working remotely from a cruise ship can be a great way to see the world, and get where you need to be, while still compleating work. But, there are a few things you should know before setting sail.
For starters, working remotely from a cruise ship can be a bit of an adjustment. There are some key differences and things you should consider such as:
Table of Contents
Office equipment
You won’t have access to the same office amenities as you do back home (e.g., printer, scanner, etc.) unless you bring everything along, but then you will have to lug everything around with you, which usually goes against the objective to relax… For ease of travel, it’s a good idea to just bring onto the boat the essential working remotely equipment such as a laptop and phone.
Usually, cruise ships have computers to use for basic internet surfing. Sometimes they have printers as well.
Internet connection
Occasionally, the internet can go down on the ship, so it’s important to not rely on the cloud as the only way to get hold of files. Having a backup on a hard drive will save so much time and heartache.
On cruise ships there are usually plenty of options for internet access and working spaces should the internet in one place goes down or gets very slow.
Also, try to limit zoom calls and remote meetings, possibly taking calls without using the video. When the internet slows down it will be very challenging to keep in contact.
Most of the Royal Caribbean ships have their own super fast internet connection called Voom and pride themselves on their internet being 6x faster than any other internet at sea!
Princess cruises also claim their WiFi is the best. Every boat in the Princess fleet has MedallionNet®
Should I use a VPN when working remotely from a ship?
If you’re working on sensitive data or accessing corporate resources, then using a VPN is a good idea. That way, your traffic will be encrypted and your employer can be sure that no one is snooping on your work.
However, if you’re just browsing the web or checking your email, then using a VPN isn’t really necessary. In general, as long as you’re careful about what sites you visit and don’t click on any suspicious links, you’ll be fine without a VPN. So, the bottom line is: use your best judgement. Stay safe out there!
Working hours
When working from cruise ships, it’s important to be flexible with the hours you work due to changing time zone.
That being said, working remotely from a cruise ship can be a great way to see the world while still getting work done, just try to get some sleep.
Remember to chill out!
There are a variety of facilities on cruise ships that cater to different needs and preferences and should be utilised during your downtime. Make use of the gym, pool, spa and lounges! This will help you keep a healthier routine while keeping healthy and refreshed during your stay.
Socialise
For mental health, it’s good to socialise with other passengers during your free time. Socialising is a great way to meet new people and network with other cruise-goers. By socialising, you’ll be able to create lasting memories and connections that will enhance your cruise experience. So don’t be shy, get out there and start socialising!
Is Working Remotely from a Cruise Ship bad for mental health?
While the idea of being able to work from anywhere in the world sounds appealing, it may also be stressful and will not always prevent burnout. Imagine having to solely complete work while everyone around you is having fun?
There is a massive temptation to join in with the fun which could potentially cause stress later on with you rushing through work, creating anxiety and the extra pressure that you don’t need. One way around this is to look at the ship’s schedule and find more quiet places to work. Out of sight, out of mind.
So if you’re thinking about working remotely from a cruise ship, be sure to take into account the potential mental health risks. It’s important to stay connected with friends and family, and to make time for yourself, even when you’re on the go but while doing this, be mindful of managing your day to prevent unwanted stress for when you arrive at your exotic destination, whether thats Australia or Thailand.
So, is working from a cruise ship possible?
Working remotely from a cruise ship is definitely possible, and it can be a great way to see the world and make friends, while still getting work done. Just be sure to keep the above tips in mind to help you make the most of working remotely on the water.
