What It’s Like to Work on Cruise Ships: Pros & Cons
Standing on a hill in Taiwan, wearing a cap I picked up in Japan… but left behind in Hong Kong.
Getting paid to travel the world? It sounds too good to be true. And in a way, it is. You get to wake up in a different country every day, avoid rent and bills, and maybe even save a decent chunk of money. But – and this is a big but – it’s still a job. A demanding, often exhausting, sometimes surreal job.
Everything is new at first. For me, everyone was calling me "sister." I’m shy and introverted, so the first few days were overwhelming, exciting, and nerve-wracking all at once. I needed help contacting home for an important document and scrambling to find formal outfits I didn’t bring, and surprisingly, everyone was helpful. That was my first taste of ship life – chaotic but oddly supportive.
If you’re weighing up whether to trade land life for a contract at sea, this breakdown of the real pros and cons will help you figure out if ship life is calling – or if it’s one adventure best left to someone else.
The Pros of Working on a Cruise Ship
1. Free Travel
Waking up in a different country every day? Yes, please. One of the biggest perks of cruise ship life is getting to see the world without paying for flights or hotels. Some ports will be the kind of places you never even thought to visit – and now you’ll have stories to tell about them.
For me, my best port experience wasn’t a tropical paradise but dry dock in the Netherlands – my first time in Europe. There was nothing at the port, but I loved walking around in the cool weather. From there, we sailed through places I’d only seen on a map – Gibraltar, Egypt’s Suez Canal, Sri Lanka.
Of course, the real question is: do crew members actually get time to explore? But more on that later.
2. No Rent, No Bills, No Daily Expenses
This is one of the biggest financial advantages of cruise ship life. Your accommodation, food, utilities, and transport are covered. Unlike a land job, where rent and bills eat into your salary, almost everything you earn onboard is yours to keep.
I remember how strange it felt to get a salary and not immediately see it disappear into rent, bills, and groceries. It’s easy to take this for granted, but when you realise your entire income is actually yours, that’s a financial game-changer. If you’re wondering how to make the most of this financial advantage, I’ve put together a budgeting guide for crew members here.
3. No Daily Commute
Forget rush-hour traffic. Your workplace is just a few steps from your cabin. Rolling out of bed and being at work in minutes? It’s a convenience that’s hard to beat.
Though, some days, it’s a little too convenient – especially when you can hear work happening right outside your cabin door.
4. Built-In Vacation Time Between Contracts
Unlike traditional jobs where extended time off is rare, cruise ship contracts come with 1-2 months off in between. That means when you’re done with your contract, you have a long break to travel, visit family, or simply recharge.
This was one of the biggest selling points for me. While friends back home struggled to get even two weeks off, I had entire months to do whatever I wanted. The first time I went home between contracts, I felt like I was on an extended holiday, while everyone else was still stuck in their daily grind.
5. Competitive Pay with Higher Savings Potential
For those from developing countries (that’s me), cruise salaries can be much higher than local wages. Even for those from developed countries, the savings potential is higher since expenses are minimal. Some specialised roles also earn significantly more through tips, commissions, and onboard sales incentives.
But what really makes the difference isn’t just how much you earn – it’s how little you can spend. With nowhere to go and no daily expenses, even someone who isn’t great at saving ends up with a solid bank balance. Unless, of course, you’re one of those people who somehow spends their entire pay cheque at the crew bar.
I used this time to save for travel, buy things I wouldn’t normally afford back home, and, on many occasions, send money to family. Some of my colleagues paid off debts, built houses, or supported entire families with their earnings.
Related post: Can Cruise Ship Crew Members Achieve Financial Freedom?
6. Unique Work Experience
Cruise experience looks great on a résumé. Certain departments also offer faster promotions than land-based jobs.
I started my first contract just wanting a salary, but before I knew it, I was picking up skills that I never expected – handling calls, working under pressure, and adapting to constant change. I found myself learning how to manage difficult situations, think on my feet, and even communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds – things that a traditional land job might not have exposed me to so quickly.
7. Multicultural Environment
Your colleagues? They’re from all over the world. I had close friends from the Philippines, India, and Indonesia. One minute you’re picking up Tagalog slang, the next you’re realising you cannot understand Bahasa Indonesia even though you know Bahasa Malaysia. It’s an eye-opening experience in every way.
It’s not just about the work – it’s about the tiny, everyday cultural exchanges. Like learning that in some cultures, it’s rude to say “no” outright, or realising that your version of “spicy” is nothing compared to what your Indian colleagues can handle.
And then there’s the sense of community – you’re all in the same boat (literally). You form strong friendships fast because you spend so much time together, and even if they don’t last beyond the contract, those moments stay with you.
8. Dynamic Work Environment
Unlike repetitive land jobs, ship life is always changing – new guests, new ports, new challenges. No two days are exactly the same, keeping the job engaging and fast-paced.
One day, you might be dealing with a lost mobile phone. The next, you’re searching for a guest who’s had a little too much to drink at the bar. There’s never a dull moment, and if you thrive on variety, this is one of the best parts of the job.
Even working back of house, you’re never completely away from the action. I once walked through the reception lobby, packed with guests waiting to disembark. My plan? Pass through unnoticed. Reality? Every other guest stopped me with questions. I answered honestly – I wasn’t sure of the procedure. Most accepted that.
But one guest, after looking pointedly at my nametag, took it a step further: "Can you find out for me?" She was testing me, I knew that much. Some guests have a way of making you personally responsible just so they have someone to complain about later. But I went to reception, got the information, and returned.
And suddenly, I had an audience. More guests swarmed around me, all asking questions at once. I gave my answer and before anyone could assign me a new responsibility, I made my great escape.
It’s moments like this that make ship life unpredictable in the best way – you never know what’s going to happen, but you always have a story to tell.
9. Short-Term Commitment and Job Flexibility
Not feeling it? The beauty of cruise contracts is that they’re temporary. Stick it out, finish your contract, and move on. Or, if you love it, sign up for another round.
I struggled during my first contract, wondering if I could handle another. But knowing I wasn’t tied to a long-term career made it easier. By the end, I realised I wanted another go at it. And another.
And for those who don’t want to stay? That’s the beauty of cruise contracts – you’re not stuck. Unlike traditional jobs where quitting feels like a big life decision, here, once your contract is over, you’re free to go (or come back).
10. Crew Benefits and Discounts
From free lodging, meals, medical care, and gym access to discounts on shore excursions, onboard shops, and even future cruises, working on a ship comes with plenty of perks.
The joy of getting discounted attraction tickets. While average travellers paid premium prices, we sometimes got to do the same activities for a fraction of the cost. I’ve gotten discounted shore excursions to visit Universal Studios Japan and Hong Kong Disneyland, which would have been far too expensive for me as a normal tourist.
And let’s talk about crew-only sales – duty-free items at shockingly low prices? Yes, please. I knew crew members who stocked up on perfumes, watches, and gadgets at a fraction of their original cost.
11. Tax Benefits (Depending on Your Country of Residence)
Some countries don’t tax income earned while working at sea, allowing crew members to save more. However, it’s essential to check individual tax laws before making assumptions.
I personally benefited from this, but I’ve heard there may have been policy changes. If you’re considering ship life for financial reasons, it’s worth researching your country’s laws. What worked for one crew member may not work for another.
12. Health Benefits of Being by the Sea
Being surrounded by the ocean feels… different – and not just in a poetic way. It turns out, being at sea can actually be good for your health.
For one, fresh ocean air is naturally higher in negative ions, which some studies suggest can help improve mood and mental clarity. Maybe that’s why even after long shifts, stepping outside and breathing in the salty air made everything feel a little lighter.
Then there’s the movement of the ship itself. Whether it’s the constant swaying or just walking from one end of the vessel to the other, you’re always in motion. I wouldn’t call it a workout, but it’s definitely more active than a sedentary desk job.
And let’s not forget sunlight. Sure, most of us spend a lot of time indoors working, but compared to a land job, you get way more exposure to natural light – whether it’s heading to work, stepping outside for a break, or just catching a glimpse of the horizon. Even a few minutes in the sun can do wonders for boosting vitamin D levels and lifting your mood.
Of course, ship life isn’t always the healthiest (hello, irregular sleep and buffet-style crew meals), but there’s something about being at sea that makes you feel more connected to nature – even when your workplace is a floating hotel. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you’ll spot dolphins swimming alongside the ship.
The Cons of Working on a Cruise Ship
1. Long Contracts and Gruelling Work Schedule
Most contracts last between 3-10 months, in which you work 7 days a week, often 9-12 hours a day. No weekends, no public holidays. Just an endless cycle of work, eat, sleep, repeat.
Before my first contract, I thought I was mentally prepared. “It’s just a few months,” I told myself. “I’ll manage.”
Then reality hit. My workload piled up, and I found myself in the office long after my shift had ended. Some days stretched to 15-16 hours, and exhaustion became my permanent state of being.
I met so many crew members who said, “I won’t be coming back.” But for me, it was my first real job after graduating, and quitting didn’t even cross my mind at first.
Later, when exhaustion started affecting my mood, I wondered – Do I really want to do this again? (Spoiler: I did. More than once.)
The worst part? Knowing that tomorrow will be exactly the same.
2. Limited Shore Leave
Yes, you’ll travel. But will you actually see these places? That depends on your role, shift schedule, and port regulations. Some lucky crew get long breaks; others are in and out of port so fast they barely step outside.
For me, the Netherlands was an amazing experience during new ship setup, but most ports? Just a quick glance from the deck before heading back to work.
There were ports I desperately wanted to explore, but my shift ended too late or I had barely enough time to eat before heading back. And even when I did have time off, after a long, exhausting shift, my body just wanted rest, not adventure.
Maximise your shore leave with these travel tips for cruise crew.
3. Tiny Living Spaces
Cabins are small. You’ll share it with at least one roommate (sometimes more). Privacy? A rare luxury. Introverts may find the lack of alone time challenging.
Personally, being small-sized and from a poor family, I’m used to small spaces, so adjusting to tiny cabins wasn’t too bad.
But for my bigger-sized colleagues, it was another story. I’ve heard how they had to coordinate movements in the cabin – only one man could stand at a time while the other had to sit or stay on the bed.
The struggle was real.
If you’re looking for ways to maximise your cabin space, I’ve written a guide on that.
And of course, there were awkward moments – like walking into my cabin during a break, only to quickly back out because my cabinmate was… busy. Another time, I thought I was alone, only to discover my cabinmate’s boyfriend hiding in the dark.
4. Limited Internet Access
Want to video call home? That’ll cost you. Ship Wi-Fi is slow and expensive, making it tough to stay connected.
Texting was my main form of communication, but streaming a video? Out of the question. Some crew members found creative ways around it – like waiting until we docked and rushing to free Wi-Fi spots – but even then, the signal was often weak with hundreds of crew trying to connect at the same time.
There were days when I just gave up trying and accepted that whatever was happening at home – family updates, world news, or even memes – I’d find out weeks later.
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5. Unexpected Expenses (Yes, They Exist!)
You might think working on a cruise ship means zero expenses, but that’s not entirely true. While big costs like rent, food, and utilities are covered, there are hidden expenses crew often don’t think about.
Need Wi-Fi? Expensive. Want to send money home? Transaction fees. Need new work shoes? You’re paying for those.
I quickly realised that stocking up on snacks, coffee, and shore trips adds up fast. There were contracts where I spent way more than I expected, just because of crew bar outings, shopping sprees, or overpriced souvenirs.
Some crew members even spend more than they save, especially those who frequent the crew bar or buy duty-free items every contract.
Lesson learned: Just because you’re making money doesn’t mean you’re keeping it.
If you’re looking to avoid these financial traps, I’ve shared my best money-saving strategies here.
6. Physically and Mentally Draining Work
Long hours, repetitive tasks, and a high-pressure environment. Certain roles, like housekeeping or F&B, are brutally physical, while guest services or administration come with constant mental exhaustion from dealing with guests and last-minute demands.
I had days where I felt like my brain was melting from handling endless requests. There were moments where I couldn’t think straight, but I had to smile and keep going because that’s what was expected.
Some shifts felt like an endurance test – and I failed many times.
7. Unstable Sleep Patterns
Rotating shifts, overnight duties, early morning starts – quality sleep is a luxury, not a guarantee.
Sometimes, I’d finally get into bed only to be woken up by ship announcements, emergency drills, or my cabinmate’s alarm (when their shift started earlier than mine).
Sleeping at odd hours also meant adjusting constantly. I’d wake up at random times, never feeling fully rested. It wasn’t just lack of sleep – it was bad sleep.
8. Being On Call 24/7
Even off duty, you’re never really off. Emergency drills, inspections, last-minute schedule changes – it all keeps you on edge.
I’ve had moments where I just sat down to rest, only to be called back because “something urgent” needed handling. And no, saying “but I’m off duty” doesn’t work.
If the ship needs you, you show up – whether you like it or not.
9. Strict Corporate Policies
Rules. Lots of them. Zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs, and even social media use. Every cruise line has its own set of dos and don’ts, and breaking them? Not worth the risk.
Some cruise lines expect crew to maintain a “professional image” at all times, even when off-duty. Posting the wrong thing online? You might be fired. Drinking one too many at the crew bar? You might be sent home early.
The ship is always watching.
10. Different Cultural Work Styles
With crew from all over the world, workplace communication styles vary. Some cultures are direct, others are indirect. Some managers expect strict discipline, others are more relaxed. Adapting takes time.
The first time I got yelled at for something I didn’t even know was wrong, I was shocked. But that’s just how some teams operate. You learn to adjust – or struggle.
11. Short-Term Relationships and High Turnover
Crew come and go constantly. You’ll make friends fast, but you’ll also say a lot of goodbyes. The cycle never stops – just as you start getting close to people, someone is finishing their contract and moving on. New faces replace them, and before you know it, you’re the one packing up.
I had close friends from the Philippines, India, and Indonesia, and at the time, it felt like we’d be in touch forever. But in this lifestyle, friendships fade. People move on, get reassigned to different ships, or simply disappear from your inbox. It’s not personal – it’s just how it is.
Sometimes, you don’t even get a proper goodbye. One day they’re there, the next, their contract ends, and suddenly, they’re gone. The transient nature of ship life makes every friendship feel temporary, no matter how strong it seemed at the time.
12. Missing Family, Friends and Life Events
You’ll miss birthdays, weddings, holidays, and big life moments. While the rest of the world is celebrating, you’re likely working a full shift at sea.
I’m close with my family, but oddly, I never felt homesick. Maybe it was because I was used to texting them regularly, or maybe because ship life is so busy that you don’t have time to dwell on it. But for many crew members, this was one of the hardest parts of working on a cruise ship.
Some missed watching their kids grow up. Others lost loved ones while at sea and couldn’t make it home in time for the funeral. You learn to detach a little, but it doesn’t make it easier.
13. Treated Water Can Feel Harsh on Skin and Hair
Ship water is desalinated and treated, making it drying on skin and hair. Many crew members bring special shampoos or even water filters to cope.
If you have sensitive skin, expect to stock up on moisturisers and hair masks, because the constant exposure can lead to dryness, irritation, or even breakouts. Some crew even report hair fall after long contracts due to the harsh water quality.
14. Laundry Services Can Wear Out Clothes Quickly
Industrial-strength detergents and high-heat dryers mean clothes shrink, fade, or wear out fast.
I lost a perfectly good sweater dress after one wash. Lesson learned.
Crew laundry facilities are designed for bulk efficiency, not fabric care, so delicate clothing doesn’t stand a chance. Some crew members resort to hand-washing essentials or using portable fabric softeners just to extend the lifespan of their uniforms and casual wear.
15. Rough Seas and Seasickness
No matter how experienced you are, some days the ocean wins.
I got lucky – my seasickness mostly meant headaches, not vomiting. But working while your head is splitting and your chair is sliding away from your desk? Awful. That’s when I’d grab a carbonated drink and pray for survival.
Some crew members swear by motion sickness pills, while others just stare at the horizon and hope for the best. During really rough crossings, even seasoned crew brace themselves and accept that it’s going to be a miserable shift.
Related post: How to Prevent Seasickness with These Cruise-Friendly Tips
16. Unpredictable Work Environment
Sudden itinerary changes, contract modifications, and ship reassignments mean adaptability is key.
One day, you might be assigned to one ship, and the next, you’re sent somewhere completely different with no notice. You could have shore leave planned, only to find out the port is skipped due to weather or operational issues.
It’s a lifestyle that requires constant flexibility and patience – two things I didn’t realise I’d need in such large quantities.
17. Limited Career Growth in Certain Roles
While some positions offer clear promotion paths, others are hard to advance in.
For example, hospitality and guest services often have structured promotions, but back-of-house roles can feel stagnant. I’ve met crew members who stayed in the same position for years before seeing even the slightest career progression.
In some cases, it’s not about skill or performance – it’s about availability. If there’s no open position, you’re stuck where you are, no matter how hard you work.
18. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns
Not all cruise companies prioritise sustainability, and some (read: me again) may feel conflicted about working in an industry with a large environmental footprint.
The amount of waste, fuel consumption, and water pollution is something I become aware of over time. Some ships try to implement green initiatives, but it’s hard to ignore the reality of working on what is essentially a floating city that never stops consuming resources.
If you’re someone who cares about sustainability, you might find yourself feeling uneasy about the environmental cost of the industry.
Is Working on a Cruise Ship Worth It?
For the right person, absolutely. If you’re adaptable, career-driven, and don’t mind a bit of chaos, ship life can be an adventure like no other. The money’s good, the travel is real, and you’ll collect stories that will last a lifetime.
But if you value stability, work-life balance, and personal space, a land job might be a better fit.
Would I do it again? For some, the adventure and financial benefits make it worthwhile. For others, the trade-offs aren’t worth it.
What about you? Would you work on a cruise ship, or is it a hard pass?
If you’re considering a cruise ship career and want a structured breakdown of what to expect, check out this guide.
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