Disney Cruise Inspires Caribbean Students With Career Tours

Disney Cruise Line is expanding its youth outreach through the Treasure Tomorrow initiative, offering students across the Caribbean a firsthand look at maritime careers during visits from the Disney Treasure.

“Disney Cruise Line is proud to invest in youth programming that positively impacts the Caribbean communities we visit all year long,” said Joey Gaskins, regional public affairs director for the Bahamas and Caribbean. “We believe empowering young minds today builds a more resilient tomorrow, driving innovation and opportunity for generations to come.”

In Tortola, students from the Youth Empowerment Project’s (YEP) LEAD workforce development program stepped aboard the ship to explore potential careers in hospitality, tourism, and the culinary field. During the tour, they interacted with Disney officers and crew to gain insights into life and work on a cruise ship.

Student Khala Mathavious shared her experience, saying: “I appreciate this experience. It was really educational and beneficial to understand how many teams it takes to operate a cruise ship.”

During the visit, aspiring ship captains met Captain Marco Nogara, who offered a behind-the-scenes look into the maritime profession. Executive Chef Goran Milinic also welcomed students into the galley at Plaza de Coco, sharing details about daily operations.

Rhianna James, another participant, said: “I couldn’t believe the head chef of the whole cruise spoke with us about how the team works together to serve guests and how many meals are prepared each day. It was an inspiring experience, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

Students also had the chance to engage with professionals from departments such as human resources, food and beverage, entertainment, and retail operations.

In Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Disney Cruise Line teamed up with Junior Achievement to sponsor programs highlighting careers in hospitality and maritime industries. In George Town, Grand Cayman, students boarded the Disney Treasure to meet with crew and cast members.

Chief Security Officer Ryan Miller discussed port security and collaboration procedures, while Assistant Cruise Director David Hunt shared his personal path into the industry.

“It means a lot to me to share my journey and experiences with students who are interested in pursuing a career at sea. Before I joined Disney Cruise Line, I didn’t know about all of the incredible opportunities available to me, so being able to help guide and advise the next generation is exciting,” said Hunt.

Additionally, throughout the school year, Junior Achievement Jamaica partnered with Disney Cruise Line to offer weekly virtual sessions featuring crew members from both shipboard and shoreside roles. These culminated in in-person ship visits, allowing students to connect with the professionals they’d met online.

“We are grateful for this collaboration with Disney Cruise Line. Our students were so excited to step aboard the Disney Treasure and see first-hand the types of career opportunities that await them in the future,” said Callia Smith-Harriott, executive director of Junior Achievement Jamaica. “I believe this experience with the Disney Cruise Line team will help drive home the skills we teach in this program.”