More than just a place to drink, the crew bar is where cruise ship crew unwind, connect, and feel human again. After long shifts and before the next one begins.

Talking about mental health while working on cruise ships isn’t easy. Not because we don’t feel it, but because we do – deeply, silently, and often in isolation.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential and bonus skills needed to work on a cruise ship – the ones that actually help you thrive, not just survive.

Cruise ship working conditions are shaped by long hours, shifting schedules, and the pressure to always be ready, even during so-called rest time.

Ask any crew member about cruise ship safety, and they’ll probably say the same thing: safety isn’t just a checklist – it’s part of everyday life onboard.

A step-by-step orientation guide for new cruise ship crew members covering ship familiarisation, safety briefings, and essential onboarding tasks.

Think cruise ship crew live expense-free? Not quite. Between Wi-Fi packages, crew bar tabs, and those irresistible port day treats, your salary disappears fast.

Lessons I learnt before and during my cruise ship contracts. From packing, seasickness, and shore leave to money, crew life, and everything in between.

Why are cruise ships staffed by people of so many nationalities? It’s about economics, culture, and logistics – and the beauty of global collaboration.

A complete guide to cruise ship crew life – jobs, living conditions, challenges, and perks – everything you need to know about working on a cruise ship.

A comprehensive packing guide for cruise ship crew to prepare for life at sea – because forgetting your essentials isn't the adventure you signed up for.

In this post, I’ll share the real pros and cons of working on a cruise ship – the things that made it worthwhile, and the moments that nearly made me quit.

A look at what life is like inside cruise ship crew quarters – from fluorescent corridors to shared spaces where rest, routine, and community unfold.