Crew members live and work onboard cruise ships, and while many of their cabins are quite small, there are a few bigger ones.

A video shared on TikTok shows what the largest crew cabins are like on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, has worked on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas. He also shares glimpses of his life as a crew member onboard Royal Caribbean vessels on various social media channels, from TikTok (819k followers) to Instagram (273k followers). 

Though he's currently on Utopia of the Seas, a video shared on his social media in May shows his cabin while working onboard Quantum during the ship's seasonal stint in Alaska. 

Unlike his living quarters while on Utopia, he shares five reasons he loves this massive cabin, from the private, full-sized bathroom to the porthole window. 

#5: Storage space

Cruise ship cabins aren't known for being the most spacious. Crew staterooms are even smaller than standard passenger cabins, meaning they have even less storage space despite living on the ship for months at a time. 

James has been working on Royal Caribbean ships for years and is used to small closets. While he admits it isn't an issue, he appreciated having more space on Quantum. 

"...[small closets are] fine because I don't have a lot of clothes, but just to know I've got the extra space...or [if] I have people come [to] visit me on the ship like my mom just did, it's great to have a place for them to put their clothes, too," he says. 

Read more: Ultimate Cruise Packing List

#4: Full-size bathroom

Sometimes, crew members have to share bathrooms during their contracts. While on Quantum, however, James had his own bathroom. Not only that but it was larger than others he's had in the past!

"You don't have to be in the shower and on the toilet at the same time," he remarks, "They are two separate entities." 

Above the sink, which is also in the bathroom unlike on Utopia of the Seas, there's a huge medicine cabinet with space for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other toiletries. 

Noticeably missing from the bathroom is the standard glass shower door in passenger staterooms. Instead, crew members are given a shower curtain.

#3: Full-size desk

James compares his desk onboard Quantum to one on a previous contract. "...clearly a massive upgrade," he says. 

In his cabin, the desk takes up nearly one wall, giving him plenty of space to edit videos for his social media channels and unwind by playing video games. 

The desk in his old cruise ship cabin pulled out from the closet, and there wasn't enough floor space to keep the stool out full-time. Instead, he stored it when it wasn't in use to free up floor space. 

#2: Full-size bed

Could you imagine sleeping on a twin-sized bed for months at a time? Typically, that's how cruise ship crew members experience life at sea. In this case, James was surprised that he had a full-sized bed. 

Even better, it wasn't two twin-sized beds pushed together, which is the case in passenger cabins. Guests can elect to have them separated or keep them pushed together, depending on their preferences. 

"Normally, they take two mattresses [and] they squish them together...this is an actual real mattress," he explains. 

His cabin also had a pullman bed, ideal when guests stayed with him while onboard. 

#1: Porthole

Some cruisers refuse to pay extra for balcony cabins, whereas others can't imagine stepping foot on a ship without having access to a private verandah. Crew members don't get to decide whether they have an inside or ocean-view room. Most, however, stay in tiny cabins without any natural light for the duration of their contact. 

On Quantum, James was most pleased with his porthole, allowing him to catch glimpses of Alaska's natural beauty inside his stateroom. 

"Not only do I get sunshine during the day," he says, "but I can stick my phone up to the window and get cell service so I don't have to use the internet....This is the dream, guys." 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship

Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May 2025

Following her season in Australia and the South Pacific, Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May, offering 7-night roundtrip cruises from Seattle, along with one 5-night sailing to Sitka and Victoria, British Columbia. 

The 168,666 gross registered ton vessel is the namesake ship of the Quantum Class, the first to feature innovations like a skydiving simulator, indoor SeaPlex used for roller skating and bumper cars, and the North Star Observation Capsule. 

During Quantum's Alaskan itineraries, guests can lounge on the top decks to take in the stunning views of glaciers and fjords and take advantage of numerous outdoor activities in port, including hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. 

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska

Cruise ship passengers are all too familiar with the extra costs that come with cruising. But what do crew members pay extra for?

Krista Joselyn is a cruise ship singer onboard Freedom of the Seas.

She performs in onboard shows such as the Welcome Aboard show and Once Upon a Time.

The Freedom Class vessel has about 1,365 crew members onboard, and each employee has the freedom to determine exactly what they spend extra on.

In a recent YouTube video, Krista shared a breakdown of her current weekly expenses as a crew member living onboard.

"A top perk of this job," she says, "is getting to save a lot of the money that you make. We have very limited expenses."

Budgeting is entirely up to each crew member, according to Krista. 

"If you wanted to spend $0, you could."

What's free for crew members?

First, Krista explained the items that she doesn't have to pay for while living onboard.

These include:

• Accommodations
• Living expenses
• Laundry
• Gym memberships
• Crew parties

Crew members don't pay extra for cabins and the resulting water and electricity bills. Living expenses aren't taken out of paychecks, either.

The laundry room is free to use onboard, but Krista does have to bring her own laundry detergent. She buys one big package at Costo, so estimates she only spends about 50 cents a week on laundry.

Crew members can also use the crew gym for free. 

As a matter of fact, cast members are required to log gym hours.

 "As a cast member we are required to do five gym hours per week to keep up stamina for the shows," Krista says.

Krista explains that, back home, she would usually spend anywhere between $10 and $50 a month for a gym membership.

"So it is really nice to have such a beautiful gym to use for free."

Royal Caribbean HR also throws free crew parties weekly. These parties have fun themes like White Night, Beach Party, and School vs. Drool.

According to Krista, alcoholic drinks are provided free of charge, and it's a fun opportunity for cast and crew members to enjoy a night together.

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member shows off daring high dive on cruise ship: "Should be illegal"

What do they spend in a week?

Crew members do get access to a crew mess hall for free, so food isn't a necessary extra fee.

However, Krista says that the menu options and rotation "get a little boring," so she and her boyfriend sometimes splurge on specialty restaurants.

Specialty dining: $50

Crew members can go to the same restaurants cruisers are familiar with onboard: Giovanni's, Chops Grille, Izumi Sushi, Playmakers, and Johnny Rockets.

Krista says they usually get a 20% discount—or more. Even with this discount, specialty food is one of her biggest expenses onboard.

She estimated that she spends about $50 a week on specialty dining.

Water: $3

Bottled water is sold once a week—on sale for $3 a pack.

When it comes to alcoholic drinks, Krista says she saves a lot of money by purchasing liquor from the crew bar and making her own beverages.

However, drinks are very cheap at the crew bar.

According to Krista, you can get a margarita for $4, whereas on land it would be $10. In comparison, passenger bars onboard Freedom of the Seas charge $14 for a margarita.

WiFi: $0

Crew members only get two free hours of WiFi per week, so most crew members pay extra for more time. The WiFi costs $3.99 per hour (depending on the package purchased).

However, Krista invested in a side job so that she wouldn't have to pay extra for more hours of WiFi.

She works an hour or two a week at the WiFi desk onboard. For one hour of work, she received 300 free minutes of WiFi.

Thanks to her job there, she gets between 5 and 10 hours of free Internet each week.

Krista spends about $200 a week onshore

Freedom of the Seas currently sails alternating 7-night itineraries in the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In a typical week, the vessel visits destinations such as St. Thomas, San Juan, the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, and Jamacia.

Krista says that excursions in the Caribbean cost more than she expected.

"A lot of the places that we're going to in the Caribbean here are very touristy and so they are just more expensive and so I really did not expect that."

On many port days, Krista does grab lunch off the ship, visit a nearby beach, or splurge on an exciting shore excursion.

On turnaround day, the ship disembarks in Fort Lauderdale. 

Krista and her boyfriend usually head to Publix to purchase groceries, and then a cafe for food and WiFi.

The ship WiFi isn't always strong enough to download everything Krista wants for the week, so she spends her time gathering new music, podcasts, and Netflix shows.

When the ship stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, most activities and dining are free for the crew, so Krista never spends money on Royal Caribbean's private island.

However, if there are particular activities she wants to experience she will splurge, for example, visiting a waterpark in Nassau. It's worth it for a fun day with the crew!

However, there are also some weeks where Krista doesn't get off the ship, so every cruise is different.

Since Krista doesn't have expenses back home (such as rent and bills), she's usually willing to spend a little more money on experiences like excursions.

She only spends $253 total each week

Every week is different, but according to Krista's calculations of an average week, she would only spend about $253 on both onboard and shore expenses.

Krista is aware that her costs of living on a cruise ship as a crew member are less than what she'd spend living on land.

"Every once in a while I get a little nervous for the day that I'm going to have to start paying rent again," she joked.

"[I'll have to] live in a house and deal with all of those adulty things that I haven't had to deal with in my 20s."

What's it like to work on a cruise ship, and is working and living on a cruise ship the right career path for you?

Royal Caribbean employs thousands of crew members that live on their cruise ships in order to work there for months at a time.

Across the Royal Caribbean Group brands, the company employs 100,000 employees from over 130 nationalities that work both on ships and on land.

One crew member shared on Facebook his experience working on a ship. 

"Exciting and challenging"

Ervin Rebuyas posted in a Facebook group dedicated to Filipino crew members working on Royal Caribbean his reasons to consider working onboard.

Ervin's photo is a self-portrait taken on Icon of the Seas, which could indicate he does (or did) work on that ship.

He started by listing the five reasons being a crew member is worth it:

1. Travel opportunities

Ervin said you can, "visit multiple destinations and experience different cultures," as a crew member.

Royal Caribbean's ships sail around the world, and often ships transition from one part of the world to another during a single contract.

2. Meet people from diverse backgrounds

Because crew members live on cruise ships, they run into both other crew and passengers from all over the world.

Ervin said the opportunity to, "interact with passengers and crew from around the world," is a benefit to working there.

3. Career development

Royal Caribbean is a big company, and there's room to grow. 

Ervin believes working on a ship provides, "skills and experience in hospitality, tourism, and customer service," that could benefit his career within the company and beyond.

4. Competitive salary and benefits

While Ervin did not disclose his pay, he believes the compensation is good as a crew member.

He mentioned the fact crew get not just salary, but accommodations, meals, and access to onboard amenities.

The crew member only restaurants serve international cuisine to ensure everyone has something they like. There are also crew lounges, gyms, pools, and recreational activities.

Examples of social events held onboard a ship include crew gatherings, parties, and themed events.

5. Unique lifestyle

Most crew members work a number of months on the ship, then go home for a break for a few months, and then return again for  a new contract.

Contracts typically range from 3-12 months. He estimates time off between contracts is usually 2-6 weeks. He also said vacation days accrue during contracts, and are usable during time off.

He said you get to, "enjoy a distinctive work-life balance, with time off between contracts."

The downsides to working on a ship

No job is perfect, and Ervin also listed five negatives to working on a cruise ship.

1. Time away from family and friends

Because you live on the ship, you don't get to commute back home after the day's work is over.

Crew members' contracts are many months, and that means they don't get to see loved ones in person until the end of the contract.

2. Confined living space

It's no secret cabins on a cruise ship are small, and that applies to crew cabins too.

Crew members have shared or single accommodations, often with bunk beds.

Ervin said crew members share small cabins with limited personal space.

3. Long working hours

Every crew member has their own work schedule that corresponds to their duties, and Ervin said shifts include working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

4. High stress levels

Just like many jobs on land, a crew member job is not a cushy one.

"Manage demanding passenger expectations and tight deadlines," are how Ervin described the work environment. 

5. Limited personal freedom

Ervin said the "strict rules, regulations, and safety protocols" mean you have to live differently than on land.

Ships have stricter safety regulations to mitigate danger, especially fire. Crew members drill regularly to know what to do in the case of an emergency.

Ervin's advice before applying

For anyone who might consider a career working on a cruise ship, Ervin spelled out what to think about first.

He boiled it down to five key points:

1. Research roles and departments
2. Meet current or former crew members
3. Understand the lifestyle and challenges
4. Check requirements (age, education, certifications)
5. Apply through cruise lines or recruitment agencies

Have you ever wanted to know how the crew members live onboard Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship? 

Jordan Bauth, a professional figure skater contracted on Utopia of the Seas has been onboard the newest Oasis Class ship for five months and shared a video to her YouTube channel documenting the crew-only areas. 

Utopia of the Seas launched in July 2024 and is Royal Caribbean's newest ship sailing exclusively on 3- and 4-night voyages to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

While guests enjoy the cruise line's first-ever immersive train car specialty restaurant, tropical Pesky Parrot Bar, and casual poolside bites at The Spare Tire, the crew have their own spaces to unwind and recharge.

Though Bauth's contract states she can venture into the guest areas, she claims to spend most of her time in the crew-only spots. If she does want to hang out in the guest spaces, she must be dressed in her uniform. Sometimes, she even needs to be in formal wear after 6:00pm. 

Here's a peek into where the crew members eat, relax, shop, and more on Utopia of the Seas. 

Helipad

Unlike older Royal Caribbean ships, the helipad on Oasis Class ships is only accessible by crew members. Because of how the vessels were designed, the only way to get there is to go through crew-only areas. 

"I really love the helipad," Bauth says, "It's such a nice way to get some fresh air [and] to get some sunlight on your skin. And it's a really nice way to watch the ship sail into a port and also sail away from a port."

Bauth also mentions that it's an amazing spot for stargazing at night, as there's nothing but open ocean surrounding her. She enjoys watching the sunset here, too. 

To get to the helipad, Bauth has to go to the Deck 6 crew area and take the stairs leading up to Deck 7. 

Outdoor bar

Deck 6 is home to the outdoor bar, where many late-night parties are held. There's usually a DJ playing, and it's also where the crew members can go to smoke. 

Because of that, however, Bauth doesn't go to the outdoor bar much. Instead, she likes to hang out at the crew rec area. 

Crew rec

The crew rec area is where Bauth will unwind after a long day of work. 

If she isn't talking with friends, she might play a game of pool. There are also dartboards, a ping-pong and foosball table, a video game section outfitted with tons of televisions, plenty of comfortable spaces to lounge, and even massage chairs! 

"I also really like hanging out in the crew rec area because it's usually quite quiet, and you do have a bit of service if you want to use your phone," Bauth says. 

Crew pub

The crew pub is located on Deck 4, and this is Bauth's go-to spot for a drink. In addition to a stocked bar, there are some board games available, including Risk, Monopoly, Scrabble, and Chess. 

"I really like the crew pub. You don't really feel like you're on a ship in this area," she explains, "I mean, that's personally what I think." 

Though it's enclosed and lacks natural light, it's tastefully decorated with artwork and televisions where they'll broadcast various sporting events. 

Crew disco 

One deck below the crew pub is the crew disco, which is essentially another bar. 

However, Bauth notes that it's not open regularly. Instead, it's more of a multi-purpose space where Crew Welfare will host events like wine and cheese nights, Latin parties, and more. The space is also used for training. 

Crew dining areas

Crew members have to eat, too! The Crew Windjammer, or crew mess, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unlike on smaller ships, there's just one space for the crew to eat. As such, Bauth says the space is "massive" since it can accommodate over 1,200 people. 

While most of the food remains the same, there are a lot of different options. Plus, they'll sometimes have theme nights and food specials, including crêpes and ice cream during lunch, breakfast for dinner, etc. 

Outside of the mess is the crew cafe, Java Cafe. While specialty coffee costs money, the prices are relatively affordable. They have alternative milk options and even a juicer that can make smoothies. 

Bauth explains she spends a lot of time here since she's more productive outside of her cabin. However, she doesn't buy coffee too often and opts to make it in her stateroom. 

Attached to the Java Cafe is "Slopchest," the crew store which is like a "mini 7-11." 

In Bauth's opinion, there's not a ton of stuff to buy, but it's a good place if you need something urgently or have a craving for chips, candy, or ramen noodles. 

Human resources

The HR Center is also located on Deck 2. 

This is where crew members go when they need to resolve a room situation, sign off, or have other issues. It's not open 24/7, so they must pay attention to the operating hours. Still, she notes the staff are friendly. 

I-95

I-95 is the easiest way for crew members to navigate from the front (forward) of the ship to the back (aft) without going into guest areas. They also have access to elevators along the corridor for added ease of travel.

Read more: Take a look inside the crew member cabins on Royal Caribbean's newest mega ship

Crew laundry

When crew members need to wash their clothes, they head down to Deck 1. While there are a lot of washers and dryers, it's a busy spot. 

Crew do not have to pay to use the machines; however, they are responsible for purchasing their own detergent. There are also irons available free of charge. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise

Crew gym and barbershop

Because she's a performer onboard Utopia of the Seas, Bauth visits the gym frequently since she has to log gym hours weekly. However, she usually goes to the guest gym to work out while taking in the ocean views. 

Though she doesn't go to the crew gym often, she notes how the space is quite large and never very busy. 

There's a variety of equipment, too—ranging from treadmills to bikes, rowing machines, dumbbells, yoga balls, and even a punching bag. 

Deck 0 is also where the crew barbershop is. “Because I don’t get my haircut really while I’m on a contract I actually didn’t know there was a barbershop...until a couple months ago," she says. 

The space is outfitted with two chairs, sinks, and outlets. 

Crew linen

Below Deck 0 is where the crew linen is. Bauth isn't responsible for washing her own sheets, so whenever she needs fresh bedding, she simply heads to the crew linen area. 

This location also provides crew members with toilet paper, towels, and cleaning supplies—including vacuums—that are available for rent

A former Royal Caribbean crew member has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms and secretly recording young kids. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 34, a cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March after a passenger onboard the 228,081 gross registered ton Symphony of the Seas reported finding a camera in their bathroom. The guest found the concealed camera when she reached under the sink to grab toilet paper. 

Mirasol was arrested when the ship returned to Port Everglades on March 3, when Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection could board the Oasis Class ship and begin their investigation. 

Federal authorities seized his electronic devices and found videos of women undressing, as well as child pornography, dating back to December 2023. One of the videos even captured Mirasol installing a cabin in a guest's bathroom. 

Homeland Security Investigations later identified the children, whose ages range from 2 to 17 years old, according to the United States Justice Department

Mirasol would also hide under guests' beds while they were in the shower, and during a post-Miranda interview, he claimed to pleasure himself while watching the videos. 

Local 10 reported that one video was of a young girl around the age of 10 undressing and showering, with her genitals "clearly visible" and "the focus of the video."

Additionally, authorities said they found multiple voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol's phone, including "teen on bed." 

Charging documents reveal he told federal investigators that he "wants to control it...but can't." 

"We have zero tolerance for this unacceptable behavior. We immediately reported this to law enforcement and terminated the crew member, and we will continue to fully cooperate with authorities," read a statement issued by Royal Caribbean upon Mirasol's arrest. 

"Something out of a nightmare"

People have flocked to social media and online forums to discuss the incident, with most comments condemning Mirasol's behavior. 

"That is something out of a nightmare, imagine finding a pair of eyes under your bed. Nope Nope Nope. I would be so sure I was going to get murdered," wrote ActiveAlarmed7886 on a thread under the r/cruise subreddit. 

"If you're here reading this, don't stop at the headline. Read the story. It just keeps getting worse and worse with each paragraph," added alinroc. 

karenmarie303 said, "What a complete weirdo. I can’t believe he was never caught under the bed. And to get away with being gone at odd times, freako!"

"I thought I was being paranoid by NOT allowing my teen to stay in the room by herself," remarked friendofoldman, "[I] dragged her out of the room to participate...in activities."

For peace of mind, consider bringing a RAVIAD Detector onboard to scan your stateroom

Cabins are supposed to be our home away from home on a cruise ship. Though it's important to never let your guard down, the point of vacation is to relax and enjoy the experience. 

User Bead Pirate shared their go-to detector on a Cruise Critic forum that helps them search for hidden cameras and microphones.

"Amazon has a great hidden camera / microphone detector that runs on a couple AA Batteries for $50 bucks. We throw it in the suitcase whenever we travel land/sea/air does not matter. Takes 2 minutes to scan a room or can do a house in 5 minutes. Great peace of mind...," they explained. 

It's easy to use, too. All you have to do is turn the device on and walk around the perimeter of the cabin and near furniture. 

A video shared on YouTube shows what crew cabins are like on the world's second-largest cruise ship. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, has worked on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas. Currently, he's at the shipyard in France gearing up for the launch of their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. 

When he isn't singing, you can find him playing video games or making videos for his social media channels. On Instagram, he's amassed nearly 200,000 followers, while his TikTok has over 800,000. 

In his most recent YouTube video, he gives viewers a look into the crew accommodations on Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship. Despite the small quarters—particularly the shared bathroom—, the video has received positive comments thanking James for sharing. 

@Disneyobsessed23 wrote, "Omg this is so cool man! I am now thinking about working on a cruise ship now!"

"Downside: tiny room.  Upside: it's not shared with another random crew member (like most crew cabins on most ships)," commented @pileofstuff.

Let's look at his single crew cabin onboard Utopia of the Seas. 

Read more: 7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

"I think...the strangest part about being on a ship is the tiny, tiny rooms we have to live in"

Before showing viewers his stateroom, James tries to explain just how small the room is: "Imagine your adult walk-in closet and then cut it in half, and then cut it in half two more times...that's about the size of our rooms." 

Cabins aboard Icon of the Seas were redesigned to maximize limited floor space; however, those on Utopia don't appear to be as modernized. While James doesn't have to share his stateroom with another crew member, the available space is minimal. 

What you see when you enter is pretty much what you get. The single twin-sized bed is directly across from the personal sink and closet. There's not even a nightstand to store the cabin's phone, so it's hung on the wall. The television is affixed to the wall at the foot of the bed, too. 

James' friend and fellow performer Jeff, who is about 6'4" or 6'5", laid in the bed to show just how small it is. To comfortably fit, he says he curls up when he sleeps. 

The Jack-and-Jill bathroom means he shares it with another crew member

Despite sharing the washroom, there's just barely enough space for a toilet and shower. Both crew members have their own sinks in their stateroom, eliminating the need to work one into the bathroom's floor plan. 

Jeff once again serves as a model to showcase the overall size of the shower: "If I just barely go up on my tiptoes, there's the ceiling." 

"You can never get the shower head actually over your head; you have to kneel down," says James. 

Since there's not a ton of floor space, he has to store the stool in his wardrobe

According to James, the only stressor of his crew cabin on Utopia of the Seas is trying to effectively manage the space: "That's why I try to only bring one bag of stuff because if you have anything more than one bag,...there's no room." 

Above the bed, he shows two cabinets and one open-face shelf for more personal items. The latter is where James keeps water bottles, while the cabinets are where he stores his laundry bag. Jeff has a different approach, as he claims he keeps his clean clothes in the concealed cabinets. 

Beside the stateroom's door, there's a small built-in shelving unit that houses the safe, and there are a few hooks on the wall. Since cruise ship cabins have magnetic walls, James could bring more hooks to hang items like hats, lanyards, small bags, etc. 

You can follow along on James' journey on Royal Caribbean's newest party ship on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. According to his Instagram, he'll be onboard Utopia of the Seas until September 9, 2024. 

Have you ever wanted to know what working on a cruise ship is like?

Kristine Kugler, an Elite Dancer in the Theater Cast onboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas, has been with the company for about two years. 

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum Class ship initially launched in 2016. Now, the 168,666 gross registered ton vessel splits its time between Alaska and Australia/New Zealand before sailing year-round from Asia beginning in April 2026. 

From live music in the lounges to high-tech shows in Two70 and original production shows in the main theater, there's plenty of entertainment for guests to enjoy. 

Kugler also shares her experiences on her YouTube and Instagram accounts.

In an interview with Kugler, which has been edited for length and clarity, we spoke about what it's like to be a crew member on a cruise ship. 

Kugler grew up in Florida and always wanted to be a performer

I am originally from Miami, FL [and had] always wanted to work on cruise ships from sailing with my family at a young age, so I geared my dance training towards this professional route. 

I started dancing when I was 2 1/2 and continued competing in dance throughout my high school years. In university, I studied Business Management & Entrepreneurship, while simultaneously training at a dance academy to keep up with my artistry and technique.

Auditions for parts on a cruise ship are competitive

It is very difficult and can often take many auditions to be considered for a contract. I auditioned for Royal Caribbean for the first time at 18 and received a contract when I auditioned at 22! 

The audition is physically and mentally challenging because we have to quickly learn the choreography and perform it in front of the panel of judges. 

The casting directors are also always looking for what you can personally bring to the table, as well as your attitude during the audition! 

It can also be difficult because they are not only looking at your technique and style as a dancer, but your [appearance] and height to fit in with what they are looking for in specific shows on certain ships.

Her job is more than just performing in shows

An average week is different on every ship and itinerary! We are currently sailing in Alaska on 7-day cruises, so we can expect to perform two shows a night for two nights of the cruise! 

On the first day of the cruise, we participate in the muster drill, which entails giving guests their safety briefing when they first arrive on the ship. We also have one mandatory dance class weekly from a volunteer cast member, so it’s something new every week! 

We can also expect 1-2 safety drills to ensure we are proficient in our safety duties. Other responsibilities we can expect in our weekly schedule are to spotlight shows in the 270 theater, dressing room cleaning, cabin inspections, and tech runs on show days.

Working on a cruise ship means seeing the world

My favorite things about the job are the people onboard and the travel. I have met some incredible fellow crew members from all over the world and listened to stories about people’s home countries and childhoods that are so different from how I grew up. Yet, we have many similarities that caused us to end up on this ship together!

Through this career, I have been able to sail around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, New Zealand, Alaska, and more places around the world. It’s created a strong motivation to see as much of the world as I can in my lifetime. 

I am so blessed to have a career that not only continually inspires me, but also pays me to have experiences I never would have before. 

Kugler loves the opportunities being a cast member provides

The greatest benefit to being a performer on a ship is to have a career I am passionate about. We have worked our bodies and so much time during our childhoods to work on improving our craft as a dancer. Being on a Royal Caribbean contract feels like a full-circle reward for all our hard work. 

Another huge benefit is our time off to explore destinations around the world. We spend so much time perfecting our shows throughout the rehearsal and installation period that once we get settled into the routine of performing shows, we have lots of free time to ourselves. 

Since we perform shows at night, we can often explore a port during the day before we have to be back for our shows. I understand that is not a perk many other crew members get, so I take full advantage when we are given a day off.

Time off is spent reading and working on social media

During my time off, I am usually filming or editing a video! I have a YouTube channel where I share videos of the behind-the-scenes of the shows, living my life on the ship, and my travels every week! 

I am also an avid reader who has an endless list of books I want to dive into! Spending time on these hobbies never lets me get bored on the ship.

It's being widely reported Captain James MacDonald passed away.

Cruise ship Captains are a select few, and people that cruise a lot certainly have their favorites based on personality.

On April 30, it was reported from passengers on Harmony of the Seas that Captain MacDonald had to depart the ship in order to seek medical attention in Cozumel, Mexico.

The ship had to make an unscheduled stop in Cozumel, where Captain MacDonald disembarked. Guests were informed via the ship’s public address.

On Thursday, various reports came that Captain MacDonald had passed away. On Radiance of the Seas, the ship made an announcement and blew the ship's whistle as a mark of respect to Captain MacDonald.

An internal email in the company confirmed the passing of Captain MacDonald while in a hospital in Miami.

"A valued team member for 34 years, Capt James was an exceptional leader known for his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our company. His contributions have left a lasting impact on our team and the company as a whole."

"Over the years he was instrumental in the development of thousands of our crew including many sailing Captains. He was also key to leading our success in Texas cruising where he will be missed by crew and guests alike."

All Royal Caribbean ships will fly their flags at half mast on Friday, May 17 in honor of his passing.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers shared photos of the flags at half mast.

Oasis of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas

Remembering Captain James

Cruisers shared their memories of Captain James across social media, recalling fond memories.

Shirley Arredondo posted on Facebook, "My husband and I sailed with Captain James during Hurricane Harvey on the Liberty of the seas and we absolutely fell in love with him. He was funny and loved to walk around and talk to everybody."

Michael Gould added, "Maybe others will remember this: during his daily announcements, he’d always make a point to say, we’re doing a great job staying healthy, washin’ those hands, keep it up! My wife and I often use that line. I’m in healthcare and she’s a teacher; it’s both useful and always makes us smile about happy memories onboard."

"Captain, thanks for the smooth seas and fond memories. You’ll do a great job watching over the fleet from above."

Kevin Kuehlwein wrote on Facebook, "Seemed very down to earth and was very good at his job. May he rest in peace."

Doug White shared his memories of him, "Captain James was a special guy; he was the Captain of the Jewel when I became the Mayer, and he had the upmost respect for everyone that he dealt with. I remember a lot of great times with Captain James on the Jewel including gatherings in his cabin for cocktails then going on the bridge to top the evening. He will be sorely missed."

Nicole Pugliese wrote, "This is so sad to hear. We had the privilege of sailing with Captain James on the Liberty and he very quickly became our favorite for his laid back demeanor and great sense of humor."

The Captain from Texas

Most cruisers knew Captain James as representing Texas.  He was quite often in command of ships that were based in Galveston.

He joined Royal Caribbean in 1990 and was the first captain of Radiance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas.

Most recently Captain James was the Master of Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas while the ships were based in Texas.

What's it like when a cruise ship sails without any passengers onboard?

It's quite rare for a cruise ship not to be full with paying passengers to enjoy all the fun activities, restaurants, and ways to relax. The cruise industry is quite profitable, but it requires its ships to sail with every cabin sold in order to generate revenue from the cruise fare, but also the lucrative add-ons guests inevitably purchase.

For the last few days, Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas has been on her way from Port Canaveral, Florida to Galveston, Texas without a single passenger onboard, and that is quite rare.

The ship is in the process of transitioning from one homeport to another, and the Cruise Director has been sharing bits and pieces of what it's like.

Marc Walker is a legend among cruisers, for having been a well-known and well-liked Cruise Director.  The Cruise Director's job is to ensure guests are having a great time by orchestrating entertainment from morning to night, every day of the cruise.

The ship's entertainment includes live musicians, dance parties, trivia, competitions, and activities.  The Cruise Director is even responsible for the ship's Adventure Ocean youth programming, more commonly referred to as "kids camp".

Even though there are no passengers onboard, crew members are still working onboard, albeit in a different atmosphere.

A laid back approach to work

On Mr. Walker's Facebook page, he's been sharing photos of glimpses of what's happening on Mariner during this usual sailing.

The cruise began like all Royal Caribbean sailings, a buffet lunch.

Even though there were no passengers onboard, the ship's buffet that is usually for passengers was opened up to crew members.

"The crew for the next 4 days will experience the Windjammer Marketplace for breakfast, lunch and dinner! We have an amazing F&B team here," Mr. Walker posted.

In fact, the ship's Captain even joined in by serving his fellow crew members.

Later, his entire staff got to pose for a photo on the helipad, which is a rare opportunity for everyone working under the Cruise Director to gather in one spot.

This included:

• Theater Cast
• Ice Cast
• Adventure Ocean
• Activity Staff
• Technicians
• Stage Staff
• Musicians
• Sports Staff
• Senior Staff 

One policy that changed for crew members on this sailing without guests is that uniforms aren't necessary.

Mr. Walker posed in a t-shirt for one photo.

Work is still happening on Mariner. After all, it needs to be ready for passengers when it arrives in Galveston.

The non-revenue sailing means not only do crew members not have to wear their uniforms, but they can address areas that might be difficult to get to ordinarily.

Mr. Walker shared a look at one of his meetings, where the crew went through their routine, but in casual clothing.

Mr. Walker did not document everything that's different about life on a cruise ship without passengers. It's merely a glimpse of his work.

Over the years, other ships have done similar activities and we've seen guest areas opened up to crew members as a way to reward them.

There were auctions for being able to stay in a passenger cabin, enjoy guest activities, and crew member parties.

Why are there no passengers onboard

You might be wondering why Royal Caribbean doesn't have any paying passengers on this particular sailing.  After all, there's probably some people who would want to pay to take a one-way cruise to Texas.

The cruise line hasn't said why, but the answer is likely based in maritime law.

Royal Caribbean wants to shift where Mariner of the Seas homeports, from Port Canaveral to Galveston. Changing homeports is common within the cruise industry, because the needs one cruise market can change.

This game of "cruise ship musical chairs" isn't instant, and it takes a few days for a ship to get from one homeport to another.  In the meantime, that means no cruises from either homeport.  Moreover, if they had paying passengers on the open-jaw sailing, it would take even longer to get from Florida to Texas, because the ship would need to make port stops along the way.

So why can't the ship just sail from Port Canaveral to Galveston with no stops, so that it can transition to its new home and make some money along the way? It's against United States maritime law.

All of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are flagged in a foreign country, including Mariner of the Seas. 

The Passenger Vessel Service Act (PVSA) of 1886 requires foreign flagged cruise ships to call on a foreign port if sailing a closed-loop cruise form the United States.

This means, cruise ships cannot sail from Port Canaveral to Galveston without visiting a port of call outside the United States.

The justification for both the PVSA is to protect the U.S. Merchant Marine (the licensed (officers) and documented (trades) personnel on the ships) and to protect U.S. shipyards that both build and repair the ships.

Frankly, my opinion is it's an outdated and protectionist law, but it's the law of the land.

Since there's no passengers onboard, the PVSA regulations do not count.

Some crew members stand out from the rest, especially one woman who makes a simple task a big deal.

If you’ve ever been on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you know going to the ship's buffet involves sanitizing your hands. Often the crew member repeats a friendly refrain (that has probably gotten stuck in your head).

“Washy washy before you yummy yummy!”

“No washy washy, no foody foody!”

The idea is to make a memorable way to remind guests what to do, and it's been in place for many years.

But one crew member in particular goes above and beyond when it comes to the “washy washy” job.

Stacian has gained a cult-like following for her washy-washy duties

Stacian is a crew member who works hard at making the Washy-Washy job fun and memorable. 

She has reportedly worked for Royal Caribbean for 22 years and has a total of 14 distinct costumes for her Washy Washy duties.

From a Minnie Mouse to a nurse's uniform, each outfit is completed with a hat or a sash that reads “Washy Washy.” You're going to quickly notice her if you're on her ship.

She greets guests with a huge smile, singing her own refrain of “Washy-Washy” to remind guests to clean their hands.

Her fun demeanor and unique outfits have garrned a following among cruise fans who make a point to stop and say hello if they see her.

A user on the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook Page shared a post memorializing Stacian’s influence on her cruise. Over 300 people commented that they too had seen her on a ship and loved her energy.

“My favorite part about waking up on the Wonder of the Seas is knowing that I get to see Stacian,” Dana Meeks wrote.

“It never fails to put a big grin on my face.”

Hundreds of commenters resonated with the influence Stacian had during their cruise. 

“She is such a joy to see first thing in the morning!” Jackie Pellegrini Hamilton wrote. “[A] great way to start the day!”

The washy-washy crew members wake up early to greet guests entering the Windjammer, which opens at 7:00 A.M. for breakfast.

Often, these crew members will be the first smiling faces that guests see in the morning.

And many guests agreed that Stacian made their morning delightful.

Stacye Greer remembered Stacian as well, calling her “a Royal treasure.”

“She is great! So much fun.”

Cindy White Menser Bazzy commented, “She informed us that she creates all of her costumes and she is the one who started the washy-washy. We absolutely loved her.”

She makes the experience uniquely memorable

Each crew member that stands at the Windjammer entrance seems to have the freedom to give the task their own, fun twist: some play ukuleles, while I’ve seen others blast pop music through speakers while they sing along with a parody involving the “washy-washy” message.

However, you won’t find another Stacian on any other ship.

In addition to being credited with starting the “washy washy” job, she goes above and beyond to make the task brighter.

Wearing colorful costumes (that she makes herself) and greeting guests with high energy and a bright smile, she has garnered quite a fanbase.

Stacian is one such crew member who makes the job brighter by wearing fun, colorful costumes. She is also credited with starting the job, beginning the trend of brightly reminding guests to wash their hands. 

“She is fantastic! She sets the bar!”

“I always love the staff on Royal, but Stacian is the most memorable and brought the energy every day,” Jim Jarvie wrote.

Read more: 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

However, not everyone seems to enjoy the washy-washy experience. 

Sassafras Johnstone commented on the Facebook post, saying that the “washy-washy people are ridiculous.”

“We are not two years old. [It’s] so annoying. I think the job is demeaning to them as well.”

Some cruisers don’t like the music and singing outside the Windjammer, or feel offended at being reminded to wash their hands.

Why is hand hygiene important?

Washing your hands isn't just something to do at the buffet. It's one of the most important personal hygiene tasks you can do on a cruise ship.

No one wants to get sick, and washing your hands often minimizes the chances of getting sick from germs on the surface of something you touch. The best way to avoid spreading or catching germs is to wash your hands, especially before you eat or after using the restroom. It's also smart to wash your hands after touching a handrail, elevator button, or other high-touch surfaces.

Royal Caribbean ships have hand sanitizer available to use, but most health experts agree washing your hands is a superior strategy. Hand sanitizer is more than adequate when you're not near a sink. In the case of the Windjammer, many of the larger ships have hand washing stations as you enter the venue.

Hand-washing helps prevent the spread of disease, especially in a public, shared space like the Windjammer buffet.

One of my favorite cruise tips is to pack liquid soap to keep in your cabin bathroom to make washing your hands easier than using the provided bar soap.

Read more: 21 Cruise Cabin Essentials Everyone Should Pack