Thrive at Sea.
Built by people who've lived the journey.
We know that a career at sea is about far more than finding a job. It's about embracing new challenges, building confidence, discovering the world and creating opportunities that can shape your future. That's why Thrive at Sea exists- to help people begin their journey with confidence and support them every step of the way.
Our Story.
We understand life at sea because we have lived it.
Joe and Rae have been life and business partners since a chance meeting in Miami in 2016- a moment that would shape both their careers and, ultimately, the creation of Thrive at Sea.
Together, they built successful careers in cruise retail, experiencing first-hand the excitement of exploring the world, the friendships formed onboard and the opportunities that life at sea can create. They also experienced the realities that every crew member faces: adapting to a new environment, being away from loved ones and learning to rely on the people around you.
Those experiences taught them something that has stayed with them ever since: people achieve their greatest potential when they feel prepared, supported and genuinely valued. Success at sea isn't built through recruitment alone- it's built through the guidance, encouragement and human connection that continues long after embarkation day.
That belief became the foundation of Thrive at Sea.
Today, Joe and Rae combine their experience in cruise retail, leadership and crew support to help exceptional people build rewarding careers while supporting cruise retail partners in developing engaged, high-performing teams. Every recommendation, every conversation and every placement is driven by one simple purpose: helping people truly Thrive at Sea.
Joe and Rae at an event in 2022
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect outstanding people with exceptional opportunities in cruise retail while providing the support they need to succeed before, during and throughout their careers at sea.
By combining expert recruitment, personalised onboarding and ongoing crew support, we help individuals thrive, strengthen crew wellbeing and improve retention, creating lasting value for both our candidates and our cruise retail partners.
Our Vision
To redefine the cruise retail industry by creating an environment where people truly Thrive at Sea, wellbeing is prioritised, and cruise retail partners build resilient, high-performing teams.
We envision a future where every crew member feels supported, valued and empowered to build a rewarding career at sea, creating exceptional guest experiences, stronger crew retention and lasting success for our cruise retail partners.
Joe and Rae onboard a cruise ship in 2017
Joe and Rae in 2026
Meet the Founders.
Rae Forrester
Founder & Operations Director
With a background spanning education, HR, counselling, operations and luxury cruise retail, Rae has always been passionate about helping people reach their potential. Having experienced life at sea first-hand, she understands both the opportunities and the challenges that come with building a career onboard.
Rae's vision for Thrive at Sea is to create an environment where every crew member feels prepared, supported and valued, giving them the confidence to succeed from their first embarkation through every stage of their career at sea.
Joe Welton
Founder & Commercial Director
Joe brings extensive experience in cruise retail, luxury sales and commercial leadership, having worked with international brands and high-performing teams throughout his career. His practical approach to leadership, combined with first-hand experience of life onboard, has shaped his belief that successful businesses are built by investing in their people.
At Thrive at Sea, Joe works closely with cruise retail partners to build lasting relationships, identify exceptional talent and create recruitment solutions that strengthen teams, enhance guest experiences and support long-term success.
Why Thrive at Sea.
Industry Experience
We've lived and worked in cruise retail and understand the realities of life onboard.
Recruitment with Purpose
We recruit for long-term success, identifying candidates who fit your culture, values and operational needs, not simply your vacancies.
Support Beyond Recruitment
Our relationship doesn't end when a candidate signs a contract. Through onboarding guidance and ongoing crew support, we're invested in helping every placement succeed.
A Partnership Approach
We work as an extension of your team, aligning our recruitment strategy with your goals, culture and guest experience.