A former cruise ship worker has revealed the surprising reality of crew dating, describing a phenomenon known as 'ship goggles' where attractiveness becomes relative after months at sea. Joshua Kinser, author of Chronicles of a Cruise Ship Worker, explained that with around 1,000 crew members confined together for six months, anyone who is 'breathing and has properly functioning sex organs' becomes dateable.
Kinser compared the effect to passengers drinking tequila shots at Carlos and Charlie's in Cozumel, noting that after five months, even a man with a 'blowfish' face can attract attention like the Beatles in 1964. The illusion shatters upon returning to land, where the dating pool expands dramatically and everyone suddenly appears 'damn good looking.'
Separately, former senior officer Jay Herring, author of The Truth About Cruise Ships, highlighted the disparity between crew and passenger dining. Crew ate in separate mess halls with different menus, never enjoying lobster and only getting steak about once a month. Fish sticks were the most popular item among Carnival crew, while hamburgers and French fries were a last resort.
Herring added that officers and staff could eat passenger food on the Lido Deck, but even that became monotonous. 'After a few months, food from any buffet tasted the same,' he wrote, noting that the privilege broke the monotony but pizza and buffet offerings eventually grew old.
