Cruise Ship Staff Say They’ve Gone Three Months Without Pay In Shocking Conditions

Working on a cruise ship might sound like the ultimate dream job – sun, sea, and the chance to travel the world for free. But one crew member has spoken out, claiming life behind the glossy brochures is far from glamorous.

They say they’ve been left in a situation that most passengers could barely imagine, and their story is sparking outrage across the cruise industry.

Related reading: Cruise Ship Crew Expose the Dark Side of Working at Sea

The Claims from Crew

An anonymous worker shared a message online describing what life has been like on board while the ship is in drydock, and it doesn’t sound pretty.

They claimed that internet, electricity, and even running water were being rationed to just two hours a day. With no air conditioning in the sweltering heat, they said it was almost impossible to sleep.

“All doors are left open because of the extreme heat. Each room has four people inside. We don’t know when we will be allowed to leave,” the crew member wrote, before adding a stark plea: “Please, don’t treat us like animals.”

The Pay Controversy

As if the cramped cabins and lack of basic amenities weren’t enough, the crew member also alleged they haven’t been paid for three months.

That claim struck a nerve with seafarers around the world. Under a post about the situation, one industry professional wrote: “For three months without salary is a big NO! Report to ITF urgently!” Another added: “That’s not normal at all and far from acceptable. And I have done many dry docks, both cruise and cargo vessels. This must be stopped!”

For many, the unpaid wages were the line that turned tough conditions into something far more serious.

Is This Normal in Drydock?

Not everyone agreed that the situation was out of the ordinary. Some seafarers pointed out that drydock, the period when a ship is pulled out of the water for repairs and inspections, is tough for everyone.

Long hours, patchy internet, and changes to food and accommodation are all seen as part of the deal. One commenter shrugged it off, saying: “Dry dock is dry dock, it’s a dry for all – both crew and the ship itself.”

But others were quick to push back. While temporary discomfort might be expected, they argued that restricting water and electricity to just a couple of hours a day, and not paying salaries for months, crosses the line.

Wider Reaction & Industry Context

Plenty of ex-crew chimed in with their own drydock stories, and the contrast couldn’t be clearer. Some said their companies went out of their way to look after staff, making sure food, water and basic comfort were never in question.

Others were stunned that things could get this bad, pointing out that decent treatment during maintenance isn’t just about kindness, it’s about safety and morale.

The ship in question is run by Miray Cruises, a company based in Turkey that’s had its share of headlines recently. They made waves with a bold plan to launch a three-year “residential cruise” called Life at Sea, but the project collapsed before it even got going.

Right now, though, the focus isn’t on big promises or future plans; it’s on the crew stuck waiting in sweltering cabins with no pay.

What Happens Next?

So far, Miray Cruises hasn’t made any public comment on the claims. That silence has only fuelled calls for outside help, with some urging the crew to contact maritime unions like the ITF or Norwegian Seafarers’ Union.

For now, the workers say they’re left in limbo, with no clear answers, no pay, and no idea when their ordeal will end.

One thing’s certain: if the allegations are true, it’s a stark reminder that life at sea isn’t always the holiday picture passengers see.

You Might Also Like…