, and then here I am on the ship, earning in dollars. Don't hesitate. Try it.
On camera
NP
Nicole P.
I expected a few basic videos about cruise ships. I was completely wrong. The training actually shows you how the role works, what the standards are and what you are expected to know before you ever step onboard.
Written review
ZN
Zanele N.
The Assistant Waiter course taught me that there is much more to the job than clearing tables. Mise en place, service sequence, table setup, guest interaction and hygiene standards were all explained properly. I feel much better prepared now.
Written reviewAssistant Waiter
BF
Bianca F.
I thought the course would mainly be about serving guests. I was surprised by how much it covers about ship life, hygiene standards, teamwork, guest expectations and the reality of working long hours onboard. It gives you a much bigger picture.
Written review
DB
Dylan B.
The CV section was a wake up call for me. I thought my CV was fine because I had hospitality experience already, but I realised I was not presenting that experience in a way that made sense for an international cruise application.
Written review
CI
Cameron I.
The Bar Server training was much more detailed than I expected. Wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, garnishes, taking the order correctly, serving and presenting the bill. It takes something that looks simple from the outside and shows you the proper standard.
Written reviewBar Server
MH
Megan H.
I originally came here because I wanted to find a cruise job. Somewhere during the training my thinking changed. I stopped looking at it as one job and started looking at where the career could take me over the next five or ten years.
Written review
AV
Anika V.
I would recommend this even to someone who already works in hospitality. I have experience and still found plenty of things I either did not know or had never been properly taught.
Written review
CB
Chloe B.
The whole experience feels modern. Lessons, quizzes, progress tracking and career preparation are all together in one place. It does not feel like one of those online courses where somebody sends you ten PDFs and wishes you luck.
Written review
AM
Amahle M.
I have not even left South Africa yet, but mentally I already feel like I am in a very different place compared to when I started. I finally feel excited about my career again.
Written review
RJ
Reece J.
I found the academy online and was quite sceptical at first because there are so many people selling cruise ship dreams. Once I started using the platform I could see there was real structure behind it. It feels like somebody has actually thought about what a first time applicant needs to know.
Written review
Crew member
Landed her first contract
And here I am. I landed the job on board. I am enjoying it. Keep it up guys.
On camera
Vencesla
Restaurants · Madagascar
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for the training, and Jean. You guys are the best. Thank you for giving me this training.
On camera
Siya
Working on board now · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy changed my life in so many ways. I bought courses online, and then here I am on the ship, earning in dollars. Don't hesitate. Try it.
On camera
NP
Nicole P.
I expected a few basic videos about cruise ships. I was completely wrong. The training actually shows you how the role works, what the standards are and what you are expected to know before you ever step onboard.
Written review
ZN
Zanele N.
The Assistant Waiter course taught me that there is much more to the job than clearing tables. Mise en place, service sequence, table setup, guest interaction and hygiene standards were all explained properly. I feel much better prepared now.
Written reviewAssistant Waiter
BF
Bianca F.
I thought the course would mainly be about serving guests. I was surprised by how much it covers about ship life, hygiene standards, teamwork, guest expectations and the reality of working long hours onboard. It gives you a much bigger picture.
Written review
DB
Dylan B.
The CV section was a wake up call for me. I thought my CV was fine because I had hospitality experience already, but I realised I was not presenting that experience in a way that made sense for an international cruise application.
Written review
CI
Cameron I.
The Bar Server training was much more detailed than I expected. Wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, garnishes, taking the order correctly, serving and presenting the bill. It takes something that looks simple from the outside and shows you the proper standard.
Written reviewBar Server
MH
Megan H.
I originally came here because I wanted to find a cruise job. Somewhere during the training my thinking changed. I stopped looking at it as one job and started looking at where the career could take me over the next five or ten years.
Written review
AV
Anika V.
I would recommend this even to someone who already works in hospitality. I have experience and still found plenty of things I either did not know or had never been properly taught.
Written review
CB
Chloe B.
The whole experience feels modern. Lessons, quizzes, progress tracking and career preparation are all together in one place. It does not feel like one of those online courses where somebody sends you ten PDFs and wishes you luck.
Written review
AM
Amahle M.
I have not even left South Africa yet, but mentally I already feel like I am in a very different place compared to when I started. I finally feel excited about my career again.
Written review
RJ
Reece J.
I found the academy online and was quite sceptical at first because there are so many people selling cruise ship dreams. Once I started using the platform I could see there was real structure behind it. It feels like somebody has actually thought about what a first time applicant needs to know.
Written review
Thuto
Restaurants · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy, I met them online. I take all my courses from them. They are one of the best. Give them a try.
On camera
Pedro
Restaurants · Brazil
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for giving me the best training. Appreciate you guys, you're the best.
On camera
Manele
Working on board now · South Africa
I highly recommend Cape Marine Academy. If you want to come on board, join and do the courses online. And here I am now, on board, because of Jean. They highly assisted me.
On camera
SD
Sipho D.
What changed most for me was my confidence. I already had hospitality experience, but cruise ships felt like a completely different world. After doing the training I feel like I can walk into an interview and actually understand the questions being asked.
Written review
JW
Jason W.
Straightforward, practical and actually useful. No unnecessary fluff. I now understand what cruise lines expect from someone applying for the role.
Written review
SM
Sibusiso M.
The Waiter course completely changed how I look at the position. It is not just taking an order and bringing food. You are managing a station, working with your assistant, selling, serving wine correctly and creating an experience for the guest.
Written reviewWaiter
PM
Palesa M.
Interview preparation helped me a lot. Before the course I would probably have gone into an interview and tried to improvise everything. Now I understand what they are actually trying to find out about you and how to prepare without sounding rehearsed.
Written review
LM
Lerato M.
I already had experience working in restaurants, which made me think I was ready. What I did not understand was how different cruise ship standards can be. The course helped me connect the experience I already had with what is expected onboard.
Written review
MH
Musa H.
I liked that the Restaurant Supervisor training deals with situations that actually happen. Complaints, special requests, staff issues, service problems and pressure on the floor. It feels relevant to real hospitality work.
Written reviewRestaurant Supervisor
ID
Imraan D.
I work full time, so being able to study around my schedule made a big difference. Some days I did one lesson, some days I did more. I never felt pressured to rush through it just to finish.
Written review
YI
Yusuf I.
I was very careful because there are a lot of cruise job scams around. The academy was very clear about what they can help with and what they cannot promise. Nobody told me to pay for a job or guaranteed anything. That was important to me.
Written review
RP
Ruan P.
Sometimes in South Africa it feels like there is only so far you can go financially, especially when you are young and working in hospitality. Learning about the opportunities available internationally really opened my mind. It made me realise my current situation does not have to be permanent.
Written review
NG
Nosipho G.
When I first started looking into cruise ships I was sitting at home trying to piece together information from TikTok, Facebook and Google. Eventually I completed my training, improved my CV and prepared properly for the application process. The academy did not hand me an opportunity, but it helped me become much more prepared to go after one.
Written review
Thuto
Restaurants · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy, I met them online. I take all my courses from them. They are one of the best. Give them a try.
On camera
Pedro
Restaurants · Brazil
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for giving me the best training. Appreciate you guys, you're the best.
On camera
Manele
Working on board now · South Africa
I highly recommend Cape Marine Academy. If you want to come on board, join and do the courses online. And here I am now, on board, because of Jean. They highly assisted me.
On camera
SD
Sipho D.
What changed most for me was my confidence. I already had hospitality experience, but cruise ships felt like a completely different world. After doing the training I feel like I can walk into an interview and actually understand the questions being asked.
Written review
JW
Jason W.
Straightforward, practical and actually useful. No unnecessary fluff. I now understand what cruise lines expect from someone applying for the role.
Written review
SM
Sibusiso M.
The Waiter course completely changed how I look at the position. It is not just taking an order and bringing food. You are managing a station, working with your assistant, selling, serving wine correctly and creating an experience for the guest.
Written reviewWaiter
PM
Palesa M.
Interview preparation helped me a lot. Before the course I would probably have gone into an interview and tried to improvise everything. Now I understand what they are actually trying to find out about you and how to prepare without sounding rehearsed.
Written review
LM
Lerato M.
I already had experience working in restaurants, which made me think I was ready. What I did not understand was how different cruise ship standards can be. The course helped me connect the experience I already had with what is expected onboard.
Written review
MH
Musa H.
I liked that the Restaurant Supervisor training deals with situations that actually happen. Complaints, special requests, staff issues, service problems and pressure on the floor. It feels relevant to real hospitality work.
Written reviewRestaurant Supervisor
ID
Imraan D.
I work full time, so being able to study around my schedule made a big difference. Some days I did one lesson, some days I did more. I never felt pressured to rush through it just to finish.
Written review
YI
Yusuf I.
I was very careful because there are a lot of cruise job scams around. The academy was very clear about what they can help with and what they cannot promise. Nobody told me to pay for a job or guaranteed anything. That was important to me.
Written review
RP
Ruan P.
Sometimes in South Africa it feels like there is only so far you can go financially, especially when you are young and working in hospitality. Learning about the opportunities available internationally really opened my mind. It made me realise my current situation does not have to be permanent.
Written review
NG
Nosipho G.
When I first started looking into cruise ships I was sitting at home trying to piece together information from TikTok, Facebook and Google. Eventually I completed my training, improved my CV and prepared properly for the application process. The academy did not hand me an opportunity, but it helped me become much more prepared to go after one.
Written review
Vincent
Lifeguard
Cape Marine Academy, you guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the amazing training. It was an awesome experience. I recommend you guys to anyone.
On camera
Crew member
Trained online, new at sea
I found Cape Marine Academy on TikTok, went through the links, and they made the onboarding process very easy. I would not be here without you guys.
On camera
Shaleen
Working on board now
My name is Shaleen and I just want to say thank you to Cape Marine Academy for training me. We did this together with Jean's team, and here I am on board.
On camera
TJ
Taryn J.
The platform is really easy to use. I mostly studied from my phone after work and never felt lost or overwhelmed. Everything is broken down properly and you can go back whenever you need to revise something.
Written review
NK
Naledi K.
One thing I respected immediately was that nobody tried to promise me a job. They explain very clearly that they prepare you properly and that you still have to apply and earn the opportunity yourself. That honesty actually made me trust the academy more.
Written review
KS
Kayla S.
This felt very different from normal online training. It was much more like someone experienced was sitting next to you and explaining how things actually work in a real restaurant onboard.
Written review
KA
Keenan A.
I have worked behind bars before, but the Bartender course still taught me a lot. Stock control, sanitation, responsible alcohol service and handling high volume service were explained in a way that made me rethink some of my habits.
Written reviewBartender
AK
Ayesha K.
I am not doing this just because I want to travel. I want to earn better, save properly and help my family. It has been difficult trying to build that kind of future locally. This training made an international career feel much more achievable.
Written review
MD
Monique D.
I have supervised people before, but nobody had ever properly taught me how to coach someone or recover a bad guest experience. There were several lessons where I immediately thought, I wish I had known this years ago.
Written review
CV
Carla V.
I really like that I can go back to the course again. I know before an interview I will probably revisit certain lessons, and if I get an opportunity onboard I can refresh the information before I leave.
Written review
SP
Sameera P.
STCW confused me completely before this. I did not know what had to be done before applying, what came later or which certificates were actually recognised. The training helped me separate all of that information and understand the process properly.
Written review
PG
Priya G.
I actually enjoyed the quizzes because they exposed the things I only thought I understood. There were a few times I got something wrong, went back to the lesson and realised I had missed an important detail. That helped the information stick.
Written review
MJ
Matthew J.
The biggest difference for me was structure. Before this I had hundreds of pieces of information but no idea what order anything happened in. After the course I understood the actual role, what documents matter, what STCW is, what ship life is really like, how to prepare for an interview and how my hospitality experience could translate into a cruise career. I also appreciated that the difficult parts were explained instead of everything being made to look glamorous. I finished feeling much more confident, but more importantly I finished knowing exactly what my next step should be.
Written review
Vincent
Lifeguard
Cape Marine Academy, you guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the amazing training. It was an awesome experience. I recommend you guys to anyone.
On camera
Crew member
Trained online, new at sea
I found Cape Marine Academy on TikTok, went through the links, and they made the onboarding process very easy. I would not be here without you guys.
On camera
Shaleen
Working on board now
My name is Shaleen and I just want to say thank you to Cape Marine Academy for training me. We did this together with Jean's team, and here I am on board.
On camera
TJ
Taryn J.
The platform is really easy to use. I mostly studied from my phone after work and never felt lost or overwhelmed. Everything is broken down properly and you can go back whenever you need to revise something.
Written review
NK
Naledi K.
One thing I respected immediately was that nobody tried to promise me a job. They explain very clearly that they prepare you properly and that you still have to apply and earn the opportunity yourself. That honesty actually made me trust the academy more.
Written review
KS
Kayla S.
This felt very different from normal online training. It was much more like someone experienced was sitting next to you and explaining how things actually work in a real restaurant onboard.
Written review
KA
Keenan A.
I have worked behind bars before, but the Bartender course still taught me a lot. Stock control, sanitation, responsible alcohol service and handling high volume service were explained in a way that made me rethink some of my habits.
Written reviewBartender
AK
Ayesha K.
I am not doing this just because I want to travel. I want to earn better, save properly and help my family. It has been difficult trying to build that kind of future locally. This training made an international career feel much more achievable.
Written review
MD
Monique D.
I have supervised people before, but nobody had ever properly taught me how to coach someone or recover a bad guest experience. There were several lessons where I immediately thought, I wish I had known this years ago.
Written review
CV
Carla V.
I really like that I can go back to the course again. I know before an interview I will probably revisit certain lessons, and if I get an opportunity onboard I can refresh the information before I leave.
Written review
SP
Sameera P.
STCW confused me completely before this. I did not know what had to be done before applying, what came later or which certificates were actually recognised. The training helped me separate all of that information and understand the process properly.
Written review
PG
Priya G.
I actually enjoyed the quizzes because they exposed the things I only thought I understood. There were a few times I got something wrong, went back to the lesson and realised I had missed an important detail. That helped the information stick.
Written review
MJ
Matthew J.
The biggest difference for me was structure. Before this I had hundreds of pieces of information but no idea what order anything happened in. After the course I understood the actual role, what documents matter, what STCW is, what ship life is really like, how to prepare for an interview and how my hospitality experience could translate into a cruise career. I also appreciated that the difficult parts were explained instead of everything being made to look glamorous. I finished feeling much more confident, but more importantly I finished knowing exactly what my next step should be.
Written review
John
Restaurants · Kenya
Thank you so much Cape Marine Academy for the training. It was great, it was awesome. I got this opportunity.
On camera
Owetu
Working on board now
I did my online courses with Cape Marine Academy, and now I am here on board, earning in dollars.
On camera
LM
Lethabo M.
Finding good work in South Africa has honestly been frustrating. I knew cruise ships could give me an opportunity to earn internationally, but I had absolutely no idea where to start. Cape Marine Academy gave me a proper direction. I finally understand the process, what is expected from me and what I need to do next. For the first time this feels like a real career plan instead of just something I keep talking about.
Written review
KM
Kabelo M.
There is so much information online about working on cruise ships and half of it contradicts the other half. This was the first time somebody actually put everything into a clear order. Documents, training, interviews, life onboard, the job itself. It finally makes sense.
Written review
TN
Thabo N.
For me the biggest motivation is being able to earn in dollars and change what is possible for my family. I knew people were working on ships and doing well, but I never understood how they got there. Now I actually have a roadmap.
Written review
AC
Ayanda C.
Before starting I was honestly nervous about cruise life because I had never worked at sea. The course did not pretend it would be easy, which I appreciated. It showed me what to expect, and that made the whole idea much less intimidating.
Written review
RN
Riya N.
My favourite part was learning that being a cruise bartender is not only about knowing cocktails. You are also selling, entertaining, remembering guests and creating energy around the bar. That gave me a totally different understanding of the role.
Written reviewBartender
BN
Bongani N.
The Head Waiter course made me realise that being a strong waiter and being a strong leader are two completely different things. Managing people, developing the team, handling guests and taking responsibility for an entire section requires another level of thinking.
Written reviewHead Waiter
TN
Tshepo N.
The Maitre D training gave me a completely different view of restaurant operations. You start thinking beyond your own guests and your own tables. You are looking at the room, the team, reservations, standards, performance and the entire operation.
Written reviewMaitre D
SM
Sandile M.
Getting the certificate was a proud moment for me. It sounds small, but when you know how much time you have put into learning and improving yourself, seeing that certificate at the end feels good.
Written review
NA
Nathan A.
I actually liked that they speak about the difficult side of working onboard. Long hours, pressure, being away from home. It would have been easy to just sell the dream. Knowing the reality makes me feel more prepared for it.
Written review
JC
Jordan C.
I have already recommended Cape Marine Academy to friends in hospitality. Even if you know restaurant service, understanding how things are done onboard is a different skill set.
Written review
John
Restaurants · Kenya
Thank you so much Cape Marine Academy for the training. It was great, it was awesome. I got this opportunity.
On camera
Owetu
Working on board now
I did my online courses with Cape Marine Academy, and now I am here on board, earning in dollars.
On camera
LM
Lethabo M.
Finding good work in South Africa has honestly been frustrating. I knew cruise ships could give me an opportunity to earn internationally, but I had absolutely no idea where to start. Cape Marine Academy gave me a proper direction. I finally understand the process, what is expected from me and what I need to do next. For the first time this feels like a real career plan instead of just something I keep talking about.
Written review
KM
Kabelo M.
There is so much information online about working on cruise ships and half of it contradicts the other half. This was the first time somebody actually put everything into a clear order. Documents, training, interviews, life onboard, the job itself. It finally makes sense.
Written review
TN
Thabo N.
For me the biggest motivation is being able to earn in dollars and change what is possible for my family. I knew people were working on ships and doing well, but I never understood how they got there. Now I actually have a roadmap.
Written review
AC
Ayanda C.
Before starting I was honestly nervous about cruise life because I had never worked at sea. The course did not pretend it would be easy, which I appreciated. It showed me what to expect, and that made the whole idea much less intimidating.
Written review
RN
Riya N.
My favourite part was learning that being a cruise bartender is not only about knowing cocktails. You are also selling, entertaining, remembering guests and creating energy around the bar. That gave me a totally different understanding of the role.
Written reviewBartender
BN
Bongani N.
The Head Waiter course made me realise that being a strong waiter and being a strong leader are two completely different things. Managing people, developing the team, handling guests and taking responsibility for an entire section requires another level of thinking.
Written reviewHead Waiter
TN
Tshepo N.
The Maitre D training gave me a completely different view of restaurant operations. You start thinking beyond your own guests and your own tables. You are looking at the room, the team, reservations, standards, performance and the entire operation.
Written reviewMaitre D
SM
Sandile M.
Getting the certificate was a proud moment for me. It sounds small, but when you know how much time you have put into learning and improving yourself, seeing that certificate at the end feels good.
Written review
NA
Nathan A.
I actually liked that they speak about the difficult side of working onboard. Long hours, pressure, being away from home. It would have been easy to just sell the dream. Knowing the reality makes me feel more prepared for it.
Written review
JC
Jordan C.
I have already recommended Cape Marine Academy to friends in hospitality. Even if you know restaurant service, understanding how things are done onboard is a different skill set.
Written review
Start where you are
Everyone on that ship started on land
Pick the role you want, learn it properly, and apply as someone who already knows how the job runs.
Every honest question we get asked, answered straight. If yours is not here, message us and we will tell you the truth.
Is this another cruise job scam?+
No. We are a preparation academy, not a recruiter. We never charge you to get a job, because legitimate cruise lines pay you, you do not pay them. We prepare you so you are ready to apply through the official channels with confidence.
Will this guarantee me a job on a cruise ship?+
No honest academy can guarantee a job, and anyone who does is a warning sign. What we do is prepare you properly, so you know the role, the documents and the interview before you apply, and you are ready to board when the opportunity comes.
Do you issue STCW certificates?+
No. STCW is issued only by SAMSA accredited training centres, never by us. We can book yours at a SAMSA accredited maritime training centre in the Port of Cape Town, at the centre's own price, on its own or as part of Set Sail.
How do I pay?+
Card or instant EFT through PayFast at checkout. Payment is once off and your access opens as soon as it clears.
I am not in Cape Town. Can I still do this?+
Yes. The training is fully online, so you can complete it from anywhere in South Africa. STCW has to be done in person: the centre we book runs in Cape Town, or we can point you to an accredited centre nearer to you.
What exactly do I get when I buy a course?+
Structured online lessons for your role, taught the way the cruise lines expect, with quizzes, a final exam, a certificate of completion and lifetime access. If you want more, Crew Ready adds an expert CV review, a mock interview and a direct line to our team, and Set Sail, our full career package, coordinates your STCW and police clearance as well.
Chat with us
Our students
A wall of real momentum
Our students, on camera and in writing. Crew cards are backed by the clips above; written reviews come straight from our students, first name and initial only.
And here I am. I landed the job on board. I am enjoying it. Keep it up guys.
On camera
Vencesla
Restaurants · Madagascar
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for the training, and Jean. You guys are the best. Thank you for giving me this training.
On camera
Siya
Working on board now · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy changed my life in so many ways. I bought courses online, and then here I am on the ship, earning in dollars. Don't hesitate. Try it.
On camera
NP
Nicole P.
I expected a few basic videos about cruise ships. I was completely wrong. The training actually shows you how the role works, what the standards are and what you are expected to know before you ever step onboard.
Written review
ZN
Zanele N.
The Assistant Waiter course taught me that there is much more to the job than clearing tables. Mise en place, service sequence, table setup, guest interaction and hygiene standards were all explained properly. I feel much better prepared now.
Written reviewAssistant Waiter
BF
Bianca F.
I thought the course would mainly be about serving guests. I was surprised by how much it covers about ship life, hygiene standards, teamwork, guest expectations and the reality of working long hours onboard. It gives you a much bigger picture.
Written review
DB
Dylan B.
The CV section was a wake up call for me. I thought my CV was fine because I had hospitality experience already, but I realised I was not presenting that experience in a way that made sense for an international cruise application.
Written review
CI
Cameron I.
The Bar Server training was much more detailed than I expected. Wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, garnishes, taking the order correctly, serving and presenting the bill. It takes something that looks simple from the outside and shows you the proper standard.
Written reviewBar Server
MH
Megan H.
I originally came here because I wanted to find a cruise job. Somewhere during the training my thinking changed. I stopped looking at it as one job and started looking at where the career could take me over the next five or ten years.
Written review
AV
Anika V.
I would recommend this even to someone who already works in hospitality. I have experience and still found plenty of things I either did not know or had never been properly taught.
Written review
CB
Chloe B.
The whole experience feels modern. Lessons, quizzes, progress tracking and career preparation are all together in one place. It does not feel like one of those online courses where somebody sends you ten PDFs and wishes you luck.
Written review
AM
Amahle M.
I have not even left South Africa yet, but mentally I already feel like I am in a very different place compared to when I started. I finally feel excited about my career again.
Written review
RJ
Reece J.
I found the academy online and was quite sceptical at first because there are so many people selling cruise ship dreams. Once I started using the platform I could see there was real structure behind it. It feels like somebody has actually thought about what a first time applicant needs to know.
Written review
Crew member
Landed her first contract
And here I am. I landed the job on board. I am enjoying it. Keep it up guys.
On camera
Vencesla
Restaurants · Madagascar
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for the training, and Jean. You guys are the best. Thank you for giving me this training.
On camera
Siya
Working on board now · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy changed my life in so many ways. I bought courses online, and then here I am on the ship, earning in dollars. Don't hesitate. Try it.
On camera
NP
Nicole P.
I expected a few basic videos about cruise ships. I was completely wrong. The training actually shows you how the role works, what the standards are and what you are expected to know before you ever step onboard.
Written review
ZN
Zanele N.
The Assistant Waiter course taught me that there is much more to the job than clearing tables. Mise en place, service sequence, table setup, guest interaction and hygiene standards were all explained properly. I feel much better prepared now.
Written reviewAssistant Waiter
BF
Bianca F.
I thought the course would mainly be about serving guests. I was surprised by how much it covers about ship life, hygiene standards, teamwork, guest expectations and the reality of working long hours onboard. It gives you a much bigger picture.
Written review
DB
Dylan B.
The CV section was a wake up call for me. I thought my CV was fine because I had hospitality experience already, but I realised I was not presenting that experience in a way that made sense for an international cruise application.
Written review
CI
Cameron I.
The Bar Server training was much more detailed than I expected. Wine, spirits, beer, cocktails, garnishes, taking the order correctly, serving and presenting the bill. It takes something that looks simple from the outside and shows you the proper standard.
Written reviewBar Server
MH
Megan H.
I originally came here because I wanted to find a cruise job. Somewhere during the training my thinking changed. I stopped looking at it as one job and started looking at where the career could take me over the next five or ten years.
Written review
AV
Anika V.
I would recommend this even to someone who already works in hospitality. I have experience and still found plenty of things I either did not know or had never been properly taught.
Written review
CB
Chloe B.
The whole experience feels modern. Lessons, quizzes, progress tracking and career preparation are all together in one place. It does not feel like one of those online courses where somebody sends you ten PDFs and wishes you luck.
Written review
AM
Amahle M.
I have not even left South Africa yet, but mentally I already feel like I am in a very different place compared to when I started. I finally feel excited about my career again.
Written review
RJ
Reece J.
I found the academy online and was quite sceptical at first because there are so many people selling cruise ship dreams. Once I started using the platform I could see there was real structure behind it. It feels like somebody has actually thought about what a first time applicant needs to know.
Written review
Thuto
Restaurants · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy, I met them online. I take all my courses from them. They are one of the best. Give them a try.
On camera
Pedro
Restaurants · Brazil
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for giving me the best training. Appreciate you guys, you're the best.
On camera
Manele
Working on board now · South Africa
I highly recommend Cape Marine Academy. If you want to come on board, join and do the courses online. And here I am now, on board, because of Jean. They highly assisted me.
On camera
SD
Sipho D.
What changed most for me was my confidence. I already had hospitality experience, but cruise ships felt like a completely different world. After doing the training I feel like I can walk into an interview and actually understand the questions being asked.
Written review
JW
Jason W.
Straightforward, practical and actually useful. No unnecessary fluff. I now understand what cruise lines expect from someone applying for the role.
Written review
SM
Sibusiso M.
The Waiter course completely changed how I look at the position. It is not just taking an order and bringing food. You are managing a station, working with your assistant, selling, serving wine correctly and creating an experience for the guest.
Written reviewWaiter
PM
Palesa M.
Interview preparation helped me a lot. Before the course I would probably have gone into an interview and tried to improvise everything. Now I understand what they are actually trying to find out about you and how to prepare without sounding rehearsed.
Written review
LM
Lerato M.
I already had experience working in restaurants, which made me think I was ready. What I did not understand was how different cruise ship standards can be. The course helped me connect the experience I already had with what is expected onboard.
Written review
MH
Musa H.
I liked that the Restaurant Supervisor training deals with situations that actually happen. Complaints, special requests, staff issues, service problems and pressure on the floor. It feels relevant to real hospitality work.
Written reviewRestaurant Supervisor
ID
Imraan D.
I work full time, so being able to study around my schedule made a big difference. Some days I did one lesson, some days I did more. I never felt pressured to rush through it just to finish.
Written review
YI
Yusuf I.
I was very careful because there are a lot of cruise job scams around. The academy was very clear about what they can help with and what they cannot promise. Nobody told me to pay for a job or guaranteed anything. That was important to me.
Written review
RP
Ruan P.
Sometimes in South Africa it feels like there is only so far you can go financially, especially when you are young and working in hospitality. Learning about the opportunities available internationally really opened my mind. It made me realise my current situation does not have to be permanent.
Written review
NG
Nosipho G.
When I first started looking into cruise ships I was sitting at home trying to piece together information from TikTok, Facebook and Google. Eventually I completed my training, improved my CV and prepared properly for the application process. The academy did not hand me an opportunity, but it helped me become much more prepared to go after one.
Written review
Thuto
Restaurants · South Africa
Cape Marine Academy, I met them online. I take all my courses from them. They are one of the best. Give them a try.
On camera
Pedro
Restaurants · Brazil
Thank you Cape Marine Academy for giving me the best training. Appreciate you guys, you're the best.
On camera
Manele
Working on board now · South Africa
I highly recommend Cape Marine Academy. If you want to come on board, join and do the courses online. And here I am now, on board, because of Jean. They highly assisted me.
On camera
SD
Sipho D.
What changed most for me was my confidence. I already had hospitality experience, but cruise ships felt like a completely different world. After doing the training I feel like I can walk into an interview and actually understand the questions being asked.
Written review
JW
Jason W.
Straightforward, practical and actually useful. No unnecessary fluff. I now understand what cruise lines expect from someone applying for the role.
Written review
SM
Sibusiso M.
The Waiter course completely changed how I look at the position. It is not just taking an order and bringing food. You are managing a station, working with your assistant, selling, serving wine correctly and creating an experience for the guest.
Written reviewWaiter
PM
Palesa M.
Interview preparation helped me a lot. Before the course I would probably have gone into an interview and tried to improvise everything. Now I understand what they are actually trying to find out about you and how to prepare without sounding rehearsed.
Written review
LM
Lerato M.
I already had experience working in restaurants, which made me think I was ready. What I did not understand was how different cruise ship standards can be. The course helped me connect the experience I already had with what is expected onboard.
Written review
MH
Musa H.
I liked that the Restaurant Supervisor training deals with situations that actually happen. Complaints, special requests, staff issues, service problems and pressure on the floor. It feels relevant to real hospitality work.
Written reviewRestaurant Supervisor
ID
Imraan D.
I work full time, so being able to study around my schedule made a big difference. Some days I did one lesson, some days I did more. I never felt pressured to rush through it just to finish.
Written review
YI
Yusuf I.
I was very careful because there are a lot of cruise job scams around. The academy was very clear about what they can help with and what they cannot promise. Nobody told me to pay for a job or guaranteed anything. That was important to me.
Written review
RP
Ruan P.
Sometimes in South Africa it feels like there is only so far you can go financially, especially when you are young and working in hospitality. Learning about the opportunities available internationally really opened my mind. It made me realise my current situation does not have to be permanent.
Written review
NG
Nosipho G.
When I first started looking into cruise ships I was sitting at home trying to piece together information from TikTok, Facebook and Google. Eventually I completed my training, improved my CV and prepared properly for the application process. The academy did not hand me an opportunity, but it helped me become much more prepared to go after one.
Written review
Vincent
Lifeguard
Cape Marine Academy, you guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the amazing training. It was an awesome experience. I recommend you guys to anyone.
On camera
Crew member
Trained online, new at sea
I found Cape Marine Academy on TikTok, went through the links, and they made the onboarding process very easy. I would not be here without you guys.
On camera
Shaleen
Working on board now
My name is Shaleen and I just want to say thank you to Cape Marine Academy for training me. We did this together with Jean's team, and here I am on board.
On camera
TJ
Taryn J.
The platform is really easy to use. I mostly studied from my phone after work and never felt lost or overwhelmed. Everything is broken down properly and you can go back whenever you need to revise something.
Written review
NK
Naledi K.
One thing I respected immediately was that nobody tried to promise me a job. They explain very clearly that they prepare you properly and that you still have to apply and earn the opportunity yourself. That honesty actually made me trust the academy more.
Written review
KS
Kayla S.
This felt very different from normal online training. It was much more like someone experienced was sitting next to you and explaining how things actually work in a real restaurant onboard.
Written review
KA
Keenan A.
I have worked behind bars before, but the Bartender course still taught me a lot. Stock control, sanitation, responsible alcohol service and handling high volume service were explained in a way that made me rethink some of my habits.
Written reviewBartender
AK
Ayesha K.
I am not doing this just because I want to travel. I want to earn better, save properly and help my family. It has been difficult trying to build that kind of future locally. This training made an international career feel much more achievable.
Written review
MD
Monique D.
I have supervised people before, but nobody had ever properly taught me how to coach someone or recover a bad guest experience. There were several lessons where I immediately thought, I wish I had known this years ago.
Written review
CV
Carla V.
I really like that I can go back to the course again. I know before an interview I will probably revisit certain lessons, and if I get an opportunity onboard I can refresh the information before I leave.
Written review
SP
Sameera P.
STCW confused me completely before this. I did not know what had to be done before applying, what came later or which certificates were actually recognised. The training helped me separate all of that information and understand the process properly.
Written review
PG
Priya G.
I actually enjoyed the quizzes because they exposed the things I only thought I understood. There were a few times I got something wrong, went back to the lesson and realised I had missed an important detail. That helped the information stick.
Written review
MJ
Matthew J.
The biggest difference for me was structure. Before this I had hundreds of pieces of information but no idea what order anything happened in. After the course I understood the actual role, what documents matter, what STCW is, what ship life is really like, how to prepare for an interview and how my hospitality experience could translate into a cruise career. I also appreciated that the difficult parts were explained instead of everything being made to look glamorous. I finished feeling much more confident, but more importantly I finished knowing exactly what my next step should be.
Written review
Vincent
Lifeguard
Cape Marine Academy, you guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the amazing training. It was an awesome experience. I recommend you guys to anyone.
On camera
Crew member
Trained online, new at sea
I found Cape Marine Academy on TikTok, went through the links, and they made the onboarding process very easy. I would not be here without you guys.
On camera
Shaleen
Working on board now
My name is Shaleen and I just want to say thank you to Cape Marine Academy for training me. We did this together with Jean's team, and here I am on board.
On camera
TJ
Taryn J.
The platform is really easy to use. I mostly studied from my phone after work and never felt lost or overwhelmed. Everything is broken down properly and you can go back whenever you need to revise something.
Written review
NK
Naledi K.
One thing I respected immediately was that nobody tried to promise me a job. They explain very clearly that they prepare you properly and that you still have to apply and earn the opportunity yourself. That honesty actually made me trust the academy more.
Written review
KS
Kayla S.
This felt very different from normal online training. It was much more like someone experienced was sitting next to you and explaining how things actually work in a real restaurant onboard.
Written review
KA
Keenan A.
I have worked behind bars before, but the Bartender course still taught me a lot. Stock control, sanitation, responsible alcohol service and handling high volume service were explained in a way that made me rethink some of my habits.
Written reviewBartender
AK
Ayesha K.
I am not doing this just because I want to travel. I want to earn better, save properly and help my family. It has been difficult trying to build that kind of future locally. This training made an international career feel much more achievable.
Written review
MD
Monique D.
I have supervised people before, but nobody had ever properly taught me how to coach someone or recover a bad guest experience. There were several lessons where I immediately thought, I wish I had known this years ago.
Written review
CV
Carla V.
I really like that I can go back to the course again. I know before an interview I will probably revisit certain lessons, and if I get an opportunity onboard I can refresh the information before I leave.
Written review
SP
Sameera P.
STCW confused me completely before this. I did not know what had to be done before applying, what came later or which certificates were actually recognised. The training helped me separate all of that information and understand the process properly.
Written review
PG
Priya G.
I actually enjoyed the quizzes because they exposed the things I only thought I understood. There were a few times I got something wrong, went back to the lesson and realised I had missed an important detail. That helped the information stick.
Written review
MJ
Matthew J.
The biggest difference for me was structure. Before this I had hundreds of pieces of information but no idea what order anything happened in. After the course I understood the actual role, what documents matter, what STCW is, what ship life is really like, how to prepare for an interview and how my hospitality experience could translate into a cruise career. I also appreciated that the difficult parts were explained instead of everything being made to look glamorous. I finished feeling much more confident, but more importantly I finished knowing exactly what my next step should be.
Written review
John
Restaurants · Kenya
Thank you so much Cape Marine Academy for the training. It was great, it was awesome. I got this opportunity.
On camera
Owetu
Working on board now
I did my online courses with Cape Marine Academy, and now I am here on board, earning in dollars.
On camera
LM
Lethabo M.
Finding good work in South Africa has honestly been frustrating. I knew cruise ships could give me an opportunity to earn internationally, but I had absolutely no idea where to start. Cape Marine Academy gave me a proper direction. I finally understand the process, what is expected from me and what I need to do next. For the first time this feels like a real career plan instead of just something I keep talking about.
Written review
KM
Kabelo M.
There is so much information online about working on cruise ships and half of it contradicts the other half. This was the first time somebody actually put everything into a clear order. Documents, training, interviews, life onboard, the job itself. It finally makes sense.
Written review
TN
Thabo N.
For me the biggest motivation is being able to earn in dollars and change what is possible for my family. I knew people were working on ships and doing well, but I never understood how they got there. Now I actually have a roadmap.
Written review
AC
Ayanda C.
Before starting I was honestly nervous about cruise life because I had never worked at sea. The course did not pretend it would be easy, which I appreciated. It showed me what to expect, and that made the whole idea much less intimidating.
Written review
RN
Riya N.
My favourite part was learning that being a cruise bartender is not only about knowing cocktails. You are also selling, entertaining, remembering guests and creating energy around the bar. That gave me a totally different understanding of the role.
Written reviewBartender
BN
Bongani N.
The Head Waiter course made me realise that being a strong waiter and being a strong leader are two completely different things. Managing people, developing the team, handling guests and taking responsibility for an entire section requires another level of thinking.
Written reviewHead Waiter
TN
Tshepo N.
The Maitre D training gave me a completely different view of restaurant operations. You start thinking beyond your own guests and your own tables. You are looking at the room, the team, reservations, standards, performance and the entire operation.
Written reviewMaitre D
SM
Sandile M.
Getting the certificate was a proud moment for me. It sounds small, but when you know how much time you have put into learning and improving yourself, seeing that certificate at the end feels good.
Written review
NA
Nathan A.
I actually liked that they speak about the difficult side of working onboard. Long hours, pressure, being away from home. It would have been easy to just sell the dream. Knowing the reality makes me feel more prepared for it.
Written review
JC
Jordan C.
I have already recommended Cape Marine Academy to friends in hospitality. Even if you know restaurant service, understanding how things are done onboard is a different skill set.
Written review
John
Restaurants · Kenya
Thank you so much Cape Marine Academy for the training. It was great, it was awesome. I got this opportunity.
On camera
Owetu
Working on board now
I did my online courses with Cape Marine Academy, and now I am here on board, earning in dollars.
On camera
LM
Lethabo M.
Finding good work in South Africa has honestly been frustrating. I knew cruise ships could give me an opportunity to earn internationally, but I had absolutely no idea where to start. Cape Marine Academy gave me a proper direction. I finally understand the process, what is expected from me and what I need to do next. For the first time this feels like a real career plan instead of just something I keep talking about.
Written review
KM
Kabelo M.
There is so much information online about working on cruise ships and half of it contradicts the other half. This was the first time somebody actually put everything into a clear order. Documents, training, interviews, life onboard, the job itself. It finally makes sense.
Written review
TN
Thabo N.
For me the biggest motivation is being able to earn in dollars and change what is possible for my family. I knew people were working on ships and doing well, but I never understood how they got there. Now I actually have a roadmap.
Written review
AC
Ayanda C.
Before starting I was honestly nervous about cruise life because I had never worked at sea. The course did not pretend it would be easy, which I appreciated. It showed me what to expect, and that made the whole idea much less intimidating.
Written review
RN
Riya N.
My favourite part was learning that being a cruise bartender is not only about knowing cocktails. You are also selling, entertaining, remembering guests and creating energy around the bar. That gave me a totally different understanding of the role.
Written reviewBartender
BN
Bongani N.
The Head Waiter course made me realise that being a strong waiter and being a strong leader are two completely different things. Managing people, developing the team, handling guests and taking responsibility for an entire section requires another level of thinking.
Written reviewHead Waiter
TN
Tshepo N.
The Maitre D training gave me a completely different view of restaurant operations. You start thinking beyond your own guests and your own tables. You are looking at the room, the team, reservations, standards, performance and the entire operation.
Written reviewMaitre D
SM
Sandile M.
Getting the certificate was a proud moment for me. It sounds small, but when you know how much time you have put into learning and improving yourself, seeing that certificate at the end feels good.
Written review
NA
Nathan A.
I actually liked that they speak about the difficult side of working onboard. Long hours, pressure, being away from home. It would have been easy to just sell the dream. Knowing the reality makes me feel more prepared for it.
Written review
JC
Jordan C.
I have already recommended Cape Marine Academy to friends in hospitality. Even if you know restaurant service, understanding how things are done onboard is a different skill set.
