Where the Money Goes When You Work on a Cruise Ship
When I first signed up to work on a cruise ship, I had the same romanticised vision many do – free travel, free food, free accommodation.
While there's truth to those benefits (as I detail in my honest pros and cons of cruise ship life), nobody warned me about the hidden costs. That 'free' cabin and meals come with dozens of small expenses that quietly eat away at your pay cheque.
You might wonder where your salary went. Let’s break it down.
What’s Actually Free – and What’s Not
Here’s what you get for “free”: shared cabin accommodation, meals in the crew mess (buffet-style, repetitive, and sometimes questionable), basic medical care (think paracetamol or seasickness tablets), filtered water stations, and uniforms (laundry service may or may not be included).
But here’s what you’ll often end up paying for:
Wi-Fi
Bottled water (yes, even though there are free water stations)
Coffee, snacks, chocolate, instant noodles
Crew bar drinks (alcohol and sometimes food)
Port-day transport (taxis, buses, scooters)
Groceries during shore leave
Toiletries if you run out
Crew events, parties, and birthday cakes
Occasional medical costs (depending on the issue)
You’ll probably spend more than you expect just trying to stay comfortable or connected.
Crew Expenses
Wi-Fi
Some cruise lines have Starlink now, but as I explain in my guide to internet for seafarers facing limited connectivity, speeds still vary widely.
Crew Wi-Fi isn’t included in your benefits. If you want it, you’ll have to pay. Some cruise lines offer limited free crew Wi-Fi, but that’s not the standard.
Prices change across ships and contracts, but it’s safe to say it’s not cheap. I can’t remember exactly how much for 500MB or 1GB, but it’s enough to make you pause. That said, some crew still buy it constantly. I only purchase it occasionally.
Work emails don’t count; if it’s related to your job, you’ll have access to the internal system. But calling friends or watching Netflix? That’s on you.
A lot of us rely on free Wi-Fi during port days – hunting for cafés, sitting outside terminals, or downloading everything to use offline later. Some use local SIM cards for mobile data. I use eSIMs to stay connected in port.
Water
Yes, there’s water on the ship. I’m not sure if the water available in crew mess comes from tap. But sometimes it tastes weird.
There are filtered water stations too. You’ll find crew quietly filling their personal bottles at odd hours to avoid the queue. If you're buying bottled water regularly, costs creep up.
Still, many crew prefer bottled water – out of habit, or personal preference.
I always feel a bit guilty seeing the amount of plastic bottles crew go through. It’s not very eco-friendly.
If you’re trying to cut costs and waste, bring a collapsible bottle from home. Stick to the filtered stations – they’re clean and safe.
Food Indulgences
The crew mess feeds you for free, but it’s not always satisfying. If you’re working long shifts or feeling homesick, you’ll want more. Something familiar. Something sweet. Something caffeinated.
That’s when people start buying snacks, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks. Onboard options are limited and overpriced, so it’s no surprise that during shore leave, the first stop for many crew is the nearest supermarket or convenience store. We call it “provisioning” – loading up on noodles, biscuits, instant coffee, maybe some fruit or your favourite chips.
Then there are the guest restaurants. Crew can sometimes book a meal at these outlets, paying from their salary. It’s not a daily thing, but for birthdays, rough days, or just a change from mess food, it adds up. A small comfort… with a quiet cost.
Crew Bar
Most ships have a crew bar – and that’s usually where the social life happens. The alcohol is cheaper than guest prices, but it still eats into your salary – especially if you go there often.
On some nights, there’ll be chicken wings or hot dogs sold alongside the drinks. A glass of wine and a snack can feel like a reward after a long day. But that tab? It grows silently. You don’t pay in cash – it’s deducted from your payslip. Which makes it feel free. It’s not.
Shore Leave
When you step off the ship for shore leave, the world feels different. A bit more real. Less fluorescent lighting. Less noise.
It’s hard to resist spending. Even if you’re not joining a shore excursion (which crew usually have to pay for, even with discounts), there’s the taxi or bus fare to town. Or maybe a rental scooter. And most of us eat out. A hot meal, not from a buffet. Maybe some coffee. Something sweet.
Then there are the souvenirs. Some crew buy postcards or magnets. Some send packages home. Others buy extra clothes, local snacks, or things they forgot to pack.
Even a cheap port day can cost more than you planned.
The Overlooked Costs
Laundry – Officers usually get free laundry, but junior crew often have to pay. You’ll either send your personal clothes to the crew laundry (with a fee) or wash them yourself in shared machines.
Toiletries & Essentials – Onboard shops sell basic items, but they may not be your preference. Most crew buy shampoo, toothpaste, and body wash during shore leave. I bring all my essentials for my whole contract – one less thing to worry about.
Crew Parties & Celebrations – Sometimes your team will throw a party. Or you’ll pitch in for someone’s birthday cake. It’s not required, but it’s nice. Still, it costs.
Cruise Crew Costs Explained
At the end of the day, cruise ship life isn't completely free – and that's okay. Now you know about the Wi-Fi charges, the crew bar tabs, and those tempting passenger restaurant meals.
Some weeks you'll spend more, some less. The important thing? Going in with your eyes open.
If you want to stretch your earnings further, I've shared smart ways to save money as crew and a complete budgeting guide for life at sea. But mostly? Just enjoy the adventure.
