Cruise line crew members work tirelessly to attend to every need of passengers and the cruise ships that carry them, enduring long hours of grueling work seven days a week with no days off for months at a time. From stateroom attendants and dining staff to deck officers and technicians, crew members are the heart of a cruise ship and their efforts are the reasons many passengers keep choosing cruise vacations and stay loyal certain cruise lines.
Norwegian Cruise Line recently celebrated its crew members in a post on its on Facebook page that received thousands of likes and hundreds of comments. Passengers recounted how crew members made their cruises more memorable, went above and beyond for them, and even became cherished friends.
Related: Video: What every Royal Caribbean crew cabin looks like
Passenger Mark Bowen shared how a crew member’s service demonstrated why he chooses Norwegian Cruise Line:
“On the Joy – Mario, a waiter in Spice H2O. Cruised with him once and had excellent service. Went back aboard over a year later, he remembered our names and favorite drinks. His attitude and smile exemplified why we choose NCL for our vacations. He is truly an asset to the company.”
Satisfied cruise passengers like this one may be shocked to learn that behind their smiles, some of their favorite crew members may be hiding feelings of exhaustion, stress, and even physical pain.
Cruise crew vlogger shares plea for one day off per month for crew
On the same day Norwegian Cruise Line shared its post celebrating its crew, a former cruise ship worker turned cruise crew vlogger from the Philippines posted a plea to cruise line executives to recognize the needs of their hardworking crew. Across his social media platforms, Rinell Banda of Buhay Sa Cruise Ship is advocating for one day off for all cruise ship crew members.
Long hours with shifts of 10 to 13 hours per day, seven days a week, is the hardest part of the job for many crew members. They usually don’t get any days off until their contract is complete, which means going months without a full day off to rest. Cruise ship employment contracts typically range from four to 10 months long. After each contract, crew members usually receive about 60 days of vacation before their next assignment.
Related: Royal Caribbean crew member shares key tipping advice
In his video plea, Banda suggests that implementing a day off at least once a month for all crew members could transform their lives and make cruise ships even more efficient and happier places to work.
“We all know the incredible dedication and passion that goes into delivering world-class service every single day. But let’s be real—everyone, no matter how motivated, needs time to recharge.”
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A day off could benefit crew members, but is it feasible for cruise lines?
According to Banda, a day off once a month could lead to a number of benefits for the cruise industry including enhanced productivity, stronger teamwork, and better mental and physical health among crew.
“I’ve seen crew members including myself having medical off two to three days a month because of burnout, physical pain and stress. Instead of medical off please give us day off,” Banda pleads.
“Think about it: Happy crew members lead to happy guests. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Banda continues. “So, to all the cruise ship CEOs out there: Let’s lead by example and set a new standard in the maritime industry. One day off a month can make all the difference. Your crew, your strength. Let’s give them the break they deserve.”
Related: Carnival Cruise Line’s John Heald shares crew cabin secrets
A Carnival Cruise Line passenger echoed Banda’s request for crew members to receive one day off per month in a comment on Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald’s Facebook page. Heald explained why this isn’t currently feasible on Carnival cruise ships:
“They (crew) all have blocks of time off and if we’re referring, for example, specifically to a cabin attendant or a waiter, we cannot give them one for 24 hours day off. This would severely impact the guest service. We are not like a hotel who can bring in extra crew members. However, at least once a week, the cabin attendant and waiter and other crew members well as I said, have a block of time off. But I think it’s very kind of you to think of them in this way and a sincere thank you therefore for your kindness and consideration.”
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