Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Doctor
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Doctor provides medical care to passengers and crew aboard MSC Cruises ships. Applicants should hold a recognized medical degree and valid physician registration, with practical experience in emergency medicine, general practice, intensive care, or a related field. Current medical certifications, strong English communication skills, and the ability to manage illness, injury, and urgent situations independently are expected. Cruise or maritime medical experience is advantageous. The successful candidate must work calmly in a multicultural environment, maintain accurate medical records, follow company and maritime health procedures, and remain available for emergencies. Flexibility, professionalism, sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to work within a small onboard medical team are essential.
Can I work on cruise ships?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: No host-country permit: a seafarer medical, safety training, a seaman's book, a US crew visa and a Schengen visa.
Watch for: Recruitment fees are banned on ships.
Official source: US Department of State: crewmember visa. Checked October 2026.
What the job usually comes with on cruise ships
Usual for cruise ships, varies by employer. Checked October 2026.
| Housing | Free cabin, usually shared |
|---|---|
| Meals | Free (by law) |
| Flights | Joining and home flights usually paid; free repatriation (by law) |
| Service charge | Passenger service charges pooled on many lines |
| Contract | 6 to 9 months on board, about 2 months unpaid between contracts |
| Leave | 2.5 days a month, often paid as cash |
| Income tax | Usually not withheld; depends on your home country |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is the cruise division of MSC Group, a major privately owned transportation and logistics company headquartered in Switzerland. The cruise line operates a modern fleet serving destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and other global regions. MSC Cruises offers holidays combining accommodation, dining, entertainment, shore excursions, and family-oriented activities. Its ships employ international teams across marine operations, hospitality, entertainment, technical services, guest relations, and medical care. The company emphasizes safety, service quality, multicultural teamwork, and professional development. Working for MSC Cruises generally means living onboard for the length of a contract, supporting guests from many countries, and following structured maritime and company procedures. Benefits may include onboard accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, and access to ship facilities, although exact terms vary by position and contract.