The current consequences of Covid-19 combined with the resulting economic crisis are unprecedented. The impact on the tourism industry since the beginning of the pandemic in the world has led several Mauritians who have worked for many years on cruise ships to return to Mauritius. Among them is Rajiv. Father of two children, he explains that he decided to leave this sector for good. “My wife and I had no choice. With our savings, we started our own food business. Despite the financial difficulties imposed by Covid-19, we can only hope for better days while providing the best we can to our family”, he adds.
As for Maël, who is a DJ on a cruise ship, he maintains that when the Covid-19 hit the world, he decided to return to Mauritius to be with his parents. “For over 10 years, I have worked hard to build a better future for myself overseas. Right now, I took a sabbatical year. But then I would head back to Italy to resume my job on a cruise ship, “said the young man, who is eager to travel again.
Nevertheless, recruitment on board cruise ships continues and more than 2,000 positions are to be filled in this sector. Among the ten recruiting companies are Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line and Tui among others. With a monthly salary varying between Rs 30,000 to over 100,000, Mauritian waiters, cooks, valets, hostesses and technicians are currently in demand. Those who are in beauty care and hairdressing as well as in entertainment can also try their luck there. They might then be able to build a future at the speed of a cruise ship despite Covid-19.
