Assigned to a new cruise ship, I joined its maiden voyage and inaugural sailing from the Netherlands to Hong Kong – a journey of long hours and sea-bound days.

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.

How simple living on cruise ships taught me minimalism – the surprising joy of needing less at sea, and how this lightness stayed with me back on land.

Burnout at sea can sneak up quietly, leaving you drained. Recognising the signs and finding recovery strategies can help you find your way back to balance.

Working on a cruise ship sounds dreamy, until the psychology hits hard. The challenges of life at sea often leave you questioning your sanity – and choices.

Ship life is relentless, but stress doesn’t have to consume you. Learn how to carve out small moments of peace, stay sane, and hold onto yourself at sea.

I started investing too late, but I’m doing it anyway. Working at sea made me realise saving isn’t enough. It's time for seafarers to build financial security.

Making extra money as a cruise ship crew member isn’t easy, but it’s possible. From small onboard gigs to earning during vacation, here’s what actually works.

Sending money home while working on a cruise ship comes with challenges. From onboard transfer options to balancing savings and support, here’s what to expect.

And then there it is – the ship. A short walk across the gangway, and suddenly you’re not just a person anymore, you’ve signed on as cruise ship crew.

The crew bar – where ranks fade, laughter spills, and the night’s last drink marks another story. Loud music, cheap beer – where the crew truly comes alive.

Is life on the sea as wonderful as it seems, or does it come with big waves to navigate? The pros and cons of working on cruise ships tell a unique story.

Living at sea sounds idyllic, but for cruise ship crew, mental health struggles prove even paradise can feel like a stormy ocean filled with challenges.

7 Essential skills a cruise ship crew member needs:

1. Adaptability and resilience

2. Communication skills

3. Teamwork and collaboration

4. Time management

5. Technical and practical skills

6. Customer service excellence

7. Emotional intelligence

Working conditions on cruise ships test your resilience with long hours, teamwork, and figuring out how to survive storms – literally and metaphorically.

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

The real things to do in Hong Kong on shore leave – between panic shopping and rare peaceful moments. Victoria Peak hikes, quiet gardens, and chaotic markets.

Saving money on a cruise ship isn’t about strict budgeting. Here’s how I cut costs, avoided impulse spending, and stayed on track with my financial goals.