As the weather gets warmer, the summer months approach, and the sun sticks around longer in the day, eager vacationers are likely thinking ahead on their travel plans. The ideal summer vacation is leisurely and hands off, allowing you to turn off your brain and let others take care of the hard stuff. One may think of a day pass to a spa or splurge on an all-inclusive resort. However, the best hands-off vacation may be found on cruise ships. From affordable, family-friendly cruise lines to luxury liners, you will find impeccable service — sometimes better than at all-inclusive resorts on land — for one primary reason: The crew-to-passenger ratio found on most ships is very high. On average, cruise ships employ one crew member for every two to three travelers, and the higher the ratio, the better the service. Some luxury cruise lines even have a one-to-one crew-to-passenger ratio.
You’re likely to have a better experience when you’re not fighting fellow vacationers for the staff’s attention. The cabin servers assigned to you and your party often know your schedule and will work with you for the duration of your cruise. Since they don’t have a ton of other people to keep track of, they’ll likely be quick to learn your preferences and be able to cater to your unique needs.
Viking, Silversea, and Disney cruises have the best ratios
Remember to treat your service staff kindly
While working at sea and traveling between various coveted destinations may seem glamorous, the reality is that working on a cruise ship is often a difficult and thankless job, especially for those on the service side. Many crew members hail from the Philippines, India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe and often spend months at a time away from their families and homes. Many of the positions are contracted from two to 11 months with a reported median compensation of around $15,000 annually, as of 2022. And while crew members don’t have to pay for food or housing, they have virtually no days off (though they have time off between shifts). Most crew members also have to room with multiple other workers in cramped cabins that are sometimes located under the waterline.
All of this, coupled with the responsibility of making sure passengers have the best time possible, is a recipe for a seriously stressful job. One of the best things passengers can do to help alleviate that stress is to treat crew members with compassion and respect. Understand that while you paid a lot to be on a cruise, you may not get everything you wish for, and a lot of the time, that’s out of the crew’s control. Patience here is key. You can also make their lives easier by following safety instructions and avoid exhibiting behaviors cruise workers hate. And of course, you should always tip those servers who are helping to make your vacation better. Gratuities are often already factored into the overall cost of your cruise, but don’t forget to pack some extra cash for the staff who handle your luggage, make your drinks, or bring over your room service.
