Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy yesterday encouraged Bermudians to take advantage of opportunities to work on cruise ships as he announced the launch of the Government’s Cruise Ship Employment Programme.The Programme, in association with Norwegian Cruise Lines, fulfills a Throne Speech promise to partner with cruise lines to provide jobs for locals.Interested persons can visit the Workforce Development Department or www.gov.bm to fill in an online application by July 8 to reserve a place at NCL’s Onboard Employment Job Fair.NCL’s recruiters will be on the Island on July 23 and 24 to conduct the orientation sessions, accept employment applications and begin the interview process.“As an on-board employee, Bermudians will join an international team and have the opportunity to meet thousands of people, build lifelong friendships, learn new skills and ultimately bring skills back home and apply them here in our workforce,” Sen Fahy said.The Minister added: “While this is not a panacea to our unemployment issues, we do view this as a very unique opportunity to help resolve a vexing problem.“Where else can you turn a dream into a reality while learning new skills and gaining experience with an internationally recognised premier cruise line?“So we encourage Bermudians to think outside the box regarding these job opportunities and more importantly, if they are looking for an exciting and unique job experience than I truly do hope they take the leap and apply for these jobs as they become available.”At question time, the Minister agreed that working on a cruise ship was demanding. But he rejected the idea that Bermudians were not disciplined enough for the industry.“Each individual has their own work ethic and if they are going to take employment they are going to have to fulfil the contract they are employed by,” he said.“This is an opportunity and I think we have got to be very positive about it and we’ve got to encourage Bermudians to take the opportunities when they arise. I don’t think it’s right for us to simply say I don’t think Bermudians can do the job. I don’t believe in that.”He continued: “Let no one say the Government is not making efforts to get Bermudians back to work. If people choose not to take these opportunities that’s for them. And its hard work and I accept that. But we shouldn’t be afraid of hard work.”Examples of jobs available include: assistant waiters, bar servers, assistant pasty cooks, assistant bakers, assistant cooks, junior engine seafarers, Jr, deck seafarers, restaurant stewards, and bartenders.