Enhancing Health and Wellness at Sea: Assessing the Need of Physical Therapy Services on Cruise Ship Staff to Improve Crew Well-Being

Abstract

Cruise ship employees often work long, exhausting hours in physically demanding environments, yet they have limited access to proper healthcare. While the cruise industry prioritizes passenger comfort and safety, far less attention has been given to the health needs of the crew. This research explores whether onboard physical therapy (PT) services could address the growing problem of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among cruise ship workers. A quantitative survey was conducted among 208 employees using structured questionnaires to assess the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal pain, work-related health concerns, and the availability of medical support on board. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the responses. Results revealed a strikingly high incidence of MSDs. Lower back pain was the most common complaint (80.77%), followed closely by shoulder pain (77.88%). Many crew members (72.12%) reported working 10 or more hours each day, and 63.94% noted that their lower back pain worsened during work. Although more than two-thirds (66.7%) had been advised by physicians to undergo physical therapy, no onboard PT services were available to them.  These findings highlight a clear and urgent need for accessible physical therapy on cruise ships. Long working hours, repetitive tasks, and poor ergonomics contribute significantly to MSDs, ultimately reducing worker productivity and increasing absenteeism. Implementing PT services could improve crew well-being, reduce injury rates, and support more efficient ship operations. Future studies should explore cost-effective strategies for integrating physical therapy into onboard health systems to better support the workforce that keeps the cruise industry running.