Disney Cruise Line Hosts Caribbean Youth for Career Exploration Aboard Treasure

Disney Cruise Line is expanding its engagement with Caribbean communities by offering youth-focused career exploration initiatives aboard its newest ship, the Disney Treasure. Guided by the Treasure Tomorrow program, students from destinations such as Tortola, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth have gained hands-on experience with shipboard professionals, discovering diverse career pathways in hospitality, tourism, maritime operations, and culinary arts.

Empowering Caribbean Youth Through Treasure Tomorrow

“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 the Caribbean. “We believe empowering young minds today builds a more resilient tomorrow, driving innovation and opportunity for generations to come.”

The Treasure Tomorrow initiative supports local programs designed to give students direct exposure to career opportunities at sea. Through in-person ship visits and weekly virtual sessions, participating youth gain insights from officers, crew members, and other industry professionals who share advice, personal stories, and detailed information about life aboard the Disney Treasure.

Hands-On Learning in Tortola

On Tortola, students from the Youth Empowerment Project’s LEAD workforce program boarded the Disney Treasure to explore pathways in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts. Executive Chef Goran Milinic led a behind-the-scenes galley tour, while Captain Marco Nogara and other senior officers discussed day-to-day ship operations. Khala Mathavious described it as “really educational and beneficial to understand how many teams it takes to operate a cruise ship.”

One participant, Rhianna James, highlighted the unique opportunity to connect with the head chef: “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.”

Collaborations in Grand Cayman and Falmouth

Disney Cruise Line also partnered with Junior Achievement programs in Grand Cayman and Falmouth, enabling students to learn about shore-to-ship coordination and maritime safety. Chief Security Officer Ryan Miller offered insights into port operations and onboard safety measures, while Assistant Cruise Director David Hunt shared his personal career journey. “Before I joined Disney Cruise Line, I didn’t know about all of the incredible opportunities available,” Hunt said. “Being able to guide the next generation is exciting.”

In Jamaica, weekly virtual sessions were hosted in partnership with Junior Achievement Jamaica, spotlighting a broad range of roles aboard the Disney Treasure. The program culminated in an in-person visit where students met the crew members they had encountered online. “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.”

By combining ship tours, interactive discussions, and virtual learning opportunities, Disney Cruise Line continues to invest in the future workforce of the Caribbean. The Treasure Tomorrow program exposes local youth to potential career paths while fostering knowledge, confidence, and community growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Treasure Tomorrow initiative?

The Treasure Tomorrow initiative is a Disney Cruise Line program designed to foster career exploration for Caribbean youth. By offering both in-person ship tours and virtual sessions, it highlights opportunities in hospitality, tourism, maritime operations, and other shipboard roles.

Which destinations does the program cover?

The initiative has engaged students in Tortola, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth, along with virtual sessions for high school students in Jamaica. These activities focus on introducing participants to real-life experiences aboard the Disney Treasure.

What types of careers were showcased to students?

The careers highlighted include maritime operations, culinary arts, security, human resources, food and beverage, and entertainment. Students also learned about port coordination and various onboard services that keep a cruise ship running smoothly.

How did Disney Cruise Line collaborate with local organizations?

In Tortola, Disney Cruise Line connected with the Youth Empowerment Project’s LEAD workforce program. In Grand Cayman and Falmouth, partnerships with Junior Achievement offered practical lessons on hospitality and maritime industries. Virtual sessions in Jamaica provided further insights, culminating in in-person visits to the Disney Treasure.

What impact has the program had on local communities?

Through immersive ship tours, direct mentorship, and virtual learning, Disney Cruise Line’s program has sparked enthusiasm among students for potential careers at sea. Local education leaders report that participants gain a deeper understanding of skills needed in tourism and hospitality, encouraging them to envision future roles in these industries.