The addendum was signed during Seatrade Cruise Global and reinforces the company’s collaboration with Mexico across maritime education, workforce development and engagement with stakeholders in the country’s port and maritime sector. The initiative forms part of a broader series of engagements during the event, including meetings with an ASIPONA delegation representing 15 Mexican port states to discuss operational, environmental and security topics.
The agreement was signed by Domenico Rognoni, senior vice president, fleet governance and nautical operations for Carnival Cruise Line, Emiel de Vries, Vice President, Marine and Port Operations for Princess Cruises, and Captain Mauricio Cruz Reyes, director general and rector of the Maritime & Port University of Mexico. Additional representatives present included Admiral Gerardo de Jesús Toledo Guzmán, Undersecretary of Maritime and Port Affairs, Ret. Admiral Juan Ortiz Guarneros of ASIPONA Puerto Vallarta, and Rutilio Cruz Escandón Cadenas, Consul General of Mexico in Miami.
The expanded framework builds on a program initially launched in May 2024 by Carnival Cruise Line in partnership with the Maritime & Port University of Mexico. The initiative provides final-year maritime students with a mandatory 180-day onboard apprenticeship, combining academic learning with operational experience at sea.
“Mexico is a longstanding and important partner to Carnival Corporation, and expanding this program to include Princess Cruises reflects our continued commitment to investing in talent, strengthening maritime workforce development and deepening long-term collaboration with key institutions across the country,” said Domenico Rognoni. “We are proud of the meaningful progress we’ve made and are pleased to create additional opportunities for Mexican cadets to gain valuable onboard experience as they prepare for careers in the maritime industry.”
“Expanding this program to include Princess Cruises creates meaningful opportunities for Mexican cadets to gain valuable experience in a dynamic operating environment while helping us support the development of future maritime talent,” said Emiel de Vries. “We are proud to be part of a collaboration that connects academic preparation with practical training at sea and helps strengthen the pipeline of skilled maritime professionals.”
“This addendum strengthens a collaboration that helps more students connect academic preparation with practical experience at sea,” said Captain Mauricio Cruz Reyes. “By expanding access to onboard training through this program, we are helping prepare more Mexican students for professional opportunities in the maritime sector and supporting the continued development of maritime talent in Mexico.”
Since its launch in 2024, the majority of participating students have progressed into full cadet roles with Carnival Cruise Line, highlighting the program’s role in supporting maritime career pathways. Under the expanded agreement, Princess Cruises is expected to welcome its first cadets from the university in the fall.
Tags: Domenico Rognoni Carnival Corporation & plc Emiel de Vries Princess Cruises