I started my first contract as a crew member on one of the world’s most renowned cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line. I was assigned as a Galley Steward on the Disney Dream, and I approached my work with utmost seriousness and discipline. My contract was set for seven months, and I dedicated myself fully to my responsibilities, never seeking conflict and always focused on working hard.

Life at sea is full of adventure, challenges, and unexpected turns but for some crew members, it also comes with one of the biggest surprises of all: becoming a parent.

Ship Moms is a brand-new book that dives deep into the real, behind-the-scenes stories of women who discovered they were pregnant while working on cruise ships — and the journeys that followed. Written and compiled by former crew member Jen Winsor, the book offers a rare and deeply human look at what happens when ship life and motherhood collide.

When you picture a cruise ship career, you probably see hospitality crews or deck officers, and the guest experience tends to dominate that picture. Look closer: modern ships are intricate, high-tech ecosystems at the forefront of engineering, environmental science, and IT, which together create a surprisingly wide range of STEM roles for people who want challenging, real-world work at sea today.

Who says crew areas are always off-limits, hidden from public eyes, and forbiden to share? AIDA Cruises has taken a step forward in transparency by offering 3D and 360° virtual tours of its crew areas across the fleet giving seafarers, future employees, and cruise enthusiasts a rare behind-the-scenes look at life onboard.

The Norwegian Seafarers’ Union has issued a warning to crew after reports of seafarers being deported from the United States and losing their C1/D visas. The union said that U.S. authorities are using advanced technology to scan seafarers’ phones, devices, and online activity for illegal digital content, including child sexual abuse material.

Abel M. Dimaano spent more than 30 years at sea with Princess Cruises, building a career defined by resilience, leadership, and purpose. Starting in 1991 with the goal of creating a better future for his family, he rose through the ranks to Restaurant Manager, faced challenges head-on, and left a lasting impact on the crew community.

A story shared with Crew Center tells how easily a crew member’s career can be ruined by agreeing to “help” a colleague. This serves as an important reminder: 

Never accept or store bags or items belonging to others in your cabin.

Princess Cruises has issued a fleetwide update to its tattoo policy, formally requiring all shipboard employees to keep visible tattoos covered while on duty. The change, announced in an email sent to all departments by the company’s Fleet HR Team, will take effect on September 10.

In the cruise industry, we often talk about dedication, teamwork, and passion as the driving force that keep us moving forward. But every so often, someone among us lives out those values in such an extraordinary way that it inspires us all.

This month, that someone is Alberto Regazzoni Costa Cruises Commercial Intelligence & Reporting Analyst, who has once again proven that commitment knows no limits.

For those curious about what it’s really like to join a cruise ship as crew, Carnival Cruise Line’s Cruise Director Sam Thurgood is offering a firsthand look at the embarkation and sign-on process in a new two-part video series filmed while joining the Carnival Glory. Whether you're a first-time crew member or just interested in life behind the scenes, this video is an excellent resource packed with useful information and real-world insights.