10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Working On Cruise Ships

Editorial Summary

A former crew member for Carnival and NCL shares ten insights regarding the realities of working on cruise ships. The creator explains that the pre-employment process can involve stressful waiting periods lasting several months. New employees must also prepare financially for training and rehearsals, as they may not receive a paycheck immediately. The video highlights the intense workload, noting that crew members often work twelve hour shifts, which can lead to burnout. Socially, the environment is described as a high school or military-like atmosphere where cliques and rumors are common. The creator also addresses the difficulties of communicating with family due to expensive or unreliable internet, the mental stress of isolation and lack of privacy, and the blurred lines between professional and social lives. Living accommodations vary by position, ranging from shared cabins to private rooms. Additionally, the creator warns about the risk of accumulating debt through onboard spending. Finally, the video discusses the difficulty of adjusting to real world life and bills after completing a contract, which often leads crew members to sign on for additional terms.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.