Diversity
CLIA member cruise lines foster a diverse, inclusive workforce, uniting 75+ nationalities while creating opportunities for women, workers with disabilities, and maritime professionals to thrive at sea.
Diverse & Inclusive Workforce
CLIA member cruise lines take pride in employing a diverse, multinational workforce, with crew members from over 75 nationalities working together at any given time. Seafarers from different cultures and backgrounds unite to create a unique and memorable cruise experience for guests. Cruise ships foster a safe, inclusive work environment, where individuals can be themselves and thrive. The industry is also committed to removing barriers to entry, supporting workers with disabilities, and providing unparalleled opportunities for women in maritime.
“On a ship, you see seafarers from many cultures and backgrounds, and it has a positive effect on how the ship performs. We are better and more successful companies when the diversity of race, age, gender, culture, beliefs, and background is celebrated.”
Bettina Deynes
Global Chief Human Resources for the nine-brand Carnival Corporation
Women in Cruise
As well as offering an inclusive, multicultural work environment, the cruise industry provides the most advanced opportunities for women in maritime. Cruise is leading the way in supporting female leadership roles – from the navigation bridge to the boardroom.
The cruise industry recognizes that gender diversity is critical, encouraging teamwork and creativity from a range of perspectives. Several cruise lines are led by women.
Percent
94%
of women seafarers work in the cruise industry
Percent
57%
of women in maritime (at sea and on land) are employed in the cruise industry
Percent
50%
of women in the cruise sector hold mid-level positions or higher, according to a 2021 seafarer workforce survey
“I am so grateful to be a part of a company that fosters diversity and inclusion and cares about the wellbeing of the employee. Having the freedom to apply my curiosity to the work I do is one of the best parts of the job. I love that every day is an opportunity to learn something new.”
Michelle Oduro-Amoateng
Engine Cadet on board Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas
Q + A
Kristina Steinle, Staff Captain, AIDA Cruises, talks about her experiences working in the cruise industry.
Working onboard a ship was my childhood dream. When I was young, my grandpa owned a small boat, and spending time with him there I fell in love with the sea. I started my career on container ships. School friends inspired me to try out working on a cruise ship.
I came to AIDA in 2013 as Third Officer and developed through the different ranks, until I was promoted to Staff Captain in 2019. As Second in Command, I’m the deputy captain and the department head of the Deck Department. My goal is to be Captain of a cruise ship.
Each day is different, always adapting to the current circumstances. If you are looking for a boring job, this is not the place to be! I’m working in a modern working environment with the latest technologies, on an international team with people from all around the world who have different backgrounds and professions, which is exciting and challenging at the same time. And I have the chance to travel the world and to get to know new countries and cultures.
Some of my (much) younger family members still think I am a pirate, and my life looks like the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean,” an idea which I won’t deny to them until they are a bit older!
“The cruise industry, much like the whole maritime industry, is undergoing an exciting period of change, with the diversity and inclusion discussion in the spotlight like never before.”
Elpi Petraki, President
WISTA International (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association)