LONG TERM CAREERS IN THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean

When The Love Boat first aired in 1977, no one could have predicted the explosive effect it would have on the cruise industry.  It was arguably the single greatest catalyst for the industry’s growth, fueling ship building and port development, with a cast of characters that inspired a new generation to explore a career in a whole new industry.  Who can forget Doc, the Captain and Julie the Cruise Director?

Working on a cruise ship, you will undoubtedly meet someone who has moved up the ranks; an executive chef who started as a dishwasher, a stateroom steward who became a hotel director, a deckhand who is a captain.  These success stories are not limited to the shipboard environment or to a single company. There are countless success stories of people who started a career at sea and transitioned into a corporate role. Some remained with the same company their entire careers, and some find opportunities with other cruise lines or in related industries.

In many ways, advancing in a career at sea is like advancing in a land-based career.  A company must have a meaningful and transparent succession plan, and employees must be committed to continuing education and training.  When employees see there’s opportunity for growth and advancement they are motivated to do what it takes to get ahead. Seeing your co-workers advance is a powerful incentive.

Employees transitioning from a shipboard to a corporate role bring unique perspectives.  They understand shipboard operational challenges particularly when instituting new initiatives.  Employees in the trenches, “boots on the ground”, understand what the challenges are and what it takes to get the job done.  They contribute critical insight and often have creative ideas for working smarter and more efficiently.

Engineers, navigators, and hospitality professionals from food and beverage to guest services have successfully made the move from life at sea to life on land.  These former seafarers provide invaluable contributions to a company’s success.

A love of the industry can lead to a meaningful long-term career, with full, enriching and unforgettable life experiences.

Access Cruise is a Miami based cruise marketing and sales consulting group, specializing in product and business development within the cruise industry.