Like many industries, cruising and maritime work has been dominated by men but lately there's been a change in that as more and more women are looking to become sailors. According to the International Maritime University of Panama, cruising crews have opened doors to women.
Luis Fabrega, director of International Maritime University Panama (PICU) confirmed that the integration of women into the maritime area is growing. Why the influx of women now? Fabrega attributes the change to the impulse to create working places for cruise companies.
"We have noticed that the female cadets increasingly embark on cruise ships, which are ships that many prefer and are frequently asking for more personal," described Fabrega, adding "this does not limit the participation of women in other vessels" .
Royal Caribbean is helping in this endeavor to open up maritime jobs to women by having an agreement with the International Maritime University Panama to provide students an opportunity to do internships on their ships. The results have produced 15 female cadets since 2008 and of the approximately 1,200 students at PICU, 25% are now women.
