40 Things I Wish I Knew Before Working on Cruise Ships
I worked on cruise ships on and off for about eight years. I had some incredible experiences, but like with any adventure, there are always things you wish you knew before jumping in.
When I first joined, I had zero preparation. I didn’t know what to pack, what to expect onboard, or even how to find my way around the ship. I stumbled through it all, mostly learning through trial, error, and overheard conversations onboard.
If you’re still weighing whether cruise ship work is for you, you might find this pros and cons post more helpful first. This list is more for those who’ve decided to go and want to know what to expect. I’ve done my best to gather the lessons I wish my past self had known. Some tips are practical, others more personal. They were true for me or people I worked with, but your experience might differ. That’s totally okay. I hope you find something here that helps. And maybe my complete guide for cruise ship crew will, too.
Planning
1. The hiring process takes time, and it can feel intense. When I first applied, it took about two months to get my assignment date, and another month before I received my contract and flight. It wasn’t just the waiting – it was the amount of paperwork, interviews, medical checks, and safety training crammed into that time. It felt like a lot, especially for a job I hadn’t even started yet. But now I get it. With hundreds of crew per ship, they’re not just hiring – they’re screening for people who can handle life at sea.
2. Medical checks are thorough – and sometimes costly. Medical exams are standard during hiring, but they were extra complicated – and costly – in my case. Being underweight raised concerns. I had to see specialists for scoliosis and repeat tests for an ECG that once acted up. I even messed up the urine test once or twice. It’s not just about feeling healthy – the land doctor has to clear you, and the ship doctor has to approve as well.
3. Contracts are more like guidelines. My contract type was 5-1-5-1 – five months onboard, one month off, twice a year. But in practice, it didn’t follow that rhythm. My first stint was a probation, which lasted six months straight, even though I expected a break. Later, I rejoined for just three months before being sent home. Some vacations lasted a month; others stretched to two or three. Extensions, early sign-offs, and last-minute transfers happen. The contract gives structure, but the timing usually depends on the company’s needs.
Packing
You might also like: Packing List for Cruise Ship Crew on 5+ Month Contracts
4. Pack light, and only what you really use. Packing for my first contract was a mess. I brought clothes I never wore and things I didn’t need. The trick is to pack what you already use and love – nothing experimental. If you never wore it at home, you won’t wear it onboard. It’s tempting to bring backups for everything, but space is tight – and you'll end up wearing the same things on repeat anyway. One pair of formal shoes is usually enough. If they’re sturdy, they’ll probably survive the whole contract.
5. Some things are not allowed onboard. Items like boilers and other heating devices are usually banned for safety reasons. Perishable foods, meat, and certain fruits are also not allowed. If caught with restricted items, they’ll be confiscated and only returned if deemed safe or legal.
6. Keep important documents in your carry-on. Not your checked bag. I knew a colleague whose luggage got delayed during transit. If you’ve got your essentials with you, you can still board even if your bag doesn’t make it.
7. Bring a reusable water bottle. You’ll use it from day one. When the cruise line phased out bottled water in favour of refill stations, I was glad I had mine. I also used an insulated tumbler daily, for hot coffee during shifts.
8. Wear a watch. I hardly ever wore a watch on land, but onboard, it became essential. Phones aren’t allowed in many work areas or even some public spaces. You’ll need to keep track of time during breaks, especially when you’re not on a fixed schedule. We had to go out and buy one during sign-on. It’s not about fashion – it’s about not being late.
9. Dress code is still a thing. Even when you're not working, you’re still expected to look presentable in public areas. On some ships, casual wear means no shorts, no tank tops, and definitely no flip-flops if you're wearing your nametag.
10. Choose clothes that can survive crew laundry. Ship laundry machines are industrial and harsh on fabrics. I’ve lost a few favourite items to the tumble dryer. Bring clothes that can handle high heat, and hand-wash anything delicate. Leave fancy or high-maintenance pieces at home.
Onboarding
You might also like: Cruise Ship Crew Orientation Guide: Your First Days Onboard
11. Orientation means no shore leave (yet). Your first week will feel like a blur. Between orientation sessions, safety trainings, and getting lost on your way to the mess, everything moves fast. On my first contract, we didn’t leave the ship for about two weeks. We weren’t even sure how to get anywhere without mobile data. When we finally went ashore, it was just to buy essentials we hadn’t packed.
12. Ask all your questions early. Your first few weeks are the safest time to not know things. Take advantage of that. Ask questions during training, ask about the ship, your role, safety procedures. Ask until things start to make sense. No one expects you to know everything at the start, but once you’ve been onboard a while, people will. Mistakes later on carry consequences. Ignorance won’t excuse you forever. Just don’t keep asking the same thing over and over – that shows you’re not learning.
13. Your crew card is your everything. It’s your wallet, cabin key, ID, and often your gate pass to go ashore. Always carry it. Some ships take a day or two to issue it when you first join. A card holder or lanyard makes life easier – you’ll be swiping it a lot.
Work
You might also like: Working Conditions of Demanding Jobs on Cruise Ships
14. The hours are long and relentless. I knew going in that the average was 10 hours a day, seven days a week. It was mentioned during hiring, and I accepted it. But I didn’t fully grasp what it meant until I lived it – no weekends, no real rest days, just non-stop work. Some days were lighter on the schedule, but tasks often piled up anyway. I was also slower in the beginning, so I ended up doing a lot of overtime to catch up or meet expectations. It's not just the hours – it's the pace and pressure that wear you down.
15. Hierarchy exists, but it’s not always clear. There’s a chain of command onboard – approvals, titles, and reporting lines matter. But at the same time, it’s oddly casual. My trainer encouraged us to call everyone, even supervisors, by first name, no "sir" or "miss" needed – just crew helping crew. It made things feel more approachable, but I sometimes wondered if I was being too casual. Cultural expectations vary, and it takes time to read the room.
16. Feedback will feel personal, but it’s part of the job. I was reprimanded more times than I can count – mostly for my timid voice and slow performance. I cried, a lot. I constantly felt behind, unsure if I’d be renewed after each contract. But somehow, I always was. Ship life pushes you hard, and poor performance reviews aren’t the end. They’re often just the beginning of improvement. Don’t take it as a sign you don’t belong.
17. Ship life means losing control. One of the hardest parts of working onboard is the lack of autonomy. You’re told when to eat, sleep, report, even how to look. The rules are constant, and sometimes feel suffocating. I worked in an office role, but still had to stay polished. It’s exhausting, but understanding the “why” behind the structure – safety, order, consistency – it helped me adapt. Even if I never fully got used to it.
People
18. Cruise ships are deeply multicultural. I never really thought about it before joining, but you end up working with people from all over the world. I didn’t even know who was from where at first – everything felt unfamiliar, from greetings to how people interacted. But you learn to observe, listen, and adapt. Understanding different rhythms and social cues makes daily life much smoother.
19. Be kind, but don’t force friendships. Not everyone onboard will be your friend – and that’s okay. Just focus on being decent. Some people you click with right away. Others, you just share a workspace. Small gestures go a long way, but the deeper connections usually take time.
20. Gossip spreads fast. Be careful what you share. I’ve seen drama over breakups, roommate spats, even missed duties spread like wildfire. Major events on other ships travel fast too. If you wouldn’t want it passed around, keep it to yourself.
21. Crew parties are fun – but be smart. They’re a great way to unwind, but I’ve seen people get into real trouble over one night of drinking. Some even got sent home. Have fun, enjoy yourself, but know your limits. You’re still reporting for duty the next day.
22. Dating onboard is a minefield. Relationships at sea can be complicated. Some people live separate personal lives at sea and on land. Things move fast in this bubble – too fast, sometimes. And when it goes wrong, it doesn’t just stay personal. There have been people getting into drama that affected their work, even risked their contracts. If you do get involved, keep it private, keep it respectful – and know what you’re getting into.
23. People come and go often. Cruise ship life is transient. People resign, transfer, or just vanish between contracts. Your favourite colleague might not be on the same ship next time. Appreciate the time you have together, because you might not get a proper goodbye.
24. Sharing a cabin isn’t always easy. You’ll be living in a small room with someone you probably just met. Sometimes you click. Sometimes you don’t. Even with a great roommate, it can still feel claustrophobic, especially after long shifts when all you want is quiet. I’ve had moments where I just needed space, even if it meant hiding alone in a corridor. You don’t need to be best friends, but you should have a bit of mutual respect.
Wellbeing
25. Seasickness happens. Even if you’ve never been seasick before, and even if you’re a seasoned crew member, it can still hit you. Be prepared with seasickness remedies. A can of carbonated drink helps settle my stomach during rough seas.
26. The food is tempting, but don’t overindulge. The food onboard is plentiful, especially on days of “food upgrade”, but it’s easy to overeat. Try to maintain a balanced diet. It’s not about restriction – just awareness.
27. Staying healthy takes effort. Sleep, exercise, hydration – none of it comes easy onboard. Schedules change, spaces are cramped, and it’s easy to let your health slide. But ship life is a marathon, not a sprint, and you have to look after yourself to last the distance. I try to add extra vegetables, skip the fried stuff when I can, and take the stairs as much as possible. Small things, but I like to think they add up.
28. Ship life can be mentally taxing. Isolation, long hours, homesickness. Even if everything looks fine on the surface, you might feel off underneath. Talk to someone if you need to. You’re not weak – you’re human. This leads me to my next point…
29. Get fresh air daily. How easy it is to go days without sunlight or fresh air. Everything you need is below deck, and sometimes you don’t realise you haven’t stepped outside. Make it a habit to go out for at least 5 minutes a day, even if it’s just to watch the ocean. It resets your mind in a way nothing else can.
30. Cruise ship emergencies are rare. But in the 0.00001% chance something does happen, knowing what to do beats flailing dramatically.
Money & Internet
You might also like: Where the Money Goes When You Work on a Cruise Ship
31. Salary isn’t always equal. Even among crew with the same rank and responsibilities, pay can vary depending on nationality. I’ve heard enough comparisons in crew areas to know it’s a real issue. It’s something to be aware of so you can manage expectations – and focus on your own reasons for joining.
32. Be mindful of daily spending. The crew bar is a popular spot, but costs can pile up fast. I’ve seen the same crew there every night and often wondered how they afford it. Alcohol is cheaper onboard than in ports, but still adds up if you’re not careful.
33. Avoid shopping sprees. It’s tempting to splurge during crew sales or in port. I’ve fallen for “crew discounts” before. These small purchases add up quickly. Now, I ask myself if I really need it, or if I’m just trying to feel better after a long shift.
34. Internet is expensive and often slow. Plans are sold by the minute or by data size, and you can burn through your allowance in minutes. I’ve wasted so much data on apps syncing in the background. Turn off auto-updates, disable background refresh, and preload music or shows before joining. Streaming onboard is rarely worth it.
Ports & Perks
35. You won’t always have time for shore leave – and that’s okay. Sometimes you’ll be too tired, or you’ll have drills, training, or last-minute duties that keep you onboard. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re docked somewhere you’ve always wanted to see. But it’s okay to skip a port if you need the rest. A nap can be more valuable than a rushed, half-hearted shore leave.
36. But go ashore when you can – it might be your only chance. Itinerary changes happen all the time due to weather, congestion, or operational reasons. You might never return to that port again, or your schedule might not allow it next time. If you’re free, go. Even a short walk can turn into a memory.
37. Plan your shore leave – even just a little. I’ve wasted plenty of shore leaves just standing around, unsure where to go. A bit of planning helps you make the most of your limited time ashore. Look up places you want to see, figure out transport options, or even save a map offline. You don’t need a full itinerary – just knowing where to start makes everything smoother.
38. Don’t miss the ship – seriously. Crew usually need to be back earlier than guests. I’ve also seen crew get left behind because they got stuck in traffic or simply didn’t check the time. If you miss the ship, that’s usually the end of your contract. No one waits – unless you’re the captain.
39. Some ports require a shore pass or passport. Don’t assume you can just walk off. Depending on the country, you might need to collect a shore pass or carry your passport. Sometimes it’s distributed automatically, other times you need to register in advance.
40. Crew can get mail or packages onboard. It’s one of the small but meaningful conveniences of ship life. I once forgot a few really important essentials during my first contract, and my family mailed them to me – opening that box of familiar items felt like a hug from home. If your ship returns to the same homeport regularly, arranging deliveries is much easier. Just be sure to check the ship’s policy on mail and packages, and allow plenty of time for delivery delays.
Have I missed anything or shared something completely off? (Eek.) If you’ve had different experiences or advice, I’d be curious to know.
My other posts about working on cruise ships:
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