What is life like working on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship jobs have a number of distinctive features that separate them from land-based jobs. Business Insider spoke with 39 current and former cruise line employees who described what it’s like to live and work on a cruise ship. They described long hours, bad food, and an intense hookup culture.

How long do employees work on a cruise ship?

Rather than working traditional five-day weeks, cruise-ship employees often work seven days a week for the duration of their contracts, which can range from about two months to 11 months. The hours can also be intense, from eight to nearly 20 hours a day.

How much do you make working on a cruise ship?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $105,000 and as low as $17,000, the majority of Cruise Ship Worker salaries currently range between $26,500 (25th percentile) to $55,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $96,000 annually across the United States.

Where do cruise ship employees sleep?

The beds are singles, often bunk beds. They have room stewards who dust and vacuum. There are also laundry rooms for use by crewmembers. Crewmembers live on the lower deck, usually two to a cabin.

Do cruise workers get a day off?

It’s a common misconception that life as a cruise ship worker is just one big holiday. Regardless of the role employees take, they can expect to work hard. Crew members work every day of their contract, taking time off in hours rather than in full days.

Do cruise ship workers pay taxes?

If you work on a U.S. Flagged ship, you will pay all applicable federal, state and local taxes. If you are assigned to an international ship, it will be your responsibility to report income earned when you return to your respective country.

Do cruise ship employees get free food?

Often there will be regional dishes from the crew members’ home countries. How many dining venues and where they are located, will vary from ship to ship.

How do you get hired on a cruise ship?

Reach out to friends, family members, crew forums and do some You Tube searches on cruise ship jobs and employment. Contact your country’s official hiring partners and speak with a Cruise Ship Employment Specialist. These specialists have not only worked onboard but has also been involved with recruitment as well.