Can You Really Work from A Cruise Ship?

YES!

I should caveat that.

YES… as long as you are a remote worker who has some flexibility in your schedule.

I happen to fit into that category, and I have recently started taking “workation” cruises as a way to see different parts of the world, get a bit of a mental break, and grant my family some time without me so they’ll miss me more when I return.

Here’s the thing about working from a cruise ship — you need to have some discipline, or you’ll end up at midnight in the Schooner Lounge wondering where all that time you thought you had went as you sip on your fourth (or fifth) Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned (ask me how I know).

So, here are some of my tips for successfully working from a cruise ship so you can get work done AND still enjoy your time at sea.

This was my remote work station on the Navigator of the Seas! Don’t skip the FREE continental breakfast room service option.

The Basics of Working Remotely from A Cruise Ship

Let’s start with the basics. These are absolute essentials that you need to accept before you hit “book” on your next cruise.

A Flexible Schedule: I recommend building in as much flexibility as possible into your time at sea. You can’t predict how every day will play out. For instance, on my last voyage, I ended up feeling seasick on the second day. What should have been a productive working day at sea turned into a 6-hour nap, followed by some much-needed time in the thermal suite.

One way I build in flexibility is by not scheduling calls with clients that week. I also work ahead as much as possible so I can make the most of my workdays. A typical workday on land is 7-8 hours. On a cruise, I aim to work no longer than 6 hours, ideally 4.

Wi-fi Package: You’re going to need to pay for Wi-Fi. It’s not super expensive. I cruise Royal Caribbean and typically pay around $18/day. Buy your Wi-Fi package ahead of time through the app; it’s more expensive to get it on board.

Discipline: You probably already have this as a remote worker, but be honest with yourself about whether you’ll get too distracted by all the fun stuff going on to sit down and do your work.

The Right Time Zone: I live in the Central time zone and have found that cruises from the West Coast allow me to get up early enough to work without feeling like I’m missing out on sleep. Next year, I’ll be doing a transatlantic cruise, which will probably have the opposite effect. Regardless of what time zone you are cruising in, make sure you’re aware of how it might impact your working hours, and inform your team if necessary.

>>Get ideas for how to structure your days at sea for maximum productivity AND maximum relaxation.

I never miss the shows! This was the theatre on the Navigator of the Seas.

What’s It Like to Work When Everyone else is Playing?

Honestly, it can kind of suck if you aren’t prepared for it. When my family and I took a cruise last year, I had a few things I absolutely had to take care of, so I had to suck it up and work in the cafe while they were getting their 11th ice cream of the day. But that was a good test run to convince me that, with the right preparation, I could work for a week while cruising.

>> My tips for working remotely on a cruise with your family onboard

That’s why I prefer to do my workations solo. Then, it’s more like a regular workday but with the added benefit of being somewhere new when I close my laptop. I save my family vacations for times when work is slow (as an entrepreneur, there’s never really an “off” switch.) But you can still have a productive week even if you’re traveling with your family. Here are a few things I’ve learned.

Know What Motivates You: For me, it’s a deliciously expensive latte. I treat myself to one before sitting down to work when I would rather be focused on other things. If you travel Royal Caribbean, these drinks are included in the Refreshment package and the Deluxe drink package.

Try to Work When Stuff Isn’t Going on: The best way to not have FOMO is to work when there’s not a whole lot going on. That’s why I try to get up and work early, before all the activities begin.

Find Other Remote Workers: When I was on Harmony of the Seas last year, I was pleasantly surprised to find a hub of other remote workers at the Vitality Cafe, right outside the Vitality Spa. We didn’t talk to each other, but there was something about a shared camaraderie that helped me power through.

Be Realistic: You’re probably not going to get in a full 40-hour week, especially during your first remote work cruise. I highly suggest planning only a few things that you’ll get done so you don’t end up burning out. There’s no point paying for a cruise only to sit in your cabin the whole time!

Have a Set “Off” Time: Give yourself a break by setting a firm “off” time. On sea days, that’s 2:00 for me. It can vary on port days, but I typically try to take those off entirely. I might come back and check emails after the port, but I’m done by dinner time.

Bottom line: Set yourself up to be productive, but also make sure to have fun! My favorite part of cruising while working remotely is being able to see new places and meet new people when I step away from my laptop.

How do you manage to get work done from sea? Let me know in the comments or find me on Instagram.