POINTE BLANCHE--Port St. Maarten management has announced that it will be pursuing the promotion of employment opportunities onboard cruise ships for St. Maarteners, and plans to approach National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) and Sundial School to start a recruitment drive.
The news follows the Port’s attendance at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show in Cozumel, Mexico, last week. After receiving practical information on a similar programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the port said it was ready to pursue the goal.
“Small nations do contribute a considerable number of employees to the cruise industry, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a clear example. Don’t underestimate the opportunities,” management said via press release.
“A programme for employment opportunities onboard cruise ships has been a topic of discussion, but was never formally pursued. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has made use of an employment programme on cruise ships and it has been very successful.
“This has become a priority for Port St. Maarten in collaboration with the Government.”
Management added that working experience gained on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Carnival Corporation can only further enhance the employment opportunities for an individual.
Many Caribbean nationals work onboard cruise ships, and such workers globally are instrumental in delivering memorable vacation experiences to over 20 million cruise passengers annually.
Working on a cruise ship provides experience in various areas, including positions in entertainment, food and beverage, beauty and wellness, technical, operational, administrative, and management.
A cruise ship employee works approximately six days a week and at times up to 10 hours per day. Contracts are between four to six months with an option to renew. Wages are between US $2,000 to $6,000 or more per month, and the ships provide accommodation and food, the port stated.
Other benefits include experiencing various countries and cultures, and cruise line employment is considered the most sought after employment in the tourism industry, the port stated.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, and supports the industry’s extensive efforts to provide workers with safe, enjoyable and rewarding careers. It supports the International Labour Organization’s 2006 Maritime Labour Convention, and has implemented a Shipboard Workplace Code of Conduct Policy.
