Crew area on a cruise ship

The crossword clue “Crew area on a cruise ship” is referring to the space where the ship’s crew members dine and socialize during their work on board, which is commonly known as the “mess.” This area usually consists of a dining room with seating and tables for the staff, along with facilities for food preparation and storage. The mess serves as a communal gathering point for the crew, where they can relax and take a break from their duties while enjoying a meal or conversation with colleagues. Thus, the answer to the crossword question is indeed “MESS.“