Rinell Banda, one of the most influential figures in the cruise ship crew community, has recently reached out to cruise lines, suggesting a full day off for all crew members. After listening to thousands of crew requests on his social media platforms, Rinell proposed that crew members receive one full day off per month to recharge and enhance productivity.

Costa Cruises President Mario Zanetti and Senior Vice President of Human Resources Paolo Tolle recently visited Magsaysay Careers, a valued recruiting partner, in Manila, Philippines. The visit aimed to strengthen ties and celebrate the ongoing collaboration that supports Filipino seafarers.

If you aspire to work on a cruise ship, MSC Cruises has positions available across various sectors. Candidates should possess professional experience, English proficiency, and knowledge of additional foreign languages. A valid STCW95 certification is also required for crew roles.
Here are some of the key shipboard positions currently open:

Deck
•    Seaman
•    Environmental Officer
•    Facilities Director
•    First Deck Officer
•    HR Director and Specialist
•    Second Deck Officer
•    Waste Management Lead

This month 40 Royal Caribbean Group employees from all three brands, both shipboard and shoreside, participated in an intensive training to achieve certification through the National Organization of Victim Advocates (NOVA). This initiative is a part of RCG larger effort to deliver comprehensive victim and survivor support training throughout the fleet.

Big things are coming for the employees at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s slice of Bahamian paradise! The company has announced upgrade for the island's hardworking staff, unveiling plans for six brand-new buildings over the next 18 months.

The goal is to transform the life for the employees who keep the island running smoothly, from landscaping, maintenance to guest services. These aren’t just your average accommodations—Royal Caribbean is going all out to create a true home away from home.

Juna Sebayang’s story is one of hard work, passion, and finding love on cruise ship. He began his career as a waiter on Star Cruises and Dream Cruises, learning the ropes of the cruise industry from the ground up. Over time, he built his skills and knowledge, rising through the ranks to become the Food and Beverage Director on Resorts World One. Now, Juna oversees the ship’s wide-ranging operations that include Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Western, and Indonesian dishes, making sure every guest enjoys a taste of home and adventure.

AIDA Cruises launched a new entertainment event, the "AIDA Spirit Show," aboard the AIDAprima, showcasing the diverse talents of its crew. Inspired by the movie The Greatest Showman, the show gave six teams just five days to come up with performances that would bring the "AIDA Spirit" to life. Whether they hailed from the engine room, bar and restaurant, or entertainment departments, crew members from all areas contributed their unique talents to this special show.

A crew member from MSC Cruises has reached out to Crew Center to shed light on a growing concern regarding the company’s performance evaluation process. According to the crew member, who has worked with MSC for several years, the current system used to evaluate employees seems increasingly flawed and biased, causing frustration and delays for many hardworking individuals.

The life of a cruise crew member is exciting but challenging, requiring long hours of work in a confined space. It is essential for crew members to stay active and maintain their physical health to balance the demands of the job. Physical fitness and recreational activities play a significant role in keeping crew members healthy and energized, allowing them to perform their duties effectively while enjoying their time onboard.

In times of struggle, one of the most beautiful things that often rises to the surface is the strength and unity of a community. Today, we are calling on the cruise ship crew and beyond to rally around one of our own.

Marlene dela Cruz is a single mother of three boys and a former Beauty Specialist at Harding Brothers aboard Princess Cruises ships. Marlene has dedicated years of her life to making passengers feel their best, is now in the fight of her life against stage 2B breast cancer.