Alumnus cruises to success and invites teaching staff aboard

Staff from University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) attended European launch of the world's largest cruise ship as a familiarisation trip to develop industry partnerships.

The 3-day event on board Royal Caribbean International's (RCI) new ship, Wonders of the Sea, was by invitation only and was attended by media, travel trade, corporate partners and industry leaders. It provided an excellent opportunity for UWSTD’s school of Hospitality and Tourism staff to experience the ship and learn more about the international cruise industry by attending corporate events and sampling the excellent hospitality and guest services.

Staff met with RCI management to further develop industry links which will support teaching and develop employability opportunities for students from Tourism, Events, International Resort Management, Hotel Management and Gastronomy programmes.

The invitation to visit the new ship came from alumnus Craig Jarrett, who began his career studying an industry-based Leisure Management programme at UWTSD. After graduating, he worked in a French ski resort and developed hotel management experience before joining RCI and working a range of on board operational positions. Working his way up within the company, Craig became the Food & Beverage Director for Asia before moving to Miami where he is now the Director of Global Corporate, Incentive and Charter Sales.

Craig says: "When I joined UWTSD nearly 20 years ago, I could never have imagined that I would be where I am today. I’ve been working for Royal Caribbean International for over 13 years, and I can confidently say that I still use some fundamentals covered during my time at University to this day. The useful topics and the way the degree was delivered encouraged me to stay in touch with the University and it's great to see my lecturer Jacqui Jones still leading the way in the Tourism industry.

“It’s good to see the university continuing to forge new relationships with the global industry, opening big opportunities for students to gain meaningful employment opportunities once they graduate. Life is a blend of luck, hard work and the right timing. I know my time at UWTSD was right."

Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager and Senior Lecturer for Tourism, Events and International Leisure Resort Management courses at UWTSD says: "The launch event and familiarisation trip was an amazing opportunity for us to further develop our knowledge and industry links to benefit students across the portfolio of courses. 

“Craig has been a wonderful supporter of our programmes, running Masterclasses during the pandemic and inspiring the next generation of students to follow in his footsteps. I am extremely proud of Craig's career success and it was very special be able to catch up and celebrate his success as a global industry leader."

Craig is just one of many UWTSD students and alumni who have enjoyed excellent placements and careers on cruise ships based in the Caribbean, US, Alaska, Middle East and Far East. Many alumni are now supervisors and managers, whilst others have returned to the UK and have successful careers in tourism, events and marketing.

Two current students are currently on placements with the RCI group, working on Celebrity Cruises in the Shore Excursion. Joshua Wilson from Ireland joined his ship in Southampton and is currently in the Baltic sea, while Sandra Peralto Gallisteo from Spain joined her ship in Barcelona and will spend the summer working around the Mediterranean. Both are extremely excited to have the opportunity to gain such hands on experience as part of their degree.

For more information on courses, see the Tourism, Events and Hospitality section of our website.

Further Information

Ella Staden

Swyddog y Wasg a'r Cyfryngau

Press and Media Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Email : ella.staden@uwtsd.ac.uk