• Princess Cruises joins the apprenticeship program to offer Mexican students vital 180-day onboard training cycles
• The majority of previous program participants have successfully transitioned into professional maritime roles within the fleet
• Strategic partnerships with the Maritime and Port University of Mexico support long-term workforce development and education
• The agreement was finalized during Seatrade Cruise Global alongside discussions regarding environmental and security coordination

Carnival Corporation is reinforcing its commitment to global maritime education by expanding its successful cadet apprenticeship program in Mexico. Through a newly signed agreement at Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s largest cruise company is broadening its partnership with the Maritime & Port University of Mexico to include Princess Cruises. This expansion creates significant onboard training opportunities for Mexican students, allowing them to gain essential hands-on experience as they prepare for professional careers at sea. The program bridges the gap between academic study and practical application, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals for the evolving cruise industry.

The initiative provides eligible final-year students with a mandatory 180-day apprenticeship, a critical requirement for their degree completion. Since the program’s inception in 2024 with Carnival Cruise Line, most participants have successfully transitioned into full cadet roles, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in career placement. By adding Princess Cruises to the framework, the corporation is doubling down on its investment in Mexican talent and strengthening its long-term collaboration with national maritime institutions. This proactive approach not only benefits individual students but also enhances the overall safety and operational excellence of the global fleet.

Beyond workforce development, the expansion coincides with broader strategic engagements between Carnival Corporation and Mexican port authorities. Recent discussions have focused on improving environmental compliance, security, and port operations across fifteen Mexican states. Princess Cruises expects to welcome its first group of cadets under this new agreement this fall, marking a new chapter in maritime cooperation. This partnership highlights how the cruise industry can play a pivotal role in fostering education and economic growth in the key regions it visits.