What I Wish I Knew Before Working on a Cruise Ship (6 Years of Crew Life)

For six years, cruise ships were my home. I started in an entry-level position and worked my way up to housekeeping supervisor, learning firsthand what life at sea is really like behind the scenes. From tiny shared cabins and exhausting embarkation days to leadership pressure and the reality of “free time,” this experience taught me lessons I never expected. From the outside, cruise ship life looks glamorous, travel, new countries, and endless ocean views. But there’s another side people rarely talk about. In this video, I’m sharing what I genuinely wish I knew before stepping on a cruise ship for the first time, the things you only learn through experience, mistakes, and long contracts at sea. If you’re thinking about working on a cruise ship, preparing for your first contract, or you’re simply curious about crew life, this video will give you an honest look at the reality behind the job. ✨ Topics covered: •Crew cabins & living conditions •Working in housekeeping on a cruise ship •First contract challenges •Promotion and leadership realities onboard •Expectations vs reality of free time •How cruise ship life really changes you Have a question about cruise ship jobs or crew life? Drop it in the comments, your questions help shape future videos. I post a new video every Sunday, so subscribe if you want more real stories and practical insights from life at sea.