Cruise Lens Academy
Dock here. Sail everywhere.
India's only full-stack training & placement platform for cruise ship photographers
About Cruise Lens Academy
India's only full-stack cruise photography training platform — where your passion meets international opportunity.
The Challenge
Thousands of talented Indian photographers dream of working abroad, but most never make it past the dock. The barrier isn't skill — it's the lack of proper maritime documentation, structured creative training, and real placement support. The result? Missed opportunities, shattered confidence, and careers that never leave the shore.
Our Solution
Cruise Lens Academy bridges this gap through comprehensive training that goes beyond photography. We provide maritime documentation assistance, hands-on technical training, and actual placement support with global cruise lines.
Whether you're starting fresh, transitioning careers, or advancing your current role, our structured programs are designed to make you cruise-ready — professionally and personally.
Why Choose Cruise Lens Academy?
Creative Excellence
Lightroom, Photoshop & real cruise workflows.
Global Access
Our hiring partners place photographers across leading cruise lines.
Documentation Support
STCW, INDOS, SID, CDC & Medicals – all handled.
Placement Assistance
After your skill evaluation, we refer you to real cruise job openings.
1-on-1 Mentorship
Personal guidance throughout your learning journey.
Our Courses
Tailored programs designed for every stage of your cruise photography journey.
Course 1 – Beginner & New to the Sea
Complete beginners, photography students, or creatives who want to start their cruise photography career but have no maritime background or documents.
What You Get:
Full documentation support
- INDOS registration
- STCW Training (6 modules)
- SID (Seafarer ID)
- CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
- Approved DG Shipping Medical assistance.
Photography & Editing Training
- Adobe Lightroom (full workflow)
- Adobe Photoshop (retouching & branding)
- Adobe Bridge (file handling for onboard workflow)
Cruise Environment Exposure
- Grooming, discipline, time management onboard
- Case studies from real ships
Placement Assistance
- Internal skill evaluation
- Guidance on interviews with our hiring partners
- Access to verified placement pathways
Course 2 – For STCW Holders & Ex-Seafarers
Photographers or ex-crew members who already hold valid STCW documentation and want to switch to cruise photography or upskill for better cruise roles.
What You Get:
10-Day Skill Upgrade
- Cruise photography-specific training
- Adobe editing, workflow efficiency
- Handling DSLR + onboard branding
- Case-based mock assignments
Interview & Portfolio Support
- CV + portfolio polish
- HR mock interviews
- Soft skills & communication
Evaluation Pathway
- Internal assessment (scoring out of 100)
- If score ≥ 80% → direct job interview support
- If score < 80% → free evaluation after 1 week with details of guidance to improve.
Course 3 – For Working Cruise Photographers
You're already working onboard but want to grow. Whether it's for switching to a better cruise line, upskilling, or preparing for higher positions — this is your route.
What You Get:
Internal Skill Evaluation
- Upload portfolio
- Practical & theoretical assessment
- Scoring shared within 3 days
- Portfolio and test will be evaluated by our onboard faculty and training team.
Job Switch Support (if score ≥ 80%)
- Mock HR interview
- CV improvement
- Direct job openings via our hiring network
The Founders' Story
Cruise Lens Academy was born out of real journeys — not just ideas.
Rohan SinghFounder & CEO
Rohan Singh, our Founder & CEO, worked as a Photo Manager on some of the world's leading cruise lines, traveling to 43 countries and leading multicultural teams onboard. During his time at sea, he encountered hundreds of talented Indian photographers working in local studios, weddings, or freelance gigs, all with the potential to go global, but stuck due to one harsh reality: they simply didn't know how.
Most didn't have the required maritime documents. Many lacked formal creative training or the discipline expected onboard. And almost none had access to the kind of mentorship or placement guidance that could help them break into cruise photography careers. Rohan knew the talent was there, but the structure was missing.
Meanwhile, Suraj Thakre, a long-time friend and now Co-Founder, was building a strong reputation in the fitness and lifestyle sector, managing client journeys, mentoring teams, and driving performance-based results. With over 7 years of operational experience, Suraj had a deep understanding of what it takes to scale systems, build trust, and create career pathways for young professionals.
Suraj ThakreDirector of Business Development
Suraj Thakre is a passionate business development leader with a solid foundation in hospitality and client management. With over 4 years in the hospitality sector and 7+ years guiding clients in the fitness industry, he brings a deep understanding of people, relationships, and personal growth to his role.
As Director of Business Development at CruiseLens Academy, Suraj goes beyond strategy and numbers—he connects with students on a personal level. His approach is not just theoretical but rooted in real conversations, emotional understanding, and a student-first mindset. From the first inquiry to final placement, Suraj ensures that every student feels heard, guided, and inspired throughout their journey.
He oversees outreach, marketing, and end-to-end student support—including STCW training and cruise ship placements—helping aspiring photographers turn their passion into a global career. His mission is to make CruiseLens Academy not just an institution, but a launchpad for dreams, learning, and unforgettable journeys.
"I created Cruise Lens Academy to bridge the gap between Indian talent and international cruise careers. Every photographer I met during my years at sea had potential — they just needed the right structure and guidance to unlock it."
- Rohan Singh, Founder & CEO
"We're not just training photographers — we're helping young Indians transform their lives and go global with the right support, skills, and confidence."
- Suraj Thakre, Co-Founder
Documentation Partner
Official Partner
Vijayatilak Maritime Academy
Documents Handled for Our Students:
Note:Students do not need to worry about scheduling or booking — Cruise Lens Academy coordinates your complete process directly with Vijayatilak Academy.