The Labour Market of Chinese Cruise Seafarers: Demand, Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The rapid development of the Chinese cruise market has brought with it an urgent increase in demand for Chinese cruise seafarers. This brings great opportunities and challenges to the Chinese seafarer labour market. This research aims to contribute to this relatively understudied area by calculating the demand for Chinese cruise seafarer, and understanding the Chinese seafarers' labour market from the aspects of training, recruitment and their work experience on ships. In order to achieve this objective, a demand model is constructed through the idea of market-driven, in-depth interviews using a detailed questionnaire. The study estimates that the total demand for Chinese cruise seafarers in 2020 will be 29,200 and 100,000 in 2030. This reveals a predicted gap between demand and supply of 19,200 in 2020. The current source of seafarers is mainly from domestic shipping companies, hotels and related institutions. Their entry age is relatively young, current job profiles are mostly those in the capacity of assistants and the average wage is $1217. Thus, there is a lot of room for improvement with their increasing experience. The study has found that most seafarers on board are satisfied with the work on cruise ships and are more concerned about their career development rather than salary. English communication skills and practical skills are two important aspects of crew training. China's cruise ship labour market thus represents both, a high aggregate demand as well as the lack of high-end experienced talent. Labour market policies and systems in China remain to be improved.

A Qualitative Review of Cruise Service Quality: Case Studies from Asia

“…As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise industry is expected to develop standard protocols for future cruises and take more stringent medical measures, such as disinfection robots and individual dishes that meet hospital health standards, as well as regular temperature checks, onboard medical centre upgrades, improvement of air purification systems, and confirmation of essential health certificates for elderly travellers. In addition, COVID-19 has resulted in the tourism industry as a whole adhering to stricter health standards; automation and digital cleaning systems will also be a future trend [29].…”

“…Despite these measures, it remains undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the global cruise industry to a halt. However, since most people are still confident about the future of the cruise industry, they remain optimistic that the impact of the epidemic on the cruise market will be minimal [29].…”

“…If an outbreak or other problem is mishandled, the cruise line's reputation will be severely damaged by word of mouth. Certainly, the recent spate of negative publicity involving several cruise ships during the COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly affect the public's perception of cruise safety [77]; therefore, cruise companies must improve their service processes to ensure high quarantine standards and automate systems to enhance their reputation [29].…”

“…It is encouraging cruise lines to invest more than USD 22 billion in energy-efficient ships and technologies in order to achieve the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by the year 2030, as compared to 2008 emission levels. In particular, the cruise industry [25], which is already in a crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, must 'improve its service process to improve its reputation' [29]; accordingly, it should seek to enhance its image through improved service quality, develop innovative management systems and strategies, and promote sustainability.…”

Tourist Behavior in the Cruise Industry Post-COVID-19: An Examination of Service Quality, Corporate Image, and Intentions to Pay and Revisit

“…Actually, as the cruise industry is already grappling with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative for it to enhance its reputation by improving service processes [29]. In this regard, endeavors to elevate service quality, foster innovation in management systems and strategies, and advance sustainability initiatives can aid in bolstering the industry's image [36].…”