Crew members typically don't have large cruise ship cabins. Oftentimes, they have to share a tiny stateroom with another coworker, with the cabins barely large enough to fit bunk beds, a small desk, and a closet. Cruise ship captains, however, live very differently.
Captains oversee all onboard operations to ensure that the ship is safely operating during each and every voyage. As such, their living quarters reflect the level of responsibility they carry.
Their luxurious staterooms often feature a spacious bedroom and living area, easy access to the Bridge, panoramic views, and more.
TikTok user Allie Rae shared a rare look at a captain’s cabin, posting a 30-second clip of her father's living quarters aboard the Independence of the Seas.
The video, which was shared on Wednesday, January 5, has already received over 190,000 views and 18,400 likes.
Thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with functionality
Rae opens up the door to reveal an expansive entryway before heading into the main living area. The elegant columns have been wrapped with tinsel for the holidays.
The living room is anything but cramped, with a large entertainment center, flat-screen television, a couch, loveseat, recliner, and dining table.
Tucked into the corner is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, while the bar has been fully stocked with wine and glassware.
Finally, the living room is bathed in natural light from three portholes. This differs from most crew staterooms, as the majority of the cabins are windowless.
The stateroom also has a large office with two massive portholes. As such, the captain has a quiet, functional space to review CCTV footage, plan routes, and handle other important administrative duties.
Rae pans over to her father, who is hard at work in his office. "My name is Tor, and I work here," he jokingly says.
(Credit: Tor I. Olsen/LinkedIn)
According to his LinkedIn page, Tor I. Olsen has been in the maritime industry since 1978.
He began his career with Royal Caribbean in January 1987 aboard the Song of America and has since worked on several of the line’s most notable ships, including Empress of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas.
Rae's TikTok account also features videos highlighting the behind-the-scenes life of cruise ship crew members
For example, Rae posted a day-in-the-life video, showing her enjoying lunch in the Main Dining Room with her family before accompanying her father to help judge the crew's various holiday competitions, including the Christmas door, tree-making, and office decorating contests.
"After lunch, I got to go with my dad and the Executive Team here on board to judge some of the Christmas trees that were put in for a Christmas decorating contest," she says.
"On top of that, I also got to go around with them and see the different doors that had entered in the door decorating contest. There were so many cute ones, [and] it was very hard to choose a winner," she adds.
