Some people say it’s all about the money. And for me, it’s about the money too, along with 98 other things why I love working on ships!
So on one starry night, with a cold beer in my left hand and a few more bottles behind, this idea popped into my head.
I initially thought of writing 20 or 30 of them.
But because of the booze within me and an elusive shooting star zipping through the heavens, I decided to go full ahead and list 99 things that made me love my seafaring job.
Yes, only 99! Can you help me find one more reason to make it into a full hundred?
🌊 99 Reasons Why I Love Working on Ships
(Starting from 99, randomized for fun!)
Crew Perks & Shipboard Life
99. Vetting bonuses
Tanker vessels often reward crew members with bonuses after passing vetting inspections- double the bonus for zero observations!
98. Painting the ship
One of the most satisfying deck tasks. Fresh paint makes the vessel look sharp, protects against corrosion, and passes time quickly.
97. Free worldwide travel 🌍
From Amsterdam to Lisbon, Istanbul to Las Palmas – working at sea lets you visit ports most people only dream of.
96. Whale spotting 🐋
#WhaleAlert! I’ve seen whales surface and wave just meters away from the ship- an unforgettable perk of life at sea.
95. Watching a blood moon 🌕
The 2018 blood moon in Ponta Delgada was magical. With zero light pollution, the ocean becomes the perfect observation deck.
94. Zero light pollution ✨
Miles away from the city, the stars are crystal clear. Nights on deck often feel like floating under the Milky Way.
93. Karaoke nights 🎤
Filipino crew members know this well- ships are never complete without karaoke nights, sometimes lasting from 6 PM to 5 AM!
92. Sleeping under the stars
When weather permits, sleeping outside on deck under a blanket of stars is an experience few on land will ever have.
91. Ice castles on deck ❄️
Winter seas sometimes form stunning ice sculptures on the forward bow- a natural masterpiece only seafarers witness.
90. Sending surprise gifts 🎁
Even miles away, you can send gifts home through friends or family. A personal message always makes it extra special.
Freedom, Solitude & Mental Space
89. Fewer people, fewer distractions
Some ships operate with small crews- 20 people on board for months. For introverts, this isolation feels peaceful.
Here’s a video about the 99 reasons why I love working on ships.
88. Building capital for your dreams 💰
Working at sea helps you save money faster thanks to tax-free earnings and fewer expenses on board.
87. Appreciating holidays more 🎄
Being away during birthdays, New Year, and Christmas makes family reunions extra special when you finally get home.
86. Experiencing diverse cultures 🌎
Every crew brings different customs and values- from formal “sir” greetings to first-name basis friendships during shore leaves.
85. Making multinational friends 🤝
Crewmates become lifelong friends. Thanks to social media, I still share memes with colleagues from Sweden, Indonesia, and Turkey.
84. Submarines up close 🫧
I saw my first submarine passing meters away in a narrow Scottish channel. Some things you’ll never forget.
83. Excellent pay 💵
Seafarers earn higher-than-average salaries compared to many land-based jobs, plus fewer expenses- great for future planning.
Adventure, Food & Unexpected Moments
82. Cross-ocean voyages ⛴️
Weeks-long passages give time for reflection, writing, and appreciating the vastness of the sea.
81. Amazing (sometimes) free food 🍲
Sail with a skilled cook and you’ll gain weight; sail with an average one, and you’ll finally hit your fitness goals. Either way- win-win!
80. No daily commute 🚗
Forget traffic jams. Work, eat, and sleep just steps away from your cabin.
79. Reading with an ocean view 📖
There’s nothing like finishing a good book on deck, beer in hand, and endless blue horizons around you.
78. Learning exotic slangs
Sailors worldwide have unique expressions. Some you’ll never forget:
“Cheeap come in cheeap lube owwel reedee.” 😄
77. “How much jigy jigy?”
We’re curious how much the boat costs because we probably want to buy one someday.
76. Interdimensional rain curtains 🌧️
Sometimes you’ll sail through a 100-meter-thick wall of heavy rain– sunny skies before and after. Pure ocean magic.
Work-Life Balance & Flexibility
75. Structured work-vacation schedules 🗓️
Whether you’re on 7 months on, 3 months off or 6 and 6, having guaranteed time off lets you recharge and enjoy life on land.
Homecoming, Changes & Nostalgia
74. Seeing changes back home 🏠
Every vacation feels like a mini-time travel- new shops, tourist spots, and familiar neighbors greeting you warmly after months at sea.
73. Long anchorages ⚓
Extended anchor stays mean extra rest, fishing, and sometimes better mobile signals. Before we even drop anchor, SIM cards are ready!
72. Music under the stars 🎶
Put on your favorite playlist, lean back, and gaze at the shooting stars. Add a cold beer, and it’s the perfect seafarer therapy.
71. Fishing on weekends 🎣
“Work or fish?” For most of us, that’s not even a question. Fishing off the stern is one of the best shipboard pastimes.
70. Relaxing however you want 🛏️
Legs against the wall, lying flat on the deck, or reading upside down- at sea, your cabin becomes your personal sanctuary.
Natural Wonders & Maritime Magic
69. Experiencing different climates 🌨️
The first snowfall at sea? Unforgettable. I once stepped outside shirtless just to feel it- the captain called it a “near-miss” exposure incident.
Worth it! 😅
68. Stunning cloud formations ⛅
Dragons, tsunamis, elephants- you’ll spot the wildest cloud shapes at sea. Marine meteorology becomes much more fun when nature paints its own art.
67. Counting savings while adrift 💵
When bad weather hits or motivation dips, check your savings log. Watching your hard-earned money grow is an instant morale boost.
66. Michael Jackson lean moments 🕺
When heavy rolling tilts the ship, try standing perfectly upright. You’ll feel like you’ve mastered MJ’s legendary gravity-defying move.
65. Reuniting with your partner ❤️
After 7 to 12 months at sea, coming home to your loved one is… intense. Some call it “PLDT and PTT code.” Seafarers get it. 😉
Surprises, Thrills, & Unforgettable Moments
64. Jet fighters buzzing overhead ✈️
I once saw supersonic jets pass close to us near the North Sea. The sonic boom was deafening but absolutely thrilling.
63. 360° fireworks at sea 🎆
Stuck at port on New Year’s Eve? It’s not all bad- fireworks light up the horizon in every direction. I witnessed one in Novorossiysk. Magical.
62. Haggling with merchants 🛍️
Some merchants onboard try insane markups. Offer soap, old coveralls, or safety shoes- you’d be surprised how much you can bargain down.
61. Surprising family unannounced 🎉
Before COVID, I’d sometimes arrive home without warning. Nothing beats the genuine shock and happiness on my family’s faces.
60. Flying fish shows 🐟
Like little torpedoes, they glide above the waves, skimming the surface in synchronized bursts.
Nature’s own airshow.
Shipboard Comforts & Simple Joys
59. Free laundry 24/7 🧺
After a tiring shift, throwing greasy coveralls into a free washing machine is pure bliss. Fresh clothes, zero effort.
58. VHF gossip channel 📻
Channel 16 is for calling only… unless you’re in the Middle East or Mediterranean. Then it’s a free-for-all of jokes, arguments, and random updates.
That’s how I first heard about “Ming Ming.” 😄
57. Long port stays 🚢
For some, long port stays mean exhausting watches. For me, it’s a chance to explore, unwind, and enjoy land luxuries before heading back to sea.
56. Wine tasting abroad 🍷
From Portugal to Georgia, every country has its own wine culture. Some bottles I loved, others… I forgot about the next morning. 😅
55. Instant friendships 🤝
Seafarers are naturally social. Whether it’s fellow crew or dockworkers, one smile and a “my friend!” and you’ve got an ally in every port.
Starry Skies & Ocean Phenomena
54. Laughing at my own farts 😂
Best done in the privacy of your cabin. No witnesses. 100% relief guaranteed. Mental health matters!
53. Green shooting stars 🌠
Think normal meteors are cool? Wait until you see green ones streak across the dark horizon- rare and mesmerizing.
52. Rolling lightning storms ⚡
On certain nights, charged clouds unleash ring-shaped lightning around the horizon, lighting up the entire sea.
A true celestial show.
51. Work just steps away 👷♂️
Forget commuting. From cabin to workplace, it’s a 20-second walk. More time to rest, read, or just stare at the endless horizon.
50. Diving birds in formation 🐦
When hundreds of seabirds dive into the water simultaneously, it’s a coordinated hunt for fish.
Nature’s choreography at its finest.
49. Discovering Rare Fruits 🍈
One of the perks of working with an international crew is food discoveries.
I once introduced my European crewmates to mangosteen, and within minutes, a 10-kilo stash was gone! These small moments make life at sea flavorful- literally.
48. Watching the Sunrise 🌅
There’s something magical about witnessing a golden sunrise from the open sea. The pinkish horizon and endless blue waters create a view you’ll never forget.
47. Chasing Sunsets 🌇
Sunsets are just as breathtaking as sunrises. Working on ships gives you the privilege of watching them from different oceans and continents.
A Mediterranean sunset feels different from one in Mexico- and you’ll get to see both.
46. The Sound of Waves Hitting the Hull 🌊
One of the most relaxing sounds onboard is the gentle rhythm of waves against the ship’s hull.
Just like raindrops on your roof, it’s nature’s lullaby in the middle of nowhere.
45. Random Strangers Who Get My Name Right 🎯
For some reason, 99% of people mispronounce my five-letter name.
But every now and then, a random visitor or a port agent gets it right- and that tiny victory feels oddly satisfying.
44. Writing Beside the Ocean 🖊️
Many crewmates assume I’m using the Wi-Fi when I sit outside with my notebook, but the truth is, I’m writing my reflections while staring at the vast Atlantic.
The ocean has a way of sparking creativity.
43. Meditation on the Forecastle 🧘♂️
The forward deck is the perfect meditation spot, especially during sunsets.
Sitting there, eyes closed, waves crashing softly- it’s a rare moment of inner peace amid the chaos of ship life.
42. Fun Crewmates Who Extend Their Contracts 😂
Seafaring contracts usually last 9 to 12 months, but when you’re with a fun crew, you’ll want to extend your stay.
Laughter, inside jokes, and shared adventures make the months fly by.
41. Becoming Beer Experts 🍺
During a stop in Indonesia, we bartered scrap metal for San Miguel beer.
Before long, we were teaching our European crewmates the entire history of Filipino brews. That’s the beauty of cultural exchange at sea.
40. Sending Messages in a Bottle 🏝️
Before I retire, I had to tick this off my bucket list. I wrote a message in a bottle and tossed it into the ocean two years ago. Still waiting for a reply, but hey- that’s part of the adventure.
39. Feeling the Power of Sea Spray 🌬️
When huge waves crash against the ship’s bow, the spray can reach the accommodation block over 100 meters away.
It’s both thrilling and humbling to witness nature’s raw force.
38. Watching Dolphins Race the Bow 🐬
Few things compare to seeing dolphins swimming alongside the ship.
Sometimes they even flip, race, and seem to wave back. It’s a simple joy that never gets old.
37. The Mystery of Boiled Bananas 🍌
To some of my European crewmates, eating boiled, fried, or grilled bananas was shocking.
By the end of the voyage, they were hooked. Seafaring is all about learning- and sharing, different food cultures.
36. Free Hotel Stays 🏨
When your ship is delayed, your company might book you into a hotel for free.
After months at sea, a warm bed, soft pillow, and unlimited hot showers feel like luxury beyond measure.
35. Working with Different Nationalities 🌍
Seafaring exposes you to diverse cultures and work ethics. You gain valuable insights into teamwork, communication, and adaptability, skills that stay with you long after your contract ends.
34. Memes at Sea 😂
Internet memes have nothing on shipboard memes.
From inside jokes to viral edits, seafarers create a unique comedy culture that only those onboard truly understand.
33. The Sweet Relief of Finishing a Contract ✅
Stepping off the gangway after completing your 7–12-month contract safely is one of the best feelings ever.
Homecoming celebrations hit differently when you’ve spent months at sea.
32. Crazy, Fun Crewmates 🤪
Some seafarers you meet feel like long-lost friends. When the crew vibe is right, months pass like weeks, and even the roughest shifts feel lighter.
31. Working at Heights 🧗
Not everyone enjoys standing 40 meters above the deck, but the breathtaking ocean views make it worth it.
Seafarers see the world from heights few ever experience.
30. Unexpected Beer Rewards 🍻
“Please help me with this huge job,” a crewmate says.
“No problem,” I reply.
Hours later, I’m handed two cases of beer as thanks. Sometimes, hard work really does pay off.
29. Appreciating Global Beauty 🌎
From France to Brazil, Georgia to Sweden, you’ll meet different kinds of beauty around the world- each unique, each unforgettable.
28. Sharing Knowledge 📚
Mentoring cadets and junior officers is one of the most rewarding parts of working at sea.
I once learned from great mentors, and passing that knowledge forward keeps the cycle alive.
27. Attending Live Bands During Shore Leave 🎸
From jamming with street bands in Lisbon to sipping beers in La Coruña, live music during shore leave is one of the best ways to experience local culture.
26. Experiencing Bioluminescence ✨
At night, the sea sometimes glows with bioluminescent plankton, making it look like the ship is sailing through liquid stars.
It’s one of the rarest and most magical sights a seafarer can witness.
25. The 8-Second Flying Fish 🐟
Flying fish are fascinating, but every now and then, you’ll see a champion flyer– gliding above water for a full eight seconds! These small, surprising moments make life onboard unforgettable.
24. Moongazing 🌕
Stargazing is magical, but moongazing hits differently. The way moonlight reflects off calm seas is surreal- and no, it doesn’t turn you into a werewolf.
23. Watching Waterspouts 🌪️
Few things are as mesmerizing as seeing a waterspout form and disappear in the open ocean. It’s nature’s raw power on full display.
22. Learning from Colleagues 📚
Shipboard life is full of opportunities to learn techniques and tricks from experienced seafarers.
Some are practical, some unconventional- but many come in handy.
21. Free Tools and PPE 🛠️
One underrated perk of seafaring: the company provides free tools, PPE, laundry, food, and accommodation.
You focus on working safely, and everything else is taken care of.
20. Getting a Free Workout 💪
I rarely need the ship’s gym because physically demanding jobs onboard are workouts by themselves.
Heavy lifting, painting, and mooring all double as cardio sessions.
19. Rough Seas 🌊
When storms roll in and waves rise high, it puts life into perspective.
Rough seas sharpen your focus, spark deep conversations about the future, and remind you why seafarers are a rare breed.
18. Counting Shooting Stars ✨
I once saw fourteen shooting stars during a single midnight watch. Out there, far from city lights, the night sky feels endless and alive.
17. Chasing Rainbows 🌈
Just like sunsets, rainbows over the open sea are breathtaking. Sometimes, their colors are so vivid they look like paintings stretched across the horizon.
16. The Silent Witness 🌊
Standing on deck, surrounded by endless water, you realize how small you are compared to the ocean’s vastness.
It’s humbling to know the sea has been here long before us- and will outlast us.
15. Passing Under Giant Bridges 🌉
Few things make you feel more alive than steering beneath massive bridges.
Eight out of ten crew members pause whatever they’re doing just to watch. It’s a quiet thrill every time.
14. The “Mr. No Pants” Life 😎
Onboard, comfort is king.
When it’s warm and nobody’s around, cabin life sometimes means… less clothing. Privacy at sea is priceless- just beware of surprise visitors!
13. Writing Under the Stars 🖊️
There’s something special about writing late at night with nothing but the stars above and silence all around.
A few beers help, too- but morning edits can be amusing.
12. The Power of a Bearded Boss 🧔
I discovered an interesting hack: growing a full beard commands unexpected respect in certain ports.
Sometimes, it helps when dealing with strict shore personnel.
11. Chasing the Northern Lights 🌌
I haven’t experienced it myself yet, but several shipmates have seen the aurora borealis during Arctic routes.
They say the freezing temperatures are worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime view.
10. No Utility Bills 🏠
One of the greatest perks of working on ships: no electricity, water, or internet bills. You work, you save, and you send money home- no monthly headaches.
9. Conquering Challenging Jobs ⚓
Seafaring pushes you to become resourceful, creative, and resilient.
Whether it’s repairing equipment or solving unexpected problems, ship life makes you sharper and tougher.
8. Allotment Day Joy 💸
That magical day when your allotment hits your bank account– and everyone onboard suddenly smiles a little wider.
7. Unexpected Bonuses 🎁
Sometimes, companies reward extra hard work with performance bonuses. It’s an added motivation to keep doing your best, especially during challenging voyages.
6. Stargazing on Midnight Watch 🌠
Midnight watches offer the clearest skies imaginable.
With zero light pollution, the constellations feel close enough to touch. It’s peaceful, calming, and unforgettable.
5. City Lights on Calm Waters 🌃
Few sights rival the reflection of city lights on perfectly still waters.
I’ll never forget watching the St. Nazaire Bridge glowing in France or the Kiel Lighthouse shimmering in Germany.
4. Learning Foreign Phrases 🗣️
Working with multinational crews means learning fun greetings and slang from other cultures.
From “magandang gabi” to European phrases, the exchanges make life onboard more colorful.
3. Sending Postcards That Never Arrived 💌
Old-school romance never dies. I used to send handwritten postcards to my girlfriend from different ports- even if they never arrived.
It was the thought and effort that mattered.
2. Realizing Our Global Impact 🌍
Seafarers move the world.
From delivering fuel to remote islands to transporting vital goods, knowing the scale of our contribution to global trade is incredibly humbling.
1. Getting Paid to Do All of This 💰
At the end of the day, the biggest reason I love working on ships:
I get paid to travel, witness stunning sights, overcome challenges, and live a life most people only dream about. That’s the ultimate win.
Conclusion
These are my 99 reasons why I love working on ships.
Whenever stress, fatigue, or homesickness sets in, I revisit this list to remind myself why I chose this path.
Now it’s your turn. If you could add one more reason, what would it be?
Share it in the comments below and inspire the next generation of seafarers.
May the winds be in your favor.
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