The Bittersweet Reality of Working on Cruise Ships
Imagine setting sail across vast oceans, waking up to new horizons every day. It's a chance to visit exotic places and meet people from all walks of life. Yet, with every exciting day, carrying a tinge of adventure, there can also be unexpected challenges. Is life on the sea as wonderful as it seems, or does it come with big waves to navigate?
I remember reading somewhere that cruise ships can feel like floating cities, and it made me chuckle. Living and working in such close quarters with a rotating cast of colleagues and guests could be tough. At times, it must be like being in a never-ending episode of your favourite TV drama. But imagine the stories you'd gather! It's a unique experience altogether, blending hard work with the thrill of the unknown.
Pros of Working on Cruise Ships
1. Opportunity to explore diverse destinations
Working on a cruise ship has given me a chance to visit places I never imagined seeing. Each port offers a new experience and a unique glimpse into different cultures.
One day, I’m savouring authentic pho in Vietnam; the next, I’m snorkelling in Malaysia.
The excitement of waking up in a different city every few days cannot be overstated. For someone who loves travel, this is truly a dream job. The best part? It often feels like a paid holiday, given that transport costs are covered.
2. Accommodation and meals provided
Imagine not having to pay rent or shop for groceries. On a cruise ship, accommodation and meals are sorted for you. It's one less thing to worry about, which feels like a real win.
Your living quarters may be a bit tight, but having everything within reach is oddly comforting. Plus, you're always near your next meal, with plenty of options that might surprise you.
Meals are often varied and sometimes catering to specific crew needs. It's fun to try foods from around the world, and having something different each day keeps it exciting.
3. No daily commute
I remember the utter bliss of not having to worry about the daily grind of commuting on a cruise ship. Waking up and being just steps away from where I worked was unparalleled.
There was no need to spend hours stuck in traffic or waiting for a bus. It was a relief not having to squeeze into packed trains during rush hour.
For me, each day felt like a small victory. I could use that extra time to enjoy a peaceful breakfast or catch a few more minutes of sleep.
4. 1-2 months vacation in between contracts
The time working on board is packed with activity and endless tasks for months, followed by up to 2 months of vacation.
This employment dynamics allows for breaks where I can recharge, travel, or explore new hobbies. These pauses between contracts can be a breath of fresh air, giving me the freedom to plan my adventures.
5. Saving more than you spend
Working on a cruise ship has its perks, and saving money is a big one. Since meals and accommodation are taken care of, I find I have fewer expenses. It’s like living rent-free, so more of my earnings can go into savings.
Onboard shopping temptations are there, but they are less frequent than on land. I’m not popping into shops daily or hitting the latest sale. It's easier to control impulses when you’re in the middle of the ocean!
6. Exposure to different cultures
Exciting Encounters
The diversity of passengers and crew never ceases to amaze me. Joining in on celebrations from different cultures was fun. It was interesting to see how others toasted or gathered for special events.Broadening Taste Buds
The food on board was as diverse as the crew, and trying local cuisines is always an adventure. Some dishes surprise me with their deliciousness, while others are, well, an acquired taste. It can be a bit nerve-wracking when handed something unfamiliar, but it's worth it for the stories I now have to tell.Learning Languages
Learning phrases from various languages becomes quite the hobby. A simple "thank you" or "hello" in the native tongue of a port can bring a smile to locals' faces. My language skills might be patchy at best, yet the locals often appreciate the effort.
7. Non-Stop Entertainment and Activities
One of the joys of working on a cruise ship is the endless array of entertainment. Every night, there's something exciting going on.
From live music to dance shows, there's always a party vibe in the air. I must admit, it's quite the perk having a front-row seat to such incredible performances.
8. Meeting people internationally
Working on a cruise ship is like opening a box of chocolates: you never know who you’re going to meet next.
One day, it’s a fellow crewmember from India. The next, it's someone from Russia.
Meeting people from different cultures has taught me so much. Whether it’s learning to say “hello” in Chinese or understanding the nuances of a Russian toast, each encounter is a chance to learn something new.
9. Continuous learning experience
Working on a cruise ship offers a unique chance to always learn something new. Imagine waking up in a different country every week. Each place teaches you different customs and bits of local language. It can feel like a whirlwind at times, but it's never boring.
Not only do you learn about the world, but your job skills improve too. Onboard, you're constantly adapting to new situations and challenges. It's all part of the adventure.
10. Developing valuable life skills
Working on a cruise ship is a crash course in safety and survival skills. From rigorous safety drills to emergency response training, you’ll be equipped to handle real-life crises with confidence.
Every crew member is trained to prioritise passenger and personal safety, learning skills like fire prevention, first aid, and crisis management. This knowledge isn’t just for the ship—it’s transferable to any setting.
These skills add to your resume and prepare you for unexpected situations long after your time at sea.
11. The Thrill of the Open Sea
Standing on the deck with the wind in my hair always feels like a scene from a movie. There’s something magical about watching endless waves roll by. It’s easy to get lost in thoughts while gazing at the horizon.
The open sea offers a unique sense of freedom. The vastness of the ocean makes daily worries seem small.
There’s a peaceful rhythm to the waves that can become oddly soothing.
Yet, the sea isn't always calm. Storms can be intense, with wild winds and towering waves. It reminds me of the power of nature and keeps things exciting.
Cons of Working on Cruise Ships
1. Rough seas
At first, the gentle rock of the ship feels quite soothing. Then it hits—a wave of nausea that makes even seasoned sailors dread their sea legs.
I have been fortunate enough not to experience seasickness to the extent of throwing up, except for the occasional headache.
Many a time though, my colleagues have reported for a few hours’ duty with queasiness only to miss the rest of the shift. Seasickness can strike anyone, catching even the most experienced off guard.
2. No days off
On a cruise ship, “days off” are more of a myth than a reality. Unlike a regular job, where you can at least dream about the weekend, on a ship, work is constant.
You might get a few hours here and there, but full days off? Forget it. It’s go-go-go, seven days a week, for months at a stretch. Depending on the nature of the contract, it can be 5 to 10 months working on board.
The rhythm’s relentless, and it takes a toll – mentally, physically, emotionally.
If you’re not someone who thrives on being “always on,” the no-day-off life can feel like being on a never-ending treadmill at sea.
3. Long working hours
Working on a cruise ship can mean incredibly long hours. It's not uncommon to work up to 12 hours a day during the entire contract. Days seem like they blend into each other with barely a breather.
There's a constant hum of activity. Passengers require attention, and services need to run smoothly round-the-clock.
This can lead to exhaustion, and finding time for personal relaxation becomes a challenge.
During peak times, shifts can feel daunting. The line of work becomes a test of endurance.
I've often found myself dreaming of a full night's sleep, wishing for more than a moment's rest.
4. No privacy
Privacy is a rare commodity.
The cabins are small, sharing with others is common, and it can feel cramped, especially after a long day working.
You have to get creative to carve out personal space among the hustle and bustle.
Finding a quiet corner can be almost like a treasure hunt.
Crowded spaces can test anyone’s patience, but one gets used to it over time.
5. Limited internet access
Working on a cruise ship means I can't always hop online when I want. Those sea views come with spotty and sluggish connections. Uploading photos or streaming my favourite shows? Often a bit of a dream.
Sometimes, internet packages are pricey. It's a bit of extra planning to stay connected with loved ones.
It's a reality I had to adjust to, trading easy browsing for life at sea.
During downtime, I've learned to enjoy offline hobbies. Reading and watching movies became my go-tos.
It was frustrating at first, but I eventually found zen in a slower, disconnected pace.
6. Being away from family and friends for long periods of time
Working on a cruise ship means setting sail for months in a contract. You can't just pop over to see your family whenever you feel like it.
Sometimes, I miss out on birthdays and other important events. It’s tough because these are the moments that bind families together.
At times, it becomes difficult to find a good connection to chat with family and friends. Sometimes, the internet can be patchy out at sea.
That makes it hard to stay in touch regularly.
7. Short-term relationships
Working on a cruise ship, I've found, is a whirlwind of people from all over the world. Meeting new crewmembers becomes second nature, but keeping these connections can be challenging.
People come and go with contracts, and sometimes it feels like just as you’re getting to know someone, they’re off to their next adventure.
There’s a certain sadness to that, like saying goodbye to a friend you might not see again.
8. Challenge of managing work-life balance
Working on a cruise ship can blur lines between work and personal time. Living where you work makes separating the two difficult.
Though I don’t bring my job from my office to my cabin, there have been times when the office had to call me in my cabin to follow up with tasks. (Admittedly, sometimes I missed something out during handover to the incoming shift.) It was hard to escape work mode at the end of the day.
The constant proximity to work responsibilities can make relaxation difficult. It is sort of like being on call 24/7.
Social events onboard often involve colleagues, and work conversations can sneak in.
Finding a way to mentally clock out is a skill not everyone talks about. It’s something I’m still working on.
Creating boundaries is crucial.
9. Limited career growth opportunities
One of the less talked about downsides of working on a cruise ship is the limited career progression. While there are certainly opportunities to climb the ranks, they’re not always straightforward, and are often slow and highly competitive.
It’s easy to feel stuck in one role for months or even years, especially if you’re in a less specialised job.
Plus, the skills you pick up on the ship might not always translate easily to jobs on land, which can leave you questioning whether the experience is helping you get closer to your long-term career goals.
Is it worth it?
Working on a cruise ship is a unique adventure, with plenty of highs and lows.
You get to travel the world, save money, and meet people from all walks of life—perks you won’t find in a regular job.
But it’s also a lifestyle that demands sacrifices: long hours, limited privacy, and weeks on end without a break.
It’s not for everyone, but if you’re adaptable, driven, and crave a non-traditional work experience, life at sea might just be worth it.
In the end, it’s a balance of thrill and challenge that makes it such a memorable journey.
Would I do it again? Perhaps, but with wiser expectations now.