Passengers often encounter the same crew members throughout the day and wonder about the actual hours cruise ship employees put in. Irrespective of their job positions, cruise ship employees typically work between 8 to 12 hours on a "sea" day and sometimes fewer hours on a "port" day. This duration does not include breakfast, lunch, and dinner breaks, which can range from 30 minutes to over an hour. Some roles require almost no hours on a port day.

Today is a momentous occasion for Liverpool Seafarers Centre. 1 October 2008, the centre was officially established, and now, fifteen years later, it continues to provide invaluable support to over 50,000 seafarers who pass through the bustling Port of Liverpool and the various Mersey berths each year.

Most crew members have a love & hate relationship in terms of working on a cruise ship. There are many fringe perks available that can make their contract onboard enjoyable. Yet, there are also some things that need improvement. 

Here, we take a look at five aspects that tend to be less favored among crew members working on cruise ships:

Living and working on a cruise ship is truly a unique and unforgettable experience that is challenging to compare to a land-based job. Few occupations provide the opportunity to explore so many diverse places worldwide, encounter exotic scenery, and meet people from various countries. After such an experience, you're likely to become a well-rounded and worldly individual, gaining a better understanding of global issues, diverse cultures, and ways of life.

Silversea Cruises has taken a step to recognize the contributions of its dedicated crew members. The company has announced its latest initiative, the "Job Well Done" (JWD) Card program, which aims to celebrate outstanding performance within its crew ranks. The program is a token of appreciation and an opportunity for supervisors, managers, officers, and petty officers to recognize and reward a job well done by any fellow crew member. 

After two decades in the AIDA fleet and over 800 voyages through the most beautiful regions of the world, Aida Cruises bid final farewell to AIDAaura. With a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude, the entire fleet pays tribute to their ship, which has explored more of our planet than any of their other ships combined.

Today, folks, gather around for the grand finale of my friend's cruise ship adventure! She's leaving us, waving goodbye to the salty seas and setting sail for bigger and better things in a bigger and better city. Now, you might be thinking:

"Oh, how sad." 

Working while traveling is a common selling point for considering a career on a cruise ship. However, the promise of adventure while earning a living entails a unique and challenging lifestyle aboard the cruise ship. Long hours of hard work, no days off for a 6-8 month contract, and erratic sleeping patterns are a few challenges one must fully accept before embarking.

If you're one of the many people across the globe working at sea, then you're probably well used to working away from home. Working at sea can be exciting and an amazing career opportunity that can be both personally and financially rewarding.