‘Pandemonium’ Cruise crew share wild stories from holidays – ‘Abandon ship’

Virgin Voyages show off their cruise ship

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Cruise crew work extremely hard to make sure guests have a fantastic holiday. Due to their unpredictable job they normally have some wild stories.

While crew stories often involve guests causing mayhem, sometimes it’s the staff themselves causing mischief.

One former crew member said: “A DJ got drunk and got on the ship’s intercom at 3am and announced an ‘abandon ship’ order to everyone.

“Pandemonium ensued. They now limit who has access to that system. The captain got on and tried to calm people down.

“A lot of people chose to sleep on the lido deck that night with their life jackets. The DJ was thrown into the brig and met on shore by the authorities.”

An ‘abandon ship’ announcement in the middle of the night is likely to cause widespread panic, so it’s unlikely that DJ will be invited back onboard.

Another crew member said: “An outside contractor was on board to perform piping installations.

“He had a little too much to drink at the crew bar, then had way too much in his cabin.

“Decided it would be a grand idea to head to an upper deck at 2am, climb over the side and climb from balcony to balcony.

“From what I recall, security chased him around but lost track of him until the next morning when he was found passed out.”

Fans of the private yacht reality show ‘Below Deck’ will know that staff often become romantically involved.

But one crew member shared that it’s not always easy for staff to switch off from the day job.

They said: “A crew member told me she had a date with the safety director onboard. They went for a date in one of the fancy restaurants.

“In the restaurant at one point a server lit a candle with a lighter and left it at the table.

“The onboard safety guy just stared at it and told his date ‘this is concerning’. Policies were changed after this.”

Many passengers choose to tip theircrew to thank them for their hard work. Some even bring little gift baskets for staff who have been at sea a while.

However, one former passenger shared an alarming story about tipping a crew member onboard.

Where should you go on your next holiday?

Now that the world has opened up again it’s time to pack those suitcases and head off on a well-deserved adventure. Where should you be jetting off to? Take our quiz and find out.

Greece

With endless culture, gorgeous beaches and weather to die for, Greece is a great choice both for romantic getaways and family trips. Wander the historical streets of Athens and Thessaloniki or head to an island to soak up the sun – the choice is yours.

Japan

It may be far away but it’s definitely worth the trip. Japan has sprawling metropolises, stunning scenery, and a rich history and culture to boot. Check out the cities of Kyoto and Tokyo and make sure to get your fill of their world-famous cuisine while you’re in town

The USA

Hop across the pond and experience an array of cultures, climates, cuisines and more. You can leave the phrasebook at home and get truly immersed in everything that this sprawling nation has to offer, from the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty

France

With some of the best food around and boasting the world’s most romantic city, France is a great choice if you’re in a hurry. Be in its glorious capital in just hours, grab a pain au chocolat and practice your language skills while wandering along the banks of the Seine

Italy

La dolce vita is calling! With its stunning views, fascinating history and world-famous Neapolitan pizza, Italy is a great choice, whether you’re after an adventure or want to dive into a big bowl of spaghetti

Morocco

A little off the beaten track, Morocco boasts stunning architecture, winding street markets to get lost in, and beautiful landscapes. Soak up the sun in Marrakech or head to Chefchaouen for one of the most unique experiences a holiday-maker can have

The Caribbean

Sun, sea and sand – what’s not to love? Head to the Caribbean if you really want to unwind. With plenty of picturesque locations to choose from, from the streets of Havana to the beaches of Grenada, you’re sure to find something that fits your holiday dreams.

Iceland

When most people think ‘holiday’, sunshine and relaxation comes to mind – but a different kind of trip can be just as rewarding. Splash around in the Blue Lagoon and try your luck at catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. This is definitely one for the bucket list.

India

India is well worth a visit if you have some time to spare. With an array of different cultures coexisting in this vast and vibrant nation, as well as gorgeous food to be enjoyed at every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in the experience. Take a trip to the Taj Mahal for that jaw drop moment

Swiss Alps

If snow sports are your thing, then this mountainous region is perfect for you. Venture down the powdered slopes and warm your hands at the après-ski afterward. Perfect for a group of friends, a romantic trip, or even some time with the kids – if they can stand the cold!

What kind of holiday do you like best?

What’s your budget?

How long do you have for your trip?

Who’s going on the trip?

How are your languages skills?

What’s your ideal climate?

Which is top of your bucket list?

They said: “We had a cabin attendant on our first cruise tell us how his family were being held hostage.

“He said he needed tips to pay off the people and would leave extra tip envelopes every day on our beds.

“Every day he would update us on what the kidnappers were telling him and made us promise not to tell anyone because he could get fired.

“I knew he was scamming but I still tipped because I was going to anyway. I felt bad, he was obviously hard up to do that.

“My mum was a sad wreck the whole week worrying about his family. My mum was quite naive.”

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