Cruise chaplaincy
The cruise industry is rapidly expanding. Cruise ship crews include “hotel staff” such as waiters, chambermaids, entertainers and hairdressers. Like all seafarers, they endure long periods away from home and family.
AOS GB supplies chaplains to the cruise industry to offer pastoral care to passengers and crew. AOS cruise chaplains are Catholic priests who are specially trained to work in the demanding environment of a cruise ship.
Chaplains can offer religious services to passengers, appreciated especially at festivals such as Christmas and Easter. These can be of an ecumenical or multifaith nature as required. Many people report experiencing a heightened sense of spirituality at sea which prompts them to ask questions about life. AOS chaplains are available to listen and to offer spiritual support to all who seek it.
AOS chaplains are also trained to serve the pastoral needs of the crew. They offer religious services at times convenient to the ship’s busy working schedule. Chaplains put themselves at the service of all crew members regardless of religion, listening to their problems and stories of home, acknowledging them as individuals. Where necessary they can work with welfare officers to promote the wellbeing of the crew.
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For more information about cruise chaplaincy services from AOS GB, please contact us at londonoffice@apostleshipofthesea.org.uk
click here to learn more about the cruise industry on the AOS international website
Are you thinking of taking a cruise?
Use your consumer power to help protect seafarers. Contact the cruise lines to find out if they employ chaplains. Ask for details of the pastoral care offerred to crew and passengers.