10 Side Hustles for Crew Members on Cruise Ships

10 Jul

So, you're working full time on a cruise ship and wondering if there's a way to make a little extra on the side. Internet is patchy. Free time is rare. And most “make extra money” tips from land just don’t apply at sea.

Cruise ship culture is surprisingly communal. Crew help each other out, sometimes without expecting anything in return, which can make small‑scale side hustles feel unnecessary or awkward.

Still, if you pay attention, you’ll notice the opportunities. Everyday problems that you and other crew deal with. Crew members who always have side clients. A whisper network of who to go to for what. You may have to offer a few favours before word spreads. But for the right crew, these gigs bring in reliable extra income.

Whether you want to boost your savings or just want a bit of spending money, side hustles can help, especially if you’re also trying to save money while working on a cruise ship. The best opportunities work around your shifts, use what you already have, and don’t conflict with company rules.

Here are some company‑paid opportunities and peer‑to‑peer side hustles that crew members use to earn extra income onboard…

Onboard Side Hustles for Cruise Ship Crew Members

1. Volunteer for paid gigs

From time to time, your ship may offer short-term paid opportunities outside your regular schedule. These are usually just a few hours long and come with overtime pay or a set fee.

Common examples include:

Luggage handling on embarkation or disembarkation days – Usually handled by male crew members, this involves helping with loading or unloading guest luggage at the start and end of each cruise.
Housekeeping assistance on turnaround days – Some ships recruit extra hands to help strip and reset cabins quickly between cruise legs, especially when time is tight.

These gigs are optional, but if you're free and willing, you can sign up via notice boards or your department’s usual channel. Some departments, like Casino on port days, may have lighter workloads, making it easier to pick up these extra shifts.

Of course, check if your department allows you to join and make sure you’re not scheduled for duty during those hours.

2. Perform in crew talent shows

If you’ve got a hidden talent – singing, dancing, comedy, magic – you might be able to turn it into a paid gig. On some ships, the entertainment team or cruise director includes a “crew talent show” in the guest program. These performances feature regular crew members, not professional entertainers, and selected acts may receive a stipend or one-time performance fee.

Rehearsals usually take place during off-peak hours or days off, and participation depends on your department’s support and your availability. Some ships host this regularly, others only occasionally, or not at all.

Even if your ship doesn’t run official crew talent shows, there might still be informal opportunities to perform. Crew bar nights, special events, or themed parties sometimes invite live music or DJs, and in some cases, the crew committee might set aside a small budget to pay those who perform.

3. Cut hair

Haircuts are one of the most common peer-to-peer services among cruise ship crew. While there’s usually a salon onboard, even with crew discounts, prices tend to stay on the luxury side, and appointment slots depend on the salon’s availability.

Some ships may have a dedicated crew barber shop, but in many cases, haircut stations are often set up in tucked-away corners of the crew area. On one of my ships, it was the crew lift lobby near my cabin – hidden enough not to block traffic, but visible enough for word to spread. I often saw a line of crew waiting for a trim there.

Those who offer the service typically bring their own tools, keep their space tidy, and rely on word of mouth to find “clients.” Payment may be through tips or a small agreed fee. But it varies and is usually casual.

4. Do laundry

Some ships have self-service laundry rooms for crew, usually a few machines for hundreds of people. That means long wait times, juggling washer/dryer queues, and taking turns with ironing.

There’s a shared understanding: if someone places their laundry bag near the machine, others may help load it in when it’s free. But it’s not guaranteed. I’ve had crew help with my wash before, and I’ve also come back to find wet laundry removed early to make space.

For those with busy schedules or multiple uniforms, paying another crew to manage laundry, from washing and drying to ironing, can be worth it. This service is especially relevant when there’s no ship-provided laundry for personal items.

Uniforms are typically cleaned for free by the ship’s laundry team.

5. Clean cabins

Only senior or privileged crew have their cabins cleaned by the housekeeping team. The rest of the crew are responsible for the cleanliness of their own spaces. But after long shifts, not everyone has the time or energy.

If you’re neat and don’t mind helping out, you could offer basic cleaning services: wiping down surfaces, changing bedsheets, vacuuming. Maybe it’s once a week, or during deep-clean periods like cabin inspections.

You might agree on a fixed amount for a certain number of cleanings per month, or split the cost between cabinmates. For the right crew, this can become a dependable side hustle.

6. Run errands or shop during shore leave

Some crew have limited shore leave, either because of short port stays, strict duties, or lack of clearance, and they miss out on shopping trips others can manage. That’s where informal runner or shopper gigs come in.

If you’re going ashore, other crew might ask you to buy something on their behalf, like local SIM cards, discounted skincare, branded sales, or snacks.

Crew also help each other by carrying luggage to or from the ship, especially during sign-on or sign-off. Sometimes this includes bringing onboard care packages or delivering them home, which is a much cheaper and more reliable option than international delivery.

These favours are common among friends or countrymates. While they aren’t consistent ways to earn money, a small tip or thank-you gift might be offered depending on the effort. It’s more about helping out than building a side hustle. But it can occasionally lead to other paid requests.

7. Teach a skill

Outside of shore leave and the occasional visit to the crew bar, there isn’t always much to do during downtime on a cruise ship. That’s why many crew look for small ways to learn something new or develop a skill during their contract, whether it’s picking up a guitar, trying beginner yoga, or understanding the basics of deejaying.

If you’re already good at something and enjoy sharing what you know, offering casual lessons or workshops can be a simple way to earn a bit on the side.

You don’t need to be certified, just good enough to guide beginners and make the learning fun.

8. Offer personal care services

Some crew members offer beauty or wellness services out of their cabins. Not officially, of course, but through word of mouth and trusted networks. These include massage therapy, nail services, eyebrow threading, and other grooming services.

If you’re qualified and bring the right tools, you can offer spa-adjacent services at more accessible prices, while keeping 100% of your earnings.

This isn’t a common path, but for those with the skills and discretion, it can become a trusted (and well-paid) side hustle among fellow crew.

9. Sell secondhand items

Some crew bring more than they end up using, and others want to travel light when signing off. That’s why secondhand sales are a common way to earn a little extra. Uniforms, electronics, extra toiletries, books, and even cabin organisers are often resold informally through WhatsApp groups or word of mouth.

10. Sell small-batch products

Some crew bring small quantities of products onboard, either homemade or sourced in bulk, to sell informally. I've heard of a crew member who brought along small-batch perfumes, possibly homemade, and sold them to other crew.

You’d need to plan ahead and make space in your luggage, but if you have a knack for blending scents, or making small snacks, there might be a niche market among your onboard circle.

Just like with secondhand sales, it’s often word of mouth that helps. And you’ll want to be discreet – anything too large-scale or disruptive could conflict with company policies.

This kind of side hustle isn’t super common, but for the right crew, it can bring in a little extra income with minimal ongoing effort.

What about you – is there a way to start earning extra income during your next contract? Not every crew member wants a side hustle, but if you're trying to budget better or save money while working on a cruise ship, a low-effort income stream can help.