Johannesburg - In March, MSC Cruises SA said it would play a more active role in job creation and skills development in the South African cruise sector by hiring South Africans for land-based and onboard positions.
Positions on board include guest services, buffet attendants, room service attendants, waiters and waitresses, shore excursion hosts, shop assistants, casino dealers and housekeeping staff. Recruitment is ongoing for local and international seasons.
To date, MSC has received more than 600 applications from South African job seekers, conducted around 300 interviews, and invited many applicants back for a second-round skills test.
Interviews have been taking place in Durban, Joburg and Cape Town, while Skype interviews have been conducted for those in remote areas of the county.
Successful candidates will now be asked to undergo the relevant medical tests before starting their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers training courses in Durban.
“We are pleased to note that, at this stage, over 200 South Africans will be embarking with MSC Cruises over the next few months, and that 80 South Africans are ready to join the MSC Opera crew at the end of the month,” said MSC Cruises chief operating officer Neil Palomba.
“Many of the candidates are very excited about this opportunity and eager to start working on board. I am certain that the selected personnel will become successful and hard-working crew members, and will be an asset to the company.”
This recent recruitment drive is part of MSC Cruises ongoing commitment to job creation and skills development in the South African market.
South African travellers will enjoy an extended 2013/14 season, with the return of MSC Opera and MSC Sinfonia to local shores and the introduction of exciting new itineraries.
l MSC Cruises announced this week that it has undertaken that there will be no currency surcharge imposed on bookings that have already been made and secured by deposit for the local South African 2013/14 cruise season.
The statement arises due to the rand continuing to lose value against international currency and South African holidaymakers raising concerns that travel costs will start to rise.
A possible surcharge, should the rand continue to devalue, will only apply to new and unsecured bookings. Advisement will be made by MSC Cruises SA in due course should the markets dictate.
The company advised potential cruise guests to “book now, secure with deposit, and enjoy a discounted early booking rate free of surcharge”. - Saturday Star