Life at sea can be exhilarating, offering an escape from the hustle of land-based routines, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. For many seafarers, the sense of adventure and freedom is often coupled with long stretches of isolation. While working at sea, there are plenty of activities available, from socialising with fellow crew members to exploring the ship, but after a while, the daily routine can start to feel monotonous. The open sea, with its endless horizon, can be beautiful yet somewhat boring, especially when you’re away from family and friends for long periods.

This week, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is shining a well-deserved spotlight on someone who truly embodies what it means to grow, serve, and care at sea. Rosendo Napalinga III better known as “Nap” has just celebrated an incredible 21 years with the company, and his journey from Deck Boy to Chief Security Officer is nothing short of inspiring.

Medical facilities on cruise ships play a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of thousands of guests and crew at sea. With people often far from land-based healthcare, onboard medical teams must be prepared for a wide range of situations—from minor illnesses to life-threatening emergencies. On Mein Schiff 5, operated by TUI Cruises, this responsibility is met with state-of-the-art care and a highly trained medical staff.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is taking classroom learning to the high seas with an educational voyage aboard its ship Borealis. As part of a career exploration initiative, UK Level 3 Travel and Tourism students joined the cruise from Newcastle for a behind-the-scenes look into life at sea.

Disney Cruise Line is investing in the futures of young people across the Caribbean. Through its Treasure Tomorrow initiative, the company is supporting career exploration and youth empowerment programs in several of its key port communities.

The Guest Services or Front Desk team is the heart of the cruise ship when it comes to keeping guests happy. They’re the first people guests turn to with questions, problems, or anything they need help with during the cruise. If you're thinking about working in this role, it helps a lot to have hotel experience and be comfortable dealing with guests face-to-face. Let’s break down what the job involves and what’s expected from someone in this important position.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines celebrated World Cocktail Day across the entire fleet, transforming its ships into floating cocktail lounges for a day of fun, flair, and flavor. Guests aboard the Balmoral, Borealis, and Bolette joined the festivities with a variety of activities, including a friendly competition where the bar teams battled it out to craft the fleet’s newest signature drinks.

An Argentine man who worked as an officer for Royal Caribbean is fighting to reclaim $25,000 he says vanished from his salary account.

The officer, identified in court documents as E.T.L.G., is a resident of Bahía Blanca, Argentina was employed by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. His wages were processed through a U.S.-based payment platform called NorthLane—now known as Onbe Inc.—which provided virtual wallets and prepaid card services to cruise ship employees.

Carnival Cruise Line is facing mounting criticism following the sudden dismissal of Derrick Eason, a longtime comedian and U.S. Navy veteran who had performed with the company for more than 20 years. The firing occurred after a disruptive comedy show on board the Carnival Magic, where Eason attempted to manage an increasingly volatile situation involving an unruly guest—without any security present.

Life at sea can be a rewarding adventure, but working aboard a cruise ship also comes with strict responsibilities. Crew members are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, safety, and conduct. Whether you’re a first-time seafarer or a seasoned sailor, here are ten crucial things you should avoid while working or staying on a cruise ship — to protect not only your job but also your well-being and future in the industry.