Pros
Travel everywhere, work with the best people, opportunity to pursue type of career you're interested in.
Cons
schedule can be strenuous on family every once in a while.
Pros
See lots of the coast. Well maintained equipment Good food
Cons
Lowest seagoing wage on the west coast for big employers. Powerless union for negotiating. Cannot strike, so government doesn't bother negotiating fairly. Unless you live in a van, or your parents... basement, wage is not sufficient. Morale is very low in seagoing crew.