I'm no stranger to remote work, having worked as an Accounts Payable Clerk from my studio apartment in New York City while pursuing my Master's degree. Now, as a full-time writer, I enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere that has Wi-Fi. My favorite place, though, is a cruise ship.
I'm not alone, either. While most guests onboard are there to relax and enjoy their vacation, other remote workers choose to make cruise ships their floating office, and some vessels are even being outfitted with dedicated work-from-home spaces.
"Workcations" are becoming increasingly popular in settings beyond cruise ships, too—like Disney World. Instead of working from your couch or office, remote work allows people to combine work and travel.
Rather than shutting off their computer and watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, for instance, someone may head straight to Spaceship Earth or for an after-work drink at La Cantina de San Angel.
Balancing work and fun on a cruise is easy with so many amenities available. The adult-only deck is my go-to spot to set up shop in the mornings, while the ship becomes my playground at night. Plus, I don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning—although I miss my dog!
Here's why I'm a fan of working remotely from cruise ships and intend to keep embracing this lifestyle.
Change of scenery
Each day onboard a cruise ship offers a new backdrop, whether the vast ocean or an exciting port of call. I rarely work in my cabin, especially if cruising in an affordable interior room.
Instead, the open-air decks serve as an ideal workplace. There's nothing like setting up my laptop with the ocean as my backdrop. One moment, I'm working on my latest article, and the next, I'm peering over the rail to watch the seafoam as the ship glides through the water. It beats my courtyard-facing apartment with bland white walls, for sure!
On port days, I don't stick to traditional 9:00am to 5:00pm hours. A morning excursion may lead me on a shipwreck snorkeling tour or through a local market. The experiences ashore always help fuel my work in ways that a standard office couldn't.
Time management
Another unexpected perk of working from a cruise ship is that I've learned how to hone my time management skills. I've learned to set strict boundaries, allowing ample time for productive work and leisurely fun.
Spending my mornings poolside with a cocktail in hand would defeat the purpose of working remotely.
Instead of transitioning into vacation mode the second I get on board, I prioritize my tasks and create a schedule that keeps me focused during work hours, clearing up the evening to listen to live music, enjoy an original production show, and indulge in lengthy meals in the Main Dining Room or specialty restaurants.
If I allowed myself to get easily distracted, I'd be working into the late hours of the evening. Though some remote workers may prefer to attend the occasional trivia session during the day and wrap up some work later at night after dinner, sticking to a routine similar to what I'd follow at home helps to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By the time I'm ready for dinner, I'm able to fully immerse myself in the onboard activities without any tasks looming overhead. Of course, port days are slightly different; however, I'm willing to sacrifice some onboard entertainment to enjoy an exciting tour ashore.
Socialization
Let's face it: working remotely can be lonely and is perhaps one of the biggest cons of the digital workplace.
I have one weekly meeting via Slack, but other than that, I don't have much real-time communication with any of my co-workers. While I'm a fan of my short "commute," the lack of socialization often takes a toll on my mental health.
On cruises, however, I can be as social as I want. The lively environment of a cruise ship fosters effortless conversation, whether at trivia, over dinner, or during an evening game show.
In fact, I've come to appreciate traveling solo on cruises! When I don't have my own social network surrounding me, I push myself out of my comfort zone and have met some amazing people from different walks of life.
When sailing alone on Carnival Celebration, I befriended two cousins from North Carolina after we shared a similar experience with a long wait time to dine at Cucina del Capitano. I also cruised alone on Celebrity Ascent and met a group of friends who invited me to join them for nightly drinks and dinner at Blu and Le Voyage.
By embracing every social opportunity on a cruise, I counteract the loneliness of remote work.
Convenient and affordable
Working remotely on cruise ships has proved an affordable way to travel the world. Most recently, I took a 5-night cruise to Bermuda for just $1,780. The price included my roundtrip flight to Baltimore, pre-cruise hotel, gratuities, accommodation, entertainment, excursions, and dining onboard.
By combining work with travel, I've found that I can experience more of the world without the usual financial strain associated with traditional trips. Plus, since I don't have to account for multiple travel days, as the ship transports guests from port to port, I can save my PTO and maximize my time exploring new destinations.
Additionally, with the convenience of having everything organized—from dining to transportation and entertainment—I can focus on my work and fully enjoy my off-time without worrying about travel logistics.
Read more: Cruise Ship Dining Mistakes to Avoid
Working remotely from a cruise ship has transformed my approach to both my career and travel
As someone who heavily prioritizes travel, having a job that allows me to work remotely from a cruise ship combines my passion for exploration with the flexibility of work, enabling me to experience new destinations while fulfilling my professional responsibilities.
I've rarely had issues with Wi-Fi reliability, with cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity incorporating Starlink technology to enhance onboard internet connectivity, meaning I've been able to attend virtual meetings, manage time-sensitive assignments, and stay connected with co-workers at sea.
However, when working on cruise ships, I am conscious of the lack of outlets available, particularly on older vessels and in public areas. When there are outlets in public spaces, they're typically European, so I always pack an adapter. I’ve experienced my laptop dying on me before, forcing me to spend hours in my cabin waiting for it to recharge.
Other things to take note of are your port times. You do not want to schedule a conference call during sail away or when you might be on an excursion.
Moreover, your company may have specific protocols that forbid you from working on a cruise ship since you'd technically be traveling internationally. Before booking your sailing, review any applicable tax laws and ensure you understand your company's policies regarding remote work.
Still, it is entirely possible to work remotely from a cruise ship, even if you just want to send a few emails while onboard!
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
