Celebrity Cruises has scheduled two preview sailings of its new Celebrity Ascent, allowing eager cruisers to get a sneak peek at the vessel even before her inaugural cruise in December 2023. The ship is the fourth in the line’s popular Edge class.
First-Look Sailings in November 2023 for Celebrity Ascent
Two preview cruises aboard Celebrity Cruises’ new-build Celebrity Ascent, now under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, have opened for bookings. Both sailings are roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.
The first is a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise departing November 22, 2023, giving cruisers a Thanksgiving week getaway. The ship will call at Cozumel. The second preview sailing is a 3-night Bahamas cruise departing November 26, 2023, and calling at Nassau, Bahamas.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said,“This ship is going to be beautiful beyond words – truly the embodiment of a relaxed luxury resort at sea – and I’m thrilled to be able to offer travelers a sneak peek of all that she offers.”
She added, “These sampler sailings will cement in our guests’ hearts that the experience onboard a Celebrity ship goes beyond being a traditional cruise line, and they will definitely leave them wanting more in the year ahead!”
The 3,260-guest Celebrity Ascent is a twin ship to Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022. The line’s first Edge class ship was Celebrity Edge, which launched in 2018. The third in the class, Celebrity Apex, entered service in 2021.
Celebrity Ascent marked a construction milestone in late January 2023, when she was floated out of dry dock at the French shipyard.
Her maiden voyage is slated for December 3, 2023, from Port Everglades. The 7-night Western Caribbean cruise will call at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata. Alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises will follow the inaugural voyage.
Western Caribbean itineraries include calls to Nassau, Bahamas, Cozumel, Mexico, and George Town in the Cayman Islands. Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.
Edge Class Amenities Onboard
Celebrity Ascent will feature the same amenities and experiences as the previous Edge class ships, including two-story villa staterooms, two-story martini-shaped hot tubs, and the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered bar that sits on the edge of the ship, among other innovations.
The ship will offer infinity plunge pools, private cabanas and a two-story Sunset Bar. Dining choices will feature the line’s popular Le Petit Chef Dinner Experience, Eden Restaurant, with dramatic three-story, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, serving global cuisine.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
Ship designers include the award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen; American designer Nate Berkus; the Paris-based design firm Jouin Manku; British architect Tom Wright, and Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud, creator of Le Voyage.
Brothers at the Helm
In January 2023, the line announced that in an industry first, two brothers, both veteran Celebrity Cruises’ officers with a combined 50 years of service to the cruise line, will co-captain Celebrity Ascent. Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis will each have three-month rotating assignments on the 140,600 gross ton ship.
Their appointments marked the second time Celebrity Cruises has made history on the bridge: The line in 2015 announced the selection of Kate McCue as captain of Celebrity Edge, making her the industry’s first female cruise ship captain.
Royal Caribbean has announced a cruise cancellation for the Mariner of the Seas just over two weeks before the departure. The cancellation is due to a dry dock currently taking place in Cadiz, Spain, which is taking longer than anticipated.
The maintenance work being done on the ship includes new paint, an upgrade to the pool deck and waterslides, maintenance to the propellors, and general hotel and engine maintenance work.
Mariner of the Seas Cruise Cancelled
It seems like a terrible prank. Still, guests booked onboard the Mariner of the Seas for a 5-night cruise on April 1, 2023, from Port Canaveral will be disappointed to learn that Royal Caribbean has indeed cancelled their cruise.
The cancelled voyage was a western Caribbean cruise scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, and make stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Port Canaveral.
Guests booked on this voyage have been notified of the cancellation. They have been provided with options to either re-book on a future Royal Caribbean sailing or receive a full refund.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
In the letter sent to guests, Royal Caribbean stated:“We’re continuously working to enhance our ships and the many amenities they have to offer. Mariner of the Seas is currently undergoing dry dock for routine maintenance and exciting, which will require some extra time for these upgrades to be completed.”
“Regrettably, this means our April 1st, 2023 cruise has been canceled. We know this news is disappointing, and we apologize for the impact on your cruise.”
As the maintenance is relatively straightforward, it seems strange that Mariner of the Seas would be delayed. However, as with many other European countries, Spain, including Cadiz, has seen a fair share of strikes, in particular in the metal industries. This would explain any delays that the vessel incurred during the dry dock, which started at the end of February.
Refund and Rebook Options for Guests
Royal Caribbean outlined several options for affected guests to either rebook or get a full refund.
Under Option 1, guests can re-book on any Royal Caribbean sailing with a future cruise credit. The cruise line will waive non-refundable deposit change fees, but guests will be responsible for any price difference.
Guests will receive a refund if the cruise fare rate decreases. They’ll also be reimbursed for non-refundable transportation change fees and receive a 50% future cruise credit to book and sail on a new sailing by April 1st, 2024.
Photo Credit: Alexanderphoto7 / Shutterstock
Under the second option, guests can receive a full refund of any paid portion of their cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities. They’ll also be reimbursed for non-refundable transportation change fees and automatically receive a 50% future cruise credit to book and sail on a new sailing by April 1st, 2024.
Guests who don’t make a decision by March 29th, 2023, will automatically be included in the group of guests that chooses option 2.
Mariner of the Seas is expected to return to operation on April 6, 2023, with a 4-night Western Caribbean Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, stopping in Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Port Canaveral.
Mariner of the Seas is one of the five Voyager-class cruise ships owned by Royal Caribbean International. The ship can accommodate up to 4,252 passengers. After a month-long refit costing US$120 million in 2018 under the Royal Amplified program, the ship’s tonnage was increased from 138,279 to 139,863 gross tons.
MSC Cruises has announced a new partnership with Formula 1 to offer an unparalleled Grand Prix hospitality experience on board MSC Virtuosa during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2023.
As part of MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1, this unique offering promises to bring the trackside thrills of the final race of the season to the cruise ship. MSC Virtuosa will serve as a hotel for race fans throughout the weekend while docked at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, just a short drive from the circuit.
MSC Cruises and F1 Take Partnership Further
MSC Cruises and Formula 1 are extending their partnership beyond the sponsorship around the races, as the cruise line has announced an exciting new collaboration that takes race weekend accommodation to the next level.
F1 and MSC Cruises will provide a fully integrated Grand Prix experience to create an unrivaled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.
MSC Virtuosa will be transformed into an F1 hotel during the upcoming Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix between November 24 and 26, 2023. The cruise line offers a wide range of packages to stay onboard. MSC Virtuosa has space for 4,842 guests at double occupancy.
Photo Credit: Wayleebird / Shutterstock.com
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented,“Through this exclusive hospitality offering, we are bringing together the very best of two worlds – Formula 1 and MSC Cruises. By collaborating together, we are integrating the incredible atmosphere at the track with the incredible experience on board our ships to create an unrivaled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.”
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the 2023 race season, which only started last week with the race in Bahrain. Guests will be able to take advantage of exclusive insider access and all-in-one race packages while sleeping comfortably onboard the 181,000 gross tons MSC Virtuosa.
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said:“We are delighted to join forces with MSC Cruises and bring fans a unique and unparalleled hospitality experience during the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™. With luxurious accommodations, exclusive insider access, and the convenience of all-in-one race packages, we’re confident that this partnership will make the race weekend truly unforgettable.”
Formula 1 and MSC Cruises have had a successful partnership since the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022. The cruise line is the official cruise partner for Formula 1.
Race Weekend Experience
All packages include various accommodation options, including elegant cabins and deluxe suites, all with half board, complimentary Wi-Fi, and transfers to and from the track. Fans can choose from a variety of different packages that combine accommodation, race tickets, and exclusive insider access.
MSc Cruises and Formula 1 (Photo Credit: motorsports Photographer / Shutterstock)
Guests can even purchase a package that includes a pit lane walk, a guided track tour on a flatbed truck, Formula 1 personnel appearances, and more.
The festive atmosphere will continue aboard for guests, as the specially designed program of themed activities, parties, and entertainment, as well as a dedicated kids’ program, will keep the thrills going even after the race has ended.
MSC Partnered with Major Sporting Events Before
Utilizing cruise ships as hotels during race weekends is a wise decision by Formula 1 organizers. This approach eliminates the need to construct large hotels to accommodate the thousands of race fans who attend each race while still providing them with excellent accommodations and bonus amenities.
This is not the first time that MSC has brought the world of sports to its ships. MSC World Europa played a huge role during the FIFA World Cup, housing thousands of fans from around the world in Qatar. The ship offered guests a unique and immersive football experience, complete with live broadcasts of the matches, special guest appearances, and football-themed activities.
Many people are fascinated with the idea of working on a cruise ship. After all, you get to travel the world, meet amazing people, and live at sea, all while earning money!
How to get a job on a cruise ship isn’t widely known. The process isn’t as simple as going on a job board and emailing your resume. You need to know certain things about getting a job on a cruise ship, especially if you have no experience.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to learn precisely how to get a job on a cruise ship. Keep reading to discover ten tips for securing your dream job on your favorite cruise line!
While working on a cruise ship seems like fun and games, crew members work very hard to ensure the enjoyment and safety of guests and all passengers onboard.
Cruise ship workers tend to work long hours. What’s more, some workers work seven days a week, with few days off, if any. The pay on a cruise ship varies greatly. It can range from a few hundred dollars a month for a cleaner to over $100,000 yearly salary for a director.
If you have little to no experience, chances are that you won’t be clearing $100,000 your first year. However, many positions are flexible, with room to advance as you gain seniority onboard.
Finally, you need to understand what to expect from living conditions on a cruise ship, from what the crew quarters look like to your food, laundry, and leisure options.
2. Figure Out the Job You Want
What’s exciting about cruise ships is the large number of positions available onboard. That’s why an important consideration when figuring out how to get a job on a cruise ship is to figure out precisely what job you want.
When considering cruise ship jobs, many people only consider the positions that guests regularly interact with, such as wait staff and performers. However, there are more jobs on a cruise ship than you can imagine.
Crew Member on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Pierre Jean Durieu / Shutterstock)
For example, did you know that every cruise ship has at least one doctor? There’s also a firefighter on board, although fires on cruises are extremely rare.
While the two examples above require extensive experience, there are a variety of other cruise jobs that require little to no experience and can get you working on a cruise ship much sooner. Some of these cruise ship jobs include:
Galley (kitchen) cleaner
Bell staff
Line cook
Other positions to consider, depending on your experience and interest, include:
Bartender
Youth Staff
Activity coordinator
Lifeguard
Entertainer
3. Know the Basic Requirements
Once you know what you’d like to do on a cruise ship, you should look into the requirements to fill that position successfully.
However, there are a few basic requirements that you need to fulfill no matter what position you apply for before you can even consider working on a cruise ship. Here are some of those requirements:
Photo Credit: Benjamin Clapp / Shutterstock
You must be 18 or 21 years old to work on a cruise ship, depending on your country of residence
You must meet the language requirements and be fluent
Have a valid passport and proper visa/work permit
Pass a medical exam and criminal background check
Depending on the job and cruise company you apply to, there may be additional requirements that you must fulfill.
4. Get the Proper Qualifications
If you’re interested in a particular cruise job but need additional qualifications, make sure to fulfill those qualifications before you apply. This could be as simple as improving your fluency in a specific language or receiving a diploma in a particular field.
Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
Whether that be further education or work experience, fulfilling those requirements ensures that you’re prepared for the job.
5. Research Cruise Companies
No two cruise companies are the same, so the same position at two different cruise lines may differ significantly.
When learning how to get a job on a cruise ship, it’s essential to research the cruise ships themselves to determine which one is the perfect fit for you. Some popular cruise lines you may want to consider include:
While conducting your research for each cruise line, make sure to take note of these factors:
Job descriptions
Opportunities for advancement
Salary
Food
Any additional worker policies
6. Talk to Current Crew Members
You must understand how vital company culture is when choosing a new workplace. The same goes for cruise ships.
Another important point when choosing a cruise line to apply to is the staff culture. Every cruise ship has a different culture, and considering that you will be living on the ship, it’s crucial to ensure that that culture aligns with your values.
The best way to verify a cruise ship’s company culture is by reaching out to current and past crew members and hearing about their experiences.
You can look up crew members to learn about what it’s like to work for a specific cruise line and contact them by email or set up a phone call or video chat. This will give you the best insight into whether a cruise line is right for you.
7. Prepare Your Resume
You’ve researched, gathered your information, and know you’re qualified for the job. Now it’s time to prepare your application.
Start by updating your resume to cater to the specific job and cruise line you’re applying to. If you’re applying to more than one line, you’ll want to cater your documents to each company.
You’ll also need a cover letter that explains why you want to work for that specific cruise line and why you’re the best person for the job. Make sure to prepare any additional documents that your cruise line may require. Have someone review your documents to proofread for errors before submitting them.
Once your application is prepared, you can apply for your dream job! For some cruise lines, you can apply directly to their head office online. Others use an agency to recruit talent. Beware, however, as some fraudulent companies pretend to be cruise lines.
Make sure you understand the application instructions for the specific company you’re applying to and know the deadlines.
9. Prepare for the Interview
If all goes well with your application, the cruise line will contact you for an interview. You may be subject to a screening session before an official interview to verify that you meet all the job requirements.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
Interviews are held in person or online, although online interviews have become more and more common. The key is to be prepared for the interview. Show up on time and as if you researched the cruise company and the job itself. Prepare for the most general interview question, as well as to ask any questions you may have yourself.
Don’t forget to show enthusiasm and explain why you’re excited to work on that specific cruise line.
10. Celebrate and Prepare to Embark!
By this point, celebrations are hopefully in order as you’ve landed your dream cruise ship job!
Now all that’s left is to pack your bags and prepare for the start of your contract date as a crew member. Be sure to fulfill any final requirements that your new employer may ask of you, such as up-to-date vaccination.
Conclusion: Getting a Job on a Cruise Ship Is No Vacation
If you’re ready to get paid to visit ports around the world, then what are you waiting for? Now that you know how to get a job on a cruise ship, nothing is stopping you from landing that dream position and traveling the world. There’s a position onboard a cruise ship for everyone, no matter your profession, experience level, or passion. If you want a further look into what working on a cruise ship is really like, check out this article.
Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new range of non-alcoholic cocktails, offering guests an alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. The drinks are based on some of the most popular cocktails served at Carnival’s Alchemy Bar, a destination for cocktail enthusiasts on almost every Carnival ship sailing from the US.
The cocktails are created using non-alcoholic spirits produced by Lyre’s, a leading brand in the emerging market of non-alcoholic spirits, which has been called the ‘finest range of non-alcoholic spirits the world has ever seen.’
Carnival Announces Partnership with Lyre’s
Carnival Cruise Line announced the release of a new line of non-alcoholic cocktails today, March 14. The new cocktails are created using non-alcoholic spirits produced by Lyre’s, a worldwide trendsetter in non-alcoholic spirits. With this partnership, Carnival becomes the first cruise line to offer a full range of alcohol-free cocktails.
According to Zachary Sulkes, Carnival’s senior director of beverage operations, the partnership with Lyre’s gives guests who want non-alcoholic cocktails a great option to enjoy a cocktail onboard.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Zachary Sulkes, Carnival’s senior director of beverage operations:“Our new partnership with Lyre’s gives guests who want non-alcoholic cocktails the best options at sea. We’ve seen the popularity of non-alcoholic cocktails grow rapidly, so to meet that trend, our mixologists have been working to craft alternative versions of our most popular cocktails with none of the alcohol but all the flavor.”
Lyre’s uses all-natural flavors, including essences, extracts, and distillates, to match the aroma, taste, and appearance of time-tested classics. The company’s spirits have been awarded multiple times and have earned recognition as the world’s most-awarded line of non-alcoholic spirits.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
The new range of non-alcoholic cocktails is based on seven popular Alchemy Bar cocktails, including the Martini Seduction, Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini, The Remedy, Hearts of Fire, Restorative Basil Drop, The Perfect Storm, and Cucumber Sunrise.
These cocktails have been reimagined using Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits to offer guests a similar experience as their alcoholic counterparts.
Alchemy Bar: The Place to Be
Alchemy Bar is a prominent feature of Carnival cruise ships, with a dedicated focus on crafting and serving cocktails. It distinguishes itself from typical bars on Carnival Cruise Line ships and other cruise line’s ships by providing a personalized experience where guests can engage with their bartender and witness the creation of bespoke cocktails.
The bar offers a diverse selection of premium cocktails, carefully crafted from fresh ingredients by highly skilled bartenders.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
For cocktail enthusiasts, a visit to Alchemy Bar is highly recommended. Observing the bartenders at work is a unique experience and makes the bar a top destination for enthusiasts who enjoy seeing a professional mixologist at work. While beer and soda are not available at Alchemy Bar, the exceptional cocktails more than make up for it.
The new non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails will be available at the Alchemy Bar on ships homeported in the United States immediately and on the Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor cruise ships in Australia at a later date.
Along with the full range of non-alcoholic cocktails offered at Alchemy Bar, Carnival’s main dining rooms now serve Lyre’s alcohol-free prosecco.
MSC Cruises has partnered with Guinness World Records to elevate its onboard entertainment offerings. Officials will be on hand to allow guests to test their skills and break records during their cruise vacation.
To add to the excitement, guests who do break a record will be awarded a genuine, official Guinness World Records certificate to show off with.
Expanding Onboard Entertainment with Guinness World Records
MSC Cruises announced a partnership with Guinness World Records today, March 13. The worldwide authority for incredible record-breaking titles is the cruise line’s new partner for a new element to the onboard entertainment offerings. This unique program allows guests to test their skills and attempt to break Guinness World Records.
The new partnership is part of MSC Cruises’ strategy to expand its onboard entertainment programs for guests. According to Steve Leatham, Global Head of Entertainment at MSC Cruises, the aim is to take entertainment to the next level and provide guests with unique and enriching experiences at the highest level.
Photo Credit: Nate Hovee / Shutterstock
Steve Leatham, Global Head of Entertainment at MSC Cruises: “We’re delighted to join forces with Guinness World Records. We’re always on the hunt for new and engaging concepts for our guests. This partnership provides unique and enriching entertainment at the highest level, and we look forward to continuing to offer a dynamic range of exciting experiences for guests of all ages.”
Activities will include live shows, inviting guests to attempt to break Guinness World Records and make their way into the record books. The highlight of the program is the Records Show, an onboard version of the Guinness World Records TV show, featuring a range of record-breaking activities from audience participation, individual guests, and even the ship’s crew.
Marco Frigatti, SVP Consultancy at Guinness World Records, said:“There’s no better way to bring the magic of Guinness World Records to life than to host a live show like this. Families exploring the world on an MSC Cruise can explore the incredible world of record-breaking at the same time – and even become a part of it too!”
Guests can also participate in a trivia challenge to test their knowledge of Guinness World Records through the Guinness World Records Facts program. Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy a variety of action-packed children’s programs, including entertaining challenges, quizzes, and educational shows, providing endless engaging entertainment for both children and teens.
Available onboard Three Cruise Ships
The Guinness World Records activities are now available on board MSC Seascape and MSC World Europa, as well as the highly-anticipated newest flagship, MSC Euribia, starting in June of this year.
MSC Seascape is sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, with stops in Ocean Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Photo Credit: MSC Cruises
Meanwhile, the spectacular MSC World Europa operates from Doha, Qatar, through March 24. Afterward, she will embark on a 19-night MSC Grand Voyage from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Muscat, Oman; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Naples, Civitavecchia; and Genoa, Italy. She will then spend the summer in the Mediterranean.
MSC Euribia will join the MSC fleet in June this year. After her inauguration in Copenhagen, the LNG-powered cruise ship will embark on a series of cruises sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, Kiel, Germany, and Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to various ports around Northern Europe.
Guests onboard any of these cruise ships can participate in the Guinness World Records program and attempt to break world records. A Guinness World Record Official Adjudicator will verify any new record breakers and award guests a genuine Guinness World Records certificate.
Carnival Cruise Line has won kudos for being among the top companies for Latino employees. An award from Latino Leaders Magazine follows several other honors the cruise line and its parent company have received for employee diversity and inclusivity.
Carnival is a Top Company for Latinos
Carnival Cruise Line was named one of the top 25 Best Companies for Latinos to Work in 2023 by the editors of Latino Leaders Magazine. The Fun Ship line is featured in the February edition of the publication, along with other industries on the prestigious list. The magazine showcases and promotes leadership in the Latino community.
The criteria for receiving the honor is inclusivity-focused, and is based on outreach and recruitment initiatives; career opportunities; internal support programs to promote and retain Latino team members; leadership development efforts; diversity representation in the boardroom and C-Suite; percentage of Hispanic employees; and community service.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said,“Every day we are committed to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for our team members, as well as our guests, and to a welcoming environment that allows everyone to feel valued and respected.”
Duffy added, “Carnival is a daily reminder of how travel and tourism help break down barriers, build friendships, and promote a greater understanding among people, so we’re very grateful and honored to be recognized as a top employer for Latinos.”
In 2021 and 2022, Carnival Corporation was named one of the best places to work for Latinos by Latino Leaders Magazine. Also, in 2022, Carnival received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, designating the company as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the sixth consecutive year. In 2021, it was named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers and one of the World’s Top Female Friendly Companies.
In addition to Carnival Cruise Line, the company’s brands include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises and Cunard.
Crew Hails From 100 Countries
Carnival Cruise Line employs about 40,000 staff across its 24-ship fleet, with crew hailing from 100-plus countries. The far-flung home countries of its crew members posed a challenge for the line when the pandemic forced cruise lines to suspend operations in 2020 and repatriate their crews.
In April 2020, the Miami-based cruise line launched a major effort to return crew members to their home countries. The plan called for 18 Carnival ships to rendezvous in the Bahamas, where some 10,000 crew members from international countries were assigned to board one of nine ships designated to take them to their home countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, India and Latin America.
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.
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.
Photo Copyright Cruise Hive
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.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
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.
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.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
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.
Crew Mess (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
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.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
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.
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.
During a recent Royal Caribbean cruise, a cruise passenger tackled a magician on stage during a performance, which was caught in video footage. It comes as the magician was doing a magic trick with a female guest, who was invited on stage.
Quantum of the Seas Magian Tackled on Stage
Guests on a recent Quantum of the Seas cruise in Australia witnessed something they did not expect during an onboard performance. Magician Ben Murphy was performing on stage on March 1, 2023 towards the end of a five-night voyage.
While Murphy was performing one of his tricks on stage, he invited a female passenger to take part, something which is common during magician shows. He was doing the trick with folded cards in his mouth and the invited female guest’s mouth.
Magician Card Trick With Guest
Video footage by someone in the audience captured the passenger swiftly approaching the stage and tackling the magician as he was close to the invited guest. Murphy was tackled to the floor in front of the audience in the main show theater.
The footage, which was posted by Murphy, is now trending across social media. On his TikTok and Instagram, he said,“Entertainment, comedy, and magic are NOT contact sports.” Despite the incident, Murphy continued on with the show and posted,“finished the show (25 minutes remained. And did 2 more shows 4 nights later).”
Magician Tackled on Cruise Ship
The incident occurred on the February 26 sailing, out of Brisbane, Australia. The voyage included visits to Eden and Sydney before returning to Brisbane on March 3. The ship is one of two Australia-based vessels, as sister ship Ovation of the Seas is operating out of Sydney.
Ben Murphy is a popular Australian magician and does not just perform onboard cruise ships. According to his personal website, he had over five international primetime special tv shows, performed a season at The Pullman Reef Hotel and Casino in Cairnes, shows in Melbourne, a full season in the US, and even performed for royalty.
Photo Credit: Mohd Syis Zulkipli / Shutterstock
Royal Caribbean has not yet commented or released a statement about the incident on Quantum of the Seas. According to multiple reports, the male guest who made the tackle was allowed to continue enjoying the cruise. Murphy also posted, “This guest should not have been allowed to enjoy the rest of his cruise.”
The cruise line has a strict guest conduct policy across the entire fleet, which covers onboard a cruise ship, going ashore, and in the terminal. Within the policy, the cruise line states, “Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted. This includes: uninvited physical contact.” Royal Caribbean lists eight actions that could be taken, depending on the incident.
