The cruise industry has enjoyed relatively increasing consumer patronage during much of the past decade, particularly after the immediate effects of the Great Recession began to recede. By the end of 2019, 30 million cruise passengers are expected to take to the sea globally. This marks an 800,000 passenger increase from the prior year. A similar increase is expected in 2020. The general health of the cruise industry naturally leads to the question of how is the job outlook for the cruise industry at this time and in the immediate future? Generally speaking, across all sectors of the cruise industry, the job outlook is favorable. With that said, there are a number of areas within the industry where job growth is expected to be particularly stronger.
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Total Restoration Cruises
A trend that really took hold in 2018 and 2019 is that involving what are known as total restoration cruises. These cruises are designed for people who want to “completely check out” from their day-to-day responsibilities and burdens. They want to take a cruise as a means to enjoy total relaxation and to fully rejuvenate.
As the interest in total restoration cruises continues to increase, the demand for employees in specific, related sectors is increasing notably according to Cruise Lines International Association, the largest cruise industry trade association.
This includes an increased need for employees with training in all aspects of spa services and management. There is a rising demand for chefs, cooks, and others versed in healthy dining. Fitness centers are becoming more important elements of a cruise ship’s offerings and these facilities need proper staff as well.
Cruises, Cruise Ships, and Technology
Technology is a major element of day-to-day living. Cruise ship patrons expect to have access to the very best technology designed to enhance their experiences. As a result, jobs continue to be available to experienced and educated tech-savvy individuals to aid in the development, implementation, and patron services associated with onboard technology. Overall, the latest tech being added to cruises and cruise ships is designed to assist in providing individual travelers with highly personalized experiences. This includes experiences onboard, but also in regard to off-ship excursions.
Environmentally-Conscious Cruise Trips
Over the course of the past several years, a growing number of travelers of all types, including those who cruise, have become more aware of their environmental footprints. As a consequence, there is an increasing demand for environmentally-friendly cruise and excursion options. This demand has opened the door to a different cohort of employees, individuals with backgrounds in sustainable travel. Positions of employment are increasing both in the cruise trip creation side of the industry as well as onboard and in regard to appropriate environmentally friendly excursions. The expectation is that the demand for environmentally friendly cruise and associated excursion options will continue apace in the coming years.
Over the course of the past decade, the number of global cruise passengers has grown from about 18 million in 2009 to a projected 30 million in 2019. The increase in numbers of cruise ship patrons particularly picked up in 2015 and has not shown any indication thus far of slowing down.