Organization and Challenges of the Human Resources Function in a Cruise Ship Company

Abstract

Since the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) came into force, cruise line companies have been required to make human resource (HR) organizational changes in order to comply with the corresponding rules on employees' rights. This article offers an overview of the role and organization of HR in the Spanish cruise line company Pullmantur. This research suggests that cruise HR managers face greater challenges, compared to those of other sectors, not only because of the specific regulations affecting cruise line companies, but also because of the complexity of the processes from recruitment to incorporation. Pullmantur's case illustrates a particular way of organizing the HR planning and assignment of its personnel, reflected in their Crew Cycle Life (CCL). After having reviewed different documents as well as interviews carried out with Pullmantur's HR management, this article describes and examines the different positions, functions, and responsibilities of HR "on ship and shore." It concludes that HR's function within a cruise ship company is more stressful and complex, but at the same time, more vibrant and challenging than in other industries.