The onboard basics
Be friendly to everybody
On a cruise ship, it’s important to maintain good relationships with all crew members. The “I’ll help you if you help me” principle often applies among the crew since you never know when you might need someone’s assistance. Be kind and engage with as many people as possible; this will make your time onboard much more pleasant. It’s also especially useful to maintain good relations with members of the security team, as you never know when you might need their help.
Know what is going on
If it’s your first time on a cruise ship, you may not be familiar with all the rules and procedures. It’s recommended to visit the Guest Services office as soon as you board to pick up the ship’s daily activity schedule, often called the "Compass." This document provides information about all events on the ship and helps you navigate your stay more effectively.
Finding your cabin
At first, it can be difficult to find your way around the ship since all hallways and cabin doors may look quite similar. A helpful tip is to take a photo of your cabin number when you arrive to help you remember its location. Another good idea is to place a small, discreet sticker on your cabin door to make it easier to identify. As you get used to the ship, you’ll likely remove the sticker, but it can be very useful in the beginning.
The Crew Mess
On mega-ships, the crew mess is usually open 24/7, while smaller ships may have specific meal times. Your manager will inform you of these meal times and when your breaks are scheduled. It’s also important to know which mess is assigned to your group – whether it’s the officer’s mess, staff mess, or crew mess – and to follow the rules accordingly.
Laundry
Most ships have a main laundry room equipped with several washing machines and dryers. While you’ll be directed to the main laundry room, it’s often busy. It’s recommended to explore lesser-known laundry rooms scattered around the ship, as you’re more likely to find available machines there. These laundry facilities are typically open 24/7, so you can wash clothes whenever it’s convenient for you.
Drinking Water
Onboard tap and shower water is technically safe to drink, but it often contains high levels of chlorine. Many modern ships have drinking water dispensers, in which case it’s a good idea to carry a reusable bottle for convenient and eco-friendly refills. If your ship doesn’t have such dispensers, you can usually purchase bottled water onboard, but carrying large bottles may be inconvenient given the limited cabin space.
Fresh Linens
The cruise ship provides bedding, towels, bath mats, and shower curtains. When you arrive, you’ll find fresh linens on your bed, but you may want to change them over time. Bedding is typically replaced every two to four weeks, while towels are replaced more frequently. The laundry facilities are open 24/7, but they can get busy during cabin inspections. It’s advised to replace your linens the day before an inspection to avoid the rush.
Coffee & Tea
Although the coffee and tea in the crew mess are usually not of the highest quality, you can enjoy better coffee in the crew café or, if available, in specialty cafés onboard. Crew cafés often offer beverages similar to those found in popular chains like Starbucks, with prices ranging from $2 to $3. The coffee in the crew café is generally better than what’s available in the crew mess.
Buying Wi-Fi
During your first few days onboard, it’s recommended to visit the Crew Office to transfer money to your onboard account. This allows you to purchase an internet package, as most cruise lines charge crew members for internet access. Connecting to the ship’s internet is important for staying in touch with loved ones and letting them know you’ve safely boarded. You might also want to buy snacks or essentials from the crew store or enjoy a drink at the crew bar.
IPM & Safety Drills
Once you’ve settled in and familiarized yourself with the ship, ask your manager about the schedule for IPM and crew drills. IPM (In Port Manning) is a duty that requires a certain number of crew members to remain onboard even when the ship is in port, in case of emergencies. Knowing your IPM schedule is crucial to avoid surprises that could interfere with plans to leave the ship. Additionally, being aware of the drill schedule is essential, especially if drills are planned on days when you’re hoping to explore the port.
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