Bangladeshi Ship Crews: The Dark Side of Cruise Ship Jobs

Working on a cruise ship is often portrayed as an exciting and lucrative career, offering travel opportunities, decent wages, and the chance to experience different cultures. However, for many Bangladeshi ship crews, the reality is far from glamorous. Behind the luxurious exterior of cruise ships lies a darker side—long working hours, low wages, harsh working conditions, and sometimes even exploitation.

This article sheds light on the hidden struggles of Bangladeshi ship crew members working on cruise ships worldwide.

The Appeal of Cruise Ship Jobs for Bangladeshi Workers

For many workers in Bangladesh, cruise ship jobs appear to be a golden opportunity. Recruitment agencies in Bangladesh promote these positions as well-paying jobs with excellent benefits. The promise of earning a salary in US dollars and sending money back home to support their families makes these jobs highly attractive.

Some of the main reasons Bangladeshi workers seek cruise ship employment include:

Higher Salaries Compared to Local Jobs – Even though cruise ship salaries may not be high by Western standards, they are significantly better than what most workers can earn in Bangladesh.
Opportunities to Travel – Many workers are drawn to the idea of visiting different countries and experiencing life at sea.
Job Availability – Due to the high demand for low-cost labor, cruise lines actively recruit workers from developing countries, including Bangladesh.
Hopes for a Better Future – Some workers view cruise ship jobs as a stepping stone toward permanent migration or better job opportunities in the hospitality industry.

However, once they set foot on the ship, many realize that the reality is far different from what they were promised.

Long Working Hours and Harsh Conditions

One of the biggest challenges faced by Bangladeshi ship crew members is the extreme working hours. Unlike land-based jobs that have fixed shifts, cruise ship workers often work 12 to 16 hours per day, seven days a week, without a proper break.

Common Working Conditions:

Endless Shifts: Many employees work over 80 hours a week, often without proper rest.
Minimal Breaks: Break times are short, and workers are expected to be on standby for additional tasks.
Limited Time Off: Contracts typically last for 6 to 9 months, with little to no vacation until the contract ends.

The work is physically demanding, especially for those assigned to positions in housekeeping, kitchen, laundry, and deck maintenance. The long hours, combined with physically intense labor, often lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Low Pay and Wage Deductions

Although cruise ship jobs are marketed as high-paying, many Bangladeshi workers receive low wages compared to their counterparts from wealthier countries. Some crew members earn as little as $500 to $800 per month, despite working excessive hours.

In addition, many workers experience wage deductions for reasons such as:

Recruitment Fees – Many agencies in Bangladesh charge workers hefty fees to secure cruise ship jobs. Some workers take out loans to pay these fees, leaving them in debt before they even begin their contracts.
Unpaid Overtime – Despite working extra hours, many workers are not compensated for overtime work.
Deductions for Food and Accommodation – While food and lodging are often provided, some companies deduct money from salaries to cover these expenses.

Crew members often struggle to save money, making it difficult for them to support their families back home as expected.

Mistreatment and Harassment

Many Bangladeshi ship crew members face mistreatment and even abuse while working on cruise ships.

Types of Mistreatment:

Verbal Abuse – Many workers report being yelled at or humiliated by supervisors.
Discrimination – Workers from developing countries are often treated unfairly compared to their Western counterparts. They are assigned more physically demanding jobs and receive lower pay.
Workplace Harassment – Some crew members, especially those in lower positions, experience harassment from their superiors.
Retaliation for Complaints – If workers complain about poor working conditions, they risk being fired or sent back home without completing their contract.

Health Risks and Lack of Medical Support

Working in a high-pressure environment with long hours takes a toll on workers' health. Many ship crew members suffer from:

Fatigue and Chronic Stress
Injuries from Heavy Lifting or Slippery Floors
Respiratory Issues Due to Poor Ventilation in Some Work Areas
Lack of Access to Proper Medical Treatment

In some cases, injured or sick workers are not given adequate medical attention. If a worker’s condition worsens, they may be forced to leave their job and return to Bangladesh, often without proper compensation.

Contracts and Job Insecurity

Many Bangladeshi workers sign contracts without fully understanding the terms. Contracts are often in English, and some workers sign them without realizing they have limited rights or job security.

Common Issues with Contracts:

Strict Conditions – Workers are required to follow strict rules and may be terminated for minor mistakes.
Lack of Legal Protection – Unlike land-based jobs, cruise ship workers have limited legal protection.
Unfair Termination – Some workers are fired without warning, forcing them to return home without completing their contracts.

Since cruise ships operate in international waters, labor laws are often difficult to enforce, making it challenging for workers to fight against unfair treatment.

Lack of Support and Isolation

Being away from home for months at a time can be emotionally challenging. Many workers struggle with:

Homesickness – Being away from family for extended periods is emotionally draining.
Limited Communication – Many cruise ships have limited or expensive internet access, making it difficult for workers to stay in touch with their families.
Loneliness and Mental Health Issues – Long hours, harsh treatment, and isolation contribute to depression and anxiety among many crew members.

Conclusion: A Need for Change

While cruise ship jobs offer an opportunity for Bangladeshi workers to earn money abroad, they also come with significant challenges. Long hours, low wages, mistreatment, and job insecurity make these jobs far less appealing than they initially seem.

To improve working conditions, cruise lines must:

Implement fair wages and enforce labor protections.
Reduce excessive working hours and provide adequate rest breaks.
Ensure better medical support for crew members.
Create a safer, more inclusive working environment.

Prospective workers should carefully research recruitment agencies and contract terms before accepting cruise ship jobs to avoid exploitation.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or financial advice. Working conditions on cruise ships vary by company and region. Individuals considering cruise ship employment should conduct thorough research and seek guidance from reputable sources before making a decision.

Emily

2025.04.02