Determinants of Cruise Ship Career Preference among Goan Youth: A Push Pull Migration Perspective

Abstract Cruise ship employment has become an important overseas career choice for young people in Goa. This study uses the Push Pull Migration Model to examine the factors that shape this preference. A survey was conducted with three hundred youth between the ages of eighteen and thirty, supported by thirty semi structured audio interviews that lasted between twenty and thirty-five minutes. The findings show that the expectation of higher income, the desire for international exposure, strong support from family members, and easy access to recruitment channels all play an important role in encouraging youth to consider cruise ship careers. Limited local employment opportunities, low salaries, skill mismatch, and slow career progress act as major push factors. The study supports existing international research on maritime labour and youth migration. Recommendations are offered for policy makers, training institutes, and recruitment partners to help young people make informed and ethical career choices.