After 8 Years Working On Cruise Ships, These 6 Habits Still Stick With Me Every Trip
Spending eight years working on cruise ships completely changed how I travel. The endless days at sea, visiting dozens of countries, and living in tight quarters with crew members from around the world taught me lessons I’ll never forget.
These habits are now so deeply ingrained that they automatically kick in whenever I pack my bags for a new adventure.
1. Packing Light and Rolling Everything
My cabin on the ship was tiny – about the size of a walk-in closet! Now I can’t stand overpacking. I’ve mastered the art of rolling clothes instead of folding them, which saves space and prevents wrinkles.
Friends are amazed when I show up for a two-week trip with just a carry-on. The trick is choosing versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Plus, I always leave room for souvenirs!
2. Always Knowing Where the Exits Are
Safety drills were part of my daily life at sea. The moment I enter any hotel, restaurant, or venue, I automatically scan for emergency exits. It’s like my brain is permanently wired for evacuation protocols.
During my first week working onboard, we had an actual fire alarm. Seeing how quickly things can go wrong in an enclosed space at sea made a lasting impression. This habit has saved me from panic during several hotel fire drills over the years.
3. Respecting Different Cultures
Working with crew from over 60 countries taught me cultural sensitivity that no classroom could. I learned which hand gestures were offensive in certain countries and how greetings differ across cultures.
Once in Thailand, I avoided a major faux pas because I remembered my Filipino cabin mate’s lessons about respecting Buddha images. When traveling now, I research local customs before arrival and make an effort to learn basic phrases in the local language.
4. Washing Hands Obsessively
Norovirus was our biggest enemy on ships. Hand sanitizing stations were everywhere, and we’d use them constantly. This habit stuck with me long before the pandemic made it mainstream.
My friends used to tease me about my “germaphobe” tendencies when I’d whip out hand sanitizer at restaurants. Now everyone understands! I still carry travel-sized sanitizers everywhere and instinctively look for washing stations when entering public spaces.
5. Maximizing Every Port Day
When you only have 8 hours in port, you learn to make every minute count. I became an expert at researching destinations in advance and creating efficient sightseeing routes.
For my recent trip to Barcelona, I woke up at sunrise to visit Sagrada Familia before the crowds. Then I followed a carefully planned walking route through the Gothic Quarter. The planning skills I developed on ships help me experience more authentic moments rather than just tourist traps.
6. Finding Hidden Local Spots
Crew members share secret tips about the best local spots in each port. We avoided tourist traps and found authentic experiences that passengers rarely discovered. This network of insider knowledge was priceless.
In Cozumel, while passengers crowded the main beach, I enjoyed fresh ceviche at a tiny restaurant known only to locals and crew. Now I always chat with hotel staff, taxi drivers, and shopkeepers to find those hidden gems that make travel truly memorable.