Working on a cruise ship is often seen as an incredible opportunity to explore the world while earning a living. However, the reality of how much time crew members have off while working on the ship is a question worth pondering. Is there a chance to step off the boat occasionally? Let's dive into this topic and uncover the truth behind the scenes.

One of the greatest perks of working on a cruise ship is the chance to visit various destinations around the globe. From the Caribbean and Mexico to Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, cruise ships offer diverse itineraries that allow crew members to experience different countries firsthand. This presents a unique opportunity for exploration that most people can only dream of.

The policies regarding time spent ashore vary from one cruise line to another. However, all cruise companies provide their crew members with the chance to disembark when they're not on duty. During this time, crew members are free to immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy regional cuisine, stock up on necessities, or simply relax on a beautiful beach.

In some cases, crew members can even avail themselves of discounted experiences and excursions offered by their employer, as long as it doesn't conflict with their work schedule. This provides a chance to engage in enriching activities while making the most of their time ashore.

You'll Meet People from All Over the World

Another remarkable aspect of working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Since cruise ships attract passengers from around the world, crew members have the privilege of interacting with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This not only includes passengers but also fellow crew members, enabling valuable cross-cultural connections and personal growth.

To facilitate socializing, many cruise ships allocate dedicated crew areas such as bars or lounges where crew members can bond and forge new friendships. Additionally, meals and downtime between shifts offer chances to meet new people and learn about their cultures, fostering a sense of community onboard.

While it is often emphasized that crew members work seven-day weeks, the reality is far from all work and no play. Crew members have mastered the art of making the most of their free time, whether they choose to stay onboard or venture ashore.

How Much Free Time Do Crew Get?

The amount of free time a crew member receives varies depending on their department and job responsibilities. For instance, a Guest Relations Officer may have split shifts throughout the day, starting early in the morning and continuing until the evening. On the other hand, a casino cashier or dealer may have longer night shifts and dedicated sea days.

Supervisors strive to create schedules that provide adequate time for rest, meals, relaxation, and the opportunity to explore ports of call. This may result in varying intervals between shifts, which typically balances out over the course of a cruise.

What is "In Port Manning?"

However, there are instances when crew members are required to remain onboard during port visits. This is known as “In Port Manning” or (IPM), where specific crew members from each department are designated to stay on the ship, regardless of whether they are working or not. These duties are crucial for the safety, security, and emergency response capabilities of the vessel, as mandated by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and the IMO (International Maritime Organization).

Crew Off Hours Onboard a Cruise Ship

While crew members on IPM may not have the chance to disembark, there are plenty of onboard facilities and activities to keep them entertained during their off-hours. Cruise ships often provide dedicated areas for the crew, including internet cafes, gyms, pools (on select ships), bars, and recreational spaces. Furthermore, special events such as crew parties, BBQs, talent shows, and movie nights are regularly organized to ensure the crew enjoys their time onboard. Officers may also have access to additional facilities like the pool deck, spa, gym, restaurants, and bars.

Rules for Cruise Ship Crew Going Ashore

When it comes to going ashore, crew members must adhere to specific rules. Passengers are given priority, and crew members must wait until all passengers have disembarked before they can leave the ship. Similarly, when returning to the ship, there is usually a separate line for crew members. Additionally, some ports may have designated time windows during which crew members are allowed to leave the ship.

To ensure a smooth experience, crew members need to carry essential documents such as their ship's ID card and Crewman's Landing Permit (I95). It's also advisable to have alternate photo identification, cash, a watch set to the ship's time (which may differ from local time), and the contact information of the port agent for any emergencies.

It's crucial for crew members to be aware of the boarding time and return deadlines to avoid being left behind. Passengers usually have a 30-minute window before departure, while crew members are expected to be back onboard at least one hour in advance. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in severe consequences, including contract termination.

In my personal experience, there was a time when I lost track of time during my "day off" in Cozumel. I was running frantically to reach the ship terminal just before it departed. Passengers were granted more leniency in such situations, whereas crew members faced stricter regulations regarding punctuality. It was a fortunate turn of events that the security officers were preoccupied with assisting passengers stuck on a shore excursion, allowing me to slip back on board unnoticed. However, it's essential to always set your watch to the ship's time to avoid any confusion.

if you are planning to get outside from the ship, make sure that you always set your to watch on the ship's time. That will help to avoid confusion because most of the time, 's ship's time and local time in the port are different, which is the major reason for many cases where crew or passengers are running late to be back on board on time.

Have a great contract, and God bless you all!