There are moments at sea that stay with a captain forever. For Captain Antun Mišić, Master of Explorer of the Seas, one such moment came this month when his ship sailed into Dubrovnik, Croatia. After 26 years at sea, it was the first time he had ever entered his hometown as captain, commanding a vessel of thousands into the very port where his own love for the ocean first began.

Royal Caribbean has kicked off Beyond BOLD Crew Week, a special celebration dedicated entirely to the crew who make every cruise unforgettable. From October 24 to 30, 2025, ships across the fleet are shining the spotlight on the 70,000 hardworking people who keep the operation running day and night.

Crew members aboard the cruise ship MV Gemini say they haven’t been paid in up to four months, leaving them stranded in Salamina, Greece, and desperate for answers. In a letter shared with Crew Center, a crew member describes worsening conditions on board, with many unable to send money home or even disembark due to unpaid wages.

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.