Why are cruise ships understaffed?


Why are cruise ships understaffed? Part of that can be blamed on logistics. It's not easy to staff dozens of ships that had been operating with skeleton crews after a roughly 18-month shutdown at a time when acquiring visas for workers has taken longer than usual. In addition, the industry lost some workers to other fields during the pandemic.


What is the lifespan of a typical cruise ship?

The average lifespan of a ship is 25-30 years. After this span, the ship may become too expensive to operate, but most importantly, to become unseaworthy putting human safety at risk. So, have you ever wondered what happens to a ship when it is too old to sail?


How much do cruise staff get paid?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $102,500 and as low as $14,500, the majority of Cruise Ship Worker salaries currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) to $58,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $90,000 annually across the United States.


Why is there no 13 on cruises?

Many ships, including cruise liners have omitted having a 13th deck due to triskaidekaphobia. Instead, the decks are numbered up to 12 and skip straight to number 14. Hotels, buildings and elevator manufacturers have also avoided using the number 13 for rooms and floors based on triskaidekaphobia.


What percentage of those who have cruised say they will cruise again?

CLIA survey figures show that 85 percent of travelers who have cruised will cruise again, which is 6 percent higher than pre-pandemic.


Where do cruise ships go when they are not being used?

Decommissioned ships are almost always sent to one of two scrapyards. The largest is Alang, located in India's Gulf of Khambhat, which recycles more than half of the world's decommissioned cruise ships. The second largest is Aliaga in Turkey.


What is the easiest job on a cruise ship?

5 entry-level jobs on a cruise ship
  • Cabin steward.
  • Deckhand.
  • Bartender.
  • Activity coordinator.
  • Bellperson.


What is the hardest job on a cruise ship?

Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward.


Is there a shortage of cruise ship workers?

As in many other sectors, especially tourism and hospitality, there's been an acute shortage of skilled workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies are having a hard time finding enough qualified on-board personnel.


Are cruise lines understaffed?

It is hard to describe overall service on cruises right now as exceptional just because they are so understaffed, said Jessalynn Strauss, a university professor who has been on 17 Royal Caribbean cruises since the restart.


Do cruise ship employees get days off?

There are no holiday entitlements, but crew members can choose when they take the six- to eight-week break that automatically comes with longer contracts.


Who gets paid the most on a cruise ship?

It comes as no surprise that the ship's captain has the biggest salary from working on a cruise ship. The master of the vessel has a huge responsibility for ship safety for crew and passengers along with navigation. The captain can earn almost $100,000 manually depending on the cruise line and experience.


Do cruise ship employees get free food?

A majority of cruise ship lines offer their employees free food throughout the duration of their contracts. There's typically a special kitchen on the boat that prepares food for staff members. Employees may eat in separate dining areas, depending on their classifications.


How many hours a day do cruise ship workers work?

Your daily work schedule while onboard will depend on your particular position, but you can expect to work seven days a week and anywhere between 10-13 hours per day.