Onboard Privileges Follow

*Please refer to the Onboard Privileges Matrix

Use of Guest Areas

Permissible use of passenger areas by a ship’s crew varies by ship and cruise line. Please verify with the Shipboard Manager what areas are restricted and non-restricted.

Employees must always follow the policies and procedures of their respective ships regarding specific areas while onboard. Please remember that the use of passenger areas is a privilege that can be revoked if abused in any way.

Always put the passenger first and do not sit in prime areas or in front-row seats. The following rules also apply:

• Never sit on a bar stool
• Never walk around with a drink or cigarette in your hand
• Do not sit in groups of three or more with persons who are not passengers
• If a room is full, do not take an available seat
• Always look professional and follow the appropriate dress code
• Displays of affection are prohibited in public areas onboard a ship

Crew Shops

Most vessels have a shop designated for employee use, which is open during scheduled hours. Items vary by ship and may be purchased at discounted prices.

Mess Room

The mess room is where the officers, employees, and crew eat their daily meals. Arrangements vary from ship to ship, and you will be advised where and when you can eat when you first board the ship.

Crew Gym

The Crew Gym is open to all Crewmembers.  This facility and its equipment must be treated with respect.  Improper use or damage to the equipment can cause injury so due care is advised.  Due to the proximity of guest staterooms and/or watch-keeping Crewmembers, noise levels must be kept to a minimum.

Deck Areas

All deck areas may be utilized by Officers and Staff including the jogging track and pool bar provided guest demand is low (note that any Crewmember may utilize the jogging track between the hours of 2000-0600hrs).  Sunbathing is permitted in areas specified by the ship’s management and sunbathers must provide their own towels.  Guests will always have priority to deck chairs, and the deck should be kept clean. Any person taking cans or other forms of drink onto the deck is responsible for its correct disposal afterward.  In the interest of safety, no glass should be taken onto the deck.

Ship Shape Center

Officers and Staff may use the guest gym at times determined by the Shipboard Management with input from the Salon Manager or Ship Shape Center Sports Supervisor.  It is the Sports Supervisor’s right and obligation to deny any of the Officers or Staff access to the Ship Shape Center if any of the areas are occupied by guests.   

Massage and other available treatments for Officers & Staff are at the discretion of the Salon Manager and only when no guest bookings are made.  Haircuts are to be arranged at quiet times.

The following restriction applies to the Ship Shape Center:

No Crewmember is allowed to use the sauna, steam room, or Jacuzzis during guest hours. Officers and Staff may utilize this facility outside of guest hours, only if the shipboard management makes special arrangements to facilitate this.

Food and Beverages Venues

Reservations in all venues (where required) will be guaranteed on a first-come, first-served basis. If any dining venue experiences a high guest demand, the Crewmember’s reservation will be canceled in the reserved order, which will be determined by the Manager of the respective venue.  A notification should be sent to the employee advising them of the cancellation.

Beverage Discounts

Officers and Staff who have the privilege of using the guest bars and lounges are allowed a 20% discount when purchasing beverages (except in the Champagne Bar).  There is a limit of $30.00 for liquor and $50.00 for wine. (For example, if the wine costs $60, the 20% discount will not apply). 

The discount does not apply to Super Premium liquors and wines.

Gift Shop Discount Policy

The gift shop discount policy applies to all Royal Caribbean shoreside and shipboard employees.

• It is prohibited to purchase discounted merchandise for relatives or friends.  The only exception is a bona fide gift.
• The discount provides a 20% reduction.  Discount will only be given when the total purchase at one time is $5.00 or more.
• All employees must present their Royal Caribbean ID card at the time of purchase.  The ID card must be shown BEFORE the sale is rung up, otherwise the discount will be denied.
• Employees are expected to take special care not to mention their discount in the presence of guests.
• Officers, staff, and crew are permitted in the gift shop during normal working hours, subject to certain guidelines; refer to SQM (Fleet Operations Manual) for additional details.  Information pertaining to crew sales may also be found there.
• In addition, a slop chest is available on all of our vessels.  Crewmembers should consult the Crew Office for opening times.

Medical and Dental Coverage

Medical staff is available for you onboard at no charge.  Full medical and partial emergency dental care is provided while you are under agreement with the company.  However, most shipboard employees are not covered by the company’s insurance between employment agreements (refer to SQM H.R. Manual for details).