Carnival UK Cadet Programme

🌊 Start your career at sea with Carnival UK

Applications are now open for our January 2027 intake, offering aspiring seafarers hands-on experience, first-class training, and a clear pathway into a long-term maritime career.

If you’re motivated, resilient, and excited by life at sea, this could be your first step towards an extraordinary career.

Apply now for our Deck, Engine and ETO Cadetships
👉 https://lnkd.in/eM5G5fZh

Please tag or share with anyone who might be interested ⚓

Next up in our Cadet to Officer series, meet Our Chief Engineer ⚙️ Ian Gillone

⚓ A Lifelong Passion for the Sea ⚓

Growing up in a coastal town with a Chief Engineer father and a sailing yacht in the family, the sea was always calling. From Sea Cadets to Lifeboat crew, engineering was a natural path, even aeronautical engineering was briefly considered, but the tides turned toward a maritime career.

Starting out with an induction cruise on the Canberra in 1994, the journey has spanned iconic ships like Sky Princess, Oriana, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Elizabeth.

From Cadet to Chief Engineer, every milestone, including buying a first car with earnings from that first trip, tells a story of dedication, growth, and adventure.

Read all about Ian's story below as he continues to inspire with a career built on passion, resilience, and a deep love for life at sea.🌊

We're excited to introduce you to our next candidate within our Cadet to Officer series - Captain Matthew Nicholls ⚓

Growing up in landlocked Oxfordshire, Captain Matthew Nicholls never imagined a life at sea—until a chance encounter led him aboard a ship in 2002.

Hooked by the experience, he joined P&O Princess Cruises as a Deck Cadet in 2004 and never looked back.

Over two decades, he climbed the ranks through dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for mentoring others. From earning his Officer of the Watch certificate in 2007 to taking his first command in 2024, his journey spans five Carnival brands and countless memorable moments—from sailing Alaska’s fjords to leading the Queen Anne newbuild team in Italy.

Captain Nicholls champions professionalism, coachability, and enthusiasm in cadets, and believes in leading by example. His advice? Stay curious, be patient, and always strive to be a role model.

⚓ A true ambassador for life at sea, he reminds us that while technology evolves, the heart of seamanship remains rooted in teamwork, tradition, and integrity.

Read all about Captain Nicholls Journey below 👇

🎉 We’re proud to celebrate Jasmine Bibby, Carnival UK Cadet, who has been named a finalist in the Maritime Solent Awards 2025! 🎉

Jasmine’s nomination in the Apprentice / Cadet of the Year category is a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and passion for the maritime industry. Her journey reflects the strength of our cadet programme and the bright future of maritime talent.

👏 Congratulations, Jasmine – we’re cheering you on!

Congratulations to our Deck Cadet Lauren Mather who came runner up for our Culture Essentials award in July 🏆

Lauren was nominated for demonstrating our core values which are Speak up, Improve, Respect & Protect, Listen & Learn, Communicate and Empower amongst her peers whilst completing her 12-4 watch duties.

One of the many positive comments from the officer who nominated Lauren - "During the port watches, Lauren has been given scope to ensure that departure tasks are completed in a timely and correct manner, something that she has excelled in. Very impressed with Laurens dedication, energy, enthusiasm and effort she has put in this month."

Well done Lauren 👏 Very well deserved.

Cunard Careers

On Friday we were onboard Queen Mary 2, where three of our current Deck Cadets — Jake Dunstan, Grace Adelaide Gomery, and Lauren Mather inspired young adults from the King's Trust for the World at Work tour event.

As part of the day’s activities, the cadets participated in a reverse interview session, sharing insights into their experiences working onboard and life at sea. It was great to see such high levels of engagement, with thoughtful questions being asked throughout.

The event onboard the Queen Mary 2 was a remarkable opportunity for young adults from The Kings Trust to gain firsthand insight into maritime careers through the World at Work tour. Our deck cadets took centre stage during a reverse interview session, where they shared their unique experiences and perspectives on life at sea. The session was highly interactive, with participants eager to learn more about the challenges and rewards of working onboard.

The cadets’ ability to engage and inspire was evident, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees. Their stories not only showcased their dedication and passion but also highlighted the exciting possibilities of a career in the maritime industry. They certainly made us proud!

Carnival UK Careers Cunard Careers P&O Cruises

Maritime Careers

Our Electro Technical Cadet Stephen Arnold from Fleetwood Nautical Campus who won cadet of the year award received the below feedback from their curriculum manager.

"Stephen has displayed extraordinary dedication, passion, and resilience in his pursuit of excellence within the field of marine cadet training. This accolade is a testament to his relentless commitment, hard work, and outstanding abilities, making him a shining example for all aspiring cadets. His performance reflects far more than just technical competence; it showcases a consistent dedication to discipline, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. These qualities are not only essential to success in the demanding field of marine engineering but also indicative of a mindset geared toward continuous growth and responsibility. With immense pride and gratitude, I have the distinct pleasure of declaring and presenting the esteemed “Outstanding achievement award” In Foundation Degree Marine Electrical and Electronics Engineering category to Stephen Arnold"

We couldn't be anymore prouder of you Stephen. Well done! 👏

Kristy Dawson Matt Selby

What a week of glorious weather for all of our cadets graduations! ☀️

Huge congratulations to our cadets Charlie Johnstone, Charlotte (Charlie) Ailes-Barfield, Georgia Hind-Wakeling and Erin Morgan from South Shields Marine School who have now all successfully completed their cadetships and graduated yesterday 🎓

From everyone at Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard), we wish you every bit of success from this moment going forward.

"May your voyage be prosperous and your return be joyful"

Matt Selby Kristy Dawson

Congratulations to our cadets Tom Baskerville, Ben Willis, Adam Taylor and Thomas Chamberlain from Warsash Maritime School who have now completed their cadetships and graduated last Friday 👏

From everyone at Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard), we're so proud of you all for achieving this huge milestone and we wish you all the very best for the next stage in your career 🌊

Kristy Dawson Matt Selby