I spent my teenage years with Mercy Ships and I found the sex and booze comment hilarious. Why is it funny? Because if you really think your going to party with them, you will be in for a rude awakening! We were not allowed to watch anything but G-rated movies, any hint of dating between crew would have you in relationship counseling, and you never saw anyone even holding hands in public until they were engaged. Sex and booze … that’s funny. Although with the number of Europeans, you can probably find some drinking buddies if you can find a good place ashore.
When I was there, you did have to pay “fees”. Most people get support from friends, family and churches to cover their costs. To my knowledge no one on the ship gets “paid”.