THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY The cruise industry is a highly profitable international activity, and the fastest growing sector of the travel, tourism and leisure industry. The cruise industry has gone through significant changes from the days of transoceanic transportation and tropical vacations only available to the domain of societys elite, to the modern multimillion tourism and leisure industry that offers an affordable vacation option and a level of comfort difficult to match for the average citizen, with a number of people cruising that seems to grow every year in the world. A relatively reduced number of cruise companies compete for world market shares in different ways, developing innovative commercial strategies and investing multi-million dollar budgets in the research and development of state-of-the-art vessels able to combine the elegance of high quality living spaces with the cutting-edge technological concepts needed to provide stability to these new floating hotels, pushing the boundaries of naval construction and design to the limits for exceptional navigation performance and liveboard comfort while maintaining the highest standards for safety and environmental management systems. The modern cruise industry offers an option for everyone, exceeding the expectations of its customers, with an also growing number of companies specializized in offering more choices and alternatives, including smaller cruise ships, yachts and sailing vessels that carry out from ten-thirty to a few hundred passengers to exotic and, sometimes, remote destinations and regulated ports, prohibited to larger liners because of the concerns about what the influx of thousands of travelers would have on the local environment. This section is dedicated to provide background information on diverse aspects related to the cruise industry and its significant contribution to the world economy in terms of investment and job creation, including also its positive and negative features, and a series of important unsolved economic, social and environmental issues; offering different subsections arranged by subject-heading topics according to the following index. A crisis-resistant industry with a diversified offer of airlift options and modernized port structures that have open up cruising as a vacation alternative available for an increasing, more affluent customer base, offering a exciting, eventful, relaxing and definitely enjoyable experience for millions of passengers from across the world each year. This dynamic sector is continuously expanding its offer of products and services, and developing new markets, with an average 8.5% annual growth in the last 20 years, and nearly 90 million passengers since 1980, 60% percent of whom have been generated in the past decade, in a tendency that shows no sign of slowing, with 13 and 13.5 million passengers in 2008 and 2009, compared with the 12,6 million in 2007, and that is expected to continue through the 21st century. In terms of capacity, the cruise industry has also experienced unprecedented development since the turn of the century. During the 1980s, around 40 new cruise ships were built and put in service, followed by other 80 vessels along the 1990s, and a 40% increase between 2000 and 2005 that will be completed by and additional 25% of new state-of-the-art units to replace ships that are expected to be withdrawn in the next years. A multimillion investment into new, more innovative and ever-bigger vessels capable of carrying up more than 3,000 passengers, offering lower fares and shorter cruises to benefit from economy of scale and onboard activities such as multi-story shopping centers, restaurants, cafs and pubs, nightclubs, discos, casinos, art galleries and museums, theatres and cinemas, libraries, personal care areas and spas, gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, ice skating rings, and a long etcetera of amenities to meet the changing vacation patterns of todays market and exceed the expectations of its customers with practically a cruise option for everyone. A fleet compossed of several hundred large cruise ships carrying millions of passengers plies routes in all geographical areas in an expanding range of more than 500 destinations worldwide, with the Caribeean cruises as the favourite ones, followed by Mediterranean cruises and European itineraries that visit diverse popular ports and cities Barcelona, Venice, Nice, Athens and the Greek Islands, Monte Carlo, Istambul, London, Amsterdam, the Scandinavial Fjords, Helsinki, San Petersburg, etc. , including also the opportunity to enjoy places not included in the usual offer presented by other travel and tourism service providers, such as Artic and Antarctic regions. Indeed, the cruise industry has increased in popularity all around the world, serving an heterogeneus clientele with well-differentiated expectations and preferences in the Asian, European and North American markets. This phenomenal growth has also created the need for more efficient managerial, organizational and planning structures to best the increasing competition and deal with the many changing factors in an also evolving market that generates over $15 billion every year 79% of which corresponds to the North American and British markets and hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs around the world, yielding an indirect multi-billion dollar annual benefit in diverse industrial sectors in all the world (nondurable and durable goods manufacturing, professional and technical services, travel services, financial services, airline and transportation, and wholesale trade). CRUISE INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION In the other hand, the growth of the cruise industry has been severely conditioned by diverse events, such the Achille Lauro hijack in 1985, the Iraq and Kosovo wars, and especially the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, followed by an accentuated process of restructuration and consolidation in the sector. Renaissance Cruises was the first company to fill for bankrupcy on 25 September 2001, followed by American Classic Voyages and other four companies reflecting ten well-known brand names, ceasing operations and leaving the market wide open for the largest cruise companies

GENERAL ANALYSIS AND OVERVIEW General analysis and overview of the modern cruise industry and its development in the last decades. Over the last decades, the modern cruise industry has responded to extensive market and consumer research with the presentation of innovative naval design concepts, new ship lengths, ever more exotic destinations around the globe, and new on-board and on-shore activities and themes, developed to offer a vacation alternative that satisfies the expectatives of everyone. CRUISE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT The cruise industry, which modern version dates from the 1970s with the development of the North American industry, has experienced an increasing process of popularization, becoming a major part of the tourism sector, and reaching a level of enormous significance worldwide as an economic factor. The modern cruise industry is also one of the most outstanding examples of globalization, with an increasing number of ports of call and destinations around the globe, a multinational clientele and onboard personnel from every continent, and a level of detachment from communities and nations never seen before in history, with important economic, legal, environmental and social implications.

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruise Limited and Star Cruises to consolidate in a process of purchasing and merging of companies giving birth to enormous corporations that control about 80% of the cruise market worldwide. Carnival Corporation, headquartered in Miami (Florida, USA) and London (England, UK), is the undisputed leader in the sector and the most profitable leisure company in the world, with 12 cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia that operates 89 cruise ships, around 65,000 shipboard employees and 170,000 guests at any given time. Among the companies of more modest size in the market are Crystal (subsidiary of the Japanese NYK), Silversea and Raddisson Seaven Seas. In the other hand, althought the corporate offices of the main cruise companies are located in the United States and Europe, and their clientele comes mostly from these same areas, these organizations, as an integrant part of the shipping industry, are incorporated and have most of their fleet registered in Panama, Liberia, Bemuda and Bahamas to obtain a series of benefits and advantages that allow a better economic balance and competitiveness derived from more favourable standards concerning taxation, labour laws and safety and environmental regulations. CRUISE INDUSTRY COMPETITION The volume of the cruise ship market is relatively small, with important barriers both to entry and exit associated with the extremely high cost of purchasing or selling a single cruise ship, and the high investment needed to maintain and manage a cruise line, which has a decisive influence on diverse aspects and strategies related to organizational and management issues. In the same way, the bargaining power and capability to take advantage of economies of scale present in the cruise industry are also affected by the size of the market in two different and contradictory ways: a) the presence of a few shipbuilders and techology developers in the industry forces the cruise companies to accept the prices and costs offered to them; b) the large number of suppliers of equipment, fuel and food products allows them to bargain for the best prices. Such a reduced number of companies allows them to watch closely for potential commercial threats in a constant competition for a clientele influenced by general economic conditions and with other vacation alternatives, such sightseeing vacations, land-based resort hotels, thematic parks, etc. A situation that has given place to diverse strategies and plans to identify and specialize in the specific areas within this business framework, resulting in a division of the cruise industry into well-differentiated sectors or market niches luxury, premium and contemporary that offer diversified and targeted cruise products and services to satisfy both mass consumer markets, interested in budget packages, and a distinctive clientele seeking the exclusive environment onboard small ultra-luxury ships. Marketing, innovation and brand image are therefore vital elements in such a competitive commercial environment, and key factors to succeed in a sector in a constant effort to find new sources of income and new strategies to maximize economic performance and profit. CRUISE INDUSTRY REVENUE The main revenues in the cruise industry are generated for the most part from cruise ship passengers, and the ability to attract and maintain a clientele is therefore essential to its financial success. However, cruise fares are currently just another element in the complex mosaic of commercial relations around the cruise activity, quite far already from the relatively inexpensive or initial all-inclusive vacation packages offered in the 1970s, with a growing number of strategies for generating onboard revenue. The time when onboard shops provided a few items to complete passengers luggage, some souvenirs and duty-free products was left behind long ago. Never to return. Nowadays, cruise ships offer an increasing range of shipboard stores and boutiques, spa and personal care services, photography departments and art auctions at prices that compete with land-based establishments. Most of them provided and managed by concessionaires and subcontractors. Cruise companies have also introduced diverse practices to attract customers to spend their money, for instance, in extra-tariff and alternative restaurants and bars, satellite telephone services, cybercafs, and diverse revenue-generating schemes in passengers cabins (interactive multimedia and TV, minibars, etc.). In addition, while many people go on a cruise with the intention of doing nothing more than relaxing and unwinding; other customers are interested in participating in all sorts of activities and experiencing the destinations to the fullest, and willing to pay for it. As a result, there is an increasing offer of shipboard activities and services, such as Bingo and casino gambling, adventure sports, culinary workshops, videogames, computers and virtual reality centres, theme nights, etc. In the same way, cruise passengers are also encouraged to take part in a growing number and variety of auxiliary onshore activities. In the early 1990s, cruise companies began marketing a diversity of onshore activities and services. Since then, guided excursions and port lecturers, contracted with local concessionaires and local tour operators to be later sold to passengers onboard, have become the largest growing source of income for some cruise companies. Cruise-based tours of several hours while the ship is docked at a port of call or anchored a few miles offshore, which offer different themes and exciting activities: sightseeing, with excursions to natural, ecological and biosphere reserves, and protected areas that include wildlife viewing; adventure tours, adventure sports excursions and diverse activities in privileged natural environments; and historical and cultural based tours, with a strong educational component derived from the opportunity to visit museums and monumental heritages. The cruise ship industry has also shown an ability to establish and maintain effective relations with the land-based tourism industry. Moreover, the increasing purchasing and bargaining power of cruise companies has a significant impact on the providers of these services, competing and forced to undercut one another to successfully secure a contract with a cruise company, which allows the industry to obtain an additional income from the difference between purchasing and selling prices of such products and services. On-shore excursions and visits to ports generally provide an extra income to cruise companies. Thus, cruise passengers usually receive a map to illustrate about the most recommended itineraries, including a buying guide that identifies a listing of stores and commercial establishments in the area, approved by the cruise company on the grounds of good prices and guarantee of quality. Not everyone knows that to be approved and included in the listings, those same stores and business have had to pay an upfront fee or agreed to share a certain percentage of the passengers purchases. In 1990, these strategies and policies were taken to a next level with the introduction of the concept of private island, developed by Norwegian Cruise Lines and adopted by other companies operating mostly in Caribbean waters, with different economical benefits by providing an alternative to traditional congested ports, including a monopolistic control over local stores and services, open and available round-theclock while the cruise ship is docked, which eliminates any competition and provides a controlled scenario that ensures a positive experience to their clientele, with the consequent additional benefit in the form of positive referrals to other potential customers. Leaving aside onboard revenue, the cruise industry has other alternative means to improve their economic results: reduction in their costs by economies of scale and implementation of improved management

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

systems (already mentioned above), and participation in the economic benefits of ports and port-related activities. Port charges have become an interesting source of income for the cruise companies since the 9/11 attacks, when many companies redesigned their itineraries and destinations closer to the United States, which opened a market for diverse Caribbean cities willing to offer a reduction in their port charges or a bounty for each passenger to attract cruise ships to their ports. In a similar way, there have been many initiatives from cruise companies to help economically in the building or improvement of port facilities and infrastructures in return for a future revenue-sharing formula, which would include, in some cases, priority berthing and a percentage of port charges. PREVISION On a short-time basis, and in spite of the potential growth of the cruise industry and its capability to move ships and switch itineraries so as to adapt to the evolving demand, the rising of fuel prices, the current economic crisis and diverse armed conflicts and political instability that affect diverse parts of the world are taking their toll on this sector. For the last decades, cruise line companies have been ordering new and innovative ships yearly. Nevertheless, the new cruise ships coming within the next years, valued in more than 20 billion dollars to bring additional 85,480 berths into the market with estimated 4.2 million passengers by 2012, were ordered when the dollar had a more favourable exchange rate, and some companies are already cutting back their fleet and revising their order plans downward past that date. In the other hand, other companies cruise companies, as Royal Caribbean International, have placed orders for the largest, more luxurious and innovative ships ever to be constructed, included in the Genesis-class vessels, with a cost of $1.65 billion, 220,000 GT and a capacity for 5,400 passengers and around 2,100 crewmembers, including a series of innovative shipboard amenities and facilities in the next years. In any case, the current economic situation has made the companies in the sector reconsider their business plans, controlling costs and reducing part their staff. However, these economic adjustments and changes will not have significant effects on consumers and their access to high quality cruise services. Thus, the possible lack of new large cruise ships after 2012 is already been compensated by many companies in the framework of ambitious refurbishing programs to keep their fleets equipped with innovative onboard offerings to deliver a memorable experience to their passengers; together with the design and construction of boutique-sized ships with a few hundred berths, equipped with a full set of luxurious amenities, competing to offer a more intimate environment. Moreover, many cruise executives are convinced that the current situation involves a certain beneficial effect on the industry, based on the actual cost difference with other alternative vacations. Thus, cruise vacations are more affordable than other land-based alternatives, including transport, accommodation, meals and entertainment in the final price, with more and more holidaymakers interested in buying a cruise vacation every year. Following this trend, the cruise industry is looking for new initiatives to increase its clientele while maintaining the current market share, and each company has its own strategy for coping with new challenges, offering, for instance, multigenerational family travel, more innovation in the entertainment offerings, new onboard activities, more specialization in the offer of services, and aggressive pricing models and discounts to lure potential travellers. In the same way, progressive concentration in the sector is expected to continue increasing, threatening the survival of regional companies not specialized in a concrete market niche, including also the predictable appearance and development of new large-scale companies competing for the emerging Asian markets; while smaller, newer markets in Europe and the Middle East, Amazon and Brazil, Greenland and the Antarctic regions, also offer prospects for long-term growth. In the other hand, many economies and ports in all the world look at the cruise industry as a potential source of development and economic growth; and many companies have already announced plans to add new ports of call to existing and new itineraries, including coastal and river cruises, and many cruise options from more than 30 domestic ports just in the United States and Canada, providing a better road accessibility to the embarkation ports, and the consequent saving in airfare. While not immune to the current economic situation, most cruise companies and travel agents are expressing optimism for the economic outlook of the sector when looking ahead over the next years. In any case, the industry has to deal with diverse problems and challenges that adversely affect the demand for cruise vacations alternative and, consequently, its operating margins and profitability. Therefore, environmental issues and concerns regarding living and working conditions onboard cruise ships, onboard safety, safety and health, and many other unresolved subjects claim to be taken in an ethically responsible way if the cruise industry is to maintain its quality of service in a framework of sustainability and competitiveness in the next decades.

DEFINITION AND CONCEPTUALIZATION The modern cruise experience must be defined and conceptualized on the basis of diverse interpretative criteria. There are diverse questions concerning the very nature of the cruise experience, which have given place to different definitions and interpretations of the realities and aspects around the cruise industry and its services. For Cartwright and Baird (1999), the definition focuses on the motivation, and cruises must not be considered as a mere travel between origin and destination, but as part of a whole of services offered by leisure and holiday companies. For Butler (2003), the central element of cruising is the onboard accommodation and services, and not the cruise ship as a mean of maritime transport. Douglas & Douglas (2004) understand the cruise as a type of sea voyage in which the vessel travels from and to the same place, providing leisure and recreation services to its passengers. Nevertheless, this definition excludes cruise ships with itineraries between different ports, and the passengers that may embark or disembark the cruise during the route. The Cambridge Dictionary (2005) defines a cruise ship as a large ship, like a hotel, on which people travel on for pleasure. We consider that there are two main elements when trying to define the exact nature of the cruise experience: the onboard services and facilities, and the cruise itinerary. Obviously, the services, infrastructure and personnel organization aboard cruise ships are key elements to understand this industry as a part of the maritime sector, which includes diverse and important particularities resulting from its special structure, functioning and objectives. Thus, modern cruise are compared to floating hotels, with as many options as any land-based resort, which provide their passengers with a sensational environment and fully equipped leisure facilities. In the same sense, the nautical nomenclature has been replaced by hospitality terms and expressions (decks floors, cabins rooms, etc.). In addition, there are two clearly divided onboard areas, with a wide range of personnel in charge of hotel operations, and which usually outnumbers the navigation and technical staff. Nevertheless, the importance of routes and destinations that comprise a cruise itinerary should not be underestimated. The growing demand for cruise services includes an also increasing number of tourist that appear to be choosing for new destinations and longer stays in the ports of call,

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

which has made itinerary planners to identify new and more attractive destinations to maintain and stimulate the interest of their potential customers. Therefore, while the onboard facilities and recreation amenities are a very important part of the service provided by cruise companies, the opportunity to enjoy new more stimulating itineraries must be therefore considered as an integral part of the overall cruise experience. ITINERARIES AND DESTINATIONS Itineraries and destinations available onboard cruise ships, with multitude of options all around the world. In a first approach to the content of this section, we can define the difference between destination, which are the port of call scheduled to be visited by a cruise ship; and itinerary, covering multiple destinations grouped together by a cruise line. Two different, although interrelated, aspects of a same reality that conditions the efforts of a industry in a constant development and evolution to provide its clientele with larger and more specialized fleets able to respond to a growing demand for new cruise services around the world. Cruising, more than most vacation and travel experiences, and even for those who consider themselves seasoned travellers, is an exposure to new destinations and itineraries that offer the opportunity to experience and enjoy exotic places, cultures and people in a fascinating way to see the world. An international economic activity with many implications that affect, among others, ports and land-based tourism companies, entering or already established in the cruise market, providing them with an excellent opportunity to promote and develop new projects and ideas to allure cruise passengers arriving yearly at their installations. In the other hand, some studies on destination demand show that a majority of tourists choose to visit more than one destination in their vacation trips, as a result of a general perception on multi-destination vacations as more beneficial in terms of saving time and money associated with the travel, and minimization of the risk and uncertainty derived from the visit to a single and unknown destination. Therefore, by visiting different places, tourists accumulate more and more diversified experiences, which satisfy both individual and collective preferences. As a consequence, the cruise industry has updated its services by offering more flexible itineraries and trip options to attract and satisfy a much broader market segment, including stops in countries and ports throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and South Pacific, which offer the opportunity to explore interesting and remote destinations and geographical areas. Such a diversity in the demand for this kind of services has a decisive influence on planning strategies developed and implemented by the companies and operators in the cruise industry, forcing the executives in the sector to consider the target markets for each particular itinerary so as to achieve a balance between the number of cruise days and ports of call along it, which can be especially challenging if we consider the fact that large cruise ships transport people of diverse origen and condition, with also different preferences and expectations. To design a new itinerary, cruise lines conduct surveys and studies focused on the experiences, views and degree of satisfaction of previous and current customers to determine preferences and objectives in their potential clientele, formulating several hypothetical itineraries that will be carefully analysed, including, in some cases, site visits and consultation with local experts. In any case, there are several factors and questions to be considered when designing a cruise itinerary: y The homeport and its accessibility as an embarkation point in terms of travel costs and hassles for passengers. y The length and duration of the cruise, which will influence the number of ports visited by the ship and the duration of the stay in each of them, with a diversity of possibilities, tourism experiences and strategies to satisfy the variable demand of an heterogeneous clientele, which includes first-time passengers interested in short cruises to sample a holiday at sea because of the uncertainty of a new experience, and veteran cruisers looking for longer itineraries to faraway places and experiences. y Innovation, diversification and variety of ports of call and destinations. An important part of the cruise offer and a crucial issue to develop and maintain a clientele. y Surveys consistently find that the majority of cruise travellers search for a balance between the traditional tourist offers and new, innovative programs offering unusual and unique experiences, both onboard and onshore. y In the same way, repeat cruisers are pushed by the desire to visit new destinations with innovative offers, which is accentuated in the case of luxury cruises, with much more experienced and exacting passengers looking for unique, exclusive destinations. y Consequently, a successful itinerary planning to meet the different expectations of such a diversified market, and that includes experienced travellers and new customers, is dependent on an exact combination of already known options and destinations, activities and attractions that provide innovation and new experiencies. y The port and onshore facilities, infrastructures and services in each destination as an essential part of the final value of the cruise in terms of quality service and customer satisfaction, play a main role when considering a destination as a viable option within an itinerary. y First of all, aspects such as the physical structure and design of port facilities are examined to determine their compliance with international port security and safety standards, relating both the vessel and the passengers. y Cruise companies are keen to provide the suitable variety of recreational and leisure services and facilities in an environment as controlled and safe as possible when ashore, avoiding places and situations that are known to cause fear and anxiety among passengers (crime, terrorism, local political and social conflicts, unknown local languages and cultural practices, fear of becoming lost, etc.), which stimulates diverse forms of collaboration with port and local authorities in terms of investment in the more adequate infrastructures and services. y In the other hand, surround areas are an element to be considered in the case of cruises offering expedition travels, activities related to nature, wildlife viewing and adventure sports.

PLANNING Identification and evaluation of aspects to be considered in the planning and development of cruise itineraries. In spite of the multiple and varied possibilities and combinations offered by the nearly 2,000 ports capable of receiving cruise ships around the world, choosing the right cruise itinerary or destination fitting the particular vacation expectations in each market segment can be a challenging task. To start with, there is a significant difference between first-time cruise passengers, with a demand for intensive itineraries and a variety of shore excursions and services; and experienced clientele, interested in more extensive, relaxing itineraries to remote sities and areas with less population density, as well as longer stays at ports of call. In the same way, preferences vary among passengers on budget, premium and luxury cruise ships. Thus, and in the case of luxury cruises, there is a clear preference on visiting exotic, remote destinations around the world.

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

y

y y

Congestion in ports of call visited by the cruise. A main challenge for cruise planners, with many implications and difficulties, from problems to find a suitable date to meet the demands to stay at popular port, to difficulties to find a berth, which becomes a very serious, frequent problem in the case of destinations with small population density, or in luxury and smaller cruises with the most exacting passengers on board. Local regulations and bureaucracy. Specific weather conditions in each geographical area. Thus, and for instance, from June through November, the Caribbean can be affected by hurricanes, and the Alaskan glaciers can be only visited during summer months. Cost-related factors associated to the length of the itinerary, the visited destinations and the time spent in each port, such as fuel consumption and port charges and taxes, among others.

MEGA CRUISE SHIP Cruise companies have answered the increasing world demand for this kind of services with the design and building of ever-bigger cruise ships able to accommodate more than 3,000 persons. Mega ships are a new class of cruise vessel, and the next step in terms of capacity and onboard services, with some units that routinely serve more than 5,000 passengers; currently the largest and more sophisticated vessels in the world. SMALL CRUISE SHIP Cruise ships ranging from motor or sail powered yacht-like vessels to medium-sized classic cruise ships with a capacity up to a few hundred passengers onboard, offering more intimate and relaxing experiences than the larger mass-market vessels in less familiar destinations, designed to provide specific services (ecotourism, culture or history cruises, conventions at sea, sea sports, single cruises, senior cruises, business incentive cruises, etc.) or as the only way to navigate through waters, small inlets, ports or archipelagos that would not support larger vessels, providing the same level of comfort and the basic amenities as that of mainstream cruise vessels. OCEAN CRUISE SHIP A type of cruise ship built to more exacting standards than more conventional vessels, with substantially more solid designs and more resistant structures to withstand the especially harsh conditions of ocean voyages in long and world cruises. LUXURY CRUISE SHIP Motor or sail powered cruise ships equipped with the most sophisticated and technologically advanced nautical systems, high standard features and luxurious comforts to meet the special demands of an exclusive clientele looking for longer itineraries and more exotic destinations around the world. ADVENTURE CRUISE SHIP Cruise ships designed and equipped to provide services that include visits of remote destinations, most commonly out-of-the-way or inaccessible to larger vessels. Marketed to a very specific sector of clientele, adventure cruise ships are far smaller than mainstream vessels, usually sail powered and generally equipped with luxury features. EXPEDITION CRUISES SHIP

A wide diversity of interrelated subjects, variables and conditions that have to be individually evaluated during the development process to ensure the safety and profitability of each cruise project before its startup date.

TYPES OF CRUISE SHIPS Types of cruise ships and recreational vessels designed to satisfy the most varied preferences and expectations. A cruise ship is a passenger ship used for recreational and leisure voyages, in which the journey itself and the onboard amenities, attractions, activities and entertainment options are integrant part of the cruise experience. The rapid growth and specialization process experienced by the cruise industry in the last decades has also affected the design and general aesthetics, materials, size and overall onboard functionalities, equipment and amenities of modern cruise ships and recreational vessels to satisfy a clientele more and more numerous and sensitive to quality, who demands the most diversified services with assurance of satisfaction and excellence, while providing solutions to the growing concerns about the cruise industrys environmental impact on marine and coastal communities and ecosystems. Nowaydays, every continent and region on Earth can be visited onboard a cruise or recreational ship, including the most exotic, faraway places and secluded destinations. In the same way, and along the last years, a good number of vessels managed by companies and organizations unrelated to the cruise industry have been redesigned or adapted to offer cruise services to passengers looking for unconventional experiences. This section is dedicated to show the different types of vessels and ships designed to provide cruise and excursion services in seas, oceans, rivers and lakes all around the world. MAINSTREAM CRUISE SHIP It is the most common and popularly known type of cruise ship, marketed by most of the companies in the sector as floating resorts designed and equipped to suit the needs of the majority of cruise passengers. These vessels have a capacity for 850 3,000 passengers, and include all sorts of standard resort features, amenities and services, such as restaurants, bars and pubs, nightclubs and discos, shopping areas, theatres and cinemas, galleries and museums, libraries, casinos, personal care areas with gyms and spas, swimming pools and other sport facilities.

Specially designed ships, or adapted research or icebreaker vessels, operated by specialized companies to offer their customers an exclusive experience in remote destinations and waterways, such as the Arctic and Antarctic regions or coastal areas in ecological and biosphere reserves, in what can be seen more than private expeditions than conventional cruises onboard vessels with an adequate level of comfort, safety and services, which include inflatable motor boats and, sometimes, even helicopters for expedition trips and shore landings.

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

RIVER CRUISE SHIP Always smaller than seagoing cruise ships, and with a capacity for no more than a few hundred passengers, these vessels are specially designed to navigate rivers and inland waterways, offering from exciting experiences onboard ultra high-tech units, to nostalgic trips on paddleboats ships in rivers such as Amazon, Nile, Rhine, Siene, Volga, Mississippi, Yangtse, and many more in all the world.
y y y

Spouses desire (38%). Destination websites (38%). Long-considered idea of cruising (37%).

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILES Determination of the demographic profiles of the average person interested in taking a cruise as a holiday option. The expansion and stiff competition in the cruise industry has make this vacation option into a more affordable product, with important consequences and implications from the demographic point of view, reflected in a series of changes in the composition, attitude and behaviour of a younger and and increasingly more active clientele. CRUISE PASSENGER PROFILE The demographic of the cruise market have changed with the new demands of a rapidly evolving world and social network. Within the last years, the average age of cruise passengers has dropped of those potential customers of this service from North America, Europe and emerging Asian markets interested in spending their income in enjoying luxurious vacations. What was traditionally a market for an elite class, seniors and retirees with stable income, and newlyweds, has become a luxurious travel and holiday option available for the family market; mostly through the attraction of budget holidays, with more and more people interested in this offer in a growing tide that underpin the optimism that the cruise industry will maintain an increasing occupancy rate and future profitability. According to statistics provided by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in 2004, and based on a study conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom, 97% of cruisers are 25 years or older, and with annual earnings over USD40,000+, in a segment that represents about 44% of the total US population. And, in accordance with this same study, the demographic profile of the average cruise passenger would correspond to a 55-year-old university-educated person, married, employed and with an annual income over USD75,000. In 2008, CLIA offered the following profile of the average cruise vacationer: y Predominantly white/Caucasian (93%) person. y Around 46 years old (down from 49 in 2006). y Well-educated, with 65% of college graduates, and 24% of postgraduates. y 83% are married. y 58% work full-time. y Average household income of around USD90,000. y A cruise trip each three years among other three types of yearly vacations. Details of the average cruiser in other countries are scarce due to the lack of research and data on this subject. CRUISE PASSENGER ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR According to statistics published by CLIA, around 15% of the total US population has cruised ever, and 7% to 8% have done so within the last three years. This means that 85% of US citizens have never taken a cruise, which represents a remarkable upside potential for this sector. There are several sources with a variable influence on vacationers when considering the idea of taking a cruise: y Word of mouth (45%).

Once taken the decision, there are distinct information sources to be considered when planning the vacation: y Cruise websites (26%). y Internet advertisement (10%). y Travel agents (14%). y Travel magazines (13%). y Magazine advertisements (10%). y Direct mail (5%). In any case, people interested in taking a cruise generally plan their vacation four or six months out. The 80% of cruise passengers book some of their vacation through local travel agents. Nearly 42% of respondents say that travel agents provide a high-quality service, and around 60% are very or extremely satisfied with their service. The proximity of embarkation ports are a considerable inducement to future cruising for around 70% of potential user of these services, as a result of the saving of money and hassles derived from not having to fly to embarkation points. Typical, cruise passengers travel in pairs, usually with spouses or boyfriends/girlfriends (80%), with a 29% (2008) of people travelling with kids under 18 years old (from 13% in 2002), and a 25% enjoying this sort of offer in the companionship of friends. Destination is one of the most influential aspects when choosing a vacation aboard a cruise ship, and the most of people frequently name the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Bahamas, Europe and the Mediterranean Sea as their favourite options. On a comparative basis versus other tourism categories, and whether a first-time or frequent cruiser, the cruise experience consistently receives top marks from customers on a wide range of important vacation attributes, with an increasing number of people indicating the intent to purchase a cruise. Cruise prospects recognized the high value of cruise vacations, and people who have already experienced this service consider it as providing the best value for their leisure money. Around 95% of all cruisers rate their experience as satisfying, with a 45% claiming the highest "Extremely Satisfying" ranking, and a 80% of them convinced that taking a cruise trip is an excellent opportunity to sample destinations and geographical areas before visiting them on a future land-based vacation. There is also a high level of repeat cruise passengers, with around 50% of customers taking a cruise yearly, and around 25% interested in repeating the experience in the future.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Environmental issues are of key importance when considering the cruise industry and its impact. The cruise ship industry has experienced an enormous growth in terms of popularity, size and variety of destinations in the last years, with bigger and more luxurious ships designed to meet the also growing demand for cruising as a holiday option that offers beauty, adventure, relaxation and entertainment to passengers from across the world. The splendour of tourist destinations and their natural beauty are essential to maintain such demand, so the future of the cruise industry depends on and is inextricably linked to environmental performance and compliance. Although the cruise industry represents just a small portion of the international maritime activity, and environmental issues associated with it is not unique to this sector, cruise ships and their passengers and crews generate a more significant volume of waste and pollutant

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

emissions, both while underway and docked in port, with an also more important effect on the subset of ports and coastal areas along cruise routes. As cruise ships get larger and more luxurious, they also produce more waste. Recently, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that, during a one-week voyage, a large cruise ship with capacity for 3,000 passengers and crewmembers can produce around 210,000 gallons (794,850 L) of sewage stream, one million gallons (3.785 million L) of greywater, 25,000 gallons (95,000 L) of oily bilge water, 150 gallons (568 L) of hazardous wastes, 8 tons of solid waste and a difficult-tocalculate quantity of air pollutants, which must be multiplied by the more than 200 cruise ships currently plying the worlds waterways 365 days a year. In fact, it has been suggested that cruise ships constitute about 77% of the marine pollution worldwide. These wastes represent a significant source of pathogens and toxic substances that, if not properly treated and disposed of, can have a serious effect on human health, including disturbance and destruction of fishing grounds and precious marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. The most worrying aspect of this whole situation is that cruise ship waste disposal is highly unregulated, and waste can be dumped just few short miles off shore (returning later to coasts by ocean currents) rather than installing appropriate onboard treatment systems. Formerly, discharges from most cruise ships usually exceed the water quality standards established by national authorities and international associations and organisms in relation to concentration of bacteria, metals, hydrocarbons and plastics. In many cases, there was no monitoring, no enforcement and no recourse for local authorities if cruise companies violate the existing pollution standards. Nevertheless, the repeated public exposs of environmental abuses committed by cruise companies, which include viral and bacterial epidemics, are a serious problem that have caused these organizations severe embarrassment and lawsuits, indicating the need for more strict monitoring of waste discharges, and pressing the industry to adhere to a new ethical and procedural code in the application of more advanced waste treatment technologies meeting more rigorous environmental control standards and procedures. In this regard, especial attention must by paid to the pressure from coastal localities and areas without large commercial port infrastructures, which complain about air quality problems derived from gas emissions produced by shipboard diesel engines and incinerators while in port. Although the cruise industry unabashedly promotes itself as environmentally friend, the reality is that there is a long history of breaking the law, seeking all kinds of concessions and non-regulation by lobbying and local regulators; in addition to the progressive accumulation of hundreds of pollution violations, which have resulted in higher-level enforcement actions and the payment of millions of dollars in environmental fines for illegally dumping water waste, garbage and other toxic waste into coastal and international waters. These cases have involved both small and large cruise companies in a diversity of surrounding circumstances and volume of discharge, which also varies widely, from tons of oil and solid garbage to drops of oilbased paint that spilled into the water during painting of a ships hull. Regarding the causes, in some cases environmental incidents is accidental, resulting from mere human or mechanical error, such as many fuel-related discharge cases involving cruise ships loading fuel in port. In other cases, environmental damage is caused in circumstances that cannot be determined from the available information. Finally, there have been companies involved in discharges that were judged to be intentional, including a number of cases in which cruise companies pled guilty to the wilful, regular and routine discharge of hazardous waste into the water, use of permanent piping that allowed oily waste to be discharged directly overboard, use of bypass pipes allowing employees to avoid pollution control devices and discharge liquid waste from the ship without first processing it, failure to keep of records of waste discharges, presentation of false record books during environmental pollution investigation procedures, etc. As an example, we can mention the acknowledgment of guilt by Royal Caribbean executives for several episodes of disposal of toxic waste into the Alaska's Inland Passage waters in 1.999, which unleashed a flurry of activity among citizen-based environmental organizations, and an aggressive effort to legislate compliance to environmental regulations, promoting the development and implementation of diverse monitoring programs for cleaner air emissions and water and waste effluent from 2.000. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES POLLUTANTS Pollutants and waste derived from activities aboard cruise ships, with different environmental repercussions. There are different pollutants and waste derived from diverse activities and processes aboard cruise ships. In some cases they are classified as a hazardous waste according to current national and international pollution prevention regulations, depending on factors of ignitability, corrosive potential, reactivity and toxicity. BLACKWATER Blackwater, also known as brown water, foul water or sewage, is a term used to describe water containing fecal matter and urine. Blackwater is wastewater collected by toilets and medical sinks and facilities, which can contains hazardous pathogens, intestine parasites, including faecal coliform bacteria, viral agents and chemical nutrients that need to decompose before being released into environment. Blackwater is a harmful waste that must be adequately treated before being disposed of into marine waters. In other case, it can cause a serious contamination of fisheries and shellfish beds, resulting in a general contamination of the food chain and a risk to human health by transmitting infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, infectious hepatitis, gastroenteritis or dysentery. In the other hand, there are a series of chemical nutrients in sewage, such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Under certain conditions, these compounds fuel eutrophication, causing excessive algal blooms, which can degrade aquatic habitats by reducing light levels and producing certain toxins, some of which are also harmful for human life. GREYWATER Greywater is wastewater generated from domestic, non-industrial processes, including drainage from dishwasher, galley taps, laundry facilities, showers, bath and washbasin drains, etc. This wastewater receives its definition from both its own appearance and from the fact that it cannot be considered neither fresh water, nor heavily polluted wastewater. Greywater is usually kept separate from blackwater to reduce the amount of water that gets heavily polluted, and it is typically the largest source of liquid waste produced by a cruise ship (around 50-80%). Greywater can contain a wide variety of pollutant substances at different strengths, including oil and some organic compounds, hydrocarbons, detergents and grease, metals, suspended solids, chemical nutrients, food waste, coliform bacteria and some medical and dental waste. Nevertheless, it is distinct from blackwater in the presence and concentration of faeces and toxins as determinant biological and chemical contaminants. Graywater is collected in tanks aboard cruise ships and, as required by operational procedures and allowed by regulations, discharged overboard through multiple ports below the ships waterline by motordriven centrifugal pumps, depending on many factors such as planned itinerary, ship location or waste generation rate.

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

OILY BILGE WATER The area of the ship at the very bottom of the hull is known as the bilge, where water collects from diverse mechianical processes, such as engines, water-lubricated shaft seals, propulsion system cooling, evaporators and other ancillary and maintenance machinery. In this area, water mixes with oil, gasoline, rags, metal shavings, paint, grass and cleaning agents and a diversity of by-products from the biological breakdown of hydrocarbons on board. A large cruise ship can generate several tons of bilge water in a day. Bilge spaces should be periodically pumped dry to maintain ship stability and eliminate potential hazardous conditions derived from such substances and their respective interaction, which require complex and sophisticated equipment for its extraction, retention, treatment and reuse or discharge in compliance with regional and international environmental regulations. Oily bilge water contain a wide range of pollutants and oxygendemanding agents, and have various chronic physiological effects, including cancer-causing ones, posing a real threat to aquatic ecosystems and human life, even in minute quantities. All ships are required to have equipment installed onboard that limits the discharge of bilge water into the oceans to concentrations between 10 and 15 parts per million when a ship is en route, and provided the ship is not in a special area where all discharge of this type is prohibited. BALLAST WATER Ballast water is carried in unladen ships to provide stability, for example to offset the weight of fuel consumed during the voyage. Ballast water is taken on at port in one region and discharged in another in a process involving the discharge of up to 1,000 metric tons of water, which includes a myriad of undesirable passengers; invasive species as a top threat to biodiversity, fisheries and aquaculture. During the voyage, temperature differential and other factors in the ballast water kill many of these organisms. Nevertheless, many of them survive and become pests that smother local fauna, deplete native populations and deprive them of food, thus posing public health and environmental risks, as well as significant economic cost to diverse industries. AIR POLLUTION Although the cruise industry contributes the least to total nitrogen and sulphur emissions in relation to the whole maritime sector, with 5% and 6% respectively, a cruise ship produces roughly the equivalent in exhaust emissions of 12,000 automobiles or an average power plant by onboard diesel engines, ancillary equipment and incineration units. Combustion of high sulphur content fuel produces nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other harmful hydrocarbons that contribute to a wide range of atmospheric pollutant phenomena, which may cause serious health problems, including respiratory diseases, neurological damage, birth defects or cancer, and determine a general increase in mortality rate even at low concentrations. Diesel emissions from cruise ships are particularly worrying while at port, and especially significant for coastal communities and surrounding areas, considering that one-third of these emissions occur while the ship is docked. Auxiliary diesel machinery, systems to power lights, pumps, refrigeration equipment and many other onboard functions are a significant source of air pollution, and it has been estimated that a large cruise ship visiting port can pump out as much air pollutants as 2,000 cars and trucks driving in one year. GARBAGE AND SOLID WASTE Solid waste and garbage include cardboard, diverse metallic waste (mostly aluminium and steel cans), glass, paper and plastic. Management of shipboard generated waste is an important issue for all maritime companies. An average cruise ship generates around 3.5 kilograms of solid waste per passenger and crewmember everyday. With thousands of passengers and crewmembers aboard a single ship, the amount of solid waste and garbage generated in a single day can be massive. It is difficult to determine the amount of solid waste generated by the cruise industry worldwide, with important discrepancies in the calculation of even an approximate quantity. Thus, an study carried out in the United States in 1995 showed that cruise ships generated the 51.4% of the total annual garbage produced by the whole U.S. maritime sector. Nevertheless, and few years later, the National Research Council estimated that such quantity amounted only to 19% of the total. In any case, such figures represent the amount of solid waste generated on board; not the amount of waste disposed of in compliance with waste disposal regulations and protocols. This type of waste dumped to the ocean may become marine debris and a threat to the ecosystem and coastal communities. The potential impact from pollution by solid waste on the open ocean and coastal environment can be significant, with a diversity of effects and consequences: y Aesthetic degradation of surface waters and coastal areas.

y y y

Entanglement of sea birds, fish, turtles, and cetaceans, with may result in serious injury or even death by ingestion or asphyxiation. Physical injuries to humans. Ecological damage resulting from the interference of plastics and other synthetical substances with gas exchange between surface and deeper waters. Ecological damage at a planktonic level, when small plastic particles are ingested by zooplankton after mistaking them for fish eggs or other nutrients. Ecological damage from the accumulation of solid waste. Thus, restricted current flow or specific current flows can cause the aggregation and collection of solid wastes, either floating in large rafts, or sunken, which would remain intact for years in the right conditions, resulting in: (a) contamination of habitats with nonindigenous invasive species, with extinction of native species, many miles away from their original ecosystem; (b) harm to sea birds, turtles and certain mammals feeding upon this debris, with a risk of death from starvation or intestinal blockage. Nutrient pollution derived from continued disposal of food wastes in restricted areas.

The cruise industry manages this problem by a variable combination of waste minimization, recycling and incineration. Thus, an amount of garbage is retained onboard and landed onshore for recycling in processing plants, a certain percentage is incinerated onboard and the ash discharged at sea, and some solid waste (food and other organic waste) is also disposed of into the ocean. INCINERATOR ASH Ash generated in the incineration of waste is not normally a hazardous waste if items that would cause the ash to be hazardous are previously separated from the waste stream and handled according to accepted hazardous waste regulations. In other case, incineration generates several forms of waste itself, such as the emission of unburned gases and metals, and hazardous byproducts of combustion, such as dioxins, furans and heavy metals that are released into the air. HAZARDOUS WASTE A cruise ship can produce around 15 gallons of hazardous waste every day, which includes, among others, some medical waste and outdated pharmaceuticals, dry cleaning sludge, batteries, photofinishing chemicals and other expired chemicals, paint waste and thinners, fluorescent lamps, etc.

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

These materials contain a wide diversity of harmful substances and compounds that can pose serious health and environmental hazards, such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons and heavy metals, which require a safe management and disposal. Photo Processing and X-Ray Development Fluid Waste Used photographic and X-Ray development fluids may be assumed to be a hazardous waste, which includes spent fixer, expired film, silver flake, etc. Photographic fixer removes the unexposed silver compounds from the film during the developing process, with a concentration of around 2000-3000 parts per million of residual silver particles (hazardous if its level exceeds 5 ppm). Silver compounds and other chemical waste must be neutralized, detoxified and undergo removal of silver and other heavy metals before it can be landed it ashore or discharged in accordance with diverse national and international pollution prevention regulations. Print Shop Waste Increased use of laser and photo copying equipment onboard cruise ships results in the generation of waste toner material and printing/copying cartridges that can contain hazardous chemical components. In addition, this waste may contain hazardous fluid waste, such as inks, cleaner and printing solvents, which content hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, heavy metals and diverse chemical combinations that can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and human life. Dry-Cleaning Waste Fluids and Contaminated Materials Shipboard dry cleaning facilities use a chlorinated solvent called perchlorethylene as a cleaning fluid, and produce a small volume of waste from contaminated sludge, spent solvent, filter materials, internal elements of recovery stills, lint traps and other parts of these units. Each cruise ship utilizing these cleaning units produces a variable amount of this waste material, classified as hazardous waste, depending on the season and number of passengers on board, which imposes the necessity of properly trained technical personnel for the correct use and disposal of these chemicals in accordance with all safety procedures. Unused and Outdated Pharmaceuticals Health and medical departments aboard large cruise ships manage a wide range and amount of pharmaceuticals in an inventory based on their itinerary and other variables, from over-the-counter products to specific prescription drugs and specialty medications. Fluorescent and Mercury Vapour Lamp Bulbs Fluorescent lamps contain phosphor powder, and mercury vapour lamps contain mercury. Both these two types of lamps could potentially be hazardous to the environment and the human health, and must be therefore handled in an environmentally safe manner. Batteries Batteries are a very common power source for both onboard equipment and for passengers devices. If not properly handled and disposed of, spent batteries may pose a serious environmental risk and a threat to human health. There are four basic types of batteries: Lead-Acid Batteries: Used in standby generators and other auxiliary equipment, these batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable battery, containing a sponge lead anode, a lead dioxide cathode and sulphuric acid electrolyte. Lead has been linked to serious effects on human health, and sulphuric acid is one of the most corrosive chemicals. Therefore, lead-acid batteries are a classified hazardous waste that can endanger human health and the environment if not properly disposed of. Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries: This type of battery is also rechargeable, and contain wet or dry potassium hydroxide as electrolyte. Cadmium is a characteristic hazardous waste and accumulative poison, classified as a renal and hepatic toxin, with neurotoxic effects and a osteoporosis-causing agent. The potassium hydroxide is corrosive, poisonous and may potentially generate explosive hydrogen gas upon contact with aluminium, tin, lead or zinc. Lithium Batteries: This batteries are used in a wide variety of both scientific equipment and personal electrical devices. They are all potentially hazardous. Lithium is a mildly toxic chemical, but not a listed or characteristic toxic hazardous waste. Waste lithium batteries can be considered a reactive hazardous waste if there is a significant amount of unconsumed or unreacted lithium remaining in the spent battery. Once these batteries are fully or mostly discharged, they can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste. Nevertheless, lithium batteries may content other elements, such as cobalt, which is carcinogenic. Alkaline Batteries: Also known as primary or non-rechargeable batteries, they are composed of a positive pole (anode) that contains zinc, and a negative pole (cathode) that contains manganese dioxide. Potassium hydroxide electrolyte, a strong alkali agent, is also contained within the cells of alkaline batteries. Added mercury has been eliminated from alkaline batteries since 1990s. Because alkaline batteries do not exhibit the characteristics to be classified as a reactive or ignitable waste, and because the batteries do not meet the required definitions to be a corrosive waste, alkaline batteries may be regulated as universal wastes and subject to less stringent requirements than other hazardous wastes and can be disposed of as general trash. However, there are more rigorous regulations with requirements that include bioassay. In fact, if the extracted leachate from an alkaline battery is diluted with water and used to conduct a bioassay, it is lethal to the test animals and harmful to human health. Therefore, some regulations include all types of batteries as special waste.

ON A CRUISE SHIP
Living and working conditions, experiences, requirements, particularities and opportunities for people working onboard a cruise ship. Life on a cruise ship is really a unique and unforgettable experience, very difficult to compare to a land job. Few jobs offer the chance to see so many places in the world, exotic views and meet so many people from so different countries. Obviously, after such experience, youll become a well-rounded and worldly person, and get a better understanding about global problems and people from around the world and their culture and way of life. certainly, the only way to know if you like it is to try it. Nevertheless, in order to prevent possible doubts and uncertainties, we are going to expose some essential aspects of the life on board. DAY-TO-DAY ROUTINE ON A CRUISE SHIP First of all, living and working onboard a cruise ship presents a series of particularities that must to be taken into account by any person interested in this labour sector.

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

THE CABINS OF THE CREW These cabins, which are usually small, are located in decks under the passenger areas, and some of them, under the water line, which can be rather noisy due to vibration and hum of the engine room and the splash water. On the larger cruise ships, employees are separated by departments and, sometimes, by nationalities. On some ships, youll enjoy a cabin with a bathroom inside; but on other ones youll have to content with communal bathrooms, shared by several members of the crew. The beds are bunk style. The sheets, blankets and pillow are provided by the shipping company. The crewmembers are responsible for the care, cleanness and proper maintenance of the cabins, and they must keep it in due order as well. The authorities of the ship regularly inspect the cabins to check them and make sure of the respect for the rules. Privacy limitation is commonplace. There are posts that allow having a private cabin, new employees who are heading into an entry-level position must share a cabin with somebody. This is the only mayor issue on the cruise ships, but if you dont mind having a roommate, there is no problem at all. The human relationships between the roommates are an important issue. The small places increase possible personal differences. The successful operation of the ship depends on cooperation of all the members of the crew. The possible individual differences require changes in the lifestyles and a high team spirit. Issues such as order and cleanness, being smoker or non-smoker, nightlife, etc, must be solved friendly. Only if this system fails, the persons involved have to go to the manager or supervisor. The confrontations and grudges must be avoided. Chances are you wont be spending too much time in your cabin. Just the time to sleep. And, finally, after some time working aboard, you could be promoted and get your own cabin. INTERNATIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENT The personnel come from dozens of countries around the world, so it is necessary for them to speak some English. MEALS It will depend on the cruise ship. On smaller ships, crewmembers eat the same food as the passengers, although, on the large vessels, they have their own mess hall and food preparation personnel. All food and beverages are free. POSSIBLE EXPENSES Except for the money you could expend when you go ashore, everything is free. DRUGS They are not tolerated aboard the ship. Any drug will be confiscated and the crewmember that was using it will be discharged, disembarked and surrendered to the local police authorities. Besides, there are frequent drug tests carried out to detect their use. TIME OFF During the time off, the members of the crew can go ashore, if the ship is on port. ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE PASSENGERS It must be considered that passengers expect to live a unique and pleasant experience while on board. So, crewmembers must maintain a smiling and positive attitude towards them. SAFETY AND GENERAL EMERGENCY TRAINING AND DRILLS Due to government and fleet regulations, crewmembers are expected to take part in constant safety and general emergency drills. COMMUNICATIONS WITH LAND On a ship, almost everything is free. However, there are certain aspects that may be complicated and quite different from anything you have known on land. Communication systems, such as telephone, fax or telex, are more expensive than on land, save traditional mail, which is very easy. Electronic mail is not always available for the crewmembers on board. BANK OPERATIONS Normally, you will be paid twice a month and there are several alternatives to secure the money: y You can send the money home by traditional mail service in port.

y y y

An international money order. You can keep it with you aboard the ship and open a saving account in port. A security box available for the crewmembers.

PERSONAL ASPECTS OF THE WORK ON BOARD The correct operation of the cruise ship demands a perfect coordination of all the crewmembers. Everybody must know each other and cooperate to solve any personal problems. And, it is a responsibility that belongs to each member of the company, because the proper maintenance of personal relationship is as important as the maintenance of the vessel. The companionship and the team spirit must be a priority for everybody on board. ACCESS TO THE SHIP Before embarking as a crewmember onboard a cruise ship, there are a series of requirements and economic costs to be considered. DOCUMENTATION NEEDED TO WORK ON A SHIP Depending on the shipping company and the country, the employee lives in. In case the person should work on a ship operating around USA or Canada, it is necessary a VISA (except American and Canadian citizens), which can be obtained in any American Consulate. It is recommended to make it after the shipping company has sent you the contract. Any other place around the world will depend on the local legal system. Passport is needed and it is recommended that you bring a birth certificate. POSSIBLE EXPENSES Depending on the company and the contract, the air ticket may be paid for by the shipping company or the employment agency, but usually it is not that way and the new employee is demanded to pay these expenses. Normally, new employees are required to pay a trip deposit (between $400 and $500), that will be reimbursed when the contract is finished. This deposit wont be refunded in the event of resignation or dismissal, in which case it will be used to pay the return ticket. Anyway, some large companies dont demand this deposit. FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE IN A SHIP Absolute order and discipline must preside over the life and work on a cruise ship, if the safety, which is indispensable in this kind of business, and the proper comfort are to be guaranteed. OFFICERS There is a ranking presided over by the Captain or Master of the ship, who is the supreme authority on board. Everybody must fulfil all of his orders and instructions. The personnel have to get familiar with the different ranks of the officers (deck officers, engine officers, etc.) on board and the new employees will be well informed about it during their training period.

10

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

CREW They are in charge of diverse tasks in the engineering, deck and food and beverages departments. This category of employees cannot go to public areas while working. ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL This section includes employees responsible for a variety of services and activities on board, such as the casino, entertaining programs, shops, gym and spa, etc. They are allowed to go to public areas and even socialize with passengers, which, in some cases, is part of their job. ADVANTAGES AND INCONVENIENCES Advantages and inconveniences relating to living and working conditions to be specifically considered before applying for any job onboard cruise ships. Working onboard a cruise ship offers a series of advantages and inconveniences that must be taken into account and evaluated before deciding to search for a job in this sector. ADVANTAGES
y

y y

y y y

Very profitable conditions coming from the combination of interesting earnings and the lack of expenses, because you dont have to spend any money in lodging and feeding. Opportunity to travel the world and see exotic places continuously and for free. Time off to enjoy a ship designated with the luxury and amenities of a five stars hotel, and to visit the exotic ports of call all around the world as if you were on holiday. Chance to meet very different people from all around the world. Possible promotions. The cruise ship industry is so wide that, once you are in, there are plenty of opportunities to find another job.

INCONVENIENCES
y y y

Long shifts and extensive working days (12-14 hours a day and 7 days a week). You could suffer from seasickness (nausea, dizziness, etc). The personnel are always on. Although there is a time off, the employee is expected to be ready to work twenty-four hours a day. Small and very modest lodging, very far from the amenities of the life at home, shared by, at least, two persons, which demands mutual understanding and coordination.

11