A cruise ship worker has lifted the lid on what happens when a passenger dies on board, revealing it’s not always smooth sailing.

Cruises have surged in popularity as a holiday option in recent years, with these colossal vessels offering plenty of options for travellers seeking either relaxation or more active tourism experiences.

These floating cities boast amenities such as gyms, a variety of dining options, spas, hair salons, and even live entertainment. However, there are also less glamorous but necessary services onboard, including provisions in case a passenger dies on the ship.

In a recent interview on the YouTube channel ‘Cruising as Crew’, Anisha, a crew member with four years’ experience, shared some of the challenges she faces in her role. “The biggest challenge is dealing with death onboard,” she admitted, noting that prior to joining a cruise ship, she had no personal experience with death, not even within her own family.

She recounted difficult times, particularly post-pandemic, when she had to deal with deaths on each cruise she worked on over a four-week period.

Anisha, who frequently encounters the unthinkable on board flights, conceded that “no one is prepared for it because you don’t know what to do or say.”

She found solace and learned coping skills through therapy and training, which now equips her to deal “with death and fully support affected passengers.”

In the throes of crisis, she has learned to detach her emotions, relying on unwavering professionalism to navigate the logistical challenges such as verifying doctors’ credentials or discussing the repatriation of remains with grieving relatives. Anisha shared her turbulent journey, revealing “It’s very difficult the first time,” but now asserts with confidence that she is “completely prepared” for any emergency.

Besides confronting mortality, illness presents another battle in the skies. “This is when our professional skills come out,” she affirms, ready to tackle whatever comes her way.