Cultural Diversity in the Cruise Industry
Diversity is defined by the range of human differences from race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, social class, national origin, religious background and political views. Diversity in the maritime industry is a key component in the success of the business. The entire world fleet at sea employs seafarers from 150 countries, with nearly 2 million crew members from different cultures and backgrounds.
Apart from diverse cultures and ethnicities, the industry continues to try to ramp up the employment of female seafarers. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), women in the maritime industry make up 2% of the of the workforce at sea, this is roughly 24,000 women seafarers. External perceptions may be a cause of this low percentage of women at sea, since seafaring is a profession dominated by men, but also women have to overcome long held stereotypes from friends, family members and society. Many maritime vessels are not equipped for women seafarers; they lack facilities for women such as sanitary bins and personal protective equipment (PPE). Some companies are reluctant to take female seafarers because they need to make necessary alterations to accommodate them and training for existing workers, as many women face discrimination from colleagues. The maritime industry can change this by providing training for those already working in the sector to counter prejudices, and by providing real examples of successful women at sea. (Seafarers, 2025)
The maritime industry is a world business, employing seafarers from different countries, ethnicities and races. The nature of seafarers being from different nationalities and cultures can create friction that has led to cases of discrimination. Interpersonal relations on board are often divided by rank, culture and leisure activities. Representation of different ethnicities and females in senior roles is low, while lower levels roles are improving. Head of department roles are predominantly held by Caucasian personnel. Seafarers from various nationalities must navigate a social environment where there are cultural and language barriers, which can cause conflicts among the crew. Despite these challenges, seafarers often tolerate this treatment for the sake of their families and the pursuit of better opportunities. (Mico Mark L. Cruz, August 2024) (Team, August 28, 2023)
The LGBTQ+ community has slowly gained more acceptance over recent years, with more organizations and corporations creating awareness, celebrating and hiring more people, but it is far from perfect. Since acceptance can be different depending on region and workplace, seafarer diversity can be an uphill journey for many seafarers. That being said, the LGBTQ+ community can often receive discrimination, bullying and harassment which can lead to poor mental health, isolation and exclusion. These occurrences shed light for the need to enhance welfare and support for seafarers withing these diverse groups within the maritime industry. By establishing an inclusive and tolerant work environment not only helps with the wellbeing of diverse seafarers but also helps on the recruitment and retention of the LGBTQ+ community. By implementing anti-discrimination policies, companies in the cruise industry establish nondiscriminatory policies to protect the LGBTQ+ community of harassment and bullying in recruitment, promotion and onboard life. (Team O. G., 24 Jun 2025) (Clarke)
Age discrimination is a factor that has occurred in the cuisse industry as well, which is defined by the unfair treatment of seafarers based on their age. There are five generations of seafarers at sea. Age discrimination can limit job opportunities as young seafarers can be seen with less experience than older ones, while younger seafarers can be underrepresented in leadership roles. It can also prevent the maritime industry from making technological advancements and f perspectives. Older seafarers may experience promotional barriers, technological adaptability stereotypes and the perception that they can’t keep up with physical demands necessary for the maritime industry. (Embracing Age Diversity, 27 July 2023) (Team T. E., Is age discrimination a reality in shipping?, December 21, 2022)
Diversity in the maritime industry is not just a reflection of global workforce trends but a necessity for its continued growth, innovation, and sustainability. Whether addressing gender imbalances, cultural and racial representation, LGBTQ+ inclusion, or age discrimination, it’s clear that fostering an inclusive environment is essential to improving life at sea and ensuring equitable policies, and create spaces where every seafarer, regardless of background, feels safe, respected, and valued. By embracing diversity in all its forms, the maritime sector can build stronger teams, enhance operational performance, and shape a more just and progressive future at sea.
Bibliography
Clarke, C. L. (n.d.). Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: The Maritime Industry's Journey to Accept LGBTQ Individuals. Retrieved from https://www.maritimeuk.org/media-centre/news/embracing-diversity-and-inclusion-maritime-industrys-journey-accept-lgbtq-individuals/#:~:text=LGBTQ+%20individuals%20face%20specific%20challenges,their%20authentic%20selves%20at%20work.
(27 July 2023). Embracing Age Diversity. Retrieved from https://e-wma.com/embracing-age-diversity/#:~:text=Ageing%20discrimination%20within%20the%20maritime,balancing%20work%20and%20family%20commitments.
Mico Mark L. Cruz, V. C. (August 2024). Racial Discrimination among Filipino Seafarers Onboard: Its Resulting Conflicts and Threats to Safety in Multinational-manned Vessels. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383359811_Racial_Discrimination_among_Filipino_Seafarers_Onboard_Its_Resulting_Conflicts_and_Threats_to_Safety_in_Multinational-manned_Vessels#:~:text=A%20researcher%2Dmade%20survey%20questionnaire,and%20safety%20o
Sampson, H. (27 Jun 2020). Harmony of the Seas?: Work, faith, and religious difference among multinational migrant workers on board cargo ships. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01419870.2020.1776362#d1e207
Seafarers, T. M. (2025). Diversity in the Maritime Industry. Retrieved from https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/about/our-issues/diversity-women
Team, O. G. (24 Jun 2025). LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Minority Stress, and the Maritime Industry. Retrieved from https://onecaregroup.global/lgbtq-mental-health-minority-stress-and-the-maritime-industry/
Team, T. E. (August 28, 2023). Creating a diverse workplace onboard: Key benefits for seafarers. Retrieved from https://safety4sea.com/cm-creating-a-diverse-workplace-onboard-key-benefits-for-seafarers/
Team, T. E. (December 21, 2022). Is age discrimination a reality in shipping? Retrieved from https://safety4sea.com/cm-is-age-discrimination-reality-shipping/