Cruise worker shares behind-the-scenes look at cruise ship
A cruise employee has given the world a look at the areas strictly for crew members aboard the world’s biggest cruise ship.
Bryan James, who works as a musician on board the Royal Caribbean vessel Wonder of the Seas, has shared clips of spaces off-limits to passengers below deck, including shops, bedrooms and areas to socialise away from cruise goers, per The Sun.
In one TikTok video, James shows viewers a “secret hang out” located inside the ship’s funnel, explaining that it is a perfect spot to watch sunsets.
“I just discovered a new place yesterday,” James said. “It’s like a secret hangout that’s by the funnel of the ship.
“And not even by the funnel. I mean, it’s in the funnel and it’s so pretty to be up here and to see the sunset.”
The cruise shop is off-limits to cruise passengers and was vital for workers stuck on ships during the pandemic according to Bryan James. Images: @bryanjames.music (TikTok)
Another area James gave a behind-the-scenes look at was the crew shop, which is located below deck and only staff members can visit.
He explained that the shop, which is where you can get “pretty much anything” you need, became crucial during the eight-month period during the pandemic where workers weren’t allowed to leave the ship to visit ports.
“There was a time when crew weren’t allowed off the ship for eight months,” he recalled.
“It was like Christmas morning every single time the store got restocked, there was such a long line.”
James also showed off his quarters, described as the “world’s smallest cruise ship cabin”.
He demonstrated how he could touch all four of his bedroom walls at the same time, despite a single bed, TV, sink and cupboards somehow being squeezed in.
Bryan James described his bedroom as the “world’s smallest cruise ship cabin”, complete with an equally small bathroom that he shares with another cabin. Images: @bryanjames.music (TikTok)
The musician has an equally tiny bathroom, including a shower that he has to duck under in order to use.
To make matters even more cramped, James revealed he shares his bathroom with another cabin.
As for what staff eat, James said it was pretty similar to the buffets passengers are treated to during their stays.
The tasty buffets passengers enjoyed are a shared experience for cruise employees, with a menu that often changes. Images: @bryanjames.music (TikTok)
He added that the food changes frequently for staff, but that there was always a salad bar.
In the clip, he also showed the vast array of desserts available, including a crepe station, as well as the meats and cheeses staff members have access to during meal times.
Images: Getty Images / @bryanjames.music (TikTok)