Cruisers take aim at MUA and politicians – “Look at disadvantaged people in Australia instead of decimating an industry”

Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community. This week we once again look at the dispute between the Maritime Union of Australia and Carnival Cruise Line. Cruisers have been far from shy in sharing their opinions on the matter, feeling that the reality of what their told online doesn’t correlate with they see onboard. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters. 

Cruise passengers have been challenging the claims made by the Maritime Union of Australia against Carnival. The line’s ships have been investigated several times recently by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority over alleged claims that Carnival mistreats and underpays workers.

AMSA reported no problems were found in three ship inspections but says it continues to look into the matter.

Cruisers have been critical of the MUA and Senator Tony Sheldon, who boarded a Carnival ship and even described conditions for crew members as a ‘floating sweatshop’.

Carnival crew member Abbey Orozco said in response to a post by Tony Sheldon: “Wrong. I just completed my first contract with Carnival, and it is the complete opposite. They are always making sure we are in MLC compliance ( maximum hours and required breaks) and host tons of activities for crew members. We are one big happy family on board, and the crew CHOSE to work aboard.”

Damin Membrey felt the impact of the campaign could be damaging to Australians.

“While I sympathise with the harsh working and living conditions of workers on a cruise ship, there is no way Australia will have any impact on their pay, entitlements and conditions. In fact, cruise lines will continue to leave Australia and sail in more “friendly” waters, with many Australian businesses and Australian-based cruise enthusiasts left high and dry.

“Politicians in all parties need to consider the broader impacts of their comments and have a more considered approach to what issues they want to improve. Here is a tip… look at homeless and disadvantaged people in Australia and do some good for once instead of decimating an entire industry.”

Dale Churchward added: “Respectfully, Tony, this narrative just doesn’t match the reality on board. If you talk to actual Carnival employees, they’ll tell you how much they value their jobs, the community onboard, and the ability to support their families back home.

“The crew turnover rates speak for themselves—people stay because it works for them. Carnival provides vital tourism dollars to Australia; let’s stop picking on a company that brings so much joy and opportunity to so many people.”

Cruise Passenger reader Greg Madden added a similar point.

“You can tell what the workers think about pay and conditions by the amount of returning workers. When you talk to crew the vast majority keep coming back and their only complaint is the amount of time they are away from family. If they didn’t love the job they would not keep coming back.”

Roy Paul added his suspicions over the MUA: “It might little to do with caring about the seafarers and might be connected to the MUA membership fees of $33 AUD per week that they are not getting.”

Former Carnival executive David Jones added, “Experienced cruisers are aware that cruise ship crew on international ships are employed according to strict international maritime conventions and that cruise lines adhere strictly to these conventions.”

Mark Thornbury took aim at the MUA: “How much more till it’s harassment from the MUA? If they don’t find anything wrong 3 times that should be it. Move on  andgo wreck someone else’s holidays.”

On the other side of the coin Stephen Mather expressed his displeasure against cruise: “It’s a filthy polluting, tax dodging, human rights abusing industry. Climate change is real ocean pollution and acidification is real, human rights abuses and tax dodging standard billionaire behaviour.”

Jeanette Rolf shared an anecdote from Carnival Cruise Line in the USA.

“Not sure about Australia, but I know of two musicians in the U.S. who had to leave the ship (a Carnival ship) because of injury from being overworked. The Music Manager bullied them into playing while in pain.

“Carnival is known as CARNEVIL by many crew members apparently.”