How much time off do you get working on cruise ships & what job onboard gives you the most time off?

Key Moments
Editorial Summary
The creator explains the realities of time off for crew members working on cruise ships, noting that it differs significantly from traditional land based schedules. Instead of weekends, crew members follow a cycle of embarkation, sea, and port days. Most employees work every day during their six month contracts, receiving time off in the form of shifts rather than full days. The amount of rest available often depends on departmental needs, manager leniency, and ship occupancy. Some revenue based departments, such as the spa or casino, may offer opportunities to earn extra time off by hitting specific financial targets or receiving positive reviews. The video compares various roles to identify which positions offer the most freedom to explore ports. The creator suggests that art gallery staff, shore excursion teams, and shop employees often enjoy more daytime freedom because their work is concentrated in the evenings. Conversely, roles like photographers or dancers may have more demanding schedules, particularly during the beginning of a contract.
Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
please don't go on board expecting to work two days a week because you will be very very disappointed
the shops are definitely one of the best departments to work in for time off
shore excursion staff definitely have one of the best jobs and for time off definitely casino staff
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
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