What Working on Cruise Ships is Really Like: Pros & Cons
Life on a cruise ship is filled with exotic destinations, diverse cultures, and unique experiences that can make it feel like a dream job. However, working on a cruise ship is not just a vacation; it comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments. Many are drawn to the idea of adventure, meeting people from around the world, and even the prospect of saving money while working at sea. But it’s essential to understand both the upsides and downsides before diving into a cruise ship career.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of working on a cruise ship, with insights from real-life experiences to give you an honest perspective on what to expect.
1. The Allure of Cruise Ship Life: Exploring the Pros
a) Travel the World While You Work
One of the most enticing aspects of working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel. Cruise ship employees can visit multiple countries within a single contract, explore different cities and islands, and enjoy a truly global lifestyle without incurring typical travel costs.
Real-Life Experience
Jenna, a bartender from New Zealand, shared her experience: “I signed up for one contract, but I ended up doing three. The places I’ve seen are incredible. I’ve snorkeled in the Bahamas, walked around ancient ruins in Greece, and even visited the ice fjords in Norway. I never would’ve been able to afford such travels otherwise!”
b) Meet People from All Over the World
Cruise ships are like mini-cities at sea, with crew members from all corners of the globe. This multicultural environment allows you to build lifelong friendships, learn about other cultures, and share memorable moments with people from diverse backgrounds.
Pro Tip: If you love learning new languages, a cruise ship job is a perfect environment to practice conversational skills, as you'll be surrounded by multilingual colleagues.c) Room and Board Are Covered
One of the biggest perks is that your accommodation and meals are fully covered. Unlike traditional jobs where rent, groceries, and transportation take up a large portion of your paycheck, cruise ship jobs allow you to save more money since these essentials are taken care of.
Real-Life Experience
Diego, an Italian chef, said: “I save almost 80% of my paycheck every month. There are no rent or utility bills, and you don’t need a car. For the first time, I’m actually building up savings.”
d) Career Growth and On-the-Job Learning
For those interested in hospitality, tourism, or customer service careers, working on a cruise ship can be a valuable experience. Cruise lines often provide training programs, and you may have the chance to work in various departments or pursue managerial roles over time.
Pro Tip: Promotions on cruise ships can be faster than on land, especially if you show dedication and a positive attitude.
2. The Challenges of Cruise Ship Life: Cons to Consider
a) Long Working Hours with Few Days Off
One of the biggest challenges is the demanding work schedule. Cruise ship employees often work seven days a week, sometimes up to 12 hours a day, especially in customer-facing roles. Time off is limited, and it can be exhausting to work without weekends or the usual breaks you’d expect in a land-based job.
Real-Life Experience
Michael, a room steward from the Philippines, shared: “The hours are tough. We’re working almost every day with no weekends. My family thinks I’m constantly on vacation, but it’s far from it. It’s hard work, and some days, you just have to push through the fatigue.”
b) Living in Small, Shared Cabins
Accommodations on a cruise ship are generally small, and in most cases, you’ll be sharing a cabin with at least one other person. While some enjoy the camaraderie that comes with shared living, others find the lack of privacy and space to be challenging.
Pro Tip: Invest in noise-canceling headphones and make your cabin a comfortable space with small personal touches like photos or a favorite pillow, to make the small quarters feel a bit more like home.
c) Being Away from Family and Friends for Long Periods
Contracts can last anywhere from 4 to 9 months, and during that time, you’re often far from home. This distance can make it difficult to maintain relationships and can lead to feelings of homesickness, especially during special occasions or holidays.
Real-Life Experience
Sarah, an entertainer from the UK, reflected: “I missed my sister’s wedding, and I couldn’t go home for Christmas. Being away from family is one of the hardest parts. You can video call, but it’s not the same as being there in person.”
d) Strict Rules and Hierarchy
Cruise ships operate under strict codes of conduct. Each crew member has to follow specific rules regarding dress, behavior, and even socializing with guests. Additionally, cruise ships operate under a well-defined hierarchy, which can make it difficult to navigate or address concerns in a way that’s common in land-based workplaces.
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the hierarchy and chain of command. Addressing issues respectfully and through the proper channels helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the ship running smoothly.
3. Balancing Work and Leisure: What Time Off Looks Like
While cruise ship work is demanding, employees do get downtime to enjoy some of the perks of life at sea. Time off is typically short, but it’s often spent exploring new destinations, resting, or engaging in recreational activities provided by the cruise line.
a) Shore Leave: Your Chance to Explore
Crew members are usually allowed shore leave when the ship docks, which means you can step off the ship and explore local attractions, visit cafes, and relax on beaches.
Real-Life Experience
Alex, a deckhand from Canada, shared: “Shore leave is like a breath of fresh air. I always try to get off the ship, even if it’s just for a short coffee break or a quick look around. Those few hours make a huge difference.”
b) Onboard Amenities for Crew
Most cruise lines offer special amenities for their crew, such as a crew-only bar, fitness centers, or movie rooms. These facilities give employees a chance to unwind, socialize, and recharge.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of crew facilities, as they’re designed to help you relax and take your mind off work, even if it’s just for a short while.
4. Is Cruise Ship Life Right for You? Personality Fit and Lifestyle Considerations
Living and working on a cruise ship isn’t for everyone. Here are some personality traits and lifestyle considerations that can help you determine if you’d enjoy cruise ship work:
- Adaptability: Cruise ship life requires flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changes, whether in your schedule or living conditions.
- Strong Work Ethic: Cruise lines expect hard work, and the high demands can be overwhelming. The job is best suited for those who are comfortable working in high-paced environments.
- Sociable and Team-Oriented: People who enjoy meeting others and working as part of a team tend to thrive in this setting.
- Independence and Resilience: Being far from home requires a certain level of independence and resilience, as you’ll need to handle challenges and cope with homesickness on your own.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering this lifestyle, try talking to current or former cruise ship employees. They can give you a firsthand account of what to expect and provide practical advice for life at sea.
5. Conclusion: Is Working on a Cruise Ship Worth It?
Working on a cruise ship offers unique experiences, from the chance to travel the world to meeting people from diverse backgrounds. However, the long hours, shared accommodations, and time away from loved ones can make it challenging.
For those who thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment, the rewards often outweigh the difficulties. The adventure, the potential for saving money, and the opportunity for personal growth can make cruise ship work a life-changing experience. However, if you prioritize a stable routine, personal space, and frequent contact with family, the cruise ship lifestyle may feel overwhelming.
Real-Life Experience
David, a former cruise line musician, sums it up well: “It’s an incredible experience, but it’s not always easy. I made amazing friends, saved money, and saw parts of the world I never dreamed of. But I missed my family a lot. It’s a trade-off, and it’s all about what you’re willing to compromise.”
Ultimately, working on a cruise ship is a unique lifestyle that’s worth experiencing if you’re up for the adventure and prepared for the challenges. For some, it’s a career that lasts a lifetime; for others, it’s an unforgettable chapter. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: life on a cruise ship is unlike anything else on land.