The cruise industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering exciting career opportunities across various fields. With the rising demand for skilled professionals, India has become an emerging hub for talent in this dynamic industry.
In this conversation with Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director at National Skills Network-NSN, Mr. Douglas Pimenta, Head of Recruitment at Carnival Support Services India Pvt, shares valuable insights into the industry’s growth high-demand job roles in cruise careers, skills and attributes for cruise industry success, specialized training for cruise careers, and the pathways to success for aspiring cruise professionals.
Here are some of the highlights from the interview. To watch the full video, please visit our YouTube channel.
Q. What are the emerging trends in the cruise industry’s growth in India, and what specific skilled workforce does it require?
A. The cruise industry in India is expanding rapidly, creating numerous roles for Indian crew members in areas such as:
- Hospitality
- Deck operations
- Engineering
- Guest services
Additionally, government initiatives to develop cruise infrastructure along Indian ports are further driving the demand for skilled professionals on board.
The cruise industry represents a new and promising avenue for young talent in India. While many already work in hospitality, awareness about career opportunities in the cruise industry remains limited. With India’s rich talent pool and intrinsic culture of hospitality, there is significant potential for Indian crew members to excel in the global cruise sector.
Working in hospitality onshore in India typically involves a six-day workweek, with a day off to return home which is a familiar and steady routine. However, working on a cruise ship takes it to another level, combining professional growth with adventure.
One of the biggest perks is getting paid while traveling, and the salaries are tax-free. As you work on a ship, you have the chance to visit numerous countries and experience life at sea. Moreover, the diverse environment onboard allows you to collaborate with people from various nationalities, understand different cultures, and forge lasting friendships.
For those with a passion for travel, an appetite for adventure, and a desire to earn quickly while exploring the world, a career on a cruise ship offers an unparalleled experience.
Q. What are the key skills, and attributes are required for success in the cruise industry?
A. One of the most important attributes for a cruise ship job is the willingness and attitude to stay away from home, as contracts typically last around nine months. Candidates must be prepared to embrace this aspect of the job.
In terms of qualifications, we look for individuals with a background in hospitality; those trained in the sector and with experience in hotels, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), or other organized hospitality establishments.
Given that we operate as international cruise companies, English proficiency is crucial. All guest interactions, safety procedures, and communications onboard are conducted in English. Therefore, strong spoken and written English skills are a must. For those struggling with English, I strongly recommend focusing on improving communication skills before applying.
Training institutes preparing candidates for international roles should prioritize communication training, particularly in English, as it is the primary language on cruise ships. While knowledge of a foreign language can be an added advantage, it is not a mandatory requirement. However, candidates with this skill will certainly stand out in the hiring process.
Q. What are the pathways for career growth in the cruise industry, and what role does upskilling or work-integrated learning play in it?
A. In the cruise industry, we hire candidates across various levels, from entry-level to mid-level, supervisory, and managerial positions. We assess individuals based on their experience and whether they are a good fit for the role. Working on a cruise ship is different from working in hotels due to the high volume of work that employees must manage daily. However, the career growth opportunities are significant once someone joins a cruise ship. We have a structured internal career path and appraisal system that evaluates employees for promotions based on their performance. Many of our employees have been with us for 10, 20, or even 30 years, starting at junior levels and eventually advancing to head-of-department or managerial roles.
Q. What career opportunities and safety measures are in place for women in the cruise industry, and do they have the same roles as men?
A. At CSSI, we have actively worked to increase the number of women on our cruise ships, recognizing the significant demand for women across various roles, especially on our cruise decks. Last year, we offered close to 500 job opportunities for women, a first in our history, and this year we aim to increase that number. We offer women a wide range of positions, from hotel and deck roles to guest service positions, ensuring equal opportunities.
As for safety, our company enforces a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, abuse, or bullying. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all our employees, with clear policies in place for reporting any incidents. Women working on our ships have a safe environment, and if any issues arise, they can escalate them to their manager for immediate attention.
Q. What advice would you give to young people who are interested in the cruise industry but are unsure about the steps to take to pursue a career in this field?
A. My advice to young talent is, cruise companies are always hiring, but it’s crucial to approach only DG-approved companies, like CSSI. All recruitment is free of charge; we do not work with third parties or agencies. Please be cautious of recruitment scams; there is no need to pay anyone to secure a job. I recommend gaining experience in customer service, improving communication skills, and learning to serve guests, as these are key attributes we look for. Focus on building your career, take the right opportunities, and rest assured that your skills will be upgraded as you work on the ship.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?
A. At Carnival Support Services, we are always hiring. If you have the right experience and are looking to work on a cruise ship, please visit our website at https://cruisecareers.in to register. Our team will get in touch with you for an interview.
