Back in 2022
Back in 2022, I engaged with Faststream’s Cruise Division while seeking to return to sea. Given Faststream’s strong reputation within the maritime and cruise recruitment sector, I had expected a professional and well‑managed experience. Unfortunately, the service I received fell noticeably short of that standard.
I was assigned to work with a Senior Recruitment Consultant. Over the course of approximately five months, communication became increasingly inconsistent. Progress on several active and time‑sensitive opportunities stalled repeatedly, despite multiple cruise operators urgently recruiting at the time.
The Senior Recruitment Consultant was frequently on extended absence due to sickness, yet there appeared to be no continuity plan or handover process in place. During these periods, there was no meaningful follow‑up with clients or candidates, and no indication that colleagues were supporting his portfolio.
Through contacts within some of the companies recruiting, I later learned that at least one company had taken their business elsewhere due to the lack of engagement. Several candidates who had expressed interest during this period also experienced similar delays and lack of progression as I did.
I raised these concerns at the time with another member of the Cruise Division, but no follow‑up or feedback was ever provided.
It is my hope that Faststream has since strengthened oversight and continuity within its specialist divisions to prevent similar issues from arising in the future, but I doubt it.
Although I am not currently seeking a return to sea, I am researching which recruitment companies remain active within the cruise industry. Under improved management and communication practices, I would still not be considering Faststream again.
My intention in sharing this experience is not grievance but constructive feedback. Faststream has long held a strong reputation in maritime recruitment, and the service I received in 2022 was markedly out of character with that reputation. I felt it appropriate to ensure this feedback reached the right level within the organisation.
I have since contacted the CEO and founder of Faststream Recruitment Group to address these issues, on three separate occasions and once again I have received no acknowledgement or reply to my email.