Residing on a cruise ship involves more than just cruising into a new life—it comes with certain rules and guidelines to follow.
It’s true that nothing is ever that straightforward. Even if you choose to move aboard permanently, you cannot simply adopt a holiday lifestyle all the time.
A woman who chose to live on a cruise ship with her husband has shared insight into four restrictions she faces.
Christine Kesteloo resides on the ship with her husband, the Staff Chief Engineer. She lives as a ‘wife onboard,’ enjoying complimentary living and meals. She is also considered part of the crew.
Despite her unique position bridging the gap between guest and crew, there are still limitations on her activities. There are four key restrictions she must adhere to.
Kesteloo shares her experiences of living on the ship on TikTok, including the activities she cannot participate in.
One of the rules is that Kesteloo is prohibited from gambling on the ship, meaning she has to skip the slot machines.
She explains: “Because it would look a little weird if I, as the wife of the staff chief engineer, won a big jackpot.”
Another important rule is that she must not be late to the cruise ship, a fundamental expectation.
She clarifies that living onboard doesn’t mean the ship waits for them.
“No, they will not wait for us,” she states. The same applies to her husband; if they ‘miss the ship, someone else will take over the role’.
Given her large TikTok following, Kesteloo is also restricted from filming guests or crew members freely while on board, as it’s considered ‘disrespectful’.
She notes that it’s ‘a different story’ when off the ship, but she still chooses not to do so.
“If there is a crew member or guest that has gone overboard and we do a search, I am not showing you videos of the medical evacuation.”
She also discourages people from questioning crew members about incidents that occur.
@dutchworld_americangirl I go through four things I can, and cannot do it while living on the cruise ship with my husband #weliveonacruiseship #4things #alaskacruise #cruiseship #cruiseshiplife #cruise #alaska #caribbeancruise #cruiselife #livingstsea #getreadywithme
Kesteloo also gives up her spot in guest areas when they are crowded, saying it’s ‘just the right thing to do’. While her meals are free, she has to pay for sodas and alcohol, but she receives a 50 percent discount.
Can anyone direct me to where I can help my husband find a cruise job, please?