CARNIVAL Cruise Line (CCL), a leading global cruise operator, has strengthened its commitment to the Philippines by forging new partnerships with key institutions, including the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and STI Education Services Group (STI ESG).
The collaboration aims to significantly increase the number of Filipino seafarers employed by the company, expanding opportunities beyond the traditional hospitality roles.
Carnival, which operates from 14 US homeports and two in Australia, with seasonal operations in Europe, employs over 48,000 team members from 120 nationalities, including over 12,500 Filipinos in its fleet of 27 ships.
CCL President Christine Duffy was recently in the country to meet with the partners and has expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it will elevate the company’s recruitment of Filipino talent.
“We have long recognized the exceptional skills and work ethic of Filipino seafarers. This collaboration will enable us to tap into a wider pool of qualified individuals, including those with expertise in deck and engine operations,” Duffy said.
PMMA-Carnival Training Center inauguration
A highlight of Duffy’s visit was gracing the groundbreaking ceremony for the PMMA-Carnival Training Center building in Zambalez. This event, which coincided with the academy’s graduation ceremony, marked the establishment of a training center to increase the number of competent and highly skilled cruise ship personnel for Carnival vessels.
In addition to the training center, Carnival announced a scholarship program for select students. The first batch, chosen from this school year’s freshmen, will have their entire education costs covered, including a uniform allowance.
Carnival has a longstanding partnership with PMMA, the country’s oldest state-run maritime school. This collaboration guarantees cadets berths onboard Carnival’s luxury ships and secures employment upon graduation, providing a clear career path and numerous opportunities for the students.
Establishing culinary excellence with STI
Another significant partnership is with STI, one of the largest networks of schools in the country.
The collaboration between Carnival and STI has expanded to include the creation of a tailored curriculum that aligns with Carnival’s needs, values, and standards. This involves the launch of state-of-the-art facilities that meet Carnival’s standards in culinary and hospitality training.
In 2022, Carnival signed an agreement with STI to operate a portion of the STI College Pasay-EDSA campus as their recruitment center.
The dedicated recruitment center and training facilities at STI College Pasay-EDSA, known as The TM Center Hub, include classrooms, crew welfare and manning offices, pre-departure orientation rooms, and mockups of shipboard equipment. These resources provide students with a valuable head start in their maritime careers.
These initiatives are highly beneficial for aspiring Filipino seafarers, giving them access to real-world experiences that significantly improve their chances of employment with a leading cruise line.
Carnival also announced it is preparing to deploy its ship, Carnival Panorama, to Manila in October as part of a Southeast Asia and Hawaii Transpacific cruise. This visit is seen as a testament to the growing importance of the Philippines in the cruise industry.
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