As part of the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) efforts to revive leisure travel in Singapore, two cruise lines will be allowed to offer ‘cruises to nowhere’ from November.
These cruises will be round-trips with no ports of call.
They are also allowed a maximum capacity of 50 per cent made up of only Singapore residents.
Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream will start offering these cruises on November 6, while Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas will begin sailing in December.
To prepare to set sail, Genting Cruise Lines said on Thursday (October 15) that it is recruiting Singaporeans to work on the World Dream ship.
More Than 100 Jobs Available
Genting Cruise Lines said that it has more than 100 job openings available. The job scopes cover all aspects of the cruise operations, and include marine officers, galley chefs, media technicians, as well as hospitality staff.
“The search for talent will encompass a broad local footprint ranging from ex-naval or maritime officers and crew to the hard-hit food and beverage sector and the hotel and hospitality industry,” said Genting Cruise Lines in a press release.
According to Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises, one of the brands under Genting Cruise Lines, cruise lines have traditionally relied on international crew.
However, Genting Cruise Lines aims to provide a boost to the Singapore economy, thus it is reaching out to Singaporeans now.
“To help alleviate the severe job losses in the domestic economy due to COVID-19, Genting Cruise Lines is committed to hiring as many Singaporeans as possible,” said Michael in an interview with Channel News Asia.
The barriers to entry for the jobs are also lower.
Typically, cruise crew have to stay on board for up to 11 months at a go. However, since World Dream’s cruises are short, Singaporeans joining as crew can enjoy greater flexibility.
The company has also signed a memorandum of understanding with local tertiary education institutes to make available internships and learning programmes for students keen to explore a career in the tourism sector.
“In addition to providing employment opportunities for Singaporeans, the restart of World Dream will also benefit all the associated businesses that support cruise operations,” said Michael.
“The trickle-down effect will no doubt be an important part of the revitalisation of the Singaporean economy. Genting Cruise Lines is proud to play a part in helping Singapore on its road to recovery.”
Interested job seekers can visit the World Dream career page for more information.
Featured Image Credit: World Dream
