As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the world, our fellow crew members, our sisters, brothers, and friends on the cruise ships are among the casualties.

• •Filipino seafarers are the largest population in the global maritime industry with over 375 000 people.
• •These people contributed to the Filipino economy with $6.14 Billion in 2018.

Dear Crew, whether you are at home battling through daily tasks, trying to cope with our new reality or still on board, trying to keep sane and healthy, - we are here for you.

Crew Center keeps its hand on crew-news pulse and does an admirable job at helping/supporting whoever we can.

Dear Crew Worldwide,

How are you today? We really hope you are managing as well as it is possible in these uncharted waters. We know it’s scary to find ourselves in this new reality with suspended jobs, no certainty and plenty of challenges to come. So, let’s take a few moments and explore the state of our inner world, our inner selves.

• Who would have thought that this will happen?
• Who would have thought that this unexpected event will suddenly affect all of us?

Following all the uncertainty the cruise ship crew members are facing during these difficult times Crew Center has reached out for advice by a former crew member who is now working as a medical professional on how to keep our mental health and support each other.

Watching the latest statement by the President of the United States after the announcement of the Coronavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Diamond Princess made me sad.

I am not a Democrat, I am not a Republican, I am not American, I am not a number, I am crew member.

For years the business industry has attempted to determine what makes a great leader with the intention of replicating the same and teaching it in classrooms that are meant to shape the new generation of great leaders.

The cruise industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus scare in Asia with more than 80 voyages cancelled by several cruise lines, and seven ports closed in the region.

Recognizing the importance of the crew to keep in contact with their families and friends, Princess Cruises has introduced free Whatsapp for its shipboard employees. Starting February 14, the free texting service is available on six Princess cruise ships, and the company is working hard to expand the program throughout the fleet.