Bahamian students explored culinary and maritime careers during recent visits aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. University of The Bahamas students toured Disney Dream, while LJM Maritime Academy cadets visited Disney Destiny.
Disney Cruise Line has supported port communities, including The Bahamas, since 1998. Since 2019, it has hosted university culinary students for career conversations and behind-the-scenes galley tours. The relationship includes the College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management, known as The CALM.
Inside the galleys, engine room and bridge
Students met Chef Andras and Chef Kamben during the university’s Culinary Week to discuss culinary careers at sea. Aboard Disney Dream, Chef Khemraj and Chef Antoine led Disney Cruise Line’s “Anyone Can Cook” demonstration.
Students watched the preparation of a signature dish, learned professional cooking techniques and discussed shipboard culinary work with a chef.
Dean Mario Adderly said Disney Cruise Line has sponsored The CALM Week for several years, alongside other university support. Adderly said ship tours let students observe front-of-house, back-of-house and food-and-beverage operations in real time.
“This collaboration helps bring classroom learning to life,” Adderly said.
Through its relationship with LJM Maritime Academy, the cruise line supports scholarships and summer programming focused on maritime careers. That support includes welcoming students aboard its fleet to learn about shipboard operations.
During their Disney Destiny visit, 38 cadets met the Engineering Officer and toured the engine room. They also visited the bridge to learn about ship navigation and steering.
Captain Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance.
No-cost courses and Disney internships
Disney Cruise Line also invests in the Leading Light Programme with the University of The Bahamas. The program began in Eleuthera in 2024 and has expanded to include students in Abaco.
Participants take hospitality, management and job-readiness courses. The courses cost participants nothing.
Leslie Lopez, Disney Cruise Line’s Manager HR Bahamas, helps bring these programs to life. Lopez said these opportunities support young Bahamians’ career paths.
Lopez also helped bring the first Bahamian student group into a Disney Program at Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is in Orlando, Florida.
Disney Programs offer students and recent graduates professional and leadership development through learning and internship programs. The Bahamian participants worked in food-and-beverage, custodial and merchandise roles across Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts.
They connected with cast members and guests from around the world and attended seminars featuring Disney leaders. The students also volunteered through Disney VoluntEARS, explored local Florida highlights and toured Disney Wish.
Source: Disney Experiences
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