It sounds like a dream: waking up off the coast of Sicily in the morning, watching the sunset in Lisbon in the evening, and in between smiling at tourists, serving cocktails, singing in a show, or maintaining the technical equipment of a giant liner. Working on a cruise ship really does seem tempting – and in 2025, more and more people are looking for not only earnings, but also a way to escape the routine. But how does it all really happen, behind the scenes of bright advertising brochures?

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.

When the Norwegian Epic broke free from its moorings at the Port of Catania, Italy, on May 30, 2025, chaos swept through what was supposed to be a routine port call. Strong winds ripped the ship from the pier, tearing concrete bollards from their foundations and sending them crashing against the hull. With the vessel forced to perform emergency maneuvers offshore, over 3,000 guests were left stranded on land in a fast-developing situation.

What began as a relaxing day at sea turned into a powerful reminder of courage and compassion aboard Symphony of the Seas. On June 8, 2025, a terrifying moment unfolded when a large glass panel ofthe ship’s Coastal Kitchen restaurant shattered unexpectedly, but thanks to the swift, selfless actions of one crew member, a potential tragedy was avoided.

For many aspiring technicians seeking a career in cruise ship entertainment, the journey begins with the Production Assistant (PA) role. It’s an entry-level yet pivotal position within the Production Department of Princess Cruises, often filled by internal transfer applicants who meet a detailed set of criteria. While the title might sound simple, the scope of a PA’s daily responsibilities is vast—and essential to the flawless execution of onboard entertainment.

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.

Royal Caribbean Group is setting a new course toward the future of employee learning and development. The company has introduced Royal Caribbean Group University (RCGU), a dynamic new platform created exclusively for its employees to foster growth, innovation, and long-term career success.

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.