Crew members, constrained by their duty to be courteous to passengers, keep detailed logs of everything that occurs on a cruise, from major incidents to casual comments.

These logs assist in preparation, hazard identification, and occasionally serve as an outlet for crew members’ thoughts.

Cruise ship pools are usually packed with guests, but many ships have secret pools reserved for staff. These are less crowded, typically only for the crew, though occasionally guests might be invited.

Securing an invitation can be challenging due to the ship’s strict rules.

Prioritizing passenger safety, crew members use codes to swiftly address various situations, from spills to medical issues, fires, and incidents like someone falling overboard.

For the latter, they use the code “oscar.” This tactic helps prevent panic and ensures efficient responses in emergencies.

Cruise ship casinos are legal due to international waters, but the rules can shift based on the ship’s location. Winning odds may vary significantly with your oceanic location, and games like blackjack can be played on different decks.

In essence, the rules are not set in stone and can change.

The captain’s authority on a boat or ship is crucial, particularly in emergencies, to avoid delays caused by debates. However, captains are not immune to errors, which, although rare, can have disastrous consequences for both the vessel and its passengers.

These incidents, while infrequent, tend to garner significant media attention. Tragically, a few cruise ships have been sunk near port due to captain errors.

Cruise lines offer a top-tier service called “genies.” These personal attendants can cater to nearly any request, although the service is quite expensive.

Passengers often rely on genies as concierges for tasks like morning coffee delivery and dinner reservations.

Unexplained disappearances are a peculiar occurrence at sea, with around 165 reported cases during cruises between 1995 and 2011, possibly more.

These cases extend beyond passengers falling overboard, involving mysterious vanishing acts with no trace left behind.

Potential explanations range from abductions and suicides to unsettling possibilities like passengers intentionally pushing others overboard.

Cruise ships, despite their size, can still be affected by rough seas, leading to an uncomfortable experience for passengers, especially those without sea legs.

It’s essential to be prepared for motion-related discomfort.

Pirates targeting cruise ships is rare but has happened. In 2005, a cruise ship successfully repelled attackers using an acoustic weapon.

While most crew members receive training for such situations, the details of this training are closely guarded.

Cruise ship crew members often form romantic connections during their extended time at sea. This practice is so common that there are informal expectations regarding the duration of these relationships.

Some former employees have compared this culture to the dating scene in college dorms, if not more intense.

Crew members can have relationships with their colleagues but are forbidden from fraternizing with passengers. Even being suspected of such behavior can result in consequences.

This rule aims to prevent potential issues and legal disputes, making it easier for the cruise company to manage internal matters than passenger-related concerns.

The brig, a ship’s jail cell, is reserved for passengers who break the law or threaten safety.

There’s no judge on board, so if you end up in the brig, you’ll likely stay there until the ship reaches a port where you can be handed over to authorities, possibly in a different country from where you boarded.

Cruise ships have brigs for a reason, as they are sometimes needed. While there have been notable crimes, most are minor.

These ships have extensive camera coverage and well-trained crews for handling various incidents, including bomb threats and assaults. Some even have concealed armed guards.

Cases of missing individuals have also occurred, hinting at foul play in some instances.

While uncommon, it’s always a possibility. A cruise itinerary may list ports of call, but whether the ship stops depends on safety considerations, determined by the captain, and the port’s approval for passenger disembarkation.

Therefore, when booking your ticket, fine print often mentions the chance that the ship may not dock as planned.

In rough seas, it’s essential to know what to do when a passenger goes overboard. In such cases, crew members or fellow passengers may toss objects overboard to mark the person’s location.

However, remembering this spot can be challenging due to the absence of landmarks in the vast, featureless ocean.

Crew members often enjoy discounted drinks, which may explain their cheerful demeanor.

While cruise lines claim to randomly test employees for on-duty drinking, former crew members suggest it happens more frequently than acknowledged, making alcohol consumption a more common practice among crew members than passengers might think.

Despite the availability of all-inclusive options, cruise lines can still surprise you with unexpected charges. For instance, dining in a restaurant might incur extra fees depending on your beverage choices and package.

It’s important to scrutinize the fine print to understand your coverage. Nonetheless, the level of service on a ship is often more economical than on land, no matter your order or package.

Cruise ship security and surveillance are akin to an onboard black box. They monitor nearly all areas, excluding private rooms, to ensure passenger safety, address emergencies, and prevent mishaps.

Living and working on a cruise ship might not pay as well as expected. The international waters they operate in allow some cruise lines to potentially bypass regulations like overtime and minimum wage, though not all choose to do so.

COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships were notable due to the tight quarters that facilitate the spread of bacteria and viruses. However, even before the pandemic, outbreaks like the norovirus affected multiple ships and passengers, such as in 2014.

While efforts to limit the spread of sickness during outbreaks have increased, the risk remains.

Cruise lines tend to hire fewer American workers for various reasons, including the stark contrast in working hours. Americans typically work 40-hour weeks, while cruise ship crew can face grueling 100-hour workweeks.

This, along with differing overtime rules and lower pay, accounts for the relative scarcity of Americans in the cruise industry compared to other sectors.

Cruise ships, not held to U.S. standards, may provide inconsistent medical care. They often employ doctors from countries with lower medical standards, and their onboard facilities may not be as comprehensive as those on land.

Adding to the complexity, cruise ship doctors are typically immune to malpractice lawsuits, creating uncertainty about the quality of care on many cruise ships.

Most doors on cruise ships, apart from passenger cabin doors, remain unlocked for a crucial reason: safety.

In emergencies, both passengers and crew must have unimpeded access for evacuation and assistance, preventing accidental confinement in dangerous situations like ship sinkings or onboard fires.

Out at sea, human waste from cruise ships is indeed discharged into the ocean, usually around 12 miles from the shore. While treatment is required, it remains an environmental concern.

Differing regulations among countries sometimes lead to cruise ships releasing waste closer to regions with more lenient laws, as recently witnessed with U.S. cruise ships near British Columbia, which drew complaints from Canadians.

For centuries, fire safety at sea has been a critical concern. Aboard larger vessels, the risk is higher due to numerous electrically powered amenities and activities, some involving flames.

Since 2005, approximately 79 fires have been reported on cruise ships. While the number may appear relatively low, any of these incidents could have had dire consequences if not swiftly managed.

Crew members on cruise ships have notably less spacious accommodations, often sharing rooms. Although they have designated break areas with crew-exclusive events and amenities like a staff-only pool, their work schedules leave little time to enjoy these perks.

The reality of working on a cruise ship is often less glamorous and more demanding than people might think. However, discounted drinks are among the benefits.

Cruise lines maintain affordable pricing partially by exploiting tax loopholes. Similar to shipping companies that register their vessels in foreign countries to evade U.S. taxes, cruise companies often do the same.

Though there have been calls to close this loophole, cruise costs continue to remain relatively low, at least for the time being.

Cruise ships can be crowded with families, making it hard to find tranquility. Fortunately, they offer accessible adult-only areas for passengers seeking peace.

Crew members can help you find these spaces.

Cancelling cruise tickets and getting refunds is often challenging, with little flexibility. You’ll likely be responsible for the ticket cost, as well as any accommodations or extras you’ve booked through the cruise line.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, some cruise lines briefly offered more lenient cancellation policies and refunds.

During a cruise, it’s vital to watch your indulgence. Surprisingly, most cruisers gain 5 to 10 pounds. While vacationing, the idea of exercising may not be appealing, but it’s wise to stick to your routine or even establish a new one, as nearly all cruise ships have onboard gyms.

Cruise ships won’t wait for tardy passengers. Being late means watching your ship sail away. Return well in advance and carry your documents, including your passport, just in case.

Cruise ships use highly polluting “bunker fuel,” containing 5,000 times more sulfur than regular gasoline, causing substantial environmental harm.

Although some have introduced emission filters, they still emit more carbon dioxide annually than any other ship type due to the many onboard amenities.

Cruise ship crew salaries are heavily linked to passenger reviews. Positive feedback earns them a bonus, offsetting their modest pay, while negative reviews mean forgoing the bonus and receiving a meager income.

This system resembles the reliance of waiters on tips rather than a substantial base salary. It signifies that many crew members don’t earn generously for their core roles.

Cruise ship kitchens function with military-like precision, ensuring they have the right amount of food without wastage. Some kitchens can predict consumption with a two-meal margin for a week.

They also adjust food orders based on the nationality of guests; for instance, ships with American guests may order more ketchup.

The cruise industry is fiercely competitive, leading to varying services and amenities offered by different companies. Some even host themed cruises to cater to diverse passenger preferences.

Research is essential when selecting a cruise, as each company has its unique strengths and offerings.

Alcoholic drinks are often a costly part of a vacation, and cruise lines are no exception. Passengers have come up with inventive ways to smuggle their own alcohol on board.

Techniques include using plastic bladders to hide booze from x-ray detection and filling mouthwash bottles with alcohol, disguising them with food coloring.

Extended stays on a cruise ship can lead to crew members developing double lives, exploring different aspects of their identities, or keeping certain aspects of their lives concealed from colleagues.

Essentially, the rule is that what occurs on a cruise ship usually remains there, except for legal or company rule violations.

Besides the ticket cost, unexpected charges can accumulate during a cruise, including fees for things like boat rides to land or Wi-Fi. Approximately 25% of a cruise’s profit may come from these additional charges.

To avoid surprise expenses, it’s essential to scrutinize the fine print and consider reading or watching reviews.

Rules limit crew members’ partying with guests, but it’s common to see them unwinding. Their affordability of drinks (around $1 to $2 per drink) compared to passenger prices (often $10 or more) contributes to their socializing.

Cruise lines have clauses in contracts to regulate crew members’ drinking and guest interaction.

Choosing a cheaper room often means a cramped cabin, especially with kids. While cruise ships offer many activities, the small cabin can be inconvenient during peak hours.

To avoid feeling crowded, consider upgrading to a larger room for added comfort and space.