An occupational perspective of cruise tourism

Abstract

This study advanced and tested the notion that occupational communities exist on board cruise tourism vessels. Using a questionnaire developed from earlier related studies, an occupational culture was found to exist amongst hospitality workers (n = 72). These communities were more acute on voyages of longer duration with individuals attracted to opportunities for socialization provided by the work situation rather than the job itself. Cruise directors will need to understand how these organizational cultures impact on employees and their work in order to maintain effectiveness, efficiency and positive on-board attitudes. The occupational view of on-board hospitality work could provide a much-needed new understanding of employee attitudes and behaviours in the 21 51 century.