Do Cruise Ship Crew Get Days Off?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ship crew members work long hours to keep passengers entertained and safe while they take in the wonders of the world. But do they get days off? The answer is yes—and no.

Cruise ship crew members are typically employed on contracts that range from three months to up to 11 months at a time. During their contract, they may have anywhere from a few days off per month to several weeks off depending on the cruise line and the role they play onboard.

The number of days off depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the cruise ship, its itinerary, and how many crew members are hired for each position. For example, if a cruise ship has more staff members than needed for certain positions, those employees might be given more days off so that all positions can be adequately staffed.

Typically, most cruise ships will have one day per month designated as “crew day” when all crew members are allowed to leave the ship and enjoy some time ashore. Some ships may also allow for additional days off if their itinerary allows for it—for example, if they are docked at a port for an extended period of time.

In addition to these days off, many cruise lines also offer shore leave programs where crew members can take a few hours or even an entire day off while in port. This gives them an opportunity to explore local attractions or just relax near the pier while still being able to return to their duties in time for their next shift.

Cruise ships also must adhere to maritime labor laws which dictate how many hours each employee can work in one day and how much rest they must be given between shifts. This helps ensure that all staff members remain healthy and alert during their contract period so that passengers can enjoy their voyage knowing that everything is running smoothly onboard.

In conclusion, cruise ship crew do get days off during their contracts, although these days may vary depending on the size of the vessel and its itinerary.