Why Working on a Cruise Ship Is Tougher Than You Think

The Illusion vs. Reality

When you tell someone you work on a cruise ship, their first reaction is usually something like, "Wow, you must get to see the world!" or "It sounds like such an adventure!" And sure, there’s truth in that – you do see places most people only dream of, and it’s an adventure.

In reality, I’ve had entire days where I didn’t see sunlight at all, let alone step onto land. There are contracts where I felt like I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve set foot in a port. Though, to be fair, it was probably more than that.

Yes, the job comes with its perks, but the daily grind is far from glamorous. It’s physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and emotionally isolating in ways that most people don’t expect. If you’re imagining a never-ending vacation, let me stop you right there.

1. The Contract Grind: Why It’s Not Just “A Job”

Unlike land-based jobs, cruise ship contracts don’t come with weekends or proper days off. A “break” means getting a few hours off between shifts, but your job is still waiting for you when you get back.

Contracts last anywhere from six to nine months, and during that time, you’re expected to work nonstop. A 70-80 hour workweek is normal.

Time zones are another challenge, but because I mostly work on regional ships, the changes are minimal – usually just an hour or two difference if at all.

Still, sleep deprivation is a constant struggle. Insomnia is almost a given, whether it’s from the long hours, noisy cabins, or the simple fact that your brain never truly gets to rest.

And if you ever need a break from ship life? Too bad – you’re stuck onboard until your contract ends.

2. The Physical & Mental Toll of Ship Life

Depending on your department, the physical strain varies. Some crew members are on their feet for 12+ hours a day, lifting heavy trays or standing behind a counter. Others are stuck in a windowless office, staring at a screen for most of their shift. Whatever the job, exhaustion is universal.

The lack of personal space only makes it worse. Sharing a tiny cabin with a roommate means no real privacy – your bunk is your only escape.

And while the ship has a medical center, it’s not the same as having easy access to a doctor or therapist on land. Mental health support is limited, and many crew members simply push through their struggles in silence.

3. The Social Pressure & Crew Politics

Hierarchy is everything on a cruise ship. Rank determines privileges, work schedules, and even who gets a bigger cabin. Unwritten rules dictate how you interact with officers, managers, and fellow crew members.

Then there’s the social drama – favouritism, cliques, and toxic environments are part of the deal. Relationships onboard form quickly, often out of convenience, but they can just as quickly fall apart.

While life at sea keeps you busy, real life on land moves on without you. Birthdays, weddings, holidays – people continue their lives, and you’re not part of them.

4. The Myth of “Seeing the World”

Ask anyone why they want to work on a cruise ship, and "seeing the world" is almost always near the top of the list. Technically, the ship stops in different ports, but whether you actually get to enjoy them is another story.

Port visits are often rushed and exhausting. By the time passengers disembark, immigration clears, and you’ve queued to get off the ship, you might only have an hour or two to explore. And that’s if you’re lucky.

If the terminal is far from the city, you might need a bus or taxi to get anywhere interesting. Factor in traffic on the way back, and suddenly the idea of stepping out at all feels more stressful than it’s worth.

For places you’ve been to repeatedly, the excitement fades. You start weighing whether it’s worth the hassle to explore or if you should just rest onboard.

Of course, not all port visits are short or stressful. Some days you get lucky – hours to explore a new city, find hidden gems, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll along the waterfront.

But even then, the energy to venture out after a demanding schedule can be hard to summon. It's a constant tug-of-war between the allure of adventure and the need to recharge.

What once felt like an adventure can start to feel routine, making it easier to just stay onboard. This is just one of the many pros and cons of working on cruise ships that people don’t realise until they experience it themselves.

5. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Leaving & Returning

Ship life is a cycle: you board, you work, and then you leave. But reintegrating into "normal life" after months at sea is harder than it sounds.

Suddenly, everything feels too slow, yet overwhelming at the same time. Simple things like grocery shopping or driving a car feel foreign after months of structured ship life.

Then there are the goodbyes. Crew life is transient; friendships form fast but rarely last. Every contract means meeting new people and saying goodbye to others. Some people return for another contract, others move on. The cycle repeats, making it hard to build lasting connections.

Why Do We Keep Coming Back?

Despite the hardships, many crew members (myself included) keep returning to ship life. Why?

For one, the financial perks are hard to ignore – good money, no rent, and minimal expenses mean you can save a lot. Then there’s the adventure. No two contracts are ever the same, and the experience is unlike anything a land-based job can offer.

And somehow, despite the exhaustion, frustration, and stress, ship life has a strange way of pulling you back. You leave, but part of you always wants to return.

It’s Tough, But It’s Worth It (For Some)

Working on a cruise ship isn’t for everyone. You need mental toughness, adaptability, and a high threshold for stress.

If you’re considering working onboard, go in with your eyes open. It’s a tough, exhausting, and sometimes isolating experience.

But for the right person, it’s also unforgettable.