Jess at Sea

Ever wondered what it’s really like working on a cruise ship? After six years of living and working at sea, I can confidently say: it’s one wild, unforgettable ride. From waking up in a different country every day to forming lifelong friendships with people from around the world, life onboard is equal parts magical, challenging, and completely addictive.

If you’re curious about cruise ship jobs or thinking about joining the crew, I’m breaking it all down—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

The Reality of Cruise Ship Jobs ⚓

Let’s be real—working on a cruise ship is not a vacation. The hours are long, the schedule is relentless, and days off are basically nonexistent. Most crew members work 70+ hours a week, every week, for months at a time.

But here’s the twist: it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. You’re part of a massive team creating magical experiences for guests from around the world, all while exploring incredible destinations. Whether you’re in entertainment, housekeeping, guest services, or the engine room, everyone has a role in keeping the floating city running smoothly.

Pro tip: Cruise life runs on tight schedules. One cruise ends and the next begins just hours later. There’s no “weekend” to reset—just the constant buzz of preparation, performance, and problem-solving. But when you’re surrounded by others in the same boat (literally), it starts to feel normal.

The People: #ShipFam Forever

One of the absolute best parts of life at sea? The people. Cruise ships are floating mini-nations, often with crew from 70+ countries. You’ll meet the most amazing humans—people who become not just colleagues, but family.

The friendships you form onboard are fast and deep. After all, you live together, work together, eat together, and explore the world together. You’ll celebrate holidays, birthdays, and milestones as a crew—and those connections? They stay with you long after you disembark.

Crew Cabins: Small but Mighty

Wondering what it’s like living on a cruise ship? In a word: cozy. Crew cabins are compact (read: small), often shared with a roommate, and designed to make the most of limited space. Think bunk beds, tight storage, and creative organizing hacks. Be sure to pack light as there’s not a whole lot of storage space!

Your room size and setup will depend on your rank and department. But trust me: you won’t spend much time there anyway—you’ll be working, exploring ports, or hanging out with your crew family in the crew bar or rec spaces.

The Food Situation: #crewmesslife

Let’s talk about the crew mess. Food onboard is free and buffet-style, with plenty of options—but don’t expect five-star gourmet dining. The menu usually caters to the ship’s cultural majority (lots of rice, curry, and stews), with some rotating staples like pasta, veggies, and salad.

It’s not always thrilling, but it keeps you going. And hey—on port days, you can always grab something local if you’re craving a change.

If you’re in a management position, most cruise lines also have an officer’s mess (dinner with the Captain anyone?) so the food is a little more fancy in this dining area.

Getting Paid to Travel the World

This is the reason so many people join cruise ship life in the first place. You get paid to travel the world.

From the Caribbean to the Norwegian fjords, the ports are the real perk. Even if it’s just a few hours at a time, you can explore new cities, try local food, soak up different cultures, and truly expand your world. I’ve checked off bucket list places I never imagined I’d visit—all thanks to my job at sea.

Sunset Views You’ll Never Forget

There’s something truly magical about watching the sun set over the open ocean. It’s a little thing, but one of my absolute favorites. No matter how tough the day has been, a good ocean sunset reminds you how special this life really is.

I Work for the Mouse 🐭

A personal favorite part of my cruise ship experience? I work for the Big Cheese himself—Mickey Mouse.

My journey started with the Disney College Program and eventually led me to Disney Cruise Line, where I get to combine my passion for travel, storytelling, and magic every single day. Working for a brand I love has turned a fun adventure into a fulfilling career.

Is Working on a Cruise Ship Worth It?

So, what’s it really like to work on a cruise ship?

It’s tough. It’s exhilarating. It’s life-changing. It’s not for everyone—but if you’ve got sea legs and a sense of adventure, it might just be the best decision you ever make.

I wouldn’t trade my years at sea for anything. The friendships, the travel, the sunsets, the hustle, the fun—it’s all part of the journey. If you’re thinking about applying for a cruise ship job, do it. You might just fall in love with life at sea.

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Disclaimer: Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line I’ve worked for, so I can’t speak of the experience with other cruise lines. All opinions in this post are my own and not affiliated with Disney in any way.

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