Crew Racism Rocks P&O Cruise

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Crew Racism Rocks P&O Cruise: A Sailor's Story

Let me tell you something, folks. I've seen a lot in my years at sea. Storms that'd make a grown man cry, sunsets that painted the sky like a masterpiece, and enough close calls to fill a book. But nothing, nothing, prepared me for the ugly truth I uncovered working on a P&O cruise ship. We're talking full-blown, systemic racism, the kind that makes your stomach churn.

The Ugly Truth Below Deck

It started subtly. Whispers in the galley, jokes I didn't understand at first, but soon, the penny dropped. The Filipino crew, many of them incredibly hard-working individuals, were treated differently. Not just differently, but worse. Smaller portions of food, less desirable duties, and a constant barrage of microaggressions that chipped away at their dignity.

I remember one incident vividly. A senior officer, a Brit with a face like a bulldog, screamed at a young Filipino waiter for a minor mistake. The way he spoke, the sheer venom in his voice… it was horrifying. It was like he saw him as something less than human. It wasn't just this one guy, either. This kind of thing happened all the time. I tried to speak up at first, felt like I should. But I was scared. Scared of losing my job, scared of being seen as a troublemaker. It’s a tough situation, you know? You're essentially living and working on a floating island with these people, and if you cross management... things can get really difficult.

The Hierarchy of Hate

The racial hierarchy on board was blatant. The British officers were at the top, followed by other Westerners, then Asians, and Filipinos seemed to be at the very bottom. It felt like something from a bad historical novel, but this wasn't fiction; this was my reality. It was disheartening.

You know, I'd worked on cruise ships for a decade before. Seen some shady stuff, for sure, including some pretty intense workplace bullying. But this... this was different. This was systemic. This wasn't just a few bad apples; it was rotten to the core.

What Can Be Done?

So, what can be done about this type of insidious crew racism? Well, this is what I've learned.

1. Speak Up, Even if it's Scary: I wish I had spoken up sooner. Even a small action can make a difference. Report incidents to higher management, or even HR. Document everything – dates, times, witnesses – you know, the whole shebang.

2. Support Your Fellow Crew Members: Solidarity is key. Stand up for those who are being mistreated. A united front is much harder to ignore.

3. Seek External Help: Organizations like the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) can provide support and advice for those experiencing discrimination at sea. Seriously, they helped me make sense of it all, which was a huge help.

4. Review and Improve Company Policies: P&O needs a serious overhaul of their policies and training programs to address racism effectively. They need to be held accountable and changes implemented company-wide.

5. Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a diverse workforce isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about fostering a culture of respect and understanding. And that means real change, not just words.

I know this is a lot. It's heavy stuff. But I felt I needed to share my story. Because it's not just about me; it's about all those hardworking souls who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And it's about demanding better from the cruise industry. We need to change things, not just for us, but for the sailors that will follow. This isn't just about a vacation at sea; it's about human rights. It's about ensuring that the next person who steps onto a cruise ship doesn't experience the same hate.