A shortage of just one pound nearly prevented Amy Shelly from reaching the job opportunity that would shape her career.
OneSpaWorld shared Shelly’s story in a recent employee spotlight, describing how she was £1 short of the money needed for a train ticket to her first onboard job. She nevertheless found a way forward and today serves as the company’s Senior Director of Business Process Improvement.
Cunard has released a new episode of its Crew Conversations podcast focusing on career development, training and support for women working aboard cruise ships.
The episode features Fran, an onboard HR Manager, and Barnaly, a Learning and Development Officer. They discuss changes they have witnessed in the maritime industry and the training opportunities available to crew members. They also address the support available to women aboard Cunard’s ships.
Cruise lines are celebrating Housekeeping Appreciation Week by recognizing the thousands of crew members whose hard work keeps ships clean.
The annual event runs from September 13 through September 19, 2026. During the week, cruise companies and shipboard leaders are sharing team photos, videos and messages of appreciation for cabin attendants, public-area cleaners, laundry workers, supervisors, butlers and other housekeeping employees.
Here is how some of the major cruise lines celebrated Housekeeping Appreciation Week
Three brothers have earned a place among Park West Gallery’s Top 35 Golden Gavel auctioneers. Park West said the brothers have helped connect collectors with art through their energy, knowledge and dedication. The company runs art exhibitions and auctions, including programs aboard cruise ships, where auctioneers introduce works to guests and lead the events.
Cruise retailer Harding+ says changes to its behind-the-scenes operations are giving shipboard shop teams more time with guests. The work has earned its Central Retail Operations team a Team of the Year shortlist place at the DFNI Frontier Awards.
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.
AIDAprima Entertainment Manager Benny Güttler has ended his current assignment earlier than planned after suffering a knee injury during a farewell show onboard.
Princess Cruises is changing the way mandatory deductions and salary allotments are processed for Filipino crew members, with the new system set to take effect with the September 2026 payroll.
Asuka Cruises announced that Captain Minoru Taguchi, the 14th captain in the company’s history, will retire from his position aboard Asuka II at the end of September.
Taguchi will complete his final voyage with the Yokohama-Kobe Autumn Cruise, departing Yokohama on September 27 and arriving in Kobe on September 29, 2026.
Cruise ship crew visiting the Port of Dover now have a dedicated place to relax, recharge, and stay connected with their families following the opening of a new crew welfare lounge inside Cruise Terminal 2.
