
CAST-A-WAY FEATURED ON USA TODAY
Twenty-seven years since its inception, CAST-A-WAY Cruise and Resort Hiring Agency continues to develop in line with the growing demands of the global cruise line industry, connecting individuals from across the globe with life-changing career opportunities. Holding an exceptional Ship Life rating of 4.9, the company remains committed to innovation, diversification, and providing world-class talent.
Originally established in Canada with a focus on hiring entertainment and hotel personnel, CAST-A-WAY has since expanded into a worldwide organization, encompassing all continents and sourcing candidates for a range of additional clientele, including resorts, cruise lines, retail stores, spas, duty-free, and restaurant chains. Over the years, CAST-A-WAY’s internal staff have grown from a group of four to a dedicated team of over forty members, also known as ‘the CAST-A-WAY family,’ bringing with them a range of expertise, from local market knowledge to personal connections in each country of operation.
CEO Fabiana Estrela comments: “Having personally worked as a crew member of a major cruise line and now in recruitment for over a decade, I’ve seen both sides of the hiring process. Despite the ever-evolving nature of the industry, some things will never change, like the necessity for outstanding teams that truly elevate the overall guest experience. Today, CAST-A-WAY cultivates the highest quality candidates, going above and beyond to not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations.”
Throughout her career, Fabiana has uncovered some of the gaps within this lucrative industry, including the increased demand for more diverse employees with a certain attitude, personality, and drive. This need for diversification includes a diversity of expertise, of language, and of nationality, enabling clients to better connect with every customer they interact with. As a result, CAST-A-WAY has adapted its recruitment process to ensure all clients gain necessary access to the skills and vernaculars of the world.
“The organization has grown exponentially since 2017,” continues Fabiana, “and this is because we prioritize listening to what the clients need rather than presuming what they may be looking for. This approach has allowed us to reach ground-breaking milestones much faster than expected, positioning us as trusted and innovative leaders in this space.”
As the ‘ship life’ career path is not always clear-cut, Fabiana Estrela seeks to launch twenty-five online courses in the following year, providing inside knowledge into the realities of the industry. All courses are created by past crew members for future crew members, preparing them for the fast-paced nature of the training process.
“In this competitive landscape, candidates are expected to simply ‘be ready’ to deliver first-class international hospitality as they onboard,” says Fabiana. “All candidates that choose to take our courses receive an official CAST-A-WAY Academy Certification that helps them navigate the careers they later embark on.”
Today, CAST-A-WAY Cruise and Resort Hiring Agency represents a forward-thinking enterprise with diversity and innovation at the heart of its mission. CEO Fabiana Estrela looks back on the company’s journey with appreciation and pride, recognizing its long-standing position as a dependable organization for both clients and candidates, bringing them together for over 25 years.