Royal Caribbean has made significant strides in enhancing the experience of its crew members aboard its newest vessels, the Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Both ships feature redesigned crew areas that improve access and comfort for staff. Historically, crew members on older ships have had limited access to outdoor spaces and basic facilities due to segregated areas exclusively for passengers. This can lead to an isolated experience where crew members spend extensive time in confined spaces. With the introduction of Utopia of the Seas, there have been notable improvements, and crew members now have dedicated areas that encourage relaxation and socialization, making their long hours at sea more enjoyable.
Jordan Bauth, a Royal Caribbean figure skater and YouTube influencer, shared a tour of the crew areas aboard Utopia of the Seas. As both an entertainer and crew member for the past five years, she provided insights into how the ship is structured for crew members. Access to passenger areas is regulated and requires appropriate attire; however, the majority of Bauth’s time is spent in crew-designated sections. The ship’s design allows crew members exclusive access to unique locations like the helipad, which offers a refreshing escape with views of the sea and sky, enhancing their overall wellbeing by allowing them to enjoy fresh air and sunlight while on duty.
The crew areas on Utopia are not only functional but also social. The outdoor crew bar on Deck Six acts as a hub for relaxation and activities, complete with music and dancing. This area also serves as a smoking zone, though Bauth personally does not frequent it due to her non-smoking status. Nearby, the recreation area provides various leisure options such as pool tables, foosball, and massage chairs—facilities that significantly enrich crew members’ downtime. The space is designed to promote social interaction among crew members, facilitating friendships and camaraderie, which are essential for maintaining morale during long contracts.
Descending further into the ship, Bauth highlights the crew pub located one deck below the recreation area. This space offers a cozy, indoor atmosphere devoid of natural light but filled with games and activities like Jenga. It serves as a popular spot for crew to unwind together after work, emphasizing the connection crew members can foster in their social environments. The ship also features a crew disco, used for special events such as themed parties, further enhancing the social aspect of crew life. This availability of diverse venues allows for a sense of community among the staff, a crucial element for well-being while working at sea.
Dining provisions for crew members also reflect the ship’s commitment to their comfort. The crew mess, located on Deck Two, is expansive and caters to over 1,200 crew members. It offers a variety of meal options and regularly hosts theme nights to break the monotony of daily dining. Adjacent to the mess is a café offering coffee and light refreshments, adding to crew members’ options for relaxation and social gatherings. The affordability and availability of diverse food choices contribute to a supportive community atmosphere, heightening satisfaction among the crew.
The facilities extending below the crew mess include essential amenities such as laundry rooms, a gym, and even a barber shop. The laundry services are free, allowing crew members to manage their personal maintenance without added costs. Additionally, the gym, while lacking windows, provides ample space and equipment to maintain fitness, and the barber shop offers convenience for those needing haircuts while at sea. The crew member experience is rounded out by easy access to clean linens and necessary toiletries, further streamlining life aboard. Overall, the enhancements made to crew areas on the Utopia of the Seas reflect Royal Caribbean’s acknowledgment of the importance of crew member satisfaction and quality of life, ensuring that they have adequate resources and spaces to thrive during their contracts.
