All you need to know about Crew Cabins

Crew Cabin Overview

When you go on board to work on a Cruise Ship for the first time it is important to understand that you will live and work on board in a closed environment, where space is valuable. If you are afraid of enclosed or small spaces, then perhaps you should think twice before accepting a contract to work on board.

When you arrive to the Ship you will be allocated a Crew Cabin and here below are some of the things that you should expect:

Cabin Expectations:

• Most cabins have shared accommodation and bathrooms.
• On the older Ship there may even be 3-4 Crew Members in one Cabin.
• Most modern Ships 2 Crew Members share a Cabin.
• It is probable that you will share a Cabin with someone working in the same department.
• Some Cruise Lines arrange for Crew to share with someone of the same nationality.
• Modern Ships feature cabins with their own TV and DVD players.
• Most Cabins have wardrobes and drawers for storage (clothes, Uniform etc).
• Space is necessarily limited and confided so prepare accordingly.
• We recommend that you do not bring overly large suitcases.
• Most cabins are situated on the lower decks and do not have windows.

Standard Rules related to Crew Cabins

• Cabins must be kept neat and tidy and there are often inspections.
• Alteration to fixtures and fittings or the installation of private electrical equipment is not usually allowed in Cabins.
• Equipment which requires gas, inflammable and/or dangerous liquids or solids for its use are strictly forbidden inside (or outside) cabins.
• Smoking in cabins is not permitted. Burning Incense or similar substances (candles or any other open flame) is also not allowed.
• It is forbidden to keep perishable food items or to eat meals in Crew Cabins for hygiene reasons.
• It is typically forbidden to use items intended for the use of the Guests, e.g. linen, cutlery, glasses etc.
• For the sake of resting colleagues most Cruise Lines do not allow Crew to listen to music or watch the television at loud volumes or to speak in raised voices.
• Cabins are equipped with life-jackets (1 per Crew Member). They must always be kept in their proper place and must not be damaged or soiled.
• Life-jackets must only be worn during emergency drills or when necessary in case of an emergency. At the end of every drill, they must be returned to the Cabins. 
• Crew Members will naturally not be permitted to organize parties in their cabins.
• Cruise Guests are not permitted access to areas reserved for Crew Members.
• Senior Officers such as the Staff Captain regularly inspect Crew Cabins, so be prepared.

Keep in mind that the above information can vary from Cruise Line to Cruise Line and Cruise Ship to Cruise Ship.