In recognition of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Day of the Seafarer on June 25 and its theme “Seafarers Matter,” Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announces its appreciation for the approximately 200,000 seafarers sailing on CLIA Member Cruise Line ships around the world.
CLIA and its Cruise Line Members know that “Seafarers Matter,” as hundreds of thousands of cruise line seafarers will make the cruise travel experience possible for the 25.8 million passengers who will cruise in 2017.
“CLIA would like to recognize the Crew on our member line ships for their dedication and commitment to the cruise industry and the maritime service,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “They are the lifeblood of our industry, working tirelessly so passengers can enjoy a safe, reliable, and sustainable cruise vacation. They not only provide enjoyable cruise travel experiences, but are indispensable to the safety and well-being of cruise passengers.”
Cruise ship seafarers include the full range of people working on board from the captain to medical personnel to the stewards that make up passenger staterooms. They comprise a highly skilled, highly satisfied, and global workforce who sail year after year and have high job satisfaction resulting in employee retention rates up to 80%.
Cruise lines often receive up to 100 applications for each job opening. In addition to their salary, Crewmembers typically receive free medical care, room and board, meals, and many other benefits that are often unavailable in their home countries.
CLIA and its members work diligently to maintain the highest standards of safety and treatment for Crew. The industry strives to provide a high-quality work environment for its Crewmembers by offering ongoing training, career advancement, and the opportunity to travel the world.
Shipping is only the industry with a comprehensive framework of detailed employment regulations that is enforced on a global and uniform basis, as a result of the standards developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). All CLIA Member Cruise Lines support strong worker protections and must comply with international regulations that ensure the safety, security, and fair treatment of Crew, as established by two United Nation (UN) agencies—the IMO and the ILO—and strongly enforced by government authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard.
