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Thousands of Tourists Arrive in Maldives Aboard Two Cruise Ships

Maldives cruise ship arrival

The Maldives has quickly become a top destination for cruise travelers. Recently, two major ships, the MS Norwegian Sky and the MS Riviera, docked in Malé city, bringing thousands of visitors eager to experience the islands’ unique charm.

The MS Norwegian Sky, which carries nearly 2,000 passengers, arrived in the Maldives at the end of December. For the two days it stayed in port, passengers got the chance to explore local islands, immerse themselves in the culture, and take in the stunning landscapes. After their brief visit, the ship continued on its journey to other parts of Southeast Asia.

Not long after, the MS Riviera made its way to Malé, adding even more visitors to the island. With over 2,000 passengers on board, the ship added to the excitement surrounding the Maldives. Passengers spent time discovering the Maldives’ unique offerings before the ship left for Sri Lanka. This consistent flow of cruise ships reveals a shift in how people are traveling. More tourists are now opting for cruises that allow them to see the beauty of the Maldives in a short but unforgettable visit.

Growing Popularity Beyond Cruise Tourism

The holiday destination has hit a major milestone this year, surpassing two million tourists. This growth reflects the country’s rising popularity as a travel destination, and it is clear that more people than ever are looking to experience the Maldives for themselves. Additionally, the Maldives has seen a noticeable increase in private jets and international flights, highlighting the demand for luxury travel to the islands. With visitors arriving by both air and sea, the Maldives continues to prove it is a flexible destination that appeals to all kinds of travelers.

As more cruise ships are set to arrive in the Maldives, the islands will keep seeing a steady flow of visitors. With international cruises increasingly choosing the Maldives as a key stop, its combination of luxury, culture, and natural beauty continues to make it a top destination for travelers from around the world.

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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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