Rinell Banda, one of the most influential figures in the cruise ship crew community, has recently reached out to cruise lines, suggesting a full day off for all crew members. After listening to thousands of crew requests on his social media platforms, Rinell proposed that crew members receive one full day off per month to recharge and enhance productivity.

Rinell, the founder of Buhay Sa Cruise Ship and a brand ambassador for several crew-centric organizations, has a social media reach of over 900,000 followers, predominantly from the Philippines. His platform positions him as a powerful advocate for improving crew welfare.

Currently, most crew members only receive partial time-off, typically skipping a morning or afternoon shift while working the rest of the day. For example, a waiter with time off might not work the lunch shift but would still be required to work breakfast and dinner.

A full day off has been a long-discussed topic within the crew community but has never been implemented by cruise lines. With Rinell's leadership and the support of the global crew community, this long-overdue change could finally become a reality.

Take a look at Rinell’s video and why he believes a full day off will benefit the crew, the cruise lines, and ultimately enhance the guests' overall experience.

This is Rinell Banda's call to action:

"To all the amazing CEOs of the cruise ship industry, I have a suggestion that could transform the lives of our hardworking crew members and make our ships even more efficient and happier places to work: implementing a day off at least once a month for all crew members."
"We all know the incredible dedication and passion that goes into delivering world-class service every single day. But let's be real—everyone, no matter how motivated, needs time to recharge."
"A day off once a month may seem like a small change, but it could bring huge benefits. Here’s why:"
1. Enhanced Productivity
"A rested mind and body mean higher energy levels and more creativity. Crew members will be better equipped to tackle their responsibilities with enthusiasm."
2. Better Mental Health
"Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout. A day off offers time to relax, reflect, reset and connect with their families, improving mental well-being."
3. Better Physical Health
“I’ve seen crew members including myself having medical off 2-3days a month because of burnout, physical pain and stress. Instead of medical off please give us day off."
4. Stronger Teamwork
"Giving everyone time to breathe fosters better collaboration. After all, a well-rested team is a united team!"
"Think about it: Happy crew members lead to happy guests. It's a win-win for everyone!"
"So, to all the cruise ship CEOs out there: Let’s lead by example and set a new standard in the maritime industry. One day off a month can make all the difference."
"Your crew, your strength. Let’s give them the break they deserve."

Rinell Banda
Buhay Sa Cruise Ship