Silversea and Les Roches Unveil Groundbreaking Postgraduate Program in Cruise Management

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Les Roches and Silversea have formally established a partnership to introduce an unprecedented Postgraduate Diploma in Cruise Line Management.

This unique program, hosted at Les Roches’ Marbella campus in Spain, equips students with the essential expertise and abilities for managing cruise ship operations, including marketing, revenue optimization, and commercial aspects within the cruise sector. A scholarship agreement between the two parties ensures students not only receive educational support but also have the chance to secure employment with Silversea’s prestigious fleet, leading to potential career opportunities with the company upon program completion.

Les Roches, recognized as one of the top four global institutions for hospitality management education, leverages its academic excellence, while Silversea, known for its ultra-luxury cruising experiences and an extensive array of global destinations, offers deep insights into the cruising industry.

The cruise sector has seen a remarkable revival, with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) forecasting in 2023 that the industry would generate around $155 billion in revenue and support 1.2 million jobs globally, marking it as one of the quickest expanding industries. The CLIA report also highlighted that a 1% increase in the industry’s growth could lead to four million new cruise participants.

With ship capacity predicted to increase by 19%, reaching nearly 750,000 berth ports by 2028, this sector is also advancing towards sustainability, aligning with the standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

This strategic collaboration between Les Roches and Silversea paves the way for aspiring individuals to thrive in a dynamically growing industry. The Postgraduate Diploma in Cruise Line Management is a trailblazer in its field, focusing on practical managerial training and direct industry engagement, a signature approach of Les Roches. The program is strategically located in Marbella, near Malaga, a luxury cruise hub, enhancing the practical learning experience and industry exposure for students.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, said:

“Partnering with the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise brand is a source of pride for Les Roches. The dedication and ambition that Silversea imposes in its business model are in line with our educational methodology. The luxury cruise sector is an area yet to be fully explored academically, and promoting this diploma positions us at the forefront, once again, of a specialisation that continues to grow year after year.”

Spain ranks as Europe’s second most popular destination for cruise travelers, trailing only Italy. In 2023, the country achieved a new milestone, witnessing a 46% surge from the previous year, as over 12 million passengers were recorded, based on the latest figures from Ports of the State. The collaborative effort between Silversea and Les Roches elevates Marbella to a key center for industry stakeholders, addressing the critical demand for the formation of specialized cruise travel teams.

Barbara Muckermann, President of Silversea, said:

“As part of our commitment to offering our guests the very best service at sea, Silversea places great importance on sourcing the industry’s most talented crew members. Education and training are key in this service-oriented industry, which is growing fast. Since becoming part of Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea has welcomed six ships to its fleet in just three years, making attracting talented professionals more important than ever. We are delighted to partner with Les Roches, a leading academic institution, to ensure our service remains the best in the industry.”

In the initial half of the program, participants will engage in a course of study centered on cruise management, crafting premium guest experiences, and gaining insights into upscale lodging and onboard dining and beverage services, alongside sales, revenue optimization, and maritime regulations. During this time, Les Roches provides an educational journey to Monaco and Miami, the latter being the location of the largest passenger port globally. After finishing this initial segment, students have the option to delve deeper into practical industry experience through an immersion period within the cruise sector, facilitated by Silversea.

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