Sounds Like A Cult The Cult of Cruise Ships
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Jul 22, 2025 Ahoy, listeners! This week, dive into the quirky world of cruise ship culture, where devoted fans form emotional bonds that feel almost cult-like. Discover the recent controversies, including Carnival's new loyalty program and the wild tales from former employees. The hosts humorously navigate the dark underbelly of this floating community, revealing the stark contrasts in living conditions for staff. With personal anecdotes and listener stories, explore the unique rituals aboard these ships and the complexities of escapism, pairing fun with unsettling truths.
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Cruise Ships as Floating Cults
- Cruise ship culture operates like a floating cult with rituals, loyalty hierarchies, and intense consumerism.
- Passengers and crew both experience unique traditions creating a sense of belonging and escapism.
Emmy's Cruise Ship Experience
- Emmy worked for Carnival Cruises from 2018 to 2020 and experienced the intense, cultish work environment.
- She described mandatory rituals, extreme workload, and isolation inherent in cruise ship staff life.
Cruise Ship Social Stratification
- Cruise ship work enforces rigid social hierarchies evident in uniforms, living quarters, and access.
- This stratification creates visible power imbalances that reinforce exploitation and control of crew members.
