40 Things I Wish I Knew Before or While Working on Cruise Ships
I worked on cruise ships on and off for about 8 years, and while I’ve had some incredible experiences, there are definitely things I wish I knew before I started.
When I first started, I had no preparation and no idea what to expect. I was just winging it, figuring things out as I went along, from getting hired to surviving the contracts.
Looking back, I wish I had kept a note of all the lessons I learned along the way – things that would have been useful for my past self.
Still, I tried putting together a collection of those lessons, tips, and insights, but without focusing on the big picture of the pros and cons of working on cruise ships. These are things that were relevant to me or people close to me, but you might disagree or want to adjust them to suit yourself. That’s perfectly fine.
If you’re thinking about working on a cruise ship or you’re already onboard, I hope this list helps you navigate the highs and lows of ship life.
The Application and Hiring Process
1. The interview process can be intense. When I first applied to work on a cruise ship, I didn’t know what to expect. The process usually starts with an HR interview and filling out the employee information form. There’s still an interview with the specific department head. After thinking I failed the second interview, I was requested to complete a psychometric assessment. Even after receiving an offer letter, there’s still a series of document applications to complete.
I was surprised by how thorough the process was, but now I understand why. They want to make sure you’re not only capable of doing the job but also able to handle life at sea.
2. Medical checks are thorough. Because I have a few health quirks, my medical checkup was more complicated than most. I was underweight, and I had to get specialist consultations for things like scoliosis and an ECG that once acted up. I even messed up my urine test once.
If you’re applying for a cruise ship job, be prepared for a thorough medical check. They want to make sure you’re fit to work at sea, and that means checking everything from your weight to your heart.
3. Contracts are flexible. My first contract was one year, and my probation was for six months. The contract type was 5-1-5-1, which means five months onboard, one month off, five months onboard, and one month off. I didn’t know my first six months would be continuous – I thought I’d have a break after five months. When I rejoined after my first vacation, I only stayed onboard for three months before being sent home. Vacations could range from one to three months.
Contracts are just guidelines. If the company needs you, they might ask you to stay longer. On the flip side, they might send you home early if they don’t need you. Flexibility is key.
Preparing for Life Onboard
4. Pack light, but pack smart. Packing for my first contract was a disaster. I wrote about it in my first packing list post. The key is to bring only what you already use and love. If you never wore that tank top at home, you won’t suddenly start wearing it onboard. Bringing items you’re familiar with will make your cabin feel more like home and save you from lugging around unnecessary things. Space is limited, so prioritise practicality. For example, you don’t need ten pairs of shoes.
5. Be aware of restricted items onboard. Boilers and other heating devices are usually not allowed. Wet food, meat, and certain fruits are usually prohibited. These items can cause fire hazards or attract pests, leading to infestations.
6. Brush up on languages. Working on a cruise ship means working with people from all over the world. My world knowledge and people experience were very low when I started. I didn’t even know how to tell a Filipino from a Chinese.
Even if you’re not on the frontline, knowing basic phrases in different languages can be a huge help. It’s also a great way to connect with your crewmates and make friends.
7. Stay organised. Keeping your cabin and schedule organised is crucial. Life on a cruise ship can be chaotic, and having a system in place will help reduce stress. Regular cabin inspections are common, and you don’t want to be known as the person with the messy cabin.
The First Week
8. Orientation overload. The first week (or few weeks) is packed with training and information. You’ll have safety drills, job-specific training, and meetings with your department. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s essential for getting up to speed. Don’t expect much time for touring the ship or exploring ashore during this period.
9. You’ll feel overwhelmed at first. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during the first week. I’m a shy, introverted person, and I found the constant social interaction and new environment exhausting. Give yourself time to adjust, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
10. Make friends early. Building a support system is crucial. I was lucky to have one batchmate who was similar to me, and we bonded during training. I don’t know if I made much of an impression on her, but I was glad she was there with me throughout meals, breaks, and training sessions. Having someone to rely on makes a huge difference.
Work Life
11. Long hours are the norm. During hiring, they mentioned that crew are required to work seven days a week, averaging 10 hours per day. Okay, I accepted that. Even if the roster says less, tasks often pile up. I’m a slow worker, and I ended up doing a lot of overtime to meet expectations.
12. The hierarchy is real. Respect the chain of command to avoid conflicts. Some things require manager-level approval, while others don’t. Knowing when to escalate and when to handle things yourself is key.
13. Poor performance reviews are inevitable. I was often reprimanded for my timid voice and got into trouble more than once. My job knowledge wasn’t great initially, and I struggled to meet expectations. I cried many times. Even when I eventually improved, I was still below par. I half-expected not to be called back after each contract ended, but my contract was renewed time and time again. Maybe I was bad, but not too bad. Poor performance reviews are part of the learning process.
Social Life and Crew Dynamics
14. Crew parties are fun, but pace yourself. Crew parties are a great way to unwind, but don’t overdo it. Drinking too much can lead to trouble, and you don’t want to be hungover for your early morning shift. I’ve seen crew members get carried away and end up in disciplinary meetings – or worse, terminated. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun, but remember, you’re still at work.
15. Be nice to everyone. Everyone onboard is a brother or sister. Being kind and respectful can make your life onboard much more comfortable. Plus, you never know when you’ll need someone’s help. I’ve had moments where a simple act of kindness – like sharing snacks or helping with a task – made a huge difference in my day.
16. Gossip spreads fast. Be careful what you share with co-workers. Major events on other ships spread quickly, and karma has a way of coming back around. I’ve seen rumours travel faster than the ship itself, and it’s not always harmless. Keep your personal life private and avoid getting involved in drama.
17. It’s okay not to be friends with everybody. You don’t have to get along with everyone. Focus on finding your tribe and building meaningful connections. I’ve had co-workers I didn’t click with, and that’s okay (which I have to keep reminding myself). Not everyone has to be your best friend, but maintaining a professional relationship is key.
18. Dating onboard can be complicated. Relationships at sea can be tricky. Some people live separate lives onboard and at home, and the close quarters can make things intense. I’ve seen couples who were inseparable one contract and barely speaking the next. If you do get involved, be prepared for the challenges that come with it.
19. Not everyone stays long-term. It’s okay if cruise ship work isn’t your forever career. People resign and rejoin all the time. Your favourite colleague might be transferred to another ship next contract or resign, and you might never meet again. Learn from their experience and skills, and appreciate the time you have together.
Health and Wellness
20. Seasickness happens. Even if you’ve never been seasick before, and even if you’re a seasoned crew member, it can happen. Be prepared with seasickness remedies. A can of carbonated drink helps settle my stomach during rough seas.
21. 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 and avoid overindulging.
22. It can be hard to be healthy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle onboard can be challenging. The food is prepared for the majority, and you’ll have to make do with what’s available. I’m comfortable with adding extra veggies to my plate or avoiding fried foods.
23. It can be mentally taxing. The isolation and stress of ship life can take a toll on your mental health. I’ve definitely had moments where I felt overwhelmed. Make time for self-care, whether it’s reading a book, or just taking a quiet walk on deck. This leads me to my next point…
24. Get fresh air. It’s easy to spend days without seeing the sun or breathing fresh air because you have everything you need below deck. You could make it a habit to step outside for at least 10 minutes every day, even if it’s just to watch the waves. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
Money and Finances
25. Your salary might be lower than expected. Salaries vary depending on your nationality and role. Be prepared for the possibility that your salary might be lower than your colleagues’. I’ve seen people often comparing pay cheque with others. Remind yourself why you came onboard in the first place.
26. Daily alcohol spending. The crew bar is a popular spot, but the costs can add up. I’ve seen the same crew there every night, and I wonder how they keep up with the spending. Be mindful of how much you spend on alcohol – it’s easy to lose track.
27. Avoid shopping traps. Onboard retail and port shopping can be tempting, but it’s easy to overspend. I’ve fallen into the trap a few times (nothing luxurious though) during the beginning of my career. Even though it looks like a bargain, I’ve learned to ask myself if I really need that handbag or perfume.
Exploring Ports and Destinations
28. You won’t always have time to explore (FOMO is real). You’ll miss out on some experiences, and that’s okay. Sometimes you’ll be too tired or busy to go ashore. It’s better to rest up and take that precious nap.
29. But when you have the opportunity to explore, take it! To contradict myself – itinerary changes are common. Your schedule might change due to port congestion, weather, or other factors. You might not get the opportunity again to explore that destination you’ve been wanting to.
30. Research ports in advance. I’ve spent a number of times wondering where to go when I stepped foot outside. Make the most of your limited time in each destination by researching in advance. Know what you want to see and do, and plan accordingly.
31. Be mindful of curfews. Missing the ship is a real risk, and it can result in termination. Curfews can change, so always double-check before heading out. I was late once because the curfew changed – I didn’t even go far, just hung out at the terminal.
32. Some ports require shore passes or passports. Some ports require a shore pass or passport for shore leave. Make sure to register in advance and collect your pass on the day of arrival.
Dealing with Challenges
33. Industrial machines can ruin your clothes. Crew laundry facilities use industrial machines that can be harsh on your clothes. I’ve lost a few favourite items to the tumble dryer. Stick to fabrics that can handle the heat, and hand-wash delicate items.
34. Cabin fever is real – find alone time to recharge. Living in a small cabin with a roommate can be challenging. I’ve had moments where I felt suffocated and needed to escape, even if it was just sitting in a quiet corner of the officer lounge.
Even in a crowded environment, carve out moments for yourself to recharge. I’ve spent many evenings sitting on the deck, just watching the ocean, or finding a quiet spot to read. These small breaks can make a big difference in maintaining your mental well-being.
35. You’re not in control of your life. One of the hardest things about ship life is the lack of control over your daily routine. I can deal with the unpredictability – like itinerary changes or last-minute tasks – but the constant rules and social norms can feel overwhelming at times. Being told when to eat, when to sleep, and even how to present yourself can be exhausting.
Even though I worked in a backend office role, I couldn’t just hide away. There’s an expectation to always look presentable, whether you’re interacting with guests or just walking through the crew areas. I’ve had to constantly remind myself of the purpose behind these rules and obligations to tolerate them.
Sometimes, I wonder if I have an anarchist streak because I struggle with so many rules. But over time, I’ve learned to adapt, even if I never fully got used to it. It’s a constant balancing act between following the rules and staying true to yourself.
Practical Tips and Perks
36. Always carry a water bottle. Staying hydrated is crucial. A reusable water bottle is eco-friendly and saves money. When the cruise line went green and replaced bottled water with water stations, I was glad I had my own bottle.
37. Download offline entertainment. WiFi is expensive and slow. I always download music before boarding. It’s a lifesaver during long stretches at sea.
38. Keep a journal. Documenting your experiences can be therapeutic and help you process your time at sea. (Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had such a hard time writing this blog post!)
40. Crew can get mail or packages sent to the ship. This is one of the small but meaningful perks of ship life. It’s a great way to stay connected with loved ones, especially when you’re far away for months at a time.
During my first contract, I managed to receive a package from home thanks to my packing mishap. I had forgotten a few essentials, and my family sent them to me. It was such a relief to open that box and see familiar items from home.
If your ship has a homeport it returns to frequently, arranging for packages is much easier. Just make sure to check the ship’s policies on receiving mail and packages.
Have I missed anything, given bad advice (eek), or do you have any other suggestions?
My other posts about working on cruise ships:
