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Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes on a cruise ship? While cruise passengers enjoy delicious dining, incredible entertainment, and beautiful ocean views, an entire crew is working around the clock to provide a seamless experience.

From hidden crew-only areas to little-known perks and challenges, cruise staff members have access to a side of ship life that most guests never see or experience.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler with dozens of sailings under your belt, these insider secrets will give you a whole new perspective on cruise life. From the best ways to get special treatment to surprising crew lingo, you’ll never look at your cruise the same way again.

So, if you’ve ever been curious about what life is really like for the people who make your dream cruise vacation possible, you’re in for a treat. Let’s pull back the curtain and dive into the secrets of cruise crew life!

In this article, I share 15 secrets only cruise crew members know and experiences that most cruise passengers never knew existed.

15 Cruise Crew Member Secrets

1. Crew Members Have Secret Elevators, Tunnels, and Stairways

While passengers navigate the public areas of the ship using grand staircases and scenic glass elevators, cruise ship workers have access to a hidden network of crew-only areas designed for efficiency. These secret tunnels, stairways, and elevators allow crew members to move quickly between decks without disrupting guest activities.

On most large ships, these passageways are located on the lower deck, often referred to as “I-95” on some Royal Caribbean cruise ships and other cruise lines. This hidden hallway runs the length of the ship.

It serves as a vital artery for the cruise ship crew members, helping them reach key locations such as the kitchen staff areas, storage areas, and medical facilities without being seen by guests.

The crew-only elevators are another important feature, which provides quick access between decks so staff members can efficiently deliver room service, transport luggage, or respond swiftly to medical emergencies. These secret pathways help passengers enjoy a seamless experience, never seeing the behind-the-scenes hustle that keeps the ship running smoothly.

For those working behind the scenes, these hidden spaces are more than just shortcuts; they’re a great way to save time and keep the ship operating efficiently.

2. There are Strict Rules For Crew Members

Working on a single cruise ship may sound like a dream job. However, cruise ship staff must follow strict guidelines to maintain professionalism and ensure a smooth guest experience.

While many of these policies are in place to uphold safety and service standards, some rules can put crew members in difficult or uncomfortable situations, especially when interacting with passengers.

One of the most well-known rules is that crew members are strictly prohibited from dating or being sexually involved with passengers. Engaging in relationships with guests can lead to immediate termination, as cruise lines want to maintain a clear boundary between the cruise ship’s crew and paying travelers.

This policy is in place across most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Holland America Line.

While cruise workers can enjoy free time in crew-only areas, their social interactions are monitored. Most ships allow them to drink in moderation at the crew bar, but excessive drinking is strictly forbidden.

Another key rule is the expectation of always being friendly and smiling, even in stressful situations. Whether serving guests in the main dining room, assisting with shore excursions, or handling issues in public areas, cruise ship workers are trained to maintain a positive attitude at all times.

Even if a guest is rude or difficult, staff members must remain professional, as poor interactions can lead to complaints that may impact their contract.

Despite these challenges, many crew members find the experience rewarding, as it allows them to travel to new places, make lifelong friendships, and gain valuable work experience while being part of a large ship’s operations.

3. Cruise Crew Members Know all the Port of Call Secrets

One of the biggest perks of working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel the world and explore foreign lands. Over time, crew members become experts at finding the best local spots in every port of call.

Cruise ship crew knows which restaurants serve the best food at local prices and where to find hidden street food vendors that most tourists overlook.

For those looking to stay connected, crew members have the inside scoop on where to get free Wi-Fi without having to pay expensive onboard internet fees. Many cafés, hotels, and even certain public areas near the port offer reliable connections if you know where to look.

If you’re looking for the best place to soak up the sun is your goal, cruise ship staff can tell you about free beaches that are just as beautiful as the crowded tourist hotspots. They also know the quickest ways to get there, whether by local bus, taxi, or even a short walk from the cruise terminal.

Need a good deal on souvenirs? Cruise workers know which shops offer fair prices and which ones inflate costs for tourists. For those who love a good drink, crew members know where to get cheap drinks outside of the ship’s pricey drink packages.

Certain bars in the port even offer special offers to cruise workers. Furthermore, it’s possible to get free drinks during promotional happy hours.

Whether it’s avoiding tourist traps, finding authentic local experiences, or saving money, cruise ship crew members have all the insider knowledge to make the most of every port stop.

If you ever get the chance to chat with a cabin steward, dining staff, bartender, or room steward, don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations.

4. Cruise Ship Security Is Always Watching

Cruise ship security operates discreetly but effectively, keeping an eye on everything happening onboard. Even if you don’t notice them, they are watching!

Many cruise liners use secret codes and hand signals to alert security when needed. For example, during a special event or in crowded public areas like the pool deck, trained personnel can respond to incidents quickly.

When I sailed on a Celebrity Cruise a few years ago, another passenger had too much to drink and became disorderly. The bartender discreetly signaled security, and within 30 seconds, they arrived.

Their understated uniforms blended in with the crowd, making them nearly indistinguishable from regular guests. Security teams also monitor for medical emergencies, suspicious activity, and other potential threats.

5. Crew Members Have Their Own Ways of Dealing With Seasickness

Unlike passengers who can return to their cabins, crew members don’t have the luxury of taking the evening off whenever the seas get rough. Since they spend months at sea, they develop their own tricks to combat motion sickness and keep working through the motion of the ocean.

Many cruise ship crew members swear by natural remedies such as ginger, which is known for its anti-nausea properties. Others rely on light and dry snacks like crackers and bread or even green apples, which help settle the stomach without being too heavy.

Staying hydrated and avoiding greasy foods also go a long way in preventing seasickness.

So, if you’re on your first cruise and start feeling queasy, take a tip from the cruise staff and try one of these simple remedies.

Related: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: 10 Effective Remedies

6. Cruise Staff Have Their Own Private Areas

While cruise guests enjoy the upper decks, specialty restaurants, and entertainment venues, cruise ship crew members have secret hidden spaces. These crew-only areas are off-limits to guests and provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship.

One of the most popular spots is the private crew bar, where drinks are significantly cheaper than in guest areas. Many cruise lines also have lounges where crew members can relax, watch movies, or connect with family via Wi-Fi.

Certain cruise ships offer crew decks with outdoor seating, and a few even have hot tubs for staff. There’s also a smoking area specifically for cruise staff, as many ships have strict rules about smoking in public areas.

These private spaces are essential for the crew of any given cruise ship, giving them a chance to recharge before another busy shift of delivering great service to passengers.

7. Many Crew Members Are in Relationships

Life at sea means spending months away from home, so it’s no surprise that many crew members form relationships with their colleagues. Whether they meet onboard or join a ship together, dating among cruise ship crew members is very common.

Major cruise liners understand the challenges of long-distance relationships and often try to accommodate couples by assigning them to the same ship whenever possible. Other cruise lines even coordinate contracts so that couples have overlapping work schedules, making spending much time together easier.

For married crew members, policies vary. However, most cruise companies allow them to share a cabin rather than staying in separate bunk beds or shared quarters.

This arrangement provides extra privacy, which is rare in the close quarters of a crew area on a cruise ship.

While relationships onboard can be rewarding, they also come with challenges. Crew couples must balance their work commitments, long shifts, and sometimes different departments.

However, for many, these relationships make the demanding lifestyle of working more enjoyable.

8. Handle Issues with Crew Members the Right Way

Whether you have a concern about your room steward, an issue in the main dining room, or a problem at the bar, it’s always best to address it directly with the crew member or their manager before escalating to guest services.

Many cruise ship crew members take pride in delivering great service and genuinely appreciate the opportunity to resolve problems before they become formal complaints.

A complaint filed at guest services can seriously affect the cruise ship staff, sometimes even affecting their contracts or future assignments. Speaking to a manager first gives the crew member a chance to make things right, whether it’s a mix-up with your main course, a room issue, or a misunderstanding at the bar.

Of course, if the problem persists after addressing it with the appropriate high-ranking officers or managers, then it’s completely reasonable to escalate the issue through guest services. However, taking this extra step beforehand can guarantee a great time for you and a fair experience for the hardworking cruise staff.

9. Crew Members Use Code Words

To keep operations running smoothly and discreetly, crew members use a list of code words to communicate about situations without alarming passengers. These secret codes help staff quickly relay important messages across different departments, from minor incidents to serious emergencies.

For example, a “Star Code” or “Alpha Team” may indicate a medical emergency, while other phrases could signal a fire or a security issue.

Passengers may overhear these cruise ship secret codes in hallways or public areas. However, unless you know what they mean, they often go unnoticed.

So, next time you’re on a cruise vacation, listen carefully; you might glimpse the cruise line’s secrets behind the scenes!

Related: The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Terms You Need to Know

10. There Are Crew Members Working Throughout the Night

While we cruise passengers get to sleep after a long day of exploring ports of call or enjoying special events, a dedicated team of cruise ship crew members continues during the night. The night shift staff makes sure the cruise ship remains spotless and ready for the next day’s activities.

Throughout the night, crew members vacuum the carpets, mop the floors, and disinfect the eating areas, including buffets and specialty restaurants. This is also when room stewards quietly clean hallways and restock supplies so cruisers can wake up in a fresh and tidy environment.

11. Cruise Staff Eat Different Food From the Passengers

With the endless buffets, specialty restaurants, and incredible dining options on a cruise vacation, you might assume that cruise ship crew members eat the same meals as passengers. However, the reality is quite different.

Crew members have their own dining areas and meals prepared specifically for them.

Most crew members prefer food that reflects their cultural backgrounds rather than indulging in the main dining room or buffet food. Since cruise ships employ staff from all over the world, the cruise lines provide crew members with familiar meals that remind them of home.

In the crew-only areas, meals often include dishes from various ethnic cuisines, such as curries, rice-based dishes, and traditional soups. So, while passengers indulge in lobster and steak, the crew often enjoys meals that give them a little bit of home during their time at sea.

12. Cruise Crew Work Long Hours

For many, working on a cruise vacation sounds like the perfect job. However, what many new cruisers don’t realize is the demanding schedule that cruise ship crew members endure.

Unlike traditional jobs on land, cruise workers commit to contracts lasting 6 to 8 months at a time, with no days off. They work 7 days a week, often clocking 10 to 12 hours per day.

Whether it’s a busy embarkation day, a packed itinerary of special events, or handling guest requests at night, there’s always work to be done.

The reality is that while working on a ship comes with its perks, it also requires an immense amount of dedication.

So, next time you see a room steward making up your cabin or a bartender serving drinks late at night, remember that they’ve likely been working hard for hours, making sure cruisers have a good time.

13. Cruise Passengers Often Ask the Same “Strange” Questions

Cruise ship crew members hear the same unusual questions over and over. Cruise ship crew have recounted that passengers are baffled by the sound of the ocean, asking, “Why is it so loud?”.

Others wonder if the captain can stop the ship from rocking or even change course for better weather.

Many assume the cruise company can control everything, from sea conditions to casino hours, leading to amusing exchanges. Despite the surprising facts they hear daily, crew members stay professional, patiently answering each question, even when it’s the tenth time that day!

Related: 20 Rookie Cruise Questions that You Were to Embarrassed to Ask

14. Crew Members Remember Those Who Tip

Tipping goes a long way on a cruise, and crew members never forget those who show appreciation. This is especially true for bartenders, who often prioritize guests they know are generous with extra tips.

If a bartender recognizes you as a good tipper, you’ll likely get quicker service, stronger drinks, and even a little extra attention.

Whether it’s your room steward, bartender, or dining staff, a well-placed tip is always appreciated.

15. Cruise Crew Members Get to Enjoy Activities and Entertainment

Although cruise ship crew members work long hours, they still find time to enjoy activities and entertainment. They have their own crew parties, birthday celebrations, karaoke nights, and other exclusive events to unwind.

Certain crew members also get the chance to watch onboard shows or participate in select entertainment options. Depending on the cruise company, certain crew members may even be allowed to dine or join activities with passengers when off duty.

For example, on a Norwegian Cruise, I met a cast member from Footloose. Since there weren’t many passengers my age onboard, I was able to invite him to go go-karting with me.

It’s one of those cruise secrets that while they work hard, crew members still get to experience the fun side of a cruise vacation, too!

Related: 30 Best Activities on Norwegian Joy (Entertainment, Features & Amenities)

Bonus: Post Cruise Surveys Are Important!

Many passengers don’t realize just how crucial post-cruise surveys are for cruise ship crew members. These reviews play a major role in determining promotions, contract renewals, and even job stability.

A positive review and high rating can significantly increase a crew member’s chances of moving up within the cruise company, while negative feedback can have serious consequences.

If you receive great service from your room stewards, dining staff, or bartenders, mentioning their names in your survey is one of the best things you can do to help them advance.

Unlike tipping, which provides an immediate reward, a strong review can lead to long-term career growth for hardworking crew members. So, before disembarking, take a little bit of time to acknowledge the people who made your cruise vacation special. It makes a bigger difference than you might think!

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Do you any cruise crew secrets that were not mentioned above? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ethan

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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.