cruise ship staff bedroom

Cruise Ship Crew Accommodations

One of the most common questions cruise ship job applicants have is what the crew cabins and facilities like onboard a cruise ship. Find out where the cabins are located and what to expect from your home away from home. Learn where the crew eat and where they can spend their free time onboard.

Location of Crew and Officer Cabins

There is a misconception that all crew and officers live below the water line. The fact is that there are crew accommodations throughout almost all the decks of the ship. It is true that the lowest ranking crew have their cabins on deck two and three below the water line, here is where else they live.

Some departments have their officers on decks that are close to where they work. For example, most engineer officers will have their cabins on the same deck as the engine control room which is located around deck four. This deck is just above the water line and many junior engine officers will typically have a porthole.

There are many cabins located on that particular deck because the whole deck is a crew only area. Typically that deck (usually deck 4) houses all provisions, food prep areas, the crew mess, crew office, and a corridor that goes from one end of the ship to the other.

Comparatively, most deck officers will have their cabins close to the bridge at the forward part of the ship. On many cruise ships, the forward part of deck 5 and deck 6 are also officer cabin areas with the outside cabins occupied by senior officers.

Layout of Crew and Officer Cabins

With every new ship built, cruise lines are taking the comfort of their crew into consideration. For example on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas there are more single cabins for crew compared to other cruise ships (see video of at single cabin on Oasis of the Seas, last video on this page.)  Note that this type of single cabin shares a bathroom with their next door neighbour. Here are the other types of crew and officer cabins that you can expect on a cruise ship:

Captain’s Cabin – This cabin is the biggest and best cabin out of all the officer’s cabins, obviously. But, the size and amenities of the Captain’s cabin varies from cruise line to cruise line and from ship to ship. Some of the largest Captain’s cabins feature a separate bedroom, a living room, dining room, bathroom with bathtub, and an office. He also has access to his own pantry and his own conference room.

Senior Officer Cabin – This type of cabin also varies from ship to ship, but is considered the best after the Captain’s cabin. They usually have a separate bedroom, a living room and a bathroom with a bathtub. Their office is typically located within their department rather than close to their cabin.

Junior Officer Cabin – Depending on the cruise line will determine if you are considered a junior officer and thereby get a better cabin than other crew. These types of cabins may also be given to staff holding a managerial position. A junior officer cabin is a single cabin where you don’t have to share your room or your bathroom. It may or may not have a porthole or window, depending on rank.

Deluxe Crew Cabin – This type of cabin is where two crew members share a cabin, typically with bunk beds. They also share a bathroom with each other. These types of cabins are small and don’t have a porthole or a window.

Amenities in the Crew Accommodation

Depending on how new the cruise ship is will determine how well the cabin is set up and how new the amenities are inside the cabin. Typically each cabin has one TV. Sometimes, you may get lucky that a previous crew member has left behind a DVD player or a stereo. There is always a mini fridge to be shared with your cabin mates.

The bathrooms are small in even the largest of cabins. There isn’t a lot of space to put toiletries especially if you have to share the space. There is a single wardrobe for each crew member and the space to keep your empty luggage comes down to creativity. There may be space under a bed or above a wardrobe.

Where Crew Eat On Board Cruise Ships

Where you will eat will also depend on your cruise job which is categorized by rank. Lowest ranking crew have only one option, the crew mess. The crew mess is a cafeteria style setting. There are TVs and some crew like to bring their laptops there because there is typically a WiFi signal there.

On large ships there is a Staff Mess which is offered for people that work for one of the onboard concessions such as spa, the gift shops and the photographers. The Staff Mess is typically a mini-crew mess.

There is also an Officer’s Mess onboard each cruise ship. Depending on what the cruise line considers an officer will determine who is allowed to eat there. This is a sit down service where officers are given a menu that they me choose their meal off of.

Officers and some crew members are also allowed to eat in the passengers’ buffet restaurant. Most crew are also permitted to eat in the specialty restaurants on the ship. Generally, they must pay the price that the passengers pay and they may need approval from their head of department for this occasion.

Crew Facilities on a Cruise Ship

Depending on the cruise ship, there are also a range of crew facilities (usually the bigger and newer the ship, the better the facilities). Most cruise ships have at least a crew recreation area that can be used as a crew internet area and a disco in the evening hours. On bigger ships, these facilities are separated into three separate areas. These spaces are equipped with table games, board games, library of books and DVDs and comfortable sitting areas.

Other facilities for crew include a number of crew and officer launderettes, a crew gym, and a crew store. Officers and some crew members are also permitted to use the passenger gym facilities. More and more cruise ships are making all crew cabins wireless (need to purchase prepaid internet card).

Videos of Cruise Ship Crew Accommodations

Princess Cruises:  Crew cabin on board Golden Princess

Carnival Cruise Lines: Crew Cabin on Carnival Dream

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Officer Cabin on Norwegian Jewel

Royal Caribbean: Crew Areas on Voyager of the Seas

Royal Caribbean: Crew Cabin on Oasis of the Seas

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Cruise-ship workers describe the tiny cabins they live in, where up to 4 roommates can share a tight space

One of the perks of living on a cruise ship is not having to find housing or pay rent. But for some, it comes with a price: small, spare living quarters.

• That's particularly true for lower-paid workers like waiters, bar servers, and those in customer-service roles, known as crew or staff members.
• Some of the 39 current and former cruise-ship employees who spoke with Business Insider said they didn't have much room to move in their cabins.
• Managers and those responsible for steering the ship, known as officers, get their own rooms, but they aren't necessarily luxurious.
• Sign up for Business Insider's transportation newsletter, Shifting Gears, to get more stories like this in your inbox .
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

That's particularly true for lower-paid workers like waiters, bar servers, and those in customer-service roles, known as crew or staff members. Some of the 39 current and former cruise-ship employees who spoke with Business Insider said they didn't have much room to move in their cabins. (Most of those mentioned in this story requested anonymity due to a fear of reprisal from their former employer.)

"I was sharing a cabin with another hostess, so obviously we'd have to get ready at the same time, and it was not possible," a former hostess for Costa Cruises said. "We'd have to take turns."

Costa Cruises did not respond to a request for comment.

"I couldn't open up my arms without hitting something," a former art-auction contractor who worked on a ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line said. "It was so narrow."

Norwegian Cruise Line did not respond to a request for comment.

Related stories

Read more: Cruise-ship workers reveal what it's really like to live at sea

Crew and staff members often have one roommate, though they sometimes have three. Their rooms are furnished simply, giving occupants some combination of a bed, a desk, a closet, a few shelves, and a small bathroom. Workers may also share a bathroom with the room next to theirs or use a communal bathroom with the rest of their floor-mates.

"Seafarers on cruise ships are indispensable to the industry and the cruise travel experience," said a representative for the Cruise Lines International Association, a trade association for the cruise industry. "While space constraints are always something cruise lines have to keep in mind both from a crew and guest perspective, crew members almost always have access to other sections of the ship that are just for them, such as gyms, pools, dining areas, and lounges."

Managers and those responsible for steering the ship, known as officers, get their own rooms, though they aren't necessarily luxurious. In addition to extra space, they may have a few additional accessories, like a television or a refrigerator.

"Compared to some of the crew cabins, you had a nice cabin," said a former inventory manager for Royal Caribbean Cruises.

But when you're used to having a roommate, moving to a solo cabin can seem like a major upgrade.

"The solo cabin was actually humongous," said Chad Stone, a former production manager for Seabourn Cruise Line who moved from a shared room to an individual one after receiving a promotion. "I couldn't believe how big it was."

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at [email protected] .

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Inside Crew Cabins on Cruise Ship

Standard crew cabins have: - Beds (usually bunk beds). - Toilet/shower cubicle (some of the ships share one bathroom between two cabins, or the older ships have common shower areas for female or male crew). - Small to medium wardrobe cabinet. - Writing desk with drawers. - Phone. - TV and DVD/VCR player. - Small refrigerators (rarely, but some crew cabins have them). - Chairs (usually one or two). - Safe boxes. - Mirror.

You need to keep the cabin clean and tidy because you share it with different people from different cultures. Also, there are cabin inspections from time to time in order to make sure that you are living within the rules laid down by the cruise company.

See Crew cabin Gallery

There is a range of crew facilities including bars, open deck area, gym, laundry, crew mess, staff mess, officers mess, disco, accommodation, recreation area, pool, and some even sauna, especially for the crew.

Press here to take a look inside other cruise ship crew areas.

Take a look at MSC Meraviglia Crew Cabins

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Where do cruise ship staff sleep?

Home » Where do cruise ship staff sleep?

Last updated on July 11th, 2023 at 09:50 am

The officers, supervisors, staff and crew have a hierarchy depending on the job they are performing. For someone at the “bottom” of the hierarchy, their cabins are often small, and the space is shared, with little room for anything other than essentials.

Cruise ship staff stay on the ship. Even ships with several thousand passengers have room for all the staff to sleep on the ship. 

On a cruise ship, there are lower decks that aren’t seen by the public and this is where the crew areas are located. Most passenger decks start at Deck 2, but there is quite a bit more space in the hull of the ship, even below the waterline. 

The higher up the job ladder, the more space and privacy (and windows) they’ll have. 

The staff living areas have everything you would expect to find. Cabins usually for 2 people per room, eating areas, a bar, recreation rooms, offices and exercise facilities.

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Life Onboard a Cruise Ship: 18 Crew Cabins Must-Haves

18 cruise ship crew cabins’ must-haves

Being a cruise ship crew member is both a challenging and rewarding experience. Living several months onboard a cruise ship, in a small cabin usually without any view (no window), and sharing your personal space with a person you don’t know doesn’t sound that fun, does it? Well, life onboard a ship means you have to adapt to these new conditions and find your way to organize your living space.

I’ve been working as a Shore Excursion staff onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships for a few years now, and in this article, I want to share with you 18 crew cabin must-haves that will make your life onboard a cruise ship easier and more organized. Regardless of what kind of crew cabin you have (single-shared or double-shared), or what cruise line you work for, my blog post will help you prepare for your cruise ship contract and make your onboard life more enjoyable!

So, here’s the list.

1. Bed Sheet Set

The bed sheet set is something I regret not bringing when I first joined the ship. The cruise line normally provides the pillows and a bed sheet set to every crew member upon coming on board, but these usually aren’t new. They have been used by who knows how many crew members, and re-washed every time. During the first few months on board, I was using cruise ship bed sheets, but later I decided to order a brand new bed sheet set and use it till the end of my contract.

So, I suggest you either bring your own bed sheet set from home that you can get rid of once your contract is finished (trust me, you won’t have space in your luggage to drag it back home), or buy a new one that is not that expensive and that you can give to someone or toss after your contract is over.

The one below is made of a comfortable material, suitable for bunk beds, and it is so cheap that you don’t have to keep it afterward. Every crew member’s ship life is all about saving money and space!

2. Memory Foam Pillow

Work onboard a cruise ship is hard – you don’t have a day off, and your schedule is quite busy (although this depends on your job position). Therefore, having a good and healthy sleep is essential for your well-being, and it is important to have a good rest before your next day starts. A memory  foam pillow is an extremely useful thing that I highly suggest having if you are not happy with the pillow your cruise line has provided you with. I must say, Royal Caribbean provides its cruise employees with really cozy pillows (I’ve never had any back or neck issues), but in case you aren’t comfortable with your pillow (or you simply want to have a brand new one) – order a new one and you will not regret it!

3. Mesh Pop-Up Laundry Basket

This is one of the most useful items when you live in a limited space and always have a bunch of dirty laundry to wash (which is the case when you work on a cruise ship). Instead of keeping your dirty laundry in a plastic bag (like I did on my first contract), a mesh pop-up laundry basket can make your life easier. It is collapsible, portable, and doesn’t take up a lot of space (although it looks like it does). I highly recommend you have this item –  it will make your crew cabin look so clean and organized!

4. Air Freshener

Cruise ships are normally several years, or even decades old. Now, imagine how many crew members lived in a cabin you live in? Hundreds of them. Every cruise ship worker is responsible for keeping their cabin clean and tidy, but unfortunately, many cruise ship employees don’t care about that. As a result, crew cabins sometimes have unpleasant smells that can’t disappear even if you clean them on daily basis. What saved my life in regard to that matter is a scent diffuser (or air freshener ) that I usually order online, because I can’t find the one I like when I go out in port. It is totally worth investing, as the scent lasts up to 3 months. You can choose your favorite scent – mine is lavender and was worth every cent I paid for it!

5. Pou-Pourri Toilet Spray

Pou-Pourri Toilet Spray is a very useful item to have when you have a small bathroom, especially when you share it with another person. Cruise ship bathrooms can have very poor ventilation and you will want to have a good toilet spray, trust me! Pou-Pourri Before-You-go Toilet Spray has proven to be really handy, as it eliminates the smells straight away. It is difficult to find it in ports, and the best option is to order it online or bring it from home. Always have it in your bathroom, and your problems are solved!

6. Antibacterial Wipes

Cleanliness is of crucial importance onboard a cruise ship, and I always have stocks of hand sanitizer wipes .  You can either have hand sanitizer wipes in a canister or just regular packs. I like to buy in canisters because they last longer (a few canisters can last the whole contract), but I also always have several packs of hand sanitizer wipes as well.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Bleach Free Cleaning Wipes, Fresh Scent, Moisture Seal Lid, 75 Wipes, Pack of 3 (New Packaging)

7. Travel Toiletry Bag

A travel toiletry bag is one of the cruise cabin must-haves if you want to keep your bathroom organized and smartly use the space. If you are sharing your cabin, you’ll have an extremely limited bathroom storage space, and I highly recommend you get this travel toiletry bag as it will significantly save your space. Your cosmetics, makeup, shower gel, shampoos, man’s razor blade , hairbrush – everything can fit! In addition, you can hang it on your door so it doesn’t take up additional space.

8 . Travel Power Strip (Ship Approved)

As you may know, cruise ship cabins have a limited number of electric outlets, usually two per crew cabin, and only one per cruise passenger cabin. Therefore, if you want to charge more things simultaneously, and your roommate wants to do the same – you’re stuck. That’s why having a travel power strip can save you the troubles and you can charge your phone, laptop, speakers any time!

9. JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker

If you are into music (who isn’t?), and even if you aren’t that much – you’ll need some music in your cabin from time to time! JBL portable Bluetooth speaker is one of the most practical cruise gadgets that you can use both in your crew cabin or outside in port (chilling at the beach, cocktails, friends, and music – what can be better than that?). I have both this one in the picture below, and a smaller, pocket-size JBL speaker , and both are great, except that the bigger one is louder. You can choose whichever you prefer, based on your needs and preferences.

Recommended:

10. External Hard Drive

Let me tell you something – I suck at technology and I had no clue what a hard drive was until I came to the ship. And guess what – this little, seemingly insignificant gadget made my life onboard a cruise ship much easier and more fulfilling! A hard drive   can store a huge amount of files, including a bunch of TV shows and movies, which come in handy when you just want to chill in your cabin and avoid the crowd in a crew mess, staff mess, and other crew and guest areas. Cruises are always busy and you are always surrounded by thousands of people, but sometimes, you just need time for yourself, your thoughts, and a good movie. I always go through such a period at least a few times during my ship contract, and in those times, good movies and music are lifesavers.

11. JBL Wireless Headphones

When you share your cruise ship crew cabin with another person, you need to respect his/her needs and wishes. If your roommate is tired, or just wants to have some peace and rest, you have to respect that and remain silent. That’s why JBL wireless headphones come in handy, and they are also amazing if you want to use them in a gym or during a run. They are small and comfortable, they don’t fall off your ears and they are loud enough.

Have I said that I am not into technology? lol. Well, I had a laptop on my first contract, and I used it a lot when our cruise ship was in a dry dock and I had actual free time to spend in my cabin. The only thing that annoyed me was that my laptop was too heavy, and on my way back home I could barely carry it. On my second contract, however, I decided to leave my laptop at home, and it’s one of the worst decisions I could have made! I really missed my laptop for many reasons – I couldn’t watch movies, transfer my pictures, write emails. And, now if you ask me, I’ll tell you to ALWAYS bring a laptop with you. However, make sure you have a laptop that is light and slim, so it doesn’t take up much space and storage!

Or, if you are looking into something really classy, light and professional, Mac Book Air Retina is the way to go! I am about to buy one and I am so excited!!

2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) – Silver

13. Sony Playstation

If you are into gaming and this type of activity – don’t come on board without Sony Playstation (or come, but order Sony as soon as possible!). I’ve seen so many of my fellow crew members using it, and even I used it for some time. It’s a great way to put your stress away and have fun with your roommate and friends during your time off!

Recommended: PlayStation VR – Marvel’s Iron Man Bundle

14. Over The Door Hanging Shoe Organizer

An over-the-door hanging shoe organizer is one of the best things I’ve seen people using on cruise ships! It saves you a lot of effort in properly organizing your shoes, and saves so much space! You simply hang it on your door, place your shoes in it, and you can even share it with your roommate as it has a lot of pockets!

15. Refillable Water Bottle

Tap water onboard a cruise ship is pottable, but to be honest, I never drink it. I prefer to buy a water case and then pour water into my refillable water bottle that I carry with me around the ship and outside in ports. I found this one with some motivational notes to lift your spirit when you feel down and depressed. Super cool stuff!

16. Indoor Slippers

If you are used to wearing slippers at home – don’t forget to bring them on a cruise ship, too! Although crew members live squeezed in small cabins, it is our home for several months and slippers are good to have, as floors can be cold sometimes. I never bring them from home, as I always try to save as much as luggage space on my way to the ship – Instead, I prefer to buy them either online or outside in a port.

17. Insulated Water Bottle

For safety reasons, it is strictly prohibited to keep any electric appliances in cruise ship rooms and cabins. A kettle is not allowed, so if you want to have a cup of tea or coffee, you have to go to the crew mess or staff mess. The best way to keep your drinks hot is to buy an insulated water bottle that you can carry around and have your tea/coffee whenever you want. You can also bring it outside in port, and have your drink at the beach or elsewhere!

Recommended: Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw Lid – Flip Top Lid – Wide Mouth Cap (26 oz) Insulated Water Bottles, Keeps Hot and Cold – Great for Hiking & Biking (Dreamy Pink-Green)

18. Clutch Wristlet Purse

For women, a clutch wristlet purse is definitely one of the most useful cruise ship must-have items. When I am on duty, I always carry it with me – Inside, I store my phone, schedule, a sea pass card, a pen, and that’s it! Otherwise, I would have to wear these things in my pocket! The purse doesn’t have to be fancy and beautiful – it needs to be practical, discrete, and simple, and it’s good to have a wrist strap so you can put it around your wrist (in the picture below).

I hope my list of 18 crew cabins must-haves helped you plan how to organize your living space onboard a cruise ship. Whether you are joining as a new hire , or as a returning crew member, consider getting these items as they might be extremely helpful and useful to have!

This article may contain Amazon affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.

You May Also Like:

• New Hire? This is How the First Day on a Cruise Ship Looks Like
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• 11 Things You Would Never Expect To Be Part Of Your Cruise Ship Job
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• Life of a Photographer on a Cruise Ship – Crew Member’s Story

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Crew Living Conditions on a Cruise Ship

If someone came up to you on the street and asked if you would like to live in a twelve-by-twelve box with a total stranger for six months, you’d undoubtedly say, “No thanks.” Yet, at sea, this is done willingly.

It’s true that accommodations are sometimes cramped, especially on smaller vessels, but the ship’s company is generally interesting and friendly. Many people compare it to their first year in a college dorm, without the homework.

On the larger cruise ships, most employees share cabins on one of the crew decks, and some people, especially the cruise staff, actually have living quarters in the plush passenger areas. Although some employees get single cabins, these are usually reserved for cruise staff with more seniority. Employees are usually separated by department, at least on the larger cruise ships. Cruise staff live on the same floor, kitchen and maintenance staff on another, and often the crew is further divided by nationality. Generally, the higher the quarters the better, since on some ships cabins below the water are somewhat noisy from the splash of water and hum of the engines.

Food for the crew gets mixed reviews from most employees. Some crews on smaller ships actually eat the same food as the passengers, but on the large ships, the crew almost always has their own mess hall. According to one recent cruise worker:

“We had several different messes on the ship: one for the Koreans, one for the American and European crew, and a couple of others. The food wasn’t very good and was always smothered in some sauce or another that I didn’t recognize, but it was certainly bearable. The bright spot was that we got lots of leftover dessert from the regular passenger meals, and once a week we were allowed to eat dinner in the restaurant free of charge, though we did have to tip and buy a drink. I guess it couldn’t have been too bad, because I still managed to gain some weight.”

Another cruise worker explains the entertainment that was provided for employees:

“There were movies for the staff, crew bingo games, and live shows to see. After you’ve seen the same shows a few times, though, it’s not so much fun anymore.”

Some ships provide extra amenities for employees, such as televisions for each room and special recreation lounges near the crew quarters. One employee even reported that her ship provided twelve new movies per week, all available on closed-circuit TV in the employee cabins.

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What Are Staff Quarters Like on a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships are some of the most luxurious and exciting vacation destinations. But what’s it like to work on a cruise ship? One of the biggest perks is the staff quarters: they provide employees with comfortable and convenient living arrangements as they make their way around the globe.

Staff quarters vary in size and features depending on the cruise line, but all of them offer plenty of amenities to make life at sea comfortable. Most cabins are two-person rooms, with one or two twin beds, a desk, and storage space for clothing and personal items. Rooms also have their own bathrooms complete with a shower, sink, and toilet.

The majority of staff quarters are located on lower decks— typically near to laundry facilities, crew mess halls, and other communal areas for crew members. These rooms generally provide employees with a private space away from guests who occupy the upper decks of the ship.

In addition to sleeping accommodations, staff quarters also come equipped with TVs and other entertainment options such as movies on demand or internet access (depending on the cruise line). Some ships even have their own internal networks that allow crew members to stay connected while at sea.

Another great perk to working on a cruise ship is that staff usually have access to facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, spas, lounges and bars—all free of charge! This allows crew members to relax after long days at work and enjoy many of the same amenities as guests do.

Overall , staff quarters on cruise ships provide employees with comfortable living arrangements while they explore some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From private bedrooms to access to recreational activities—working on a cruise ship can be an enjoyable experience for those who are looking for an adventure-filled career.

Conclusion : What Are Staff Quarters Like On A Cruise Ship? Staff quarters vary in size but typically offer two-person rooms with twin beds, desk space, storage space for clothing and personal items as well as bathrooms with showers, sinks and toilets. In addition these rooms are usually located near communal areas such as laundry facilities or mess halls; they also come equipped with TVs and other entertainment options plus access to recreational activities such as gyms, swimming pools spas etc.

8 Related Question Answers Found

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200 on the stateroom you want.

Available only on Celebrity Reflection ® , our Reflection suites have extra-high ceilings and full-height glass doors and windows that display spectacular views; not only from the spacious sitting area but also from the bathroom—which awakens you with a cantilevered glass shower jutting over the sea.

• Panoramic corner location
• Access via private suites corridor
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms
• Exclusive eXhale ® bedding, featuring king-sized and queen-sized mattresses
• Veranda with lounge seating and tub with rain shower
• Marble primary bathroom with ocean views and cantilevered shower
• Walk-in closet with generous storage space

Exclusive services and amenities

• Contact your butler wherever you are with Butler Chat
• Destination Experience Specialist to assist with your excursions
• Suite-to-car escort by your butler for Private Journeys
• Shore excursion departure lounge just for suite guests
• Premium Celebrity bath amenities
• Updated Luminae menu with new Daniel Boulud signature dishes
• Complimentary Extend Your Stay program*
• Complimentary access to SEA Thermal Suite and Persian Garden
• Complimentary daily laundry and unlimited pressing
• Personalize your complimentary minibar
• Exclusive sleepwear
• Complimentary specialty dining, including lunch

Services & Amenities

The difference is in the details

Your suite and exclusive places as a guest of The Retreat set your vacation apart from all the rest, but the thoughtful services and amenities you’ll discover elevate your experience to levels you never imagined.

Services & amenities for guests of The Retreat

• Dedicated butler service to assist with everything you need, including packing and unpacking, making spa appointments, and dining and shore excursion reservations
• Butler Chat: Conveniently contact your butler from anywhere on board using your personal device
• Destination Experience Specialist: Dedicated expert to help you make the most of your time ashore, from planning activities to ensuring smooth transfers to your excursions
• Suite-to-car escort by your butler on Private Journeys excursions
• Premium bath and body products crafted exclusively for The Retreat
• Priority departure and embarkation at most destinations, including those that require tendering
• Reserved theater seating on show nights
• Complimentary beach towel service, shoeshine service, use of an umbrella, and binoculars
• Dedicated spa concierge and personal consultant*
• Complimentary fitness classes*
• Complimentary laundry service and unlimited pressing service†
• Extend Your Stay: on debarkation day, stay on board to relax until mid-afternoon and enjoy lunch at Luminae, before you depart (available in select ports of call)†

Food & Drink

• Unlimited Premium Drink Package: Featuring award-winning portfolio of red, white, and bubbly wines representing vineyards from around the world**
• Complimentary minibar stocked with soda and beer on embarkation day and water restocked daily
• Full in-suite breakfast, lunch, dinner service, and daily delights
• Afternoon tea event hosted in The Retreat Lounge or Michael’s Club
• Option to dine in Blu restaurant*
• Unlimited Specialty Dining Package. Includes dinner each night and lunch on sea days†**
• Two complimentary bottles of premium spirits or wine†
• Personalized minibar stocked daily with water, soda, and beer†
• Premium in-suite coffee set-up†

• Welcome bottle of bubbles
• Premium Wi-Fi package**
• Premium Celebrity king size Cashmere Mattress™ with exclusive Retreat bedding
• Premium 100% cotton bath towels and bathrobes
• Pillow menu
• Exclusive complimentary sleepwear†
• Access to The Spa’s SEA Thermal Suite or Persian Garden.*†

Experience a day at The Retreat

Other Suites

You'll feel on top of the world amid the sprawling space of our Penthouse Suite experience.

Separate living, dining, and sleeping areas make this space fit for a king or queen.

These two-room suites feature a large living area with floor to ceiling panoramic windows.

Celebrity provides nothing but a top notch vacation. If you're looking for high-class and luxury, you won't go wrong here!

Suite was the perfect size for 2. Wonderful staff! There are no complaints. Izzy, our butler, the 2 cabin stewards and the Cafe Baccio staff were always most attentive. The reason we cruise was all there. We’ll be back!

This was our first cruise and we chose a Sky Suite (9204) and were extremely happy. The bathroom was just as described. The attention to detail that our Butler, Dino, gave us was beyond my expectations. He led us up to our cabana and handled my tailoring job.

We have taken several cruises in a suite. None of them compared to the treatment of the suite guests on this trip. We felt that we received value for what we paid for. We also liked being able to interact with the officers at any given moment.

If people are wanting to experience a phenomenal cruising experience, then I would highly recommend that they should seriously consider a quality holiday with Celebrity. Everything from the incredible Ships, the absolutely amazing Crew Members, the high standard and wide selection of Food, the outstanding and diverse onboard Entertainment, will truly ensure the most astounding and immersible exciting and memorable holiday!!

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Journey through the wild terrain of Alaska with our Alaska cruises and discover the natural wonders that await as the rugged beauty of this pristine frontier unfolds.  

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Immerse yourself in the incredible history, culture, cuisine, and undeniable beauty of the Old World on a Celebrity European cruise vacation.  

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On a cruise ship, cruiseclout score: 95.0, 20 ultimate staterooms on a cruise ship.

Remember the days when cruise ship suites and staterooms were just cabins ? Modern cruise ships boast elegant, luxurious and sometimes over-the-top opulent suites that rival the rooms at a 5-star resort. 

As we continue with our luxury series on Cruiseable, we thought it would be fun to give readers a visual tour of the top-end suite experiences you’ll find on the major cruise lines.

Many of these rooms come with butler and concierge service, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private veranda, private whirlpools, marble bathrooms and much more. These staterooms are ideal for an upscale multi-generational cruise vacation .

Click through the photo gallery at the top and, as always, click the bookmark icon to save to your personal My Planner. Here’s some information about our picks of 20 of the most eye-popping, luxurious staterooms on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean: Royal Loft Suite

Ships : Oasis of the Seas , Allure of the Seas 1,599 square feet | Two levels Highlights : Dedicated concierge service. Two bedrooms. Baby grand piano. Indoor and outdoor dining in rooms seating eight. 874-square-foot balcony with its own LCD TV, entertainment area and Jacuzzi. Library. Wet bar.

Norwegian Cruise Line: The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite

Ships : Norwegian Escape , Norwegian Getaway , Norwegian Breakaway , Norwegian Epic , Norwegian Gem , Norwegian Jade , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Pearl 1,307 square feet Highlights: Key-card access. Butler & concierge service. Private balcony. Specialty dining delivered to your suite from any restaurant. 24-hour room service. Sun deck with private pool, two whirlpools, sauna, fitness center, private spa entrance. Priority seating for theater shows. Square footage and features vary by ship. Some suites on Norwegian ships come in at more than 5,700 square feet.

Celebrity Cruises: Reflection Suite

Ship : Celebrity Reflection 1,636 square feet | Sleeps up to 6 guests Highlights : Located in a private area at the front of the ship, the suite is accessed with a special SeaPass. Butler service. An all-glass shower extending over the side of the ship (with a switch to block outside viewing). Guests receive exclusive access to private venues such as Michael’s Club and the restaurant Luminae.

Seabourn: Wintergarden Suite

Ships : Seabourn Odyssey , Seabourn Sojourn , Seabourn Quest , Seabourn Encore (debuting in December 2016), Seabourn Ovation (debuting in spring 2018) 1,052 square feet Highlights : Butler service. Two large bedrooms. Glass-enclosed solarium with whirlpool and lounging bed. Wet bar and a dining area for six. Complimentary w-fi. Flat screen televisions. Pantry with wet bar. Complimentary private car transfers between airport and ship. 

Crystal Cruises: Penthouse Suite

Ship : Crystal Serenity 1,345 square feet Highlights : Butler service, including course-by-course dinner service. Separate dining area with ocean view. Expansive teak veranda. High-end Duravit spa flotation tub. Italian marble master bathroom with a heated floor. Guest bathroom.

Oceania Cruises: Owner’s Suite

Ships : Marina , Riviera 2,000 square feet Highlights : 24-hour butler service. Dramatic foyer with grand piano. Spacious living with high-end Ralph Lauren Home furnishings. Separate dining room. Indoor and outdoor whirlpools on 626-square-foot private balcony. Exclusive access to Canyon Ranch SpaClub’s private Spa Terrace, priority reservations at restaurants, including world-renowned Jacques.

Regent Seven Seas: Master Suite

Ship : Seven Seas Mariner 2,002 total square feet Highlights : Personal butler, expansive living room, 2 private balconies, 2 spacious bedrooms with European king-size bed, 2 1/2 marble bathrooms, free wi-fi, free air fare. 

MSC Cruises: Yacht Club Royal Suite

Ships : MSC Divina ; other Yacht Club Suites on MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Preziosa 562 square feet Highlights: Prime location at top of ship. 24-hour butler service. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Fine-wood touches and marbled bathrooms. Egyptian cotton sheets on European king-size bed and pillow menu. Spacious private veranda. Exclusive access to Top Sail Lounge and the pool deck, with private pool, whirlpools and bar.

Disney Cruise Line: Concierge Royal Suite with Veranda

Ships: Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy 1,781 square feet | Sleeps up to 5 Highlights: Family friendly. Personal veranda. Private master bedroom. Two bathrooms, with luxurious rain shower. Two whirlpools (one on the balcony). Concierge service. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area. Exclusive access to a dedicated Concierge Lounge and sun deck. Frette 100% Egyptian cotton linens & plush towels.

Silversea Cruises: Grand Suite

Ship : Silver Spirit 1,879 square feet | Two bedrooms Highlights : Butler service. A 702-square-foot wraparound veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Italian marble bathrooms with separate shower & whirlpool. Pratesi bed linens. Television with DVD and satellite reception.

Cunard Line: Queens Grill Suite

Ship : Queen Mary 2 506 to 2,249 square feet Highlights: Butler service, art deco decor, crisp, contemporary interiors, stylish appointments, private balcony. Choice of 9 pillow types. Access to the well-regarded Queens Grill restaurant. Queen Mary 2 is undergoing a refurbishment this month. 

Note : The Grand Duplex Suite on Queen Mary 2 is even more sumptuous: A two-level duplex of 2,249 square feet, it offers butler service, two marble bathrooms , a l arge balcony overlooking the pool deck, glass-enclosed solarium boasting a tub and a day bed, art deco décor, Biedermeier furniture, a frosted-glass staircase  and d ining for six.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Suite

Ship: Seven Seas Explorer 3,875 square feet Highlights: When Explorer launches in July 2016, its Regent Suite will overlook the bow. Two grand bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Huge living room. 2 1/2 bathrooms. Lavish appointments featuring the finest marble, handcrafted furnishings and rich exotic woods. Custom-made Steinway Arabesque piano designed by Dakota Jackson. Private spa retreat with personal sauna, steam room and treatment area in the suite.

Holland America: Pinnacle Suite with Veranda 

Ship : Koningsdam 1,357 total square feet Highlights : Living room characterized by light, space and elegance. Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, dining room, dressing room, private veranda with whirlpool, pantry, sofa, private stereo system, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Viking Ocean Cruises: Owner’s Suite

Ships : Viking Star , Viking Sea 1,448 square feet Highlights : Large veranda. Luxurious appointments. King-size bed with luxury linens & cashmere blanket. 24-hour room service. Large LCD TV. Complimentary mini-bar, replenished daily. Complimentary wi-fi. Access to high-end spas and fine cuisine.

Azamara Club Cruises: Club World Owner’s Suite

Ships : Azamara Quest , Azamara Journey 560 square feet | 2 bedrooms Highlights : Butler service. Huge private balconies. spacious living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. Complimentary dining at Aqualina and Prime C restaurants. It's all part of the new-look Azamara for 2016.

SeaDream: Owner's Suite

Ships : SeaDream I , SeaDream II 447 square feet Highlights : Comfortable rather than opulent, the Owner's Suite features a roomy living area with sofa, two armchairs. Master bath with a deep soaking tub. Two flat-screen TVs, iPod docking station, a Nespresso machine, fresh flowers.

Princess Cruises: Owner’s Suite

Ships : Royal Princess , Regal Princess 705 square feet Highlights : Separate living room. Luxurious appointments. Extra-wide balcony with high-end furnishings; the balcony wraps around two sides of the ship. Master bath boasts dual sinks and marble floors and countertops. Access to the dedicated Concierge Lounge. Note: Suites are available on other Princess ships, as depicted above.

Scenic: Royal Panorama Suite

Ship : Scenic Spirit 861 square feet Highlights : Scenic Spirit, which recently launched on the Mekong River, boasts the largest suite of any river cruise ship in the world. Butler service. Spacious main living room. Nearly a 1:1 passenger-crew ratio . 

Uniworld: Owner's Suite

Ship : River Beatrice 300 square feet Highlights : River Beatrice has the largest number of suites among Europe's riverboats. The Owner's Suite comes with a butler, tastefully decorated living area with armchairs, large French balcony windows, bathroom with soaking tub and shower, entertainment system, English Savoir bed, built-in closet, flat-screen TV and breakfast room service.

Royal Caribbean: Royal Suite

Ship : Adventure of the Seas 1,304 total square feet Highlights : Royal Suites on Adventure of the Seas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony with hot tub, whirlpool bathtub, living room with queen-size sofa bed, baby grand piano, concierge service. Royal Caribbean is rolling out Royal Suites on many of its ships, with many of the same luxury amenities. 

Interested in an upscale cruise?

Interested in staying in any of these dreamy suites? Contact a travel advocate in Cruiseable’s Business Department via email or by phone: 1-877-322-3773.

Cruiseable team The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

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What Do the Cruise Captains’ Quarters Look Like? (inc Videos)

Have you ever wondered where the cruise ship captains’ quarters are located and what they look like?

Well, you are not alone, it’s a common question, and not unsurprisingly, there aren’t many captains sharing details of their private quarters.

However, after some research, we have found some glimpses of the inside of the captain’s quarters.

The size and spec of the quarters will vary depending on the cruise line and the individual ships’ perceived prestige.

So we have endeavored to find as many examples as possible.

What Do the Cruise Captains’ Quarters Look Like?

The cruise captain’s quarters will usually be on par with the average suite types of rooms you’ll find on the ship.  Typically the larger or more luxurious the ship, the larger and more luxurious standard you can expect the captain’s quarters to be.

Although often traveling alone, the captain’s quarters will be large enough for when they do have family or guests staying onboard with them.  Hence large bedrooms and living space.  Much larger than the rest of the crew’s cabins.

As well as typical suite-like features the quarters will have an office with monitors, wifi and various forms of communication, and navigational indicators and monitors so the captain can keep abreast of everything at all times.

There will also be room for meetings with the crew and navigational staff members.

Below are some real-life examples of cruise captains’ quarters that we have found. 

Royal Caribbean Cruise Captains Quarters

TikTok and Royal Caribbean cruise captain @captainjohnnyfaevelen gave a scarce insight into the cruise captain’s quarters on mega cruise ship Harmony of the Seas , one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and no doubt a larger than average captains cruise quarters.

@captainjohnnyfaevelen #welcome to the #captain #cabin and #office #onboard @Royal Caribbean #harmonyoftheseas #oasis #class #modern #cruiseship #shipslife #comfortable #life #at #sea ♬ original sound – Captain Johnny

On its launch in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world.  It has since been overtaken by Symphony of the Seas (2018) and now Wonder of the Seas (2022).

So this captain’s quarters are likely also proportionally larger than many others, so not typical size-wise for the average cruise ship.

From the video, we can see Royal Caribbean Oasis-class cruise ships have very generous-sized captains’ quarters.

On entering the cabin, there is a spacious foyer with doors to:

• Guest Bathroom
• Master Bedroom 
• Large Living room

The quarters have a larger Master Bedroom with Queen size bed.  The bedroom includes a walk-in closet and bathroom with a large bathtub and shower.

The living room is large and spacious, with a dining table and four chairs.   A more relaxed sofa area includes a coffee table, a 55-inch TV, and a recliner chair.

The living room leads to the pantry, which has a refrigerator and dishwashers, various cooking appliances, and lots of food storage space.

Off the living room is the Captain’s Office which can also be accessed directly from the navigation bridge .  The captain’s office has a deck and chair and various monitors on display.

Celebrity Cruise Captains’ Quarters

The video below is by Captain Kate McCue, who has a well-known social media presence in the cruising world.

She’s captain of the cruise ship Celebrity Edge at the time of the recording.  This is a 130,000 gross tonnage cruise ship with the capacity to carry over 2900 passengers.

@captainkatemccue CRIBS: Captain’s Quarters, Suite Life Edition & tour du jour. You asked for it… #fyp #foryou #captainscabin #celebrityedge #cruise #captain #room ♬ Alone – Petit Biscuit

The video above just gives an inside view of her Captains quarters.   She walks through the entrance foyer to the main living space with a large corner sofa, some other comfy-looking chairs, and a large wall-mounted TV.

Kate then highlights the infinite verandah window, which opens fully at the touch of a button.  This makes the verandah feel like part of the quarters, letting in the fresh sea air and natural light. 

The floor-to-ceiling window gives the captain a view of the bridge.

In Kates’s quarters, she highlights her patron saint of seafarers, St Nichols, which many seafarers, not just cruise captains, always travel with for good luck.

The captain’s bedroom has a King Sized bed facing another reasonably large TV.  

Attached is a water closet with dual sinks, a shower, and a smallish soaking tub (which kate uses to wash her Elf Sphynx cat named bug).

She separated the 

dining room with a TV, and a small galley area with a refrigerator.  These rooms are open-planned, joined with the captain’s office which is directly attached to the bridge. 

Where Are the Cruise Captains’ Quarters?

The cruise captains’ quarters are typically located to the rear of the ship’s bridge.  This provides the captain with speedy access to the bridge at a moment’s notice, should it be required.

The access from the bridge with usually be to the captain’s office area of their living quarters., Access to their main living quarters can also be accessed by a separate entrance.

When Does The Cruise Captain Sleep?

Cruise ship captains will typically sleep at night, however, they are on call 24/7 for any emergencies that may arise.  

The captain doesn’t need to be on the bridge at all times as there will be much other staff who can navigate the ship in the captain’s absense, or while they sleep.

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Cruise ship worker reveals ‘secret’ area

A staffer has revealed the off-limit areas to passengers on board the world’s biggest cruise ship, describing one spot as having been essential in lockdown.

‘Crawling on me’: Woman’s nightmare cruise

Horror club collapse at Euro holiday hotspot

Thai officials swarm injured Aussie

A cruise ship worker has revealed the secret areas for crew members on board the world’s biggest cruise ship.

Musician Bryan James performs on board the Wonder of the Seas , a Royal Caribbean vessel, and has shared images from the below deck places off limits to passengers.

He showed shops, bedrooms and areas for socialising away from the holiday-makers who have all paid to be on board, The Sun reports.

All of the videos can be seen on Bryan’s TikTok (bryanjames.music), where millions of people have tuned in to see what life is like on board the ship.

One of the most interesting sites Bryan revealed was a “secret hang out” that he said was “in the ship’s funnel”.

He explained that it was the perfect place to go in the evenings to watch the sunset.

“I just discovered a new place yesterday,” Bryan said. “It’s like a secret hangout that’s by the funnel of the ship.

“And not even by the funnel. I mean, it’s in the funnel and it’s so pretty to be up here and to see the sunset.”

The crew shop was another area that Bryan showed his followers, saying he could get “pretty much anything” he needed.

It’s a secret shop below deck that only crew members are allowed to visit.

Bryan explained how essential the shop became during an eight-month period during the pandemic when ship workers were not allowed to leave to visit ports.

He said: “There was a time when crew weren’t allowed off the ship for eight months.

“It was like Christmas morning every single time the store got restocked, there was such a long line.”

Elsewhere, Bryan’s bedroom also received a lot of attention, as he said he stayed in the “world’s smallest cruise ship cabin”.

The musician showed how he could touch all four walls of the bedroom at the same time, with a single bed, TV, sink and cupboards all squeezed into his room.

In addition to his tiny bedroom, he also has a tiny bathroom, which requires him to duck in order to use the shower.

To make things a bit less comfortable, Bryan shares the bathroom with another cabin.

Not all staff members have such small living quarters however, with Bryan’s other videos showing some much bigger than his own, with much nicer views.

Bryan also revealed what the food was like on board for staff members, with passengers often treated to fancy buffets.

Things weren’t much different below, as he revealed that it’s “really really good”.

More Coverage

Bryan said the food changes a lot for staff members, but there was always a salad bar and he showed off a vast array of different desserts available.

He also showed a crepe station and meats and cheeses that he and other workers had access to at meal times.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was republished with permission

An Australian woman has recounted her nightmare cruise ship experience after being attacked by tiny pests.

At least four people have died and 21 more are injured following the collapse of a beach club at a resort at a popular tourist hotspot.

Thai officials have swarmed an Australian injured on a Singapore Airlines flight to stop him speaking with the media in bizarre scenes.

Flowing Cents

10 Secrets from Cruise Ship Crews

Posted: May 24, 2024 | Last updated: May 24, 2024

Current and former crewmembers of cruise ships share secrets.

1. Boozy Confessions at Sea

A user confessed that crew members on the cruise ship would frequently engage in nightly drinking sessions, leading to severe hangovers the next morning. Their appearance would mirror the aftermath of a wild night, resembling someone who had just stumbled out of bed after an excessive party.

2. Love and Ships: Fleeting Connections

Living and working on a cruise ship creates a unique microcosm where crew members form relationships that are often fleeting. These connections, commonly known as “a ship thing,” are not expected to endure beyond the individual’s contract on the ship. The intimate and transient nature of life onboard gives rise to a distinctive perspective on romantic involvements.

3. Class Divide on Cruise Ships

Another seaman expressed strong disapproval of the class system prevalent on cruise ships. They highlighted the hierarchical structure comprising three levels: crew, staff, and officers. The user acknowledged their privileged position as an officer, particularly as an American.

In contrast, crew members faced a different experience, with their own designated mess hall and no access to the other dining areas available to staff and officers. They found this segregation based on job roles and rank within the ship’s hierarchy abhorrent.

4. Grueling Conditions for Ship Staff

The demanding and exhausting work conditions endured by room stewards and assistant waiters onboard cruise ships were brought to light by a mariner. These crew members regularly worked long hours, often exceeding 14 to 16 hours a day.

The user, who happened to be an officer, admitted to instructions to manipulate time cards to comply with maritime labor laws. Furthermore, the user disclosed that the room stewards and assistant waiters received meager monthly wages ranging from $200 to $300, barely covering their travel expenses and uniform costs.

5. Dancing Through Pain at Sea

One seafarer revealed the challenging conditions faced by the dancers onboard cruise ships. These performers were expected to showcase their talent every single night, often performing 2-3 shows per night, regardless of any physical discomfort or pain they might be enduring. Additionally, the user mentioned that every show had to be recorded and sent to the corporate headquarters for evaluation. Even in the face of injuries, such as a severe high ankle sprain causing significant swelling, dancers risked termination if they were perceived as not giving their best effort.

6. Dissatisfaction and Living Conditions

Dissatisfaction with the compensation and living conditions onboard cruise ships was expressed by an individual. They remarked that the wages received by crew members were inadequate, making it difficult to find solace in the provided food and accommodations. The user further emphasized their disappointment by stating that the quality of these amenities fell short of their expectations.

7. Affordable Alcohol for Crew Members

Another individual highlighted the affordability of alcoholic beverages for crew members on cruise ships. They noted that ordering a Coors Light at the crew bar cost less than purchasing a water bottle, emphasizing the significant price difference. The user cautioned about alcohol consumption during the initial weeks onboard but admitted to enjoying a few six-packs of Corona with fellow theater colleagues on their first night.

8. Haunting Incident at Sea

A commenter shared a chilling experience from a cruise vacation in January. They recounted being onboard a Princess cruise ship traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii for a 15-day journey when a crew member made the shocking decision to jump off the ship in the vast Pacific Ocean. Despite search efforts, the crew member was never found.

9. Musical Melodies on Cruise Ships

Another member of the crew undertook an exploration of the musical aspects of cruise ship entertainment. They noted that the musical performances varied depending on the ship and the specific show. In most cases, production shows involving singers, dancers, musicians, and catchy hooks were accompanied by pre-recorded tracks with synchronized clicks.

10. Extensive Surveillance on Board

One user shared an interesting observation about the surveillance system onboard cruise ships. They pointed out that cameras were present throughout the ship, monitoring various areas except for the privacy of passengers’ staterooms. The user mentioned that this extensive camera coverage facilitated the review of footage and the verification of instances when a crew member entered a passenger’s room.

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The Parts of the Cruise Ship You Don't Get to See: What Do the Crew Quarters Look Like?

Hidden belowdecks, they've got their own gyms, bars, hair salons, mess halls and more.

Your average cruise ship can have hundreds to thousands of crew members on board. While it's obvious that they must have their own bunks, passengers may not realize that crew members have an entire ecosystem hidden belowdecks.

Crew members have to be physically fit to meet the demands of the job, and staff must be physically presentable as they're in the hospitality industry. They need to blow off steam between shifts, and eat, and drink, and party. Mingling with guests is a no-no, so crew members have separate gyms, hair salons, laundromats, restaurants, bars, clubs, jacuzzis, swimming pools and more. The quality of these differs from ship to ship, and we'll take a look at a range of them here.

Cruise Hive is an enthusiast website run by Emrys Thakkar, a longtime cruise ship employee. On the site he provides a guided tour of the crew facilities on a Carnival ship :

The Main Corridor

Thakkar refers to this as "I-95," as it's the main corridor that crew members use to travel the length of the ship.

Laundry Facilities

The crew laundry, along with ironing stations so staff member stay crisp-looking.

Internet Cafe

While crew members have WiFi throughout their quarters, the dedicated crew internet cafe is where the signal is strongest.

Crew Barber

Since crew members are out to sea for months at a time, they need a dedicated place to manage those coifs.

Not just a dining area, but the after-shift hangout spot where crew members can watch sporting events on the TV. And Thakkar provides this poignant bit of information: "One of the best times to eat in the mess is at midnight, it is when food not used in the guest dining rooms head on down to the crew," i.e. the fancy desserts that guests have taken a pass on.

There's a distinction between crew and staff. The former help operate the ship and its systems, while the latter are the retail and hospitality employees. Staff dine in a separate area from crew.

Officers Dining Rooms

Thakkar says there are two side-by-side dining rooms that only the Captain and the Officers are allowed to use. Inside they are waited on, like guests.

It doesn't offer the ocean view that the guest gyms do, but there's plenty of iron to pump.

The social hotspot for crew members, it opens every night and gets "really busy" around 9 or 10pm, Thakkar writes. And drinks here cost a lot less than they do abovedecks: "Prices are very cheap, I'm not going to tell you how much because it is so cheap you won't like it!"

Crew Pools and Jacuzzis

"You might have wondered what that area is with the jacuzzis or small pool down below near the ship's bow. This is an area where the crew can head on out for some fresh air. When off-duty they can relax in the pools as much as they want and enjoy the stunning ocean views."

You'll notice there are no shots of sleeping quarters. I couldn't find any on the site, but I did find this YouTube video of a crew or staff member on an unnamed ship giving a tour of her room. It's pretty dang tight:

Depending on the cruise line, facilities can get a lot swankier, as we'll see next.

Crew Center is a website run by ex-crew members who share experiences and offer helpful tips to newbies. On their Crew Facilities section, they feature photographs from different ships to give you a sense of the range. For instance, check out the facilities on a Celebrity Cruises Edge Class ship :

Crew Bar/Lounge

Crew Game Room

Crew Outdoor Lounge

Crew Coffee Shop

Not too shabby, eh? And I have to say it goes up a level from there on an AIDA Cruises Hyperion Class ship:

Crew Restaurant

Crew Hair Salon

Crew Jacuzzi (w/ hilarious slogan)

Crew Laundry

Crew Recreation Room

Crew Bar, Open Deck

Of those three companies, I know which cruise company I'd prefer to work for! (I mean, like, in a parallel universe where people were taking cruises.)

The Part of the Plane You Never Get to See: What Do Cabin Crews' Chillaxation Spots Look Like?

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Onboard and Onshore Cruise Ship Positions

Whether you long for the sea breeze and ocean air, or you're strictly a landlubber with a passion for hospitality management, there are literally hundreds of positions available in the cruise industry that will meet your needs. But you'll need to know exactly what each position entails before you apply.

There are a large variety of jobs on cruise ships and at cruise line corporate offices.

Skim over the list of job titles below. You may recognize a number of the jobs, i.e., disc jockey, but some may be foreign to you. For example, few people know what a Gentleman Host does!

This page provides you with a list of common positions on luxury cruise liners as well as links to general job descriptions, which will give you a better idea of what each job is all about.

Furthermore, see how jobs are broken down into different departments below.

The only way to get a more detailed look at these jobs is to become a CruiseJobFinder member .

Commonly Available Positions on Cruise Ships:

• Cruise Directors
• Disc Jockeys
• Expedition Leaders
• Hosts and Hostesses
• Naturalists
• Shore Excursion Managers
• Water Sports Instructors
• Youth Counselors
• Cosmetologist
• Fitness Directors
• Medical Staff
• Air/Sea Reservation Agents
• Gift Shop Positions
• Photographers
• Junior Assistant Pursers
• Information Technology Staff
• Administration Assistants
• Customer Service Representatives
• Casino Staff
• Cruise Staff
• Entertainers
• Gentleman Host
• Production Managers
• Shore Excursion Staff
• Beauticians
• Massage Therapists
• Fitness Instructors
• Personal Trainers
• Bar Stewards
• Bedroom Stewards
• Hospitality or Hotel Managers
• Dance Instructors
• Booking Agents
• Sales and Marketing Positions
• Engeering Department Crew

Jobs Listed by Department

Activity and shipboard entertainment departments:.

These positions are all about keeping passengers busy and entertained, and they're the people who are top of mind when passengers hear the term "cruise staff." The activity leaders or instructors work with passengers in small groups, leading them in a specific activity, whether it's diving, dancing, or Yoga. Entertainers provide music (either playing it or as a disc jockey), sing, act, juggle, or other forms of entertainment, either poolside or in the ship's many clubs, casinos, or on stages. Cruise directors are responsible for all of these areas, and making sure that passengers are participating and enjoying each experience. For a more detailed overview of Activity/Entertainment positions and their job requirements, Click Here!

• Art Auctioneer
• Assistant Cruise Director
• Assistant Shore Excursions Manager
• Casino staff
• Cruise Consultant
• Cruise Director
• Dance Instructor
• Disc Jockey
• Dive Instructor
• Gentlemen Host
• Lecturer/ Special Guest Speaker
• Photographer
• Port Lecturer
• Shore Excursions Manager
• Social Host/Hostess

Entertainment

• Audio Visual Coordinator
• Production Manager
• Sound and Light Technician

Deck and Engineering Departments:

These are the people in charge of keeping the ship well maintained, running smoothly, and on course - all the while ensuring everyone's safety, keeping detailed records, and being knowledgeable of maritime laws and regulations. While the captain is usually very visible, you may not realize that there are many additional crew members, each with important duties. For most of these positions you'll need to have some experience onboard a ship and specialized training. However, there are some internships and/or apprenticeship programs that can launch your career in this department. For a more detailed overview of Deck Positions, Click Here!

• Able Seaman
• Chief Officer
• First Officer
• Quarter Master
• Safety Officer
• Security Officer
• Staff Captain

Engineering

• Assistant Engineer
• Chief Engineer
• Chief Electrician
• Chief Radio Officer
• First Assistant Engineer

Service and Hospitality Departments :

These positions can also be called "hotel management" jobs. The common denominator with all of these jobs is that you are providing a direct service to passengers, whether it's cooking food, serving food or beverages, cleaning cabins, doing laundry, and a wide range of other duties. The purser also falls under this category. Pursers are in charge of all onboard accounting during each cruise. For a more detailed overview of Service/Hospitality Positions, Click Here !

Food and Beverage

• Bar Manager
• Buffet Server
• Chef de Partie
• Cocktail Server
• Dining Room Head Waiter
• Dining Room Manager
• Executive Chef
• Food and Beverages Manager
• General Cook
• Maitre d' Hotel
• Pastry Chef
• Wine Steward
• Chief Purser
• Purser Staff

Housekeeping

• Cabin Steward/ess
• Chief Cabin Steward
• Chief Steward/Housekeeper
• Laundry Staff

Hotel Administration

• Computer Systems Manager/IT
• Gift Shop Manager
• Gift Shop Sales Assistant
• Hotel Manager
• Program Coordinator
• Receptionist

Personal Care and Shipboard Medical Departments:

Workers in these jobs are also providing direct care to passengers, but services are in the form of massages, hair care, manicures, or even medical care. Of course you'll need to have the proper credentials or licenses before you can apply for any of these jobs. For a more detailed overview of Personal Care Positions, Click Here!

Salon/Spa/Fitness

• Beauty Therapist
• Fitness Instructor
• Hair Stylist
• Spa Attendant

Nurses and Physicians

Corporate Office Positions:

Some people are much more interested in being an important part of the inner workings of the industry - the very necessary people who keep the company running, not just the ships. If this sounds like you, then here are the main departments you have to choose from for finding work. In many of these positions you can be promoted to executive or leadership roles.

Accounting : If you're more interested in an onshore, behind-the-scenes job in the industry, you could pursue a position in this department. In addition to the traditional accounting positions, you'll also find cruise line-specific jobs like tour accounting.

Administrative/Clerical : Like any other business, it takes a lot of people in the "back office" to keep a company running smoothly. From human resources professionals, to IT workers, without the work and expertise of these employees, the work onboard the ship would be much harder to perform.

Air operations: It takes a lot of coordination between the airlines/airport and the harbor to ensure that passengers and their luggage arrive and depart safely, on time, and with all their possessions intact. These employees are the ones responsible for these important tasks.

Marketing/PR: The cruise industry has become much more competitive than in years past. There are more cruise lines, and more ships all vying for passengers. Marketing and public relations professionals have the task of creating public campaigns that make their companies stand out from the competition. Creativity is important in these positions.

Reservations/Sales : These are the onshore employees that usually have the most interaction with passengers. It's your job to be the first representative of the cruise line that the passenger comes into contact with. You must be very service-oriented, while still keeping in mind that the goal is to sell tickets. These jobs are very important to cruise lines.

• Accounts Payable Staff
• Operations Analyst
• Senior Business Analyst
• Senior Staff Accountant
• Staff Accountant
• Tour Accounting

Administrative/Clerical

• Administrative Assistant
• Administration Manager
• Customer Service
• Human Resources
• IT Lead Developer
• Manager Deployment & Itinerary Planning
• Operations Administrator
• Part-Time Data Entry
• Payroll Clerk
• Software Engineer

Air Operations

• Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) Coordinator
• Pier/Airport Expediter
• Seasonal Air Operations Agent
• Seasonal Corporate Air Ticketing Agent

Marketing / PR

• Account Executive
• Brand Manager
• Field Representative
• Marketing Research Analyst
• Media Relations
• Purchasing Agent
• Vice President of Marketing

Reservations/ Sales

• Inside Sales Representative
• Outside Sales Representatives
• Reservations Sales & Service
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Look inside 'spicy' adults-only cruise where couples can swap partners

There are a lot more rules than you would expect onboard.

Joshua Nair

You've probably heard of these 'spicy cruises' that are available to daring couples, but you probably don't know exactly what it's like to be onboard one.

But you may have heard about some rules on these ships though, and as outlandish and insane as they may sound, they are very strict with them.

So, what exactly is the difference between a spicy cruise and a family cruise then?

Well, apart from some nudity here and there, they're adults-only and have sexual aspects about them.

They aren't fully-blown sex parties - as many are led to believe - but it is different enough for people to be able to tell the difference between booking one of these or a family cruise.

Spicy cruises are often geared towards willing singles and polyamorous couples that are looking for a unique experience, with ships often equipped with 'playrooms' and, of course, 'clothing-optional' areas on board to truly feel free while travelling at sea.

There are even workshops that can help you enhance your 'intimate experience' on board, while you're also free to explore your sexuality by hooking up with other people, or even swing if you're interested.

A TikToker named Bella was onboard one of these Temptation Cruises, and shared that there were themes parties, spa and sauna facilities, and live burlesque shows.

Again, great to hear but the majority of us will never board one of these ships, so what does it look like exactly?

Well, here's the run down of how some of the interior on a Temptation Cruise looks like, as posted by the company themselves.

The bedrooms

This is where you'll come back to after your activity-filled days onboard, and it looks pretty nice, nothing crazy to see here.

The playrooms

Starting to get to the interesting stuff, these 'playrooms' are where people and couples can engage in group sex activities such as swinging, though it isn't clearly stated on the website.

Dessert delicacies

This shows off some of the sweet treats you can expect to be spoilt with onboard.

Very lively here, this is where a lot of the late night events will take place - pool parties, themed parties, you name it - it all happens on the pool deck.

Oh, and clothing is optional here.

The dining area

This is where you can stuff your face with the ship's top class food on offer, though you will actually have to remain clothed here.

If you were curious as to what some of the other rules were onboard, look no further, here they are.

The Temptation Cruises website states :

• Upper bikini garments are optional at all pools, sun decks, and designated events.
• The couples-only Desire Miches Resort Hotspot is the only onboard space that is 100% 'au naturel'.
• ‘Appropriate attire’ must be worn in all other public areas, including dining facilities.
• Some guests may want to keep their identities private - because of this, guests are asked that when taking photos and/or video, you only do selfies and close-ups for personal use with no wide angles.
• Treat other ‘temptationers’ with the utmost respect.
• The use of drugs is not allowed.
• Keep noise to a minimum after midnight.
• All staff members, original affiliates, brand representatives, and any person in a commercial relationship with Temptation are strictly forbidden to interact intimately or drink with guests otherwise face termination or immediate dismissal.
• Explicit activities are not allowed in any of the public areas.
• The resort is not responsible for lost items left outside of the safety deposit box located in your room.

Topics:  Cruise Ship , Sex and Relationships , Travel

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

@ joshnair10

• Rules of 'spicy cruise' where couples can swap their partners after woman showed what they're really like
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The Most Expensive U.S. Vacation Spots

F or those who love to visit the poshest places on earth, a new study by Optimos travel ranks Aspen, Colorado as the most expensive vacation destination in the United States . According to the survey, visitors can expect to spend more than $761 a day in Aspen—although that amount fluctuates by season and how large you live. Rounding out the top three destinations are Park City, Utah and Maui, Hawaii.

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Staying in an airport hotel is usually considered more of a last resort than a first option—but it really depends on the hotel. Skytrax, the London-based air travel site, recently named the world’s best airport hotels and the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore was ranked No. 1. Other standout airport destinations are the Hyatt Regency at Shenzhen airport in China and the TWA Hotel at JFK in New York.

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• 29-yo Sun Princess cruise ship's crew medevaced/airlifted in...

29-yo Sun Princess cruise ship's crew medevaced/airlifted in Crete

A 29-year-old staff member in the retail department aboard Princess Cruises ' latest ship , Sun Princess , was medically evacuated in Greece due to an urgent medical condition.

The ship’s officers requested a medical evacuation from the Port Authority while the vessel was docked in Souda-Chania on the island of Crete on Tuesday, May 21. The Hellenic Coast Guard successfully transported the staff member, who was then taken by ambulance to a hospital.

The Sun Princess is currently on a 7-day cruise from Civitavecchia-Rome to Piraeus-Athens , with scheduled stops in Naples, Italy ; Chania, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey ; and Mykonos Island, Greece .

Further details regarding the staff member's identity or medical condition have not been disclosed.

The Hellenic Coast Guard released the following statement:

"In the afternoon hours today, the Central Port Authority of Chania was informed that a 29-year-old foreign crew member (specialty shop clerk) of a cruise ship with the Bermuda flag, which was docked at the port of Souda, needed immediate hospital treatment. The 29-year-old was picked up by a private ambulance and taken to a private clinic."

For more Sun Princess incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page .