Carnival Corporation has welcomed more than 100 participants from Caribbean Maritime University, including 20 cadets, aboard the Carnival Dream in Ocho Rios on October 28 for an educational visit.

The initiative was designed to connect the next generation of maritime and logistics professionals with career opportunities across the cruise industry.

Marie McKenzie, senior vice president of government and destination affairs at Carnival Corporation, hosted the visit with members of the Carnival Cruise Line team.

“As a Jamaican, it is especially meaningful to welcome students from Caribbean Maritime University aboard the Carnival Dream and give them a firsthand look at the many career opportunities available across the cruise industry,” McKenzie said.

“Jamaica has a strong maritime heritage and a talented pool of young people who can help shape the future of this sector. We hope this tour will broaden the students’ understanding of what is possible and encourage them to chart their paths in the industry,” added McKenzie.

The company said in a press release that the visit brought together students and chaperones from the university’s Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies and Faculty of Shipping and Logistics, giving participants a look at the range of professional disciplines that support cruise ship operations and the broader maritime sector.

The program featured an educational session highlighting shipboard departments and career pathways, followed by a guided tour of the ships.

Carnival said that through direct engagement with the ship’s leadership and team members, students and cadets gained insight into the technical, operational and hospitality functions that contribute to the successful operation of a cruise ship.

From the bridge and engine room to guest operations, the tour also showed the range of expertise required to run a modern cruise ship.

Image: Caribbean Maritime University cadets with members of the Carnival Cruise Line team aboard the Carnival Dream in Ocho Rios, Jamaica