Cruises can allow you to see so much more of the world in a large, interesting vessel. Have you ever thought about the parts of a cruise ship you don’t get to see? 

One of those parts is the crew quarters. If you’re curious to learn the ins and outs of a cruise ship, you might be wondering what the crew area looks like. Well, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep reading to find out what it’s really like to live on a cruise ship.

Crew Quarters On a Cruise Ship – The Features

You need to know a few things about crew quarters on a cruise ship to get the whole picture. Here are some of the key points. 

Size

The first thing you need to know about crew quarters on a cruise ship is that, for the most part, they are quite small. In fact, some of them can be described as tiny. 

While the size of cabins varies based on the ship, cruise line, and even the type of crew cabin, the size of a crew’s quarters is around 120 square feet. In comparison, the average hotel room is about 300 square feet.

What’s more, at least two crew members typically share one cabin. However, in bigger rooms, more than two crew members may be bunking together. 

Finally, some crew are given more cabin space, or even their own cabins, depending on what their job is. They may even be given their own stewardess. Crew members who get this privilege include those in:

• Entertainment
• Shops
• Spas
• Casinos

Of course, crew members that are very high up, such as department heads, typically get their own cabins.

What’s Included

With two people in a 120-square-foot space, most cabins are usually furnished with a bunk bed to make use of the small space. Some crew members get curtains for additional privacy in their bunk bed quarters.

Here’s what you can expect to find a crew’s cabin:

• Mini fridge
• Shelving and storage space
• A television
• A closet

In addition, there is also a private bathroom. Other items you might find in a crew’s cabin include a desk and a side table.

The Bathroom

Every cabin has its own bathroom. That said, the bathroom is utilitarian as it is smaller than the small cabin. The bathroom typically only has space for a sink, toilet, and shower, and they’re usually pretty cramped together, making the space feel very tight.

Crew Quarters on a Cruise Ship – How It Works

As mentioned, most cabins are shared by at least two cruise ship employees. But there are a few other moving parts regarding how crew quarters on a cruise ship work.

Crews Have More Than Their Own Cabins

A crew’s quarters include more than just their cabin. As crew members are on cruise ships for sometimes months at a time, they need the usual facilities that anyone else would need to live. Some facilities are similar to those guests have access to, but crews usually must do much of the work themselves. 

This includes a laundry room resembling a laundromat for the crew to wash and dry their clothes, the need to sort and throw out their trash in their own trash facilities, and shared rooms for the crew to hang out. They may also have hair salons and other grooming facilities.

Some cruise ships also include crew gym facilities to work out and stay healthy, although they aren’t as extensive as the guest gyms on board. You can almost think of it as a college dorm situation!

Their Own Cafeteria

Crew quarters on a cruise ship also have a separate cafeteria, mess hall, or buffet for the crew to eat at. The buffet times are set, and the food may vary. Typically, the crew mess buffet’s food differs from the guest buffet.

In addition to a central mess hall, there may also be a crew cafe where they can order refreshments such as coffee and juice throughout the day.

Routine Inspections

Every crew member is expected to keep their cabin in good shape. To ensure that this is the case, crew members can expect routine inspections of their cabins. 

These inspections typically happen before the beginning of every cruise, depending on the cruise line. The department head, the head of housekeeping, and a senior officer will often do these inspections. They will ensure there are no confiscated items and that the cabin is clean. Ensuring the cabin’s safety aspects are working and hygiene aspects are also looked at.

Form a Bond

Being at sea for months and having to share small spaces causes you to get close to your coworkers. Crew quarters on a cruise ship are designed to have crew members spend a lot of time together and create a bond while not working.

Crew cabins are often split up into several different floors, and those on the same floor sometimes form their own little community. 

During their free time, the cruise ship crew members socialize and hang out on their floors in the crew bar. They even have after-hour parties and partake in different games. They may also have their own private front and back crew deck; in some cases, there may even be a crew pool. 

Conclusion

A cruise ship can have hundreds, if not thousands, of crew members on board, which makes the crew quarters on a cruise ship quite an essential part of the ship.

Read Also: How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make?

Crew members need to live on the ship for months at a time, which means they need to be able to eat, stay fit, and have time for leisure. That’s why you’ll find a variety of crew facilities below deck to help them enjoy their life onboard as cruise staff.

To a certain extent, crew quarters on cruise ships have many of the same features that cruise ship guests can access.

Cruise ships have all types of interesting terms and unique features. A word you may commonly hear on a cruise ship is “Pullman bed.” But what is a Pullman bed on a cruise ship, and how do they work?

In this article, you’ll learn what a Pullman bed is, why you might consider a cabin with one, and everything else you need to know about this type of bed.

What Is a Pullman Bed on a Cruise Ship?

A Pullman bed is a bed that either pulls down from the ceiling or comes out from the wall of a cruise ship cabin. 

A Pullman bed’s purpose isn’t to serve as a main bed in a cabin. Ideally, it’s meant to create extra space in a cruise ship cabin in the living area while allowing additional people to sleep in the room. When not in use, the Pullman bed swiftly folds back to where it came from – whether that be the wall or the ceiling – making your cabin feel bigger.

Choosing a cabin with a Pullman bed instead of an additional bed is generally a cheaper option, especially if you have young children or teenagers who would be sleeping on the Pullman bed.

Now that you know what a Pullman bed on a cruise ship is, are you wondering how the Pullman bed came to be? Let’s walk through a brief history lesson.

Pullman Bed History

The Pullman bed was invented by inventor George Pullman in the 19th century. Pullman beds were initially designed to solve the problem of cramped, uncomfortable sleeping quarters in the railway systems at the time. 

As a result, Pullman unveiled the Pullman sleeper – a “luxurious” alternative to cramped sleeping quarters on transportation. This invention became a huge success and continues to be used today in cruise ships.

How Do You Set up a Pullman Bed?

Pullman beds are generally not very easy to set up yourself, especially if they drop from the ceiling, as there’s often a ladder involved. 

You’ll need the help of a cabin steward to lift it in and out. A cabin steward usually takes over this role entirely, lowering it in the evening and raising it for you in the morning every day. They know how to ensure that the Pullman bed is secure and that the proper railings are in place to ensure the safety of the person sleeping on it. 

Who Can Sleep on a Pullman Bed?

Today, Pullman beds are often meant for families with children. However, it’s possible for adults to also sleep on a Pullman bed. They’re usually the length of a regular bed. A stateroom with a Pullman bed is an excellent alternative for a group of friends with a tight budget.

That said, they are often recommended for children because they have a weight limit. The weight limits vary based on cruise lines but are usually around 200 pounds. 

Generally, heavy people should refrain from sleeping on Pullman beds for safety reasons, and it’s essential to remember this when booking your cruise cabins. 

Pullman Bed Safety Concerns for Children

Although many families choose to let their children sleep on Pullman beds during their cruise, there are a few safety concerns that you must still look out for.

The main concern is guard rails, especially if you have young children. The guard rails on Pullman beds differ significantly, from high rails to ones that barely appear above the mattress. 

If your young child is prone to rolling and there’s a risk that they might fall off the bed, it’s a good idea to let someone else sleep on the Pullman bed. You can also ask for extra pillows or an extra guard rail, although not many ships may offer this option.

How Comfortable Are Pullman Beds?

For the most part, Pullman beds are just as comfortable as the other beds in your cruise cabin. They’re usually more comfortable than a sofa bed because they use actual mattresses.

That said, it’s important to remember that Pullman beds are single beds, so you won’t have much space while you sleep. 

What’s more, Pullman beds that come out of the ceiling are generally pretty high and require a ladder to get on and off the bed. This makes these beds unsuitable for those with mobility issues.

If you get up multiple times a night, the bed could also cause problems for others trying to sleep in your cruise cabin, as the noise from the ladder may wake them. 

Wrap-Up: Using a Pullman Bed on a Cruise Ship

To recap, Pullman beds pull out of the ceiling or wall of a stateroom on a cruise ship. Children and adults alike can comfortably sleep on these beds, and they allow you to fit your entire family or party in one room.

Read Also: What to Expect in a Cruise Ship Porthole Cabin

Pullman beds are a great way to use space on cruise ships. Cabins with Pullman beds are generally a more affordable option, and the cabin steward raises and lowers the bed so that all you have to worry about is a good night’s rest. 

Hopefully, this article has answered more than “what is a Pullman bed on a cruise ship” and that you’ve discovered a new option for your next cruise!