Articles

Life at sea is something you can’t truly understand until you live it. Ask any crew member and they’ll tell you the same thing: the first contract is a rollercoaster. Long hours, new friends from around the world, endless work, unforgettable port days, and a whole lot of emotional ups and downs. For many crew members, a typical contract lasts around six months. And during those months, most people go through a surprisingly similar set of stages. It doesn’t matter if you work in the galley, housekeeping, entertainment, or deck department — the experience often follows the same pattern. Here’s a fun and honest look at the six stages crew members go through during their first contract on a cruise ship. Month 1: “How on Earth Did I...

For many people, working at sea sounds like a dream — endless horizons, ocean breezes, and the rhythm of the waves. And it’s true: most professional seafarers eventually adapt to the ship’s motion. Experts estimate that roughly 75% of maritime workers become acclimated over time. But what about the remaining 25%? Does struggling with seasickness mean your maritime career is over? Absolutely not. While seasickness can range from mildly uncomfortable to temporarily debilitating, it doesn’t have to sideline your career. In fact, many crew members in the cruise, cargo, and yacht industries successfully manage symptoms using natural methods — especially when medications aren’t ideal. Prescription and over-the-counter treatments like...

For anyone who has ever asked a cruise ship crewmember, “What is it really like to work at sea?”, the answer is rarely simple. According to author and former crewmember Marsha Volgyi, the experience is too complex to summarize in a single response. It’s a life defined by contradictions—rewarding yet exhausting, exciting yet isolating, glamorous yet deeply challenging. After spending twelve years working onboard cruise ships, Volgyi found herself reflecting on a world that few outsiders truly understand. Those years were filled with unforgettable friendships, personal growth, romance, and adventure—but also moments of hardship, workplace politics, and emotional strain. These powerful memories ultimately inspired her to write The...

Cruise lines have reminded crew members to carefully prepare their luggage before traveling to or from ships, emphasizing that the company is not responsible for costs related to lost, damaged, overweight, or excess baggage unless specifically stated in employment contracts. The advisory highlights the importance of proper luggage identification and preparation, especially as crew frequently travel internationally to join vessels. Crew urged to take precautions before travel Crew members are strongly encouraged to attach luggage tags to all checked and carry-on bags and place a copy of their travel itinerary and contact details inside each suitcase. Since many bags look alike, adding stickers, labels, or other identifying features...

If you’ve ever stepped into the Main Galley during dinner rush on a cruise ship, you know—it’s not just busy, it’s controlled chaos at full speed. This is where hundreds (sometimes thousands) of meals are plated in minutes. The galley runs 24/7, feeding guests from early breakfast to late-night snacks. Different stations handle everything—bakery, appetizers, hot line, desserts—and when dinner hits, it all comes alive at once. Waiters moving fast with trays, chefs calling orders, plates flying out nonstop. It might look crazy, but there’s a rhythm to it. And every waiter quickly learns the unwritten rules of survival. Here are 10 essential rules every cruise ship waiter knows during galley rush hour: 1. Stay alert at all times...

Anonymous testimony I worked for Celebrity Cruises for ten years. Ten years of steady career growth, commitment, and responsibility. Ten years of showing up, even in the most difficult circumstances. During the Covid period—one of the most challenging crises the cruise industry has ever faced—I stayed. I continued working on board, managing emergencies, supporting passengers, and ensuring operations continued under constant pressure, uncertainty, and fear. In addition to my official duties, I was asked to coordinate assistance operations for passengers affected by Covid. This was a highly sensitive role that required organization, emotional resilience, and constant availability. It was not part of my job description. It was an...

Bakers working on Celebrity Cruises say a long-running issue is starting to wear them down: extended vacations between contracts that keep getting longer, and keep happening over and over again. Several bakers report being left off ships for four to five months after finishing a contract, far longer than what’s usually expected in normal crew rotations. What’s raising eyebrows is that this problem seems to hit bakers almost exclusively, while other positions rotate more smoothly. The pattern is familiar. A baker signs off, gets a tentative rejoin date, and then watches that sign-on date slide again and again by months. When crew members reach out for answers, they’re often told there are “too many bakers” in the fleet at the moment...

Former Marella crew member, Derrick Crasto, has decided to speak out after what he describes as a deeply traumatic incident onboard, and what followed afterward may be just as disturbing. After what he describes as a violent incident onboard Marella Explorer 2, former crew member Derrick Crasto says the most difficult part didn’t happen in the dining room that night it started once he left the ship. Derrick, who worked as a Headwaiter, says he was assaulted during service, in front of guests by crew ember. He reported injuries to his back and immediately informed ship management, believing the situation would be properly handled and documented. What followed, based on email correspondence was a long and exhausting exchange of...

We received a letter from a crew member aboard the Costa Fascinosa who wishes to remain anonymous, raising concerns about the treatment of cabin attendants and the handling of incentive payments onboard. The crew member siad several workers approached the HR office seeking clarification on why their monthly incentives have been repeatedly reduced, but their inquiries were reportedly met with shifting explanations, blame placed on shore-side systems, or references to fluctuating occupancy and NPS scores. The crew member alleges that certain supervisors have been targeting staff since they questioned these discrepancies, leaving the team feeling discouraged while facing declining income. Here is the crew letter:

Cruise ships are famous for their festive spirit, and Halloween is no exception! Every year, crews across the fleet transform their vessels into floating haunted houses filled with creativity, laughter, and fun. Among the many highlights of these spooky celebrations are the incredible pumpkin carvings crafted by the talented galley teams. With limited tools and plenty of passion, these culinary professionals turn simple pumpkins into eerie masterpieces that capture the magic of Halloween at sea. Aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette, the galley team once again proved their artistic flair, showcasing an impressive collection of terrifying yet beautiful pumpkin creations that brought the spirit of Halloween alive for both guests and...

Princess Cruises has announced a Cabin Amnesty Day for crew members to voluntarily return prohibited items stored in cabins without facing disciplinary action. The initiative is scheduled for 16 October 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the forward shell-door area on the Port side of Deck 4. The amnesty applies to a range of banned items commonly found in crew cabins, including: Miniature alcohol bottles Bottles of spirits Irons and steamers Cooking equipment Fresh food Company property Guest linens and towels The notice displayed in crew areas aboard Princess ships says that no questions will be asked during the amnesty period. However, it also warns that any prohibited items discovered after the amnesty deadline could result...

While most of the attention has been on the 18 Carnival Sunshine crew members recently deported by CBP from Norfolk, it looks like this wasn’t an isolated case. We’ve now learned that 19 Royal Caribbean crew members were also deported back in April 2025 and under very similar and troubling circumstances. One of them shared his experience: I am a former crew member who worked for Royal Caribbean International. I am writing this with a heavy heart. I loved my job and gave it everything I had until the morning of April 6, 2025, at the port of Galveston, Texas. At around 7 or 8 in the morning, after only a few hours of sleep, I was abruptly woken by loud knocks at my cabin door. When I opened it, there were six individuals — two ship...

On Sunday a huge fight involving 30+ people broke out in the Oasis Lagoon pool. One guy was bleeding pretty badly and had to be helped out. Security and lifeguards rushed in, the music stopped, and they cleared the whole pool for the rest of the day. Rumor from people nearby is that it started over a cabana area dispute and escalated fast. Here’s the video describing the rounds Anyone else there see what happened? Leave a comment

Happy 185th Birthday, Cunard! Today we're raising a glass to 185 amazing years of Cunard, that’s a whole lot of ocean crossings, world voyages, and unforgettable moments at sea! 🌊🚢 To celebrate, the awesome crew have shared a special birthday shoutout. Whether you're part of the team, a guest who loves the Queens, or just a fan of classic cruising, this milestone is something we can all be proud of. Here’s to Cunard’s incredible journey so far and everything still to come. Long live the Four Queens and everyone who keeps the legacy sailing strong! Got a Cunard memory or just want to say happy birthday? Drop it below! 👇

In a celebration of maritime heritage, inclusion, and friendship, two iconic Italian ships came together this week at the Port of Piraeus, each representing a different mission but sharing the same enduring spirit of the sea. Marking the occasion of an official visit by the Italian Ambassador to Greece, Costa Cruises’ Costa Fascinosa welcomed a symbolic rendezvous with Nave Italia, a sailing brig dedicated to educational and inclusive projects aimed at empowering individuals through life at sea. The meeting underscored Italy’s rich naval tradition and its modern-day evolution into a platform for cultural exchange and social impact. Representing Costa Fascinosa during this meaningful exchange were: Captain Fabio Bramato Safety...

Hey everyone, Just wanted to share a serious but uplifting story from the Disney Dream. On June 29, while the ship was heading back to Fort Lauderdale from a Bahamian cruise, there was a man overboard emergency. According to reports, a child fell from Deck 4 (the one with the jogging track and plexiglass barriers), and her father immediately jumped in after her. What happened next was honestly incredible. The crew jumped into action within minutes. Life rings were thrown, a rescue boat was launched, and emergency procedures were carried out just like they train for. Thankfully, both the little girl and her dad were safely rescued and brought back on board. 🙌 Disney Cruise Line issued a statement afterward saying: “We commend our...

Being part of a ship's crew means more than just doing your job well, it means looking out for one another. That’s why this year’s #MyHarassmentFreeShip campaign by the International Maritime Organization hits home for so many of us working at sea. On June 25, we marked the Day of the Seafarer, a global day led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to honor those who keep the world moving us. This year, IMO message is clear: every ship should be a place of dignity, safety, and respect. Harassment, bullying, and discrimination have no place in our workplaces — whether you're cleaning cabins, navigating the bridge, or serving guests in the dining room. We all deserve to feel safe, valued, and heard...

Christmas may have passed for many cultures and countries, but in much of North America and Europe, the Black Friday deals continue throughout January. It might just be the best time of all to book that next vacation, or maybe even plan to be onboard for your next Christmas or New Years Eve. Have you ever had the joy of cruising over the holidays? There is something absolutely mystical and sickly sweet, throw up on your shoes and still be full of laughter, kind-of-great, about cruising in the festive season. The ships spare no expense in the grand atriums and other areas throughout, to decorate with large trees, lights, life size gingerbread houses and even private decor in some top suites. The ambience in the air is like living scenes...

Friends of the Earth has released its 2024 Cruise Ship Report Card, highlighting the best and worst cruise lines based on their environmental practices. The report evaluates 21 cruise operators and 243 ships on sewage treatment, air pollution reduction, water quality compliance, and transparency. According to the score card some companies lead the way in eco-friendly initiatives, others fall short, earning failing grades. Top 5 Cruise Lines with the Highest Scores: Hurtigruten – B+ HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) – B+ Disney Cruise Line – B Regent Seven Seas Cruises – C+ Viking Cruises – C The last 5 on the list are: 17. Seabourn Cruise Line – F 18. P&O Cruises – F 19. Costa Cruises – F 20. Cunard Line – F 21. Carnival Cruise...

Aspiring crew members from Bali have fallen victim to a scam promising employment on cruise ships in exchange for substantial payments, ranging into thousands of US dollars. The victims were lured into transferring money after being deceived by scammers who used social media platforms to carry out the fraud. The scammers created cloned social media accounts resembling PT Ratu Oceania Raya, a legitimate recruiting agency for several cruise lines. I Nengah Yasa Adi Susanto, a director at PT Ratu Oceania Raya, accompanied the victims to file a report at the police station in Bali. He explained that the victims were promised jobs on cruise ships with seemingly simple requirements. "The victims never met the perpetrators face to face. It...