A common question that arises from potential applicants looking for a job on a cruise ship is, what is it really like to live onboard? Understanding what a crew cabin looks like could break the decision to even work on ships for some applicants.
Keep in mind, though, that crew cabins vary between cruise line, cruise ship and rank/position of a crew member. To start at the high end of the spectrum, it’s not a surprise that the Captain has the biggest cabin. But, even a Captain’s cabin on one ship, such as the Oasis of the Seas, would be quite different from the Captain’s cabin on the Ocean Princess (an older ship). Each ship is designed differently in space and amenities.
Taking that scenario into consideration, all other ranks also have significant differences, too. Depending on rank, will determine how big your cabin is. The lowest ranks often share a cabin with another crew member of the same sex, along with sharing a bathroom with the adjoining cabin. The next rank of crewmember still shares a cabin with another crew member, but they don’t have to share a bathroom with another cabin.
Within each cabin space, the amenities are also limited. There is usually a double wardrobe that is shared. And, in the bathroom, the vanity space must also be shared.
Ranks such as supervisors, managers, and one-striped officers don’t have to share with another crewmember. Their cabin is usually the same size with the same amenities as the other lowering ranking crew, but there’s only one bed.
Here’s an excellent example of what to expect in crew cabins by a video posted by Disney Cruise Line Crew Cabin.
For more information about Life Onboard, visit the website, WorkOnCruiseShips.com.