Seren Nix has spent her cadetship learning how to keep a cruise ship running, from machinery maintenance to watchkeeping in the engine room. Now the Carnival UK engineer cadet has been shortlisted for Cadet of the Year at the 2026 Maritime Solent Awards.

The nomination follows training aboard two ships from Carnival UK’s brands: P&O Cruises’ Aurora and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. During those placements, Seren worked alongside engineering teams on maintenance, machinery overhauls and day-to-day operations.

While aboard Queen Elizabeth, Seren completed key parts of her training ahead of schedule. That gave her more time to develop the skills expected of a future Third Engineer, including engineering watchkeeping duties. Her cadetship combined that experience at sea with study at Warsash Maritime School.

Her achievements have already earned recognition at the school. In July, Warsash named Seren its Higher National Student of the Year. The school identified her as an engineering student sponsored by Carnival UK.

Seren has also made time to help others find their way into maritime careers. She has spoken on cadet experience panels, attended a House of Commons reception and supported the opening of Warsash Maritime School’s SMART Centre. Cunard says she has helped fellow cadets and new starters settle into life onboard.

The Maritime Solent nomination recognizes that wider contribution alongside her technical progress. Cunard said the strength of this year’s nominations prompted the organizers to separate the Cadet of the Year and Apprentice of the Year awards for the first time.