Crew members working onboard Costa Cruises are speaking out through an anonymous letter that they hope will reach relevant authorities. 

The letter, written on behalf of cabin attendants currently onboard, raises concerns about what crew members describe as exhausting work schedules, lack of sufficient rest, and growing pressure on their mental and physical well-being. While stressing that they are not refusing to work, the crew members say they are asking for more humane working conditions and fair consideration for the increasing demands placed on housekeeping staff at sea. 

According to crew members, housekeeping staff are now expected to complete their regular daytime cabin responsibilities, additional afternoon duties such as laundry or public area work, and then return again later in the evening for what the company reportedly describes as “Light Turn Down” or “Evening Surprise” service.

Crew say the combined schedule leaves them with very limited uninterrupted rest during the afternoon and evening hours. Some claim the short break periods make it nearly impossible to leave the ship in port or properly recover between shifts, leading to exhaustion and increasing stress levels among staff.

The situation has reportedly become more difficult because only a small number of cabin attendants are occasionally exempt from the additional afternoon duties, meaning most workers continue under the extended schedule for weeks at a time.

Some crew members also expressed frustration over onboard internet costs. They claim that because of the limited free time available ashore, many are forced to rely on the ship’s Wi-Fi to stay in contact with family, which can result in significant monthly deductions from already modest salaries.

The crew members emphasized that they are not refusing to work, but are instead asking for what they describe as a more humane balance between duties and rest. They argue that combining multiple service programs without additional recovery time is placing unnecessary pressure on housekeeping staff both physically and mentally.