Cruise crew members broadly follow the same rules as passengers when it comes to permitted items in cabins. But a former worker has revealed the one unusual item that workers are banned from using, despite guests having permission.
After a day full of adventure, relaxation, and indulgent dining, cruise passengers can often wind down with a cosy cup of tea in their cabins.
But for the hardworking staff below deck? That same luxury isn’t always allowed.
In a revealing interview with Express.co.uk, a former cruise musician shared one of the lesser-known disparities between passengers and crew: crew members are banned from having kettles in their cabins, while passengers on certain cruise lines are offered them as standard.
“Passengers are allowed kettles in their room if they want to make tea or anything like that. And that’s one thing crews were not allowed,”
While some staff members have tried sneaking small kettles onboard, the rules are clear – most electronics, including heating devices like kettles and irons, are prohibited for crew due to safety concerns.
One former case of a phone overheating on paper and starting a fire only reinforced the need for strict enforcement.
In fact, new crew are typically required to hand over their electronic devices and chargers for inspection upon boarding.
There are several cruise lines that do provide kettles for passengers in cabins. These include:
- P&O Cruises
- Marella Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Princess Cruises (usually on UK sailings only)
- MSC (on UK sailings only)
- Royal Caribbean (on UK sailings only)
With other cruise lines, you may be able to request a kettle but you shouldn’t expect to get one, and you would be barred from bringing your own onboard.
Still, according to this former cruise musician, one of the above cruise lines allows guests to have kettles but bars the crew from enjoying the freedom to make their own hot drinks.
The former staffer did acknowledge that, while a surprising rule, it was clear that guest comfort always took priority over that of the crew.
“Cabin passengers don’t really have rules… they are always right. It’s still a business, so how they manage their business is to keep the passengers happy.”
Whether it’s for a morning brew or a bedtime tea, passengers can sip in comfort – while crew members often rely on designated staff areas for their caffeine fix.
It’s just one of the many behind-the-scenes differences that highlight the working realities of life at sea.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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