Have you ever wondered what it is like to live and work on the world's biggest cruise ship?
At the heart of every cruise vacation is the ship's hardworking crew members. From the housekeeping team to bartenders, dining room wait staff, and entertainers, it would be impossible to have a smooth sailing without the crew.
Life on board as a crew member is exciting and demanding. Most crew members work long hours and live in tiny cabins below the passenger decks. In return, however, they meet people from dozens of different countries and build lifelong friendships.
Ex-crew member Bryan James recently traveled aboard Star of the Seas with his girlfriend, Jaidyn, while she was finishing her contract.
Although he is no longer working as an entertainer aboard cruise ships, James continues to document his life on his well-known YouTube channel, which has amassed over 500k subscribers.
His channel is filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on board, as well as some cruise secrets from experienced sailors that will help you plan the ultimate getaway.
In a recent video, Jaidyn briefly shares a look inside her crew cabin before signing off and starting her next chapter: relocating to Arizona with James.
Read more: Crew member reveals that uneaten food on cruise ships isn't always thrown away
Better Crew Rooms on Icon Class Ships
When Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024, she was filled with record-breaking firsts, including the largest waterpark at sea, the first-ever elegant supper club restaurant, a brand-new enclosed AquaTheater, and a complimentary food hall.
However, below deck, Royal Caribbean's team designed a completely different world for the 2,000-plus crew members who keep the ship running around the clock. Dubbed the "Crew Neighborhood," this hidden area spans four decks and functions like a miniature city-within-a-city, with everything from an indoor and outdoor pub, a dedicated game room, a gym, a mess hall, and even a salon.
Another highlight of the new Icon Class ships is the redesigned crew accommodations. During the early stages of the class's conception, the cruise line sent out surveys to crew members asking them what they'd like to see aboard Icon, and at the top of the list were better cabins.
Icon Class vessels are the only cruise ships to feature unique L-shaped crew cabins. Other added features include privacy curtains, enhanced finishes and materials, and easier-to-climb beds.
"This [L-shape] accommodation allows each crew member to have their own private space where they can really relax and have their own time," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.
Read more: Photos show the secret crew-only areas on Icon of the Seas
Cruise Ship Crew Quarters on Star of the Seas
During her time on Star of the Seas, Jaidyn shared one of the new L-shaped crew cabins. Although the space isn't large, the redesigned accommodation feels more comfortable and private.
Jaidyn had the top bunk, complete with a grey privacy curtain, while her roommate slept on the lower bed positioned just below. The innovative layout creates a little separation between the two sleeping areas, with each crew member also having their own flat-screen television.
The compact cabin also features built-in storage, ensuring that every inch of space is maximized and used efficiently. The built-in closet has hanging space, as well as small shelves for folded clothes, shoes, and other personal belongings.
Directly next to the closet is a small staircase that leads up to the top bunk. These stairs make it easier and safer for crew members to climb into bed.
There are additional built-in drawers near the cabin's entrance door, too, along with a small desk with two shelves above it. Crew rooms typically have an attached ensuite bathroom. Jaidyn, however, doesn't show it.
Finally, in the short room tour, Jaidyn explains that crew members are required to leave clean linens when departing the ship.
"Here's everything that I'm kind of leaving behind for the next group of girls. We have to have clean linen, clean shower curtain, all of that," she says.
Overall, the cabin isn't as grand as Star of the Seas' Royal Loft Suite, but it’s designed with practicality and comfort in mind for those spending long stretches of time at sea.
