Training and re-certification of crew for the “new normal” in the cruise tourism industry: a Caribbean regional perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the need for training and re-certification of crew for the pandemic-related new normal and for a more sustainable cruise tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method was adopted for this study using a case study research design. The target group was technical and hospitality workers. The semi-structured interview guide was administered through Google Forms, and eight respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique.

Findings

The study revealed that job losses have occurred among Caribbean nationals, and this is influencing lifestyle practices and family spending power. Further, many workers experienced confinement onboard because of the pandemic, which gave rise to mental health issues. Given this, re-certification and training of technical and hospitality staff in mental wellness is viewed as important in the context of the pandemic-related new normal.

Practical implications

This study points to relevant training to deal with the pandemic now and in the future. The article has some implications for maritime training institutions that may need to reassess their curriculum to meet future challenges.

Social implications

Stakeholders of crew shipping companies, agencies and businesses can gain a greater appreciation of the safety measures needed to protect passengers as well as crew.

Originality/value

The study provides a review of the experiences of cruise tourism staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Citation

Faremi, Y.A. and Cunningham Heirs, S.B. (2022), "Training and re-certification of crew for the “new normal” in the cruise tourism industry: a Caribbean regional perspective", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-11-2021-0149