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Your first days on board…
We’re going to talk about everything you’ll face during your first days on board, from the tasks you’ll need to take on to the many new things you’ll have to learn in a short time. It can be a stressful, situational, and challenging experience for any new hire. It’s not just about adapting to a new work environment, it’s about adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle!
Before we begin, make sure that you’ve read our tutorials on How to Pack and recommended Apps for Seafarers, as those will really help you out to start with. Also, we have to mention that all cruise companies are different, but most of them provide the same services and orientations.
Airport and Immigration:
Please consider arriving at the airport at least 3~4 hours before your flight. It will take time to check-in, go thought the passport control and walk to your assigned gate. If you arrive late, you will have to rush and you might up even missing the flight.
You will most likely be flying to the port of call where you’ll be joining your ship on the day before embarkation. Most cruise lines arrange a hotel stay for their employees the night before they join a vessel. As soon as you arrive at the destination airport and collect your luggage, you’ll go through customs and immigration.
If you’re joining a ship in the United States and the immigration process uses self-check machines, note that these machines will not recognize your C1/D visa (last confirmed as of December 2024). In this case, you’ll need to speak with an airport assistant and inform them that you’re a cruise ship crew member. They will redirect you to a staffed immigration booth.
IMPORTANT: At this booth, you must show your Letter of Employment (LOE) in order to proceed. If you’ve read the “How to Pack” section, you should already have all important documents like your passport and LOE readily accessible.
You may also be escorted to a private room, where immigration officers will contact your cruise company to verify your employment.
Once cleared, you can exit the airport either by arranging your own transport (e.g., taxi or shuttle), or there may be a representative holding a sign with your name or your company’s name/logo, ready to take you to the hotel. Each cruise line operates differently, so always follow the specific instructions provided by your company.
Hotel:
If you’re not being provided a hotel stay the night before joining or if you’re heading straight to the ship from the airport, you can skip this part.
As hundreds of crew members are joining different cruise ships every day, you might arrive at the hotel and meet some new faces who may or may not be joining the same cruise line or ship as you. At the reception desk, you’ll introduce yourself, present your passport and Letter of Employment (LOE), and you’ll likely be asked to sign a check-in list. You’ll be given a room key along with some vouchers to use at the hotel restaurant, usually covering one meal on the day you arrive and breakfast the next morning. You might end up sharing a room with another crew member, who may not be in the same position or department as you, but is heading to the same ship.
Use this night at the hotel to properly rest after a long flight, and if there’s anywhere nearby that you’d like to visit, take advantage of your free time as this might be the last chance you have to enjoy such freedom for a while. This is especially true if you’re embarking in a city full of tourist attractions like Barcelona, Venice, Civitavecchia, New York, or Seattle. Even if these cities are considered home ports, you may never actually get to explore them during your very limited free time once you’re on board. The hotel front desk can help with directions, and if you’ve gone through our recommended apps guide, calling an Uber is always an option. Just be sure to save enough time to return to the hotel and get some rest.
In the morning, head to breakfast and eat as you like. Then, go back to your room, pack your belongings (double-check you haven’t left anything behind), and return to the hotel lobby to check out. Wait for the shuttle bus at the assigned time and if you would like to, use this opportunity to chat with others and make new friends. Just don’t forget to use the bathroom one last time before leaving, as the ride to the pier can take up to two hours, and once you arrive, the pier will likely be a chaotic scene filled with logistics and onboarding steps for new hires.
Embarkation:
As you arrive at the pier where your new home is waiting, you’ll probably be amazed and maybe a little overwhelmed by the sheer activity around you. There will be thousands of people moving in every direction, forklifts zipping by with cargo and luggage, and if you’re in a U.S. port, plenty of K9 dogs sniffing around every single pallet. Just stay close to your group and follow the instructions you’ve been given.
Once you step inside the ship, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and any accessories so that ship security can scan you and your bags. Speaking of your bags, make absolutely sure that you have all your important documents on hand at all times, because you’ll need them right away!
There’s usually a special feeling when you join a ship for the first time. You might notice people giving you curious looks as you walk up the gangway, and that quiet buzz of anxiety will probably start to kick in. It’s a lot to take in, but breathe easy. You’re in a safe space.
You’ll follow a line and go through a series of check-ins with different ship officers who will handle your onboarding. There’s no specific order, so just wait your turn, one at a time. First, you’ll hand your passport to someone from the HR department and sign a list. Then, your medical exams will go to someone from the Medical team, sign another list. Finally, you’ll present your safety training certificates (if applicable) to the Safety Officer… and, yes, sign one last list.
During this quick onboarding process, you’ll receive a temporary room key card with your room number written on a small sticker (it’s not printed directly on the card for security reasons). If you happen to lose the card, no one will be able to use it to access your room.
You’ll also be given your very first name tag, which must be worn at all times or at least according to your company’s uniform regulations. Along with that, you’ll receive your contract to read and sign or will be asked to check it on the company app. Take your time here. Make sure your salary matches what was promised during the recruitment process, and double-check that all your personal information is correct. If anything looks off like a typo in your name or a wrong salary figure, let the person in charge know immediately. They’ll guide you through getting it fixed.
You’ll then be instructed to leave your luggage in a secure area and follow the Safety Officer on a quick orientation tour around the ship. This includes essential areas and procedures that every crew member needs to be familiar with. You’ll learn about the different types of doors like the Fire Safety Doors (FSDs) and the infamous Watertight Doors, which are extremely powerful and won’t stop for anything when in operation.
You’ll also visit key crew areas like the crew mess, crew bar, recreation rooms, and most importantly, you’ll be shown your designated emergency muster station where to go in case of a drill or real emergency.
At this stage, you’ll be walking through various ship corridors and spaces with a group while trying to absorb a ton of information. Don’t worry if you feel lost as it’s completely normal. Everyone gets lost a few times a day during their first month on board. It’s part of the learning curve!
Once the tour wraps up, your manager or someone from your department will meet you and take you to your specific work area. This is your chance to get an overview of your daily environment and learn the most efficient routes, like how to get from your cabin to your station. Try to remember as much as you can, but if you forget anything or lose your way, just ask! Crew members are used to helping newcomers and will happily stop what they’re doing to assist you.
You’ll then be given a time and location to attend your first set of trainings. These initial lectures cover ship policies, expectations, emergency protocols, and more. You’ll also start recognizing familiar faces from earlier and begin learning who’s who like the captain, officers, department heads, and how to identify roles based on uniform colors and insignia. Training will continue over your first weeks on board, and each one builds on the last, helping you settle into life at sea.
At the end of this first orientation, there will be most likely a safety drill. However, as a new hire, you won’t participate in this one as it’s a mandatory passenger (PAX) drill that all ships must do as they leave port. Instead, you’ll be sent to the laundry/store to pick up your uniform. If any adjustments are needed, the onboard tailor will assist you. That’s why you probably filled out a sizing chart before joining to make sure your uniform was ready and waiting.
Working:
After collecting your uniform and trying it on to make sure it fits comfortably, head back to your cabin (or to the place where you left your luggage earlier if you haven’t picked it up yet). You’ll most likely be sharing your cabin with at least one other person of the same gender, often from the same department. Use this short window of free time to settle in and unpack, as this will be your home for the rest of your contract (if you’re in a temporary cabin marked with a “T“, don’t fully unpack as you will probably be changing cabins in a few days).
At a scheduled time, you’ll be required to report (in full uniform and wearing your name tag) to a designated location for your very first shift on board. Before leaving your cabin, double-check that you’ve memorized your cabin number, have your keycard with you (you’ll be locked out without it), and that you’ve left behind anything you don’t need for work like personal documents, your wallet, money, and most importantly, your phone. During your first shift, you won’t need any distractions, and those items could impact your performance.
When you arrive at your work area (and don’t worry if you’re unsure where to go: just ask!), your manager will meet you and introduce you to the rest of your team. They’ll either explain your responsibilities or assign someone more experienced to guide you through your first tasks. Listen closely, even if you’re already familiar with the work. Procedures on board follow specific company standards, and doing something “your way” might not be the right way here.
Your first shift will probably go by quickly, and once it ends, you might be invited to hang out at the famous crew bar. If you have the energy, it’s a great idea to go even if just for a few minutes. The bar is usually buzzing with other new joiners, and you might run into familiar faces or make new friends. If you’re too tired, that’s okay too. Rest is important, especially since from this moment on, you’ll be working daily throughout your entire contract. Free time becomes precious: use it wisely.
In the following days, you’ll have your photo taken for your official identification card, which you’ll be required to carry with you at all times especially when leaving the ship. You’ll also collect your payment card, where your salary will be deposited either weekly or monthly, depending on your cruise line. During this time, you’ll continue attending trainings, building friendships, improving at your job, and yes, still getting lost now and then, but less and less until eventually, you won’t anymore.
Take this time to reflect on the journey that brought you here, everything you’ve accomplished, and where you want to go next in your career. If you decide to pursue more contracts, think about your goals and how you can grow in your role.
At this point, there’s little more we can teach you, but we hope you’ve made good use of all the guides and tips we’ve prepared just for you. From here on out, you won’t be considered a new hire anymore. You’re part of the crew now. Welcome to the #SHIPLIFE.
WE ASKED: HOW WAS YOUR FIRST DAY ON BOARD?
We asked our communities and social media followers: How it was your very first day on board?
Safety officer used me as a demonstration subject on the very first training on board, was very anxious when he called me by name, thought I've made something wrong... asked him how did he knew my name... he replied ''I just read your nametag'', the whole group laughed and Ive made friends for life there!
Full of struggles... just to find way to uniform, tailor, laundry and moreover...how to remember the way to your cabin.
My manager tour me all around the ship not in the laundry or some offices but on the nice places of the ship with photos. Then sleep. It was only 4hrs of travel and still get rest
My first day of being on the cruise ship was very scary. All of these different emotions in one. I remember my ACD showing me to my cabin and she just kept trying to tell me how everything was going to be OK and don’t be so nervous. When she showed me to my cabin and opened the door I thought to myself what in the world did I just get myself into and why am I living in a broom closet for the next six months. That little broom closet became bigger within the next few months and was my safe sanctuary during my downtime. I have never really traveled anywhere and this was the first time on my own and years plus I was escaping a certain traumatic situation back home so in the end I did come out a more stronger confident woman.
After first dinner service went to bathroom during my dinner break. And cried a lot. In second service I tried my level best to give good product. But my line manager was not happy with my work and sought on me. He said if you can't work then why and how you come onboard? You should come as galley assistant. I was embarrassed lot as I’ve studied a lot of culinary to get this position. But my executive chef called me and described me about the working style of cruise ship. And he said that I had great experience in Culinary, just needed to adapt to the ship and that I had to promise him that I wouldn't quit from my contract. I promised and after completing 9 years in shiplife now presently I am running my own consultancy services, helping candidates to apply for cruise ships and changing their lives like mine was changed.
Got lost for nearly 45 minutes and was too afraid/shy to ask for help
Ask myself why I came to ship life, was doing good in hotel
I was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes opened for training getting lost cant find my way to the cabin
For me I was excited before I get in to my ship. After that I lost my luggage, busy with Pepper work. Then went for collecting unify, went to the galley first time.. saw big galley. Everyone asked first time. . welcome onboard. After collected my cabin key, and duty handover note been to cabin. Change uniform.. I'm lucky got single cabin no mate. So feel freedom of my cabin. Went for training and came back 3 pm. Lost the way to my cabin. Still remember my cabin number A016. 16 isy lucky number!..... Took one hour rest then back to work. First dinner service I was so lost was work style is different from hotel.
My manager told me I would quit before the end of my contract. I guess to him Entertainment Technical was better suited for men. It was a difficult contract, but I didn't quit. I would have had my 4 year work anniversary in April if it hadn't been for Covid.
Cried in bathroom after work finished.. talk to myself why I am here in a different world.
Asked someone on the line to join the ship what he did on board, he replied that he was the captain, and laughed. I tough it was a joke till I saw him in uniform #FACEPALM
I didnt realized that the fire doors were magnetic and had to press a button for some of them to open or close. Spent 1h trying to reach my cabin till someone passed by and explained to me how it worked!