Cruise and cargo ship crew around the world are feeling more stressed, overworked, and uncertain about their future at sea, according to the latest Seafarers Happiness Index report for the first quarter of 2026. The report shows overall crew happiness dropped from 7.26 to 7.18 out of 10 compared to the previous quarter.

One of the biggest reasons behind the decline was the growing conflict in the Persian Gulf. Crew members working in the region described hearing drones, missiles, and fighter jets while ships remained stuck at anchor for weeks. Many said they feared for their lives and worried about being unable to return home.

The report also highlights ongoing problems across the shipping industry, including heavy workloads, limited shore leave, and stagnant wages. Many crew members said they regularly work 12 to 14 hours a day, seven days a week, while some claimed official rest-hour records do not reflect reality onboard.

Shore leave continues to be a major concern. Crew members say operational demands, inspections, and short port stays often prevent them from leaving the ship, even after weeks or months at sea.

Despite the challenges, the report found some positive areas. Training opportunities and crew interaction scores improved, showing that many crew members still value teamwork and professional development onboard.

The report also revealed that cruise ship crew reported a happiness score of 7.6 out of 10, placing them among the higher-scoring vessel types surveyed.

Researchers behind the study warned that the industry cannot continue relying on crew resilience forever. The report says the pressure of long contracts, conflict zones, fatigue, and lack of support could affect future recruitment and retention of seafarers worldwide.