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"Trust us with your journey onboard" - We Are Launching Academy Onboard


Our Future Starts Here


Hi everyone. I wanted to share something exciting with you today. As we move into 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together. Most of you know us as the Cruise Retail Academy, a name that has stood for quality and expertise in shipboard shopping. But as the industry evolves, we’ve realised that our mission has grown far beyond those original borders.


For too long, we have watched maritime recruitment narrow its focus. It has become increasingly reliant on those who already have "sea legs," creating massive barriers for the next generation of talent. At the Cruise Retail Academy, we think differently. We believe the cruise industry is the perfect stage for a new generation that values flexibility, innovation, and adventure. If we only look inwards at existing crew, we cannot grow strongly.


That is why I am so proud to announce the official launch of our new careers platform, Academy Onboard today. As from today, if you apply for a job with us, we have a wholly re-designed, brand new candidate journey for you!


This is a bold, next-generation, GEO-optimised platform designed to connect global talent with leading cruise lines across multiple departments. Using the latest techniques in AI-enhanced discovery, we are moving far beyond our retail roots to offer over 25 roles across 24 different cruise lines. We aren’t just building a job board; we are building a launchpad for "motivated, talented dreamers".



What Makes Academy Onboard Different?


We’ve built this new platform specifically for the modern candidate. We are introducing the Freelancer Hub, a space for flexible opportunities tailored for the digital nomad lifestyle. We are also launching New-Era Roles that the industry is crying out for—roles like Luxury Influencing, Shopping Concierge, and Destination Speakers.


But innovation means nothing without a foundation of absolute trust. I want our existing partners and future crew to know that Academy Onboard is fully accredited to Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) standards by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This ensures every candidate’s journey is ethical, professional, and protected.



More Than Just a Destination


We aren’t just interested in ticking boxes or chasing CVs; we want to see the person behind the experience. With over 10,000 Academy members already in our community and more than 12,000 courses completed on our E-Academy, we are making sure our talent is "vessel-ready" before they even step on deck. Through our Talent Hub, we provide the "inside track" with podcasts and department insights so that our new hires feel like veterans from day one.


The feedback we continue to receive across Trustpilot proves that focusing on the journey—not just the destination—is what sets us apart.


It is time for the cruise industry to think differently. I invite you to watch the video above to hear more about my vision for this project, and then head over to www.academy-onboard.com this Monday to see it for yourself.


Trust us with your journey onboard.


Your future starts here.


Watch our brand new launch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4QU9_6SW-c




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