More than 100 students and chaperones, including 20 cadets, took part in an educational visit aboard the ship during its call in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to gain first-hand insight into the career opportunities available across the cruise industry.
Bringing young people closer to the maritime sector and giving them a practical understanding of the career opportunities offered by the cruise industry was the aim of an initiative organised by Carnival Corporation. On October 28, the company welcomed more than 100 students and representatives from Caribbean Maritime University aboard Carnival Dream during the ship’s call in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The visit, which also included 20 cadets, gave participants the opportunity to engage directly with the operations and professionals involved in running a modern cruise ship.
The initiative involved students and chaperones from the university’s Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies and Faculty of Shipping and Logistics, giving them the opportunity to explore the wide range of skills required to operate a ship, as well as career prospects across the broader maritime and logistics sectors.
The delegation was hosted by Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation, together with members of the Carnival Cruise Line team. McKenzie highlighted the significance of the visit, emphasising her personal connection to Jamaica and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with the cruise industry.
She also recalled the country’s strong maritime heritage and the potential of its younger generations, expressing the hope that initiatives of this kind would broaden students’ understanding of the opportunities available in the sector and encourage them to pursue careers in the industry.
The programme began with an educational session introducing the various shipboard departments and potential career paths within the company. Students then took part in a guided tour of Carnival Dream, followed by lunch on board.
Direct interaction with the ship’s officers and crew members allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the technical, operational and hospitality functions involved in the day-to-day running of a cruise ship. From the bridge and engine room to guest services, the tour highlighted the wide range of roles and expertise required to operate a modern passenger vessel.
The visit also helped bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical realities of life on board, giving students a clearer picture of the many professionals working behind the scenes to deliver the cruise experience.
The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between cruise operators and educational institutions in introducing young people to maritime careers. In an industry that increasingly requires a diverse range of skills, direct engagement with professionals and operational environments can play a valuable role in guiding the educational and career choices of future generations.
By welcoming Caribbean Maritime University students aboard Carnival Dream, Carnival Corporation has helped strengthen this connection while celebrating Jamaica’s maritime heritage and the talent of its young people. The experience offered participants the opportunity to look beyond the classroom and discover first-hand the career prospects within an industry that spans nautical and technical operations, onboard services, logistics and ship management.
Angela Messineo
