Packing for a contract on a cruise ship can be overwhelming, but having the right essentials will make your life at sea much easier. Whether it's your first contract or you're a seasoned crew member, here’s a handy list of must-haves based on real-life experience.

Luggage & Organization
Two suitcases: A larger one for items you'll use on the ship and a smaller one for things needed during rehearsals on land if you need it.
Carry-on bag: Perfect for heavier items if you're struggling with luggage weight limits.

Life on Cruise Ships: A Look into the Crew Cabins
Living and working on a cruise ship is a unique experience that blends adventure with compact living. Kate and Jörn, cruise ship crew members on the AIDAmar, shared an in-depth look at their crew cabin, providing insights into life below deck. Having spent two months on board, they finally decided to give a full tour of their home at sea.

The countdown is on! Mein Schiff Relax, TUI Cruises' latest and greatest addition, is welcoming its start-up crew as the ship nears completion at Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. With construction in its final phase, the ship is looking more like a luxury resort than a construction site. And now, it’s showtime for the crew to move in, roll up their sleeves, and turn this floating marvel into a well-oiled hospitality machine.

Jameson just dropped some exciting news that’s about to shake up the cruise industry—literally. According to Cruise Industry News, the famed Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series is back for its fourth year, and is opening up to bartenders aboard cruise ships.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced the Cruise Crew Pass, a special discount program for cruise ship crew members visiting the Arabian Gulf. For just $1 crew members can access discounts on retail, dining, and attractions across Abu Dhabi, encouraging exploration of the emirate’s offerings.

With 147 cruise calls scheduled this season, crew can utilize the pass multiple times during repeat ship visits. Access to the discounts is available via a unique invitation code through the Abu Dhabi Pass App.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clough, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s most dynamic Fun Squad members, has been officially promoted to Cruise Director. Known for her boundless energy and passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, Clough has already served in the role for nearly a year aboard Carnival Valor. Her next assignment begins February 9, 2025, when she steps into the Cruise Director position aboard Carnival Miracle.

Playing safe when deciding on their next vacation, many people choose to take a cruise as the best value-for-money option. You wake up at a new place every day, receive service from a well-trained crew from 60–70 different nationalities, enjoy various shows in the theater every night, have access to tons of other entertainment options, enjoy an open and closed pool, and have food included at several restaurants, among other benefits. Is there anything else you could compare this to?

AIDA Cruises has unveiled its heartwarming Christmas video, sparking curiosity and festive cheer with the intriguing question: Where Do Captains Spend Their Vacations?

The video offers a charming glimpse into the lives of AIDA captains beyond the bridge, blending humor, nostalgia, and the spirit of the season. Set against stunning backdrops, it portrays captains enjoying time off in unique and unexpected ways, reminding viewers of the human stories behind those who steer the ships.

MSC Cruises has announced a significant shift in its hiring process, centralizing crew recruitment operations to its Italian office in Sorrento. The move, aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency, means agencies in Brazil will no longer play a role in collecting resumes or managing job applications for positions aboard MSC vessels.

The newly established Crew Welfare Hub at Liverpool Cruise Terminal has wrapped up a highly successful summer season, providing essential support and services to thousands of cruise ship crew members.

Throughout the summer months, the terminal welcomed 97 vessels, bringing in a total of 55,575 crew members. These dedicated professionals worked tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable experience for passengers aboard their vessels.