Cruise ship crew are some of the hardest-working people in the travel industry. Working long days, with some shifts lasting up to 12 hours and no days off for contracts that can stretch up to 10 months, can seriously take a toll. The cruise lines are aware of this and have measures in place to ensure the crew's mental and physical well-being. Most companies provide various activities for the crew members from time to time, as well as facilities where the crew can relax and destress during their hard-earned free time.

During your free time, you are at liberty to do as you please, but what can you do onboard a cruise ship when you have some time off?

The Crew Gym

Most cruise ships feature a dedicated crew gym equipped with all the necessary workout equipment. They also have TVs and sound systems. Some crew events, such as Zumba, yoga classes, salsa lessons, and aerobic classes, among others, are held at the crew gym.

Can I Use the Guest Gym?

The main passenger gym on the cruise ship, typically situated on a higher deck with excellent views, is also accessible to crew members. One drawback of the crew gym is the absence of any view, and working out with a scenic backdrop can be a great motivator.

The issue with the passenger gym is that it's reserved exclusively for guests' use. However, if your position grants you guest access privileges, you might be able to use the passenger gym. The passenger gym also operates 24 hours a day, provided it's not crowded with passengers, which is usually the case on sea days. Management always emphasizes that guests come first.

If you're fortunate enough to work on a cruise ship with a crew pool, you're in luck. Not all ships have a dedicated crew pool. These crew pools are quite small, mainly designed for a quick splash and relaxation on a sunbathing chair at the front of the ship, or the bow.

The crew pool is typically situated at the ship's front, and some cruise ships also have a crew bar right next to it, where you can enjoy drinks under the stars at night. I've made good use of the crew pool whenever I've had the chance, and it's undoubtedly an asset to have when you're stuck on board and don't have much time to reach a beach.

The Crew Bar

The crew bar is the social hub and one of the most frequented places on a cruise ship. It's where the crew goes to unwind and destress. Many events are held at the crew bar, and there's music almost every night. Aspiring DJs can sign up with the Crew Activities Specialist onboard to DJ at the crew bar. They maintain a monthly calendar of events around the ship, and most of them take place at the crew bar.

In my opinion, the crew bar is the heart and soul of the cruise ship. It's where people gather to socialize after work, release stress, catch up with friends, and enjoy a beer, wine, or their preferred drink. At the crew bar, you can be yourself and dress as you wish (within certain limits). Crew members visit the crew bar to let off steam, relax, and momentarily forget about work.

Another fantastic aspect of the crew bar is the chance to meet friends from different departments, chat, enjoy music, wear your own clothes, and have a great time. During parties at the crew bar, people often dress to impress, so make sure to pack some stylish attire in your luggage.

Drinks Are Inexpensive at the Crew Bar

Drinks at the crew bar are remarkably affordable, and crew members certainly take advantage of it. You can buy beer for as low as $1 and glasses of wine for just $0.75. Some cruise ships even feature a full bar where you can order cocktails, whiskey, margaritas, and more. Some bars also sell snacks to accompany your drinks while you chat with friends.

The crew bar is a cozy place, often furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas, and some even have a jukebox and  DJ booth, allowing crew members to sign up as DJs. There's always something happening at the crew bar, and a monthly calendar of events in the main crew areas showcases all the activities for that month, including special theme nights at the crew bar. If you have a passion for DJing, this could be a fun hobby to pursue during your nights off, providing entertainment for your fellow crew members.