Life on Cruise Ships: A Look into the Crew Cabins
Living and working on a cruise ship is a unique experience that blends adventure with compact living. Kate and Jörn, cruise ship crew members on the AIDAmar, shared an in-depth look at their crew cabin, providing insights into life below deck. Having spent two months on board, they finally decided to give a full tour of their home at sea.

Where Crew Cabins Are Located?
Crew members live in designated crew areas on decks two and three. Kate and Jörn cabin is situated on deck three, near the bow of the ship. Access to these cabins requires a crew card, which provides privacy and security for all onboard workers.

Types of Crew Cabins
There are three main types of cabins for crew members:
1.    Double Cabins – Shared accommodations with bunk beds.
2.    Single Cabins – Private rooms usually allocated to officers.
3.    Single Share Cabins – A unique arrangement where each person has a private sleeping space but shares a bathroom with a neighboring cabin, similar to a "Jack and Jill" setup.

Kate and Jörn were fortunate enough to be assigned single share cabins, which allows them to enjoy some personal space while still sharing bathroom facilities.

Standard Cabin Features
Each cabin comes equipped with essential amenities to make life on board as comfortable as possible:
•    A bed with a mattress, pillow, and duvet (linens are provided but can be personalized).
•    A desk and chair with four drawers, two of which are lockable for securing valuables.
•    A closet with a hanging section and shelves.
•    A sink and mirror for convenience.
•    A TV with USB and HDMI capability for entertainment.
•    A cabin phone that displays the correct time even when crossing time zones.
•    Overhead storage cabinets for additional space.
•    Hooks on the bathroom door for towels and other items.
•    A small but functional shared bathroom, including a shower with storage space for toiletries.

Making the Cabin Feel Like Home
While the standard layout provides the basics, personal touches can transform the space into a cozy home. Kate and G have found creative ways to enhance their cabin:

•    Magnetic decor – Since the ship’s structure is metal, they use magnetic succulents, planners, and organizational tools.
•    Sunrise lamp – A special lamp that simulates sunrise to gently wake them up in a dark cabin.
•    Shoe organizer – Hung on the back of the door to store small items like sunglasses, swimsuits, and umbrellas.
•    Memory wall – A collection of magnets from different ports as souvenirs of their travels.
•    Additional storage solutions – Under-bed storage for suitcases and extra items.
•    Recycling bins – Crew members must separate their waste, so having designated bins for paper, plastic, and metal is essential.

Two Cabins: Contrast in Design
While the layout of both cabins is identical, Kate’s cabin is the primary living space, while G’s is mainly for storage. The difference in ambiance is notable—G’s cabin has cooler lighting and a minimalist setup, while Kate’s cabin is warm, inviting, and filled with personal items. Together, they create a perfect balance between practicality and comfort.

Life in a crew cabin may be compact, but with a few creative solutions and personal touches, it can be made both comfortable and functional. For Kate and G, their shipboard home is not just a place to sleep—it’s a space to unwind, plan, and prepare for their exciting life at sea.

Their journey showcases how crew members adapt to the unique challenges of living at sea while making the most of their limited space.