Celebrating Seafarers Everywhere

On June 25, the world paid tribute to the dedicated and hard-working seafarers all around the world on the tenth anniversary of the International Day of the Seafarer. This year’s theme “Seafarers are Key Workers” acknowledges the many sacrifices and achievements of seafarers.

Employing a truly global workforce, CLIA cruise lines are proud of the 225,000 seafarers who sail year after year. The cruise industry strives to provide a high-quality work environment for its seafarers, who regularly go above and beyond to provide cruise passengers with extraordinary vacations.

Exceptional vacation experiences at sea would not be possible without outstanding crew members. This is why the industry is deeply appreciative of our seafarers, whose care for passengers was more critical than ever as CLIA ocean-going member cruise ships returned to port following the worldwide suspension of cruise operations.

CLIA and our cruise line members continue to work around the clock to care for the well-being of crewmembers who remain onboard. And, as of August 13, only 5,000 global crew members awaited their return to their home countries.

This is much improved from the situation a few months ago. CLIA cruise lines have dedicated considerable resources and have gone to significant lengths to repatriate crew, bringing home an average of 2,000 crew per day from May through July while overcoming significant obstacles. Where commercial flights have not been an option due to travel restrictions, cruise lines have chartered flights and organized sailings using company ships – many traveling thousands of miles to bring crew home.

The right of seafarers to be repatriated to their home country is a fundamental human right, and we continue to work with others across the maritime industry to bring awareness and garner support in this effort. We are grateful to the ports and governments that allowed access and safe harbor for cruise ships so they could complete their journeys home.