If you want to travel to some of the most exotic destinations in the world, and be paid handsomely for that, then a career in cruise tourism is just the right choice. The growth of the Indian cruise industry is a recent phenomenon.
In the past, tourism to Lakshwadeep or the Andamans existed, but was popular mainly among the foreigners. Among the Indians, cruising primarily attracted the rich and the affluent in the 60 to 80 age groups.
But the introduction of reasonably prized holiday packages, disposable incomes among the younger generation, and an increasing desire to savour exotic locations has lead to a surge in the popularity of cruises among domestic tourists.
"Undisputed government backing, aggressive international marketing and easy accessibility have put 'back water' tourism in Kerela on the must-do list of every avid traveller," says Lemuel Herbert, associate vice president, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels.
By this year, the government aims to achieve a target of 0.6 million cruise passengers landing on Indian shores annually. A career on a cruise liner comes with many perks.
First, this job is no less than an all expenses paid trip to a great destination, as all your boarding and lodging is taken care of.
Second, while the pay package itself is attractive, with starting salary on domestic cruise liners for the hospitality staff being in the range of Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 per month, one can earn even more by way of tips.
Getting $1,000 per month as tips is not uncommon. The average salaries and tips go much higher if you get placed on an international cruise liner. The employment opportunities for the navigation crew and chef for traditional cruises are typically limited to the local population.
"They have a clear idea of the water channels and local cuisine and flavours," explains Herbert.
Most of the training and technical knowledge is provided on-the-job itself. A majority of the manpower on a cruise is the hospitality staff.
A pleasing disposition and good communication skills are some of the prerequisites. One usually begins as a steward or an assistant cook. The only hospitality programme in the country that trains aspirants specifically for cruise liners is run by India Tourism Development Cooperation in association with Ark Shipping and Management Company, Goa (www.arksmc.com/cruise_hospitality.htm.)
The course was launched in 2008 and runs short training programmes of one-month duration throughout the year. It is conducted in Goa in order to acquaint students with the marine life and facilitate practical training.
"Often, fresh hotel management graduates are shell shocked when they first find themselves on a cruise. They have no clue on how to conduct themselves. This course trains them for a job on the ship," explains A. M. Hooda, proprietor, Ark Shipping and Management Company and director of the course.
The training promises to familiarise students with life on a cruise, acquaint them with the code of conduct on a vessel, train them in safety and abandon drills and provide knowledge of conducting bar and restaurant duties.
According to Hooda, the high points of this one-month course are not just the placements, both domestic and international, but also the fact that even students from mediocre hotel management institutes find themselves getting well paying jobs in no time. So those willing to cruise ahead, this institute is the place to be.
Source:http://in.specials.yahoo.com
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