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Life at sea isn\u2019t for everyone but for Erica DePascale, it has allowed her to see the world.<\/p>\n
She\u2019s lived and worked on cruise ships for over six years, and has been able to tick off dozens of countries. At last count, she\u2019s visited seventy two.<\/p>\n
On her TikTok account, @ericafromamerica, she offers us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life at sea for the crew.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s certainly an eye opener and a very different world to the cabins the guests stay in on the decks above.<\/p>\n
Most crew cabins are windowless and they have to share them with at least one other person.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> Cruise ship crashes as captain makes five-word announcement to passengers<\/strong><\/p>\n @ericafromamerica it do be hard to know night from day though #cooljob #cruiseship #shiplife #travelforwork #travelontiktok #learnontiktok #dayinmylife #roomtour #crewmember \u266c Storytelling – Adriel<\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you\u2019re lucky enough to have a higher position, you get some privileges such as a better cabin and even housekeeping.<\/p>\n It\u2019s certainly not for the claustrophobic – although given the long shifts, the crew purely use them for sleeping.<\/p>\n There are other areas on ships where they eat, socialise and relax. This includes games rooms, sun decks and buffet that the crew have private access to. Their space isn\u2019t large – only around 120 square feet.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also no window so there\u2019s no chance of laying back and letting the view and movement lull you to sleep.<\/p>\n In Erica’s video, the cabin features two single beds with their own privacy curtain, as well as a bathroom with a small sink, toilet and shower. Everything is split in two; two drawers, two shelves etc.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a bar fridge in the cabin.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n There\u2019s not a lot of space – and certainly none for a big wardrobe.<\/p>\n \u201cNow the closet space I think is a deal breaker for some people out there, but for me, I got used to it over the years\u201d, she explained. \u201cYou can comfortably fit about eight to 10 outfits if you know how to hang things correctly\u201d.<\/p>\n There are also three lockable drawers to stash away valuables.<\/p>\n It may not be for everyone, but working on a cruise ship means you don\u2019t have any outgoings. Therefore whatever you make, you\u2019re likely to save.<\/p>\n There\u2019s free medical care and there are certainly no commuting costs i- ncluding flying to and from home to see your family.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll meet people from all over the world, from all walks of life and visit places you\u2019ve most likely only dreamed about.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/Erica-s-cabin-4938973.jpg?r=1693590630940\")
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