2025 - A Year of Illumination at the Academy!
- Adrian Pittaway
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
As we conclude our first full year at the Academy, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on an incredible journey and look ahead to 2026.
Before we dive in, we wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. To those across the cruise industry spending the holidays away from loved ones: be immensely proud of what you have achieved this year. Whether you hit every goal or are preparing to go again with renewed energy in 2026, we are cheering you on. 🎄
Reflected Perspectives: A Year of Partnership
At this time last year, the Academy was just an idea. Our mission was simple: to discover and support the next generation of cruise retail professionals. Here is how that journey felt for both of us:
Adrian’s View:
"Bringing Rob into the Academy at the start of the year was a turning point. They say a problem shared is a problem halved, but in our case, an opportunity shared has been an opportunity doubled. Rob’s empathy and 'can-do' spirit have redefined how we support our members. Seeing the genuine praise from candidates and clients alike is a testament to the hospitality-first approach he brings every day. I am incredibly proud of the growth we’ve achieved from a standing start."
Rob’s View:
"Returning to the industry I’ve loved since 1994 has been a privilege. I’m deeply grateful to our clients for trusting us with their talent needs and to our candidates for their courage in pursuing careers at sea. Seeing so many of you graduate from the Academy and embark on your first contracts is the ultimate reward. My thanks to Adrian for his vision in creating something truly unique that is reshaping how talent is supported in our sector."
2025: The Year in Numbers
Our goal was to "build the house"—creating a digital community that spans the globe. We set ambitious targets to reach you where you are, and the results have exceeded our expectations:
Global Reach: Connections established across 120 countries.
Community Growth: Over 10,000 members and 5,000 LinkedIn followers.
Engagement: 1,250+ Instagram followers (though our 650 Facebook fans suggest we have some work to do there!).
Education: We delivered nearly 100,000 hours of learning, resulting in over 12,000 completed courses and 1,000 Cruise Retail Diplomas.
Innovation & Industry Growth
We didn't just want to participate in the industry; we wanted to evolve it. This year, we launched CRA+, a freelancer program for onboard brand training, and partnered with frntlne to enhance digital empowerment for crew.
We also watched the industry thrive with the launch of spectacular new vessels, including Star Princess, MSC World America, Norwegian Aqua, Star of the Seas, and Luminara. To the retail teams who worked tirelessly to launch these shops: we salute your professionalism.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While 2025 was about building the foundation, 2026 is about expanding opportunity. We recognize that we have more talent ready to work than available roles, so our primary mission next year is to forge new career paths and partnerships to bridge that gap.
What’s coming in 2026:
Enhanced Communication: The launch of a dedicated Cruise Retail Jobs Newsletter.
New Media: The debut of the official Academy Podcast.
Increased Support: More unique career paths and refined digital tools to keep you connected.
Thank you for being part of the Academy story in 2025. We look forward to illuminating your world even further in the year to come.
Happy Holidays! Adrian & Rob
Thank you Rob and Adrian for having this very powerful and unique platform for us . I am also excited to see what is to come in 2026 , May u continue to grow and may God continue to bless you both in this amazing platform you have created to help us . Your work is truly appreciated,
Wishing both of u and your families a wonderful and blessed festive season.
I am extremely thrilled to see how the CRA continues to grow and to contribute to the success of global operations at sea. I feel super proud of being part of this team; having the opportunity to work again under Adrian's mentorship is a dream!