A new study by the World Maritime University and ITF Seafarers highlights a growing concern across the maritime industry: shore leave for seafarers is becoming increasingly rare, shorter in duration, and harder to access. While the report covers all sectors of shipping, the findings also reveal important insights into the experience of cruise ship crew members. 

Cruise Ship Crew Fare Better — But Still Face Challenges

Compared to other vessel types such as tankers, cruise ship crew generally reported better access to shore leave. Only 3.2% of cruise ship seafarers said they received no shore leave during their contracts, significantly lower than tanker crew, where 37.3% reported never going ashore. 

Cruise ship crews were also among the groups most likely to go ashore more than 12 times during a contract period. However, despite the higher frequency, the actual time spent ashore remained extremely limited. According to the report, 72.2% of cruise ship crew who did get shore leave spent less than three hours ashore. 

Researchers noted that cruise ships typically spend less than one day in port, but their proximity to city centers and shore facilities makes access easier compared to remote industrial terminals used by tankers or offshore vessels. 

One of the major findings affecting cruise ship crew was workload pressure while in port. The report states that cruise ships were the only vessel category where workload ranked as a greater barrier to shore leave than lack of time in port. 

Crew members described how operational duties, inspections, maintenance, passenger turnaround operations, and watch schedules frequently prevented them from leaving the ship.

One cruise ship deck officer explained:

“Due to daily terminal duty, it’s almost impossible to get shore leave; others are not able to cover as only one person in this position.” 

Another crew member described the challenge of balancing work and rest hours:

“Usually, matching the work/rest balance is complicated… you always need to sacrifice your rest in order to go ashore.” 

The study also found that officers across all ship types reported fewer opportunities for shore leave than ratings or hotel department staff. This was linked to watchkeeping responsibilities and the difficulty of replacing officers during port operations. 

Port Restrictions and Security Measures Add Pressure

Cruise ship crew also identified port state restrictions and security procedures as significant barriers. Some respondents pointed to complicated identification checks, delays at terminal gates, expensive transport requirements, and lingering post-pandemic restrictions. 

The report notes that since the implementation of the ISPS Code after 2004, ports have become increasingly isolated, making shore access more difficult for seafarers. 

Several respondents also criticized shipping companies and onboard management for prioritizing inspections and operational efficiency over crew welfare. Some crew claimed that shore passes were either delayed, restricted, or associated with additional costs. 

Mental Health and Well-Being Concerns

The report underlined the importance of shore leave for mental health, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Researchers warned that prolonged confinement onboard, combined with long working hours and limited social interaction outside the ship, can negatively affect both health and retention within the maritime workforce. 

Even when cruise crew members managed to go ashore, most focused on essential activities rather than leisure. Shopping was the most common activity, followed by walking, sightseeing, and visiting cafés or restaurants. 

The study concluded that while cruise ship crew have somewhat better access to shore leave than many other seafarers, the overall trend across the industry shows shore leave becoming “rare, brief and in danger of extinction.” Researchers warned that without coordinated action from cruise lines, port authorities, flag states, and regulators, crew welfare could continue to deteriorate.