The latest Seafarers Happiness Index Q3 2025 published by The Mission to Seafarers reveals a sharp downturn in global seafarer satisfaction, with the overall happiness score dropping from 7.54 to 7.05 (out of 10). Almost every area of seafarer welfare, from wages to rest hours and training. declined compared to the previous quarter.
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.
On World Mental Health Day, Costa Cruises has highlighted its ongoing efforts to support the mental health of its crew, a vital commitment for those who spend months away from home.
Life at sea is both demanding and rewarding. Long hours, shared spaces, and distance from loved ones can take a toll on mental well-being. That’s why Costa’s #CrewExperience Welfare & Wellbeing program is designed to care for crew every day, not just on October 10.
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.
Princess Cruises is making significant adjustments to its Food & Beverage department, with new structures set to take effect on November 1. In a letter send to the crew the company described these updates as part of a broader effort to strengthen teamwork, improve profitability, and create clearer career pathways. At the same time, the changes bring both opportunities and challenges for crew, with some positions eliminated or adjusted.
Viking is inviting professionals to explore career opportunities across its expanding fleet by participating in a series of international recruitment events this September and October.
The company announced a diverse lineup of in-person and virtual career fairs, offering candidates the chance to meet Viking recruiters, learn more about shipboard roles, and apply for positions on the spot.
Kouzon Corporation, one of the leading cruise ship recruitment agencies with a presence in 18 countries on 4 continents, has announced the opening of a new branch in Georgia. With partnerships that include major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Viking Cruises, Kouzon has become a trusted partner for thousands of applicants seeking shipboard careers.
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.
