New Hire? Here’s What Your First Day on a Cruise Ship Looks Like
Joining a cruise ship for the first time can be both stressful and overwhelming for any new hire. It’s not just about adjusting to a new work environment—it’s about embracing an entirely different lifestyle and adapting to a world unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
For many of us, it also means leaving our families behind for an extended period, as contracts often last 7-9 months. Life on a ship is fast-paced, constantly changing, and requires a high level of flexibility to navigate.
In this article, I’ll share my own experience and insights about what it’s like to step onboard as a new hire on your first day.
From Office Work to Cruise Ship Life
Before applying for a cruise ship job, I worked at a tour agency in my home country, Serbia. It was an office-based job, and while I gained some experience, it wasn’t what I wanted—it felt stagnant and was poorly paid.
Craving something more dynamic and exciting, I decided to take a leap and apply for the position of Shore Excursions Staff onboard a cruise ship.
I didn’t have to wait long after applying. After passing both interviews, I was offered the job, and my flight ticket was booked by the cruise ship recruitment agency.
Within a month, I had to leave my previous job, handle all the required paperwork, shop for essentials, and, hardest of all, say goodbye to my family and friends.
It was my first time leaving home for such a long period—7 months—but I was ready for the adventure ahead.
The Day Before Joining a Cruise Ship
Most cruise companies arrange a hotel stay for their employees the night before they board the ship. With dozens, sometimes hundreds, of crew members joining daily, cruise lines organize shuttle buses to pick them up from the airport and transfer them to the hotel.
Many cruise companies partner with global hotel chains to ensure their crew has a safe and comfortable stay before embarking.
That said, the arrangements can vary depending on the company and individual circumstances, such as your flight schedule, embarkation time, and when the ship arrives in port. In some cases, a hotel stay might not be provided.
If your flight arrives early, you might even get the chance to explore the destination before heading to your ship—a nice little bonus!
Staying in a hotel is also a great opportunity to meet fellow crew members. Some may be returning for another contract, while others are new hires like yourself. It’s a good time to chat, share experiences, and relax before the adventure begins.
Another reason cruise companies arrange hotel stays is to ensure you’re well-rested. Once you join the ship, you’ll start working right away—this applies to both returning crew and new hires. A good night’s sleep is essential to kick off your journey on the right foot!
The First Day on a Cruise Ship as a New Hire
1. Transfer to the Ship
The transfer to the cruise ship is typically arranged by the cruise company, whether it’s a shuttle bus, taxi, or similar transportation. In most cases, you don’t need to pay for it. If you do happen to cover the cost yourself, the company usually reimburses you once you’re onboard.
The moment you see the ship for the first time is unforgettable. Like many others, the first thing I did was snap a picture of it! The sheer size of the ship is awe-inspiring, and as you get closer, the excitement really starts to build!
When you arrive at the port, someone will usually be waiting to greet you. For new hires, it’s often a member of the management team. For returning crew members, it could be a colleague or someone else from ship management. This warm welcome helps set the tone for your first day onboard.
2. Registration Process
Once you step onboard, you’ll go through an embarkation procedure to get registered. This includes receiving your ship ID (SeaPass), cabin key, and emergency card (every crew member has a designated emergency role—check out this article to learn more).
As a new hire, your supervisor will usually guide you through the process and explain how things work. It’s normal to feel completely lost on your first day, but don’t worry—we’ve all been there. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you adapt to the ship’s environment and routines.
The first day is mostly about paperwork and formalities, while the next two weeks serve as your adaptation period. Before you know it, you’ll feel like you’ve been living onboard forever, and everything will start to feel second nature.
3. Medical Check-Up
One of the first-day formalities onboard is visiting the ship’s medical facility to hand in your original medical documents.
When I joined as a new hire, the process was straightforward: they measured my temperature, I filled out a few forms, and the medical staff collected the original documents I had brought from home. (Before joining, you’ll need to complete a thorough medical examination at a pre-approved clinic in your home country.)
Additionally, the medical team conducted a basic check-up to ensure everything was in order.
It’s worth noting that due to COVID-19, medical protocols and requirements in the cruise industry have evolved significantly, so be prepared for additional checks and updated procedures.
4. Getting Familiarized With the Ship
After finishing the registration and medical process, you’ll sign your contract, complete additional paperwork, and then your supervisor will take you on a tour of the ship. This walkthrough is essential for familiarizing yourself with the main crew areas.
Crew areas vary depending on the ship, but typically include:
- Crew and staff mess: Buffet-style dining areas for crew and officers.
- Crew gym: A space to work out during your downtime.
- Crew bars and lounge areas: Relaxation spots for socializing.
- Crew store: A small shop for basic necessities.
- Internet café: For staying connected with friends and family.
Related article: Crew Life on Cruise Ships: Ship Life & Crew Areas
Your supervisor will also show you your designated emergency station, the location you report to during evacuation drills, and explain your emergency duties.
Be prepared for a lot of walking on your first day, and don’t worry if you feel completely lost—it’s normal! Within a few days, you’ll start finding your way around with ease.
5. Training Schedule
Your supervisor will provide you with instructions and a training schedule for your first few weeks onboard. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including cultural diversity, environmental practices, zero-tolerance policies, crowd management, and essential safety and security protocols.
Some training sessions may involve physical activities, like launching a life raft or practicing fire extinguishing, so be prepared for hands-on tasks.
Training is also a great opportunity to connect with other new hires, making it the perfect time to form your first friendships onboard.
Once you complete the initial training, learning doesn’t stop there. During your contract, you’ll take part in additional sessions, helping you grow professionally and build new skills.
6. Getting Your Uniform
On your first day, your supervisor will usually take you to the uniform store to pick up your uniforms, which you can typically keep after your contract ends. Some cruise lines provide uniforms for free, while others require you to pay for them—often a few hundred dollars, deducted from your first paycheck.
For example, when I joined Royal Caribbean, I had to pay for my uniforms, but during my time with Viking River Cruises, they were provided at no cost. Policies vary from one company to another.
If your uniform needs adjustments, don’t worry—there’s usually a tailor onboard who can handle any alterations for you.
7. Moving to Your Cabin
When I first joined the ship, it took me 45 minutes to find my cabin! Crew cabins are typically located on Deck 0, Deck 1, and Deck 2 (higher-ranked officers may have cabins on upper decks), and it’s completely normal to get lost during your first few days.
The size and type of cabin you get depend on your job position. Management roles usually have single cabins, while most other positions share double cabins.
On my first contract, I shared a cabin with a coworker from a similar department. Unfortunately, we didn’t get along well, as our habits clashed, which made those first few months challenging.
What I didn’t know at the time is that you can request a cabin change through the HR crew office if things aren’t working out with your roommate. It’s always worth trying if the situation becomes difficult.
If you’re lucky enough to get a single cabin, cherish it. Having even a small private space onboard is a luxury that can make a world of difference.
Personally, I never had that opportunity, and constantly sharing a cabin took a toll on my overall cruise ship experience. Privacy can feel priceless when working in such a busy and high-pressure environment.
8. Meeting Your Teammates
You’ll meet your teammates on your first day onboard. If your team is small, like mine was, you’ll likely meet everyone within the first couple of days.
However, if you’re part of a larger team, it might take longer to get to know everyone. These are the people you’ll be spending most of your time with, so it’s important to be cooperative and friendly—it makes ship life much smoother and more enjoyable!
To Conclude
As I mentioned earlier, the first two weeks onboard a cruise ship can be tough and overwhelming. The first day is packed with paperwork, formalities, and learning the ropes of ship life. You’ll meet your team and start becoming part of the ship’s unique community.
Like any new job, the beginning is challenging, but cruise ship life is so special and rewarding that you’ll quickly move past the initial struggles and start appreciating the incredible experiences it offers.
Within a couple of weeks—or even just a few days—you’ll feel like you’ve been doing this job forever. And once you dive into the adventure of working on a cruise ship, life on land will never feel the same again!
Related articles:
- Working on Cruise Ships: How to Apply for a Cruise Ship Job?
- Crew Life on Cruise Ship: Ship Life and Crew Areas
- Inside Crew Cabins on Cruise Ships – Full Review
- Food and Beverage Department – Working as a Cruise Ship Waiter?
- Why Shore Excursion Staff is One of the Best Cruise Ship Jobs?
- Life of Shore Excursion Staff – Job Description and Daily Duties
- 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
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
After reading this article i felt asif i am on cruise ship.
Thanks for sharing this useful experience of yours.
Thank you, i’m a new hire!
Nothing new. We as passengers go thru most of the same procedures, we check in outside, we get a medical questionnaire, we get a picture ID, when we finally get to the ship, we need to go to the main dining room to make sure we get the table requested, sometimes we have to sit around and wait for the cabin to be ready, and we don’t like it you go and ask for another cabin, which 99 percent of the time they will tell you they don’t have.
So actually as a paying passenger I don’t believe you guys have it bad at all, specially if you come from a country with no jobs.
Besides we travelers love all of you hard working people and we appreciate it!
Royal crabby
thank you for sharing it is really helpful
Housekeeping
Am interested to work as a cleaner but I don’t have qualifications, can I be considered.
Dear Phoebe, it is possible to get a job on a cruise ship without previous experience. However, the job applicants who have work experience normally have priority and are more likely to get a job. I advise you to apply for your preferred job position through the cruise line’s website (find the “careers” section) or through the local recruitment agency in your country. Keep in mind that the cruise industry has been severely affected due to the pandemic, and you might not be able to find job openings at this moment. It might take some time until the cruise industry recovers and start hiring like before. I wish you the best of luck and fingers crossed.
Thanks for your insights into the first weeks of a cruise career!
I have been in my current job – retail/ customer service – for nine years and running. The people side of things, for the most part, has been great! I have good working relationships with managers, those co-workers who have stuck with this as long as I have, and our regular repeat customers. I’m known by shoppers as the go-to when making decisions regarding buying used electronics.
I have a strong audio-visual-technical knack and background, so anywhere assistance is needed on a ship where someone needs to be amplified or lit up, if something needs to be displayed, programming reader boards, automated paging, any time of the day or night, I. Am. THERE! 🙂
Now for the bad news: I’m a fifty-plus year old guy, and my job history before the above was less than stellar. I hope that those factors will not work against me should I decide to seek work out on the waves.
Your suggestions are appreciated!
Thank you!