For those curious about what it’s really like to join a cruise ship as crew, Carnival Cruise Line’s Cruise Director Sam Thurgood is offering a firsthand look at the embarkation and sign-on process in a new two-part video series filmed while joining the Carnival Glory. Whether you're a first-time crew member or just interested in life behind the scenes, this video is an excellent resource packed with useful information and real-world insights.

Life at sea can be exhilarating, offering an escape from the hustle of land-based routines, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. For many seafarers, the sense of adventure and freedom is often coupled with long stretches of isolation. While working at sea, there are plenty of activities available, from socialising with fellow crew members to exploring the ship, but after a while, the daily routine can start to feel monotonous. The open sea, with its endless horizon, can be beautiful yet somewhat boring, especially when you’re away from family and friends for long periods.

This week, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is shining a well-deserved spotlight on someone who truly embodies what it means to grow, serve, and care at sea. Rosendo Napalinga III better known as “Nap” has just celebrated an incredible 21 years with the company, and his journey from Deck Boy to Chief Security Officer is nothing short of inspiring.

It sounds like a dream: waking up off the coast of Sicily in the morning, watching the sunset in Lisbon in the evening, and in between smiling at tourists, serving cocktails, singing in a show, or maintaining the technical equipment of a giant liner. Working on a cruise ship really does seem tempting – and in 2025, more and more people are looking for not only earnings, but also a way to escape the routine. But how does it all really happen, behind the scenes of bright advertising brochures?

Medical facilities on cruise ships play a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of thousands of guests and crew at sea. With people often far from land-based healthcare, onboard medical teams must be prepared for a wide range of situations—from minor illnesses to life-threatening emergencies. On Mein Schiff 5, operated by TUI Cruises, this responsibility is met with state-of-the-art care and a highly trained medical staff.

When the Norwegian Epic broke free from its moorings at the Port of Catania, Italy, on May 30, 2025, chaos swept through what was supposed to be a routine port call. Strong winds ripped the ship from the pier, tearing concrete bollards from their foundations and sending them crashing against the hull. With the vessel forced to perform emergency maneuvers offshore, over 3,000 guests were left stranded on land in a fast-developing situation.

What began as a relaxing day at sea turned into a powerful reminder of courage and compassion aboard Symphony of the Seas. On June 8, 2025, a terrifying moment unfolded when a large glass panel ofthe ship’s Coastal Kitchen restaurant shattered unexpectedly, but thanks to the swift, selfless actions of one crew member, a potential tragedy was avoided.

For many aspiring technicians seeking a career in cruise ship entertainment, the journey begins with the Production Assistant (PA) role. It’s an entry-level yet pivotal position within the Production Department of Princess Cruises, often filled by internal transfer applicants who meet a detailed set of criteria. While the title might sound simple, the scope of a PA’s daily responsibilities is vast—and essential to the flawless execution of onboard entertainment.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is taking classroom learning to the high seas with an educational voyage aboard its ship Borealis. As part of a career exploration initiative, UK Level 3 Travel and Tourism students joined the cruise from Newcastle for a behind-the-scenes look into life at sea.

Disney Cruise Line is investing in the futures of young people across the Caribbean. Through its Treasure Tomorrow initiative, the company is supporting career exploration and youth empowerment programs in several of its key port communities.