Crew Life on Cruise Ships: Ship Life & Crew Areas | Ultimate Guide

Before I joined a cruise ship for the first time as a Shore Excursions staff member, I had no idea what to expect from life onboard. All I knew was that I was about to spend seven months at sea, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and tackling a job I knew little about. It was exciting and intimidating all at once.

The first few days onboard were a whirlwind—both fun and overwhelming. I’ll never forget how it took me 45 minutes to find my cabin on the first day! Wandering through endless corridors trying to make sense of the ship’s layout was just the beginning.

Those early days were packed with trainings, getting to know the crew areas, understanding the rules and regulations, familiarizing myself with the ship itself, and, of course, diving headfirst into my new role.

Whether you’re about to join a cruise ship for the first time or are simply curious about what life is like for crew members, this article will give you an insider’s perspective. I’ll share tips, stories, and a glimpse into the crew areas, as well as what it’s like to spend your days at sea as part of the team.

Crew Life on Cruise Ships: Ship Life & Crew Areas

Introduction

They say once you experience life at sea, life on land will never be the same—and I couldn’t agree more.

Living and working on a cruise ship is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle and one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

You’re not only earning a paycheck but also traveling the world, immersing yourself in diverse cultures, and forming connections with people from all walks of life. It’s an adventure that leaves a lasting mark.

Life onboard means sharing your living and working space with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of crew members from all over the globe. You’ll eat, sleep, work, party, and spend your free time together.

Along the way, you’ll forge lifelong friendships, navigate relationships, endure break-ups, and face ups and downs. It’s a melting pot of emotions, challenges, and growth.

But make no mistake—ship life demands hard work. Your free time will vary depending on your role, department, and the privileges that come with them. Regardless of your position, every crew member has the chance to embrace the unique opportunities that life at sea offers. It’s a journey like no other!

In the sections below, I’ll give you a glimpse into the organization of crew life on a cruise ship and take you on a tour of the crew areas where we spend much of our free time.

From where we relax after a long shift to the spaces that keep us entertained and connected, you’ll get an insider’s look at what life is really like behind the scenes onboard.

1. Crew Areas

Crew members’ contracts typically range from 2 to 9 months, and life onboard is structured to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

During the entire contract, crew members enjoy free accommodation, meals, and access to dedicated crew areas, allowing us to save money and avoid spending on everyday essentials.

Most crew areas are located on the lower decks—usually decks 0, 1, 2, or 3—though the exact layout varies depending on the ship’s size and design.

In the sections below, I’ll walk you through the main crew areas onboard and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the spaces where crew members live, work, and unwind.

1.1. Crew Cabins

One of the most common questions from new hires is about crew cabins. There are two main types of cabins: single-shared and double-shared. Most crew members, myself included, share a cabin with a roommate, usually from the same or a similar department.

Crew cabins are typically located on decks 0, 1, and 2, while Bridge officers enjoy cabins on higher decks closer to the bridge.

Crew cabins are compact, but functional. They generally include a bunk bed, a closet with drawers and shelves, a mini-fridge, a TV, a small desk, a couple of chairs, and a bathroom. The best part is that each cabin comes with its own bathroom, which you share only with your roommate.

If you’re lucky enough to be assigned a single cabin—based on your job position or seniority—you’ll have your own private space, along with housekeeping service, giving you a bit more comfort and privacy during your contract.

Related articles:

• Inside Cruise Ship Crew Cabins Full Review (2021)
• Life Onboard a Cruise Ship: 18 Crew Cabins Must-Haves

1.2. Main Crew Corridor

Onboard Royal Caribbean ships, the main crew corridor, famously called I-95 (after the iconic highway in the USA), is the lifeline of the ship’s lower decks. Running from the aft (the back of the ship) to the forward on deck 1, this corridor is a central hub for crew activity.

Most crew cabins are clustered around I-95, making it a busy area, especially during embarkation and debarkation times when crew movement peaks.

The walls along the corridor are lined with notice boards displaying essential ship information—rules, regulations, announcements, training schedules, and updates on crew activities—keeping everyone informed and connected.

If you find yourself walking down I-95, make sure to wear proper footwear, as the floor can get slippery. Be mindful of trolleys and crew members hard at work—this bustling corridor is the heart of daily operations onboard.

1.3. Crew Mess

Crew members onboard cruise ships have their own designated dining areas, commonly known as the “crew mess” and “staff mess.”

These buffet-style canteens serve a variety of food options, ranging from Asian to international cuisine, catering to the diverse nationalities of the crew. Depending on the ship’s size and crew numbers, there might be two or more mess areas onboard.

Accommodation and meals are provided free of charge to all crew members. Beyond the three main meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—snacks are available throughout the day, along with complimentary filtered coffee, tea, and water in the crew mess.

For specialty coffee like cappuccinos, you can visit the crew bar, where it’s available for a small fee.

While the ship’s water is generally potable, many crew members prefer bottled water, which can be purchased in the crew shop at a reasonable price. Buying a case of water to store in your cabin is a common practice.

The “crew mess” is primarily for crew members without stripes and typically offers Asian cuisine, reflecting the preferences of many crew members from the Philippines, India, and other Asian countries.

The “staff mess,” on the other hand, is geared toward staff and officers, offering a broader selection of international dishes.

That said, there’s usually no strict rule about where you can eat—crew members are free to dine in any mess area that suits their taste or schedule.

Based on your rank or title, you might have the privilege of dining in guest areas and restaurants during the evening. This benefit typically applies to staff members and those in higher-ranking positions.

For a special treat, you can also enjoy dinner at specialty restaurants, often with discounts available for crew members.

Bridge officers and senior management enjoy even greater flexibility—they are usually welcome to dine in guest restaurants at any time. These perks are a great way for the higher-ranking crew to unwind and enjoy the ship’s guest amenities.

1.4. Crew Bar

The crew bar is one of the liveliest spots onboard a cruise ship and a favorite gathering place for crew members to relax and socialize after a long day. Depending on the ship’s size, there may be one or more crew bars, each designed to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Most crew bars feature an indoor lounge area and a “back deck” —an open-air space where smoking is permitted and where crew parties and events often take place.

Drinks in the crew bar are reasonably priced, starting at around $2 per drink. Occasionally, the HR department hosts themed events or “all-crew parties,” where complimentary soft drinks and beers are provided for everyone.

A variety of weekly events keep things exciting, such as bingo, raffles, movie nights, and themed food and drink nights like “wine and cheese” or “fish and chips.” These events are announced on information boards located in crew areas, so you’ll always know what’s happening.

1.5. Crew Laundry Area

Crew members have access to a dedicated laundry area equipped with multiple washing machines and dryers that operate 24/7. This self-service laundry is free to use, and each crew member is responsible for washing their own clothes and uniforms.

While there’s an option to have uniforms cleaned by the ship’s laundry department, it can take a few days—so many crew members, including myself, prefer to wash uniforms personally for convenience.

You’ll need to provide your own laundry detergent, which you can easily purchase in the crew shop, often called the “slop chest.” The laundry area also features ironing boards for pressing your clothes, as ironing inside crew cabins is not permitted for safety reasons.

For cabin linens like sheets, pillowcases, and towels, you won’t need to worry about washing them. Simply drop the dirty items at the main laundry room and request clean replacements from the laundry team. You can also pick up essentials like toilet paper and cleaning supplies for your cabin there.

Pro Tip: While the laundry operates around the clock, it tends to get busy during peak hours when most crew members are on break. To save time and avoid waiting, plan your laundry trips during off-peak times!

1.6. Slop Chest

Every cruise ship has a “slop chest,” a small onboard store where crew members can purchase essentials like snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and more.

While convenient, prices in the slop chest are often higher than what you’d pay at a supermarket ashore. To save money, I recommend stocking up on necessities during your port visits whenever possible.

Shopping locally not only helps your budget but also gives you a chance to explore what each destination has to offer!

1.7. Crew Gym

Every cruise ship has a dedicated gym exclusively for crew members. These gyms vary in size depending on the ship and crew population but are always equipped with the essentials for staying fit, such as cardio machines, weights, and exercise equipment.

Best of all, they’re free to use and open 24/7, providing flexibility for crew members to work out at their convenience.

For staff members and stripe officers, there’s often an additional perk—they’re allowed to use the guest gym during specific time slots, typically in the evening. This offers a more spacious environment and additional amenities for those eligible.

1.8. Internet Cafe

Cruise ships offer an internet café for crew members, providing a space to stay connected with friends and family back home. These cafes are equipped with multiple computers, which can also be used for work-related tasks like completing company-assigned training, accessing business-related programs, and handling other IT needs.

While some websites and applications related to work are free to access, personal internet usage typically requires payment.

Wi-Fi onboard can be pricey, with various packages available to suit different needs, ranging from daily to monthly plans.

However, nowadays, many cruise lines provide free WhatsApp access, allowing crew members to stay in touch with their loved ones without additional costs.

1.9. Playroom/Crew Lounge

In addition to the crew bar and coffee shop, cruise ships often have a dedicated recreational area where crew members can unwind with games like pool, table tennis, table football, darts, and other social activities. These spaces provide a fun way to relax and bond with fellow crew members during downtime.

For those who prefer a quieter pastime, there’s usually a library onboard stocked with books that crew members can borrow free of charge. It’s the perfect spot to escape into a good story or learn something new while enjoying a moment of peace at sea.

1.10. Incinerator Room

You might be wondering where crew members dispose of their garbage onboard. Environmental sustainability is a top priority for cruise lines, with robust programs in place to protect the oceans and the environment.

Recycling is strongly emphasized among crew members, supported by thorough training sessions that highlight the importance of these efforts.

Each crew member collects their trash in their cabin using provided bins. Once the bin is full, the garbage is taken to the ship’s incinerator room, where it is sorted into designated recycling bins for glass, paper, plastic, electronics, and cans. Non-recyclable waste is burned in incinerators under the supervision of specially trained staff.

The incinerator room can be quite smelly and slippery, so it’s crucial to wear proper footwear—flip-flops or slippers are not recommended. Fortunately, the incinerator crew is always available to assist with sorting trash if needed, ensuring the process is as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.

1.11. Medical Facility

The health and well-being of guests and crew members are top priorities for cruise lines. Each cruise ship has a dedicated medical facility to cater to both groups, typically located on deck 1. While the facility is shared, there are separate entrances for guests and crew to ensure privacy and convenience.

Crew members receive comprehensive health insurance and free medical care throughout their contract. The medical team, which usually includes a few doctors and nurses depending on the ship’s size, is always available to provide assistance, whether it’s for routine care or emergencies.

This onboard medical support ensures that everyone has access to the care they need while at sea.

2. Crew/Ship Life

In addition to their job duties, crew members make the most of their free time by exploring ports whenever they have the opportunity or relaxing in the dedicated crew areas onboard.

Crew life is thoughtfully structured to ensure it’s not only manageable but also enjoyable for everyone onboard. The Crew HR department plays a key role in this, organizing activities, events, and resources to make life at sea as comfortable and engaging as possible.

From coordinating recreational events to ensuring crew welfare, this department is dedicated to supporting the well-being and happiness of the team.

2.1. Crew HR Department

Every cruise ship has a dedicated HR department that serves as the backbone of crew life, managing everything from paperwork and payments to activities and overall welfare. This is the first stop for all crew members upon joining the ship, whether it’s your first contract or you’re returning for another.

The HR team handles essential onboarding tasks, such as assigning cabins based on your role and availability, issuing your cabin key, and providing your ID card. This ID card is crucial—it’s used for onboard payments, entering and exiting the ship, and serves as an emergency card.

If you have special requests, need assistance, or wish to raise a concern, the HR department is there to support you and address any issues. They’re also responsible for organizing crew activities like parties, bingo, raffles, and movie nights, which add fun and relaxation to life onboard.

Keep in mind that the quality and variety of activities often depend on the specific HR team and manager, meaning crew life can vary between ships.

2.2. Crew ATM

Most cruise ships have a few crew ATMs conveniently located in the crew areas. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash in U.S. dollars, with a small fee of around $2 per transaction. They’re a handy option for accessing your earnings while onboard.

If the ATMs are out of service or you encounter any issues, the HR department is there to assist. They can help ensure you have access to your funds or provide alternative solutions when needed, making sure you’re never left without support.

2.3. Crew Drills

Safety and security are the highest priorities for crew members onboard a cruise ship. To ensure everyone is prepared, safety drills are conducted every cruise, and each crew member is assigned an emergency role and muster station for the duration of their contract.

Crew members are required to familiarize themselves with the ship’s layout, fire zones, key crew and guest areas, emergency stations, and all safety procedures. This knowledge is critical for managing emergency situations efficiently and ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.

In addition to drills, crew members must complete extensive training, both online and onboard. These training sessions cover a wide range of safety protocols and are regularly updated to align with the latest maritime regulations, keeping safety standards at the forefront of ship operations.

2.4. Trainings

Whether you’re joining a cruise ship for the first time or returning for another contract, you’ll need to complete a variety of mandatory trainings, both online before boarding and once onboard.

These trainings cover a wide range of topics, including environmental awareness, zero-tolerance policies, safety and security procedures, crowd management, and more. Each session is designed to ensure you’re well-prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of life at sea.

Your direct supervisor or a dedicated app will guide you through the training requirements, ensuring you know which courses to complete and when. Staying up to date with these trainings is essential for maintaining safety, compliance, and professionalism onboard.

To Wrap Up

In this article, I’ve provided a simple overview of crew life and the areas where we spend our time while working on a cruise ship. From recreation to responsibilities, I hope this gives you a better understanding of what life is like behind the scenes at sea.

However, it’s important to note that many rules and regulations have evolved due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and these changes vary depending on each cruise line’s health protocols and policies.

If you’re curious to learn more about crew life, feel free to explore my other articles:

• Working on Cruise Ships: How to Apply for a Cruise Ship Job?
• Inside Crew Cabins on Cruise Ships – Full Review
• Food and Beverage Department – Working as a Cruise Ship Waiter?
• 10 Things to Know Before Applying for a Cruise Ship Job
• Security Jobs onboard Cruise Ships – What You Need to Know
• 11 Things You Would Never Expect to Be Part of Your Cruise Ship Job
• New Hire? This is How Your First Day on a Cruise Ship Looks Like
• Life Onboard a Cruise Ship: 18 Crew Cabins Must-Haves
• Life of a Cruise Ship Photographer – Crew Member’s Story
• Working as a Guest Services Representative on a Cruise Ship

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