Inside Cruise Ship Crew Cabins

Crew cabins on cruise ships vary in size and style, largely depending on your job position, rank, or title.

The appearance of these cabins also differs from ship to ship. Older vessels typically have more basic, worn cabins, while newer ships often provide more modern and comfortable accommodations for their crew.

In this article, I’ll give you an overview of crew cabins, helping you get a better understanding of what life at sea looks like behind the scenes.

Table of Contents

Inside Cruise Ship Crew Cabins

Crew Cabins’ Size

As mentioned earlier, cruise ship crew cabins vary in size, primarily determined by your rank or title onboard.

Most crew members live in double-shared cabins, meaning they share the space with another person, typically of the same gender and from the same or a similar department.

For example, when I worked as Shore Excursions staff, I usually shared a cabin with a coworker from my department. Crew members from the same departments often have cabins located near each other and close to their workplace (in my case, near the Shore Excursions office).

If you have a friend or partner onboard and wish to share a cabin, you can submit a request to the HR department, which will try to accommodate your preference based on availability.

Double-shared cabins are typically small and windowless, but each comes with its own compact bathroom. Crew members are responsible for keeping their cabins clean, and inspections are conducted regularly by officers to ensure standards are maintained.

Cleaning supplies can be borrowed from the Housekeeping department, but I always preferred buying my own from the crew shop or during port visits.

Officers, managers, and supervisors in higher positions often have single cabins. These are slightly larger, usually include a window (porthole), and feature a full-size bed, with some cabins having an additional fold-down bed.

Daily housekeeping service is a notable perk for those in single cabins. Such accommodations are typically assigned to officers with 2.5 stripes or above, with the quality of the living space improving with rank.

Single shared cruise ship cabin — *Single-shared crew cabin*

Senior officers like the Captain, Staff Captain, and Chief Engineer (with 4 stripes) enjoy significantly larger cabins, often located near the Bridge. These cabins may even include multiple rooms and are comparable in size to guest cabins on higher decks, though this varies depending on the cruise line and ship design.

Inside Cruise Ship Crew Cabins: What to Expect

Crew cabins are equipped with essential furnishings and smart storage solutions to make the most of the limited space. Here’s what you’ll typically find:

Beds

Bunk Beds: Standard in double-shared cabins, these come with privacy curtains and a ladder. If you’re the first to move in, you can usually claim the bottom bunk (the preferred choice), leaving the top for your roommate.
Full-Size Beds: Officers with 2.5 stripes or higher enjoy single cabins with larger beds that can comfortably fit two people. Some also include a foldable bed for extra flexibility.
Bedding: You’ll be given clean sheets and a pillowcase, though not necessarily new. Many crew members, including myself, bring personal sheets for a touch of home. Old sheets are a great option since you can toss them at the end of your contract to save luggage space.
Storage Under Beds: There’s room for two medium to large suitcases beneath the bed, providing valuable storage for your luggage.
Extras: Each bunk has a reading lamp, and on newer ships, some bunks even have flat-screen TVs.

Bathrooms

Crew cabin bathrooms are compact, featuring:

A shower cubicle
A toilet
A small sink
A few shelves for toiletries

Space is limited, so organization is key! I highly recommend a foldable toiletry bag you can hang on the bathroom door. Toilet paper and cleaning supplies are available for free from the Laundry, but you can also purchase your own.

Laundry Facilities

Crew members have free access to onboard laundry facilities but need to provide their own detergent and softener. These can be purchased from the slop chest (crew shop). A mesh pop-up laundry basket is a great addition for organizing dirty clothes.

Closets

Shared closets in double-shared cabins are medium-sized with shelves and drawers, split between roommates. With space at a premium, bring only essentials to keep things tidy.
A hanging shoe organizer is a lifesaver for maximizing closet space.

Additional Features in Crew Cabins

Crew cabins are compact but include a variety of functional features to support life onboard. Here’s what else you can expect:

On top of the closet, there’s designated space for two life jackets. It’s mandatory for every crew member to store their life jackets in their cabin and use them during safety drills or emergencies.
Each cabin has a small desk and one chair due to space constraints. If you need an extra chair, you can usually request one.
Every crew cabin includes a mini-fridge for drinks or snacks. However, storing fruits and vegetables is generally not allowed on most ships.
Most cabins are equipped with a TV and a phone for internal communication.
Safe boxes are available for securing personal belongings.
A full-sized mirror is provided, helping you get ready for work or events.
A trash can is included in the cabin, but crew members must sort their own waste. Garbage must be taken to the incinerator room, where it’s separated into designated bins for glass, paper, and metal.

For more useful tips, check out my article, “18 Crew Cabin Must-Haves“—it’s full of recommendations to make your onboard life more comfortable and organized!

Crew Cabins Location

Crew cabins are spread across several decks, typically ranging from deck 0 (below sea level) to decks 2 or 3. An exception is made for bridge officers, who are housed higher up, closer to the Bridge and their workplace.

The location of your cabin depends largely on your job position and assigned work area. For instance, restaurant and bar staff often live on deck 0, near the crew elevators, allowing quick access to their workplaces, such as bars, galleys, dining rooms, or restaurants.

Officers and managers with single cabins are usually located on decks 1 or 2, positioned on the port or starboard side. These cabins often include portholes or windows, offering a small glimpse of the outside world—a perk of higher-ranking positions.

Life Inside the Crew Cabins – Practical Tips

A tiny crew cabin becomes your home for several months, so it’s essential to keep it clean, organized, and comfortable. Here are some key tips for making the most of your space and maintaining harmony with your roommate:

Roommate Etiquette

Get along with your roommate—they’re the person you’ll share your daily life with. Be considerate of their working hours, habits, and needs.

Avoid slamming doors, being noisy, or turning on the light in the middle of the night. Respect their privacy, and don’t invite others into the cabin without their approval.

Packing and Space Management

Bring only the essentials. Space is extremely limited, and you’ll likely buy new items onboard or in ports.

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside cabins. Use designated smoking areas, like the crew open deck.

Prohibited Items

Electrical appliances like kettles and irons are not allowed. Fresh food, fruits, and vegetables are also typically banned from being stored in cabin fridges.

Cabin Maintenance

You’re responsible for changing your bedsheets and linens. Dirty ones can be exchanged for clean ones in the laundry.

Ship towels are provided free of charge for the duration of your contract. Cabin inspections are mandatory, so ensure your space is always clean and meets ship standards.

Valuables

Keep your valuables, credit cards, and money secure. Some ships provide safety lockers for added protection.

Issues with Roommates

If conflicts arise and you can’t resolve them, report the situation to the HR department. They will try to accommodate your request and arrange a cabin change if possible.

Wrapping Up

Life inside cruise ship crew cabins is a truly unique and extraordinary experience! For over half a year, your entire life is confined to just a few square meters, often shared with someone you’ve never met before.

It’s an adventure that’s equal parts fun, challenging, and tough—but it’s also an experience you’ll treasure and remember for a lifetime!