The Return of the "Double Tourism Boom" and the Maritime Splendor》A Job That Lets You Travel the World for Free? A Girl from Inner Mongolia Reveals the Secrets

Cruise ships boast luxurious facilities and visit multiple countries in a single voyage, making them a popular way for older adults in Europe and America to travel the world. This has also sparked curiosity about what it’s like to work on a cruise ship. (Photo by Jian Yixin, Canon EOS M6)

In recent years, the cruise tourism trend has swept across Asia. In addition to investing nearly 23 billion yuan to build luxury cruise ships tailored for the Chinese market, American cruise companies have also partnered with Taiwanese travel agencies to launch their first "Cherry Blossom Festival" cruise in Taiwan next spring. To cater to the Asian market, American cruise companies have also begun recruiting talent from universities in the region. The opportunity to earn money while traveling the world for free on a cruise has become a major draw. Before the official inaugural voyage of the "Majestic Princess" to Taiwan, the E-Newsletter exclusively interviewed a crew member from Inner Mongolia to uncover the secrets of working on a cruise ship.

The ice cream bar on the pool deck of the "Majestic Princess" offers passengers complimentary snacks and popcorn. Along with refreshing ice cream, popcorn is served in the evening, allowing guests to enjoy a starry sky cinema experience. (Photo by Jian Yixin, Canon EOS M6)

How is life at sea? Every evening, the "Majestic Princess" hosts themed performances, and the pool deck water show features music tailored to different voyages, such as classic songs by Teresa Teng. (Photo by Jian Yixin, Canon EOS M6)

● Earn While You Explore: Themed Parties After Work and Group Fitness Sessions

The "Majestic Princess," the first cruise ship under the American Princess Cruises brand designed specifically for the Asian market, not only features Chinese signage throughout the cabins but also employs a significant number of Chinese-speaking crew members from various countries, accounting for about one-tenth of the staff. For example, entertainment host Theodore speaks fluent Mandarin, while mainland Chinese crew members are responsible for facility explanations and dining services.

Cruise ship crew members have long been considered one of the jobs that allow you to travel the world for free. Yang Xinxin, a 2-year veteran of Princess Cruises from Inner Mongolia, graduated with a degree in pharmacy and has visited South Korea, Thailand, Australia, France, Italy, and Montenegro during her time on board. She was recently assigned to the "Majestic Princess," sailing from Europe to Asia.

A voyage can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Aside from daily work, what other enviable leisure activities do crew members enjoy? Yang Xinxin revealed that cruise ships have dedicated employee pools and gyms, and staff entertainment activities—such as mask-themed parties and disco dances—are organized by designated coordinators. When the ship docks, crew members can also take half-day breaks to explore nearby attractions or go on local excursions.

Crew members perform a variety of roles, from restaurant service to ice cream duty. During peak summer season, the whirlwind ice cream bar near the pool deck serves around 500 cones in a single day. (Photo by Jian Yixin, Canon EOS M6)

Stage dancers may each have their own unique skills, but beyond their performances, they also take on the responsibilities of professional crew members, undergoing safety training before and after boarding. (Photo by Jian Yixin, Canon EOS M6)

● More Than Just Servers: They Ensure the Safety of All Passengers

Crew members can be seen throughout the cruise ship—in restaurants, pools, and entertainment facilities. Whether they’re serving passengers, cleaning up, working at a Taiwanese bubble tea shop, cooking in the kitchen, or performing in the theater, they may look like typical professionals, but they all share a critical responsibility.

Ensuring safety is the top priority during a cruise. For example, open flames are prohibited in the kitchen, and designated smoking areas with clear penalties are established. When crew members aren’t focused on their specific roles, they are trained as general crew, undergoing professional safety training before and after boarding to serve as lifesavers in emergencies.

Aside from enjoying the ship’s facilities and entertainment programs, the maritime sunset is also an unforgettable highlight of life at sea. (Photo by Jian Yixin)

● All-Inclusive with Quick Earnings, but Hard to Maintain Relationships

The job of earning while exploring attracts crew members from around the globe. Yang Xinxin, who hands out free ice cream and popcorn on the pool deck, once served nearly 500 cones in a single summer day. But with a smile always on her face, she says the ability to travel the world while working is the main reason she chose this career. The job also provides food and accommodation, minimizing expenses and making it ideal for saving money to buy a home.

However, despite the seemingly generous benefits—some recruitment ads even promise monthly salaries of tens of thousands of RMB—Yang Xinxin admits that life on a cruise requires sacrificing time with family and friends. Contracts typically last at least six to ten months, sometimes longer. Although crew members get one to two months off after a voyage, maintaining relationships or finding romance can be challenging.