p&o cruise ship doctor

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Unpacking the myths about cruise holidays. Tried and tested cruising advice from a thirty-something former officer's wife.

Officer Q&A: My role as a cruise ship doctor

If you are new to cruising, you may not know that cruise ships have their own medical centres on board. Regular cruise passengers will be aware of the medical team, and some of you may have even visited the doctor or nurse while on a ship. But have you ever wondered what it must be like to work as a medic at sea?

For my latest officer Q&A I spoke to Doctor Melvin Babi, a senior doctor on board the P&O Cruises ship Oceana. I have sailed with Doctor Babi on Oceana, and he is extremely popular with passengers and crew alike. He always shows kindness, positivity and compassion for others.

How long have you been working on cruise ships and which ships have you been on previously?

I have had the privilege of working at sea for over 5 years and have worked on many ships for P&O Cruises and Cunard. These include Oceana, Oriana, Aurora, Azura, Queen Mary, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

What made you decided to work as a doctor on cruise ships?

A very good friend recommended exploring the idea of working at sea. I was ready for a new challenge after working in extremely busy South African hospitals for 5 years. The travelling aspect, as well as the financial benefits, appealed to me and I was ready for a new challenge.

What do you enjoy most about working on cruise ships?

I absolutely love meeting the many different individuals from all over the world and the fact that no two days are ever the same. I love waking up in a new place every day. I love the ambience on ships and I find being in the middle of the ocean very soothing.

Can you tell me a little bit about the medical team, what you do and how many people are in the team?

Currently onboard Oceana we have a team of 2 doctors and 3 nurses. We primarily care for the mental and physical wellbeing of the crew, as well as that of the guests. As you can imagine, working in the medical team at sea isn’t just dealing with Norovirus, but also potentially life threatening situations like heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, serious lung infections and broken bones.

What should a passenger do if they need to visit the medical centre on a ship?

We run two different two hour clinics a day, one in the morning and one late afternoon. Outside of these hours, there is always an on call doctor and nurse ready to assist guests should they have an emergency. The medical team is available by calling 999 on any ships telephone (this phone number relates to P&O Cruises ships).

What is your favourite port of call?

I love Korcula in Croatia, with its picturesque surroundings, lovely food, vibrant culture and friendly people. I think Croatia as a country is absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit.

What advice would you offer someone considering becoming a medic on cruise ships?

Many medics on land naturally feel out of their comfort zone with the thought of working at sea. Remember you work as a team and naturally a team is comprised of individuals with various backgrounds and experiences. So do not let your medical background deter you from applying.

Working at sea requires you to do your basic emergency courses which includes basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) or advanced life support (ALS). Additionally, it is worthwhile doing paediatric advanced life support (PALS) or advanced paediatric life support (APLS) as well as advanced trauma life support (ATLS).

You can read more officer interviews on my Meet the Officer  page.

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• Our Medical Team

You will provide a broad range of medical care for our guests and crew in a modern medical center, reporting to the Senior Doctor and working closely with Nurses and Paramedics.

• Administer individualized outpatient, inpatient and ICU care for guests and crew
• Give timely, safe and evidence-based assessments
• Formulate differential diagnoses and treatment plans
• Perform clinical interventions and procedures
• Coordinate logistics of referrals and evacuations
• Manage crew health and wellness programs
• Adhere to public health practices
• Perform various technical and non-clinical administrative tasks that support an efficient and safe medical center
• Participate in drills, audits, inspections and training of other crew members
• Learn and practice technical skills on board, such as X-rays acquisition
• Perform various laboratory tests and other procedures
• Provide excellent customer service, maintaining a professional, dignified, friendly, assertive, and polite manner at all times
• Perform consistently with the organization’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan

Medical degree and current registration/licensing with an appropriate government or national regulatory body

At least three years post graduate clinical experience in emergency medicine, acute care or ICU, and most recent work experience should be in a clinical setting

Experience and certification in point of care ultrasound is preferred

prior to joining a ship

may be required before completing the first year of employment

both conversational and technical

with Microsoft Windows 7 (or higher) and MS Office programs

Experience with use of electronic health records is preferred

Outstanding interpersonal, customer services and communication skills

Advanced Airway Management, ICU, Primary Emergency Care, Immediate Medical Care, ECG, Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Pediatric Life Support

WHY CHOOSE US?

Embark your medical career on a new international voyage of discovery. Join our team of skilled Medical team working on any of our 90 ships across our nine brands: Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard, AIDA Cruises, Costa, P&O Cruises (UK) and P&O Australia. Our staff are passionate about providing quality healthcare to our guests and crew while they sail the world creating lasting memories.

90 SHIPS ACROSS 9 CRUISE LINES AND +8 NEW SHIPS COMING BY 2025

SAILING IN NORTH AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, EUROPE AND MORE

COMING SOON

Cruise Ship Doctor Jobs

Cruise line companies hiring doctors:  PRINCESS CRUISES /HOLLAND AMERICA / P&O AUSTRALIA / SEABOURN / CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

The cruise ship recruitment agency Pro Sea Staff assists Registered Physicians in securing employment for maritime medical careers with the above-listed cruise line companies. Cruise ship medical jobs  offer excellent benefits and a great career opportunity with the possibility of continuous professional development and reliable employment. Cruise ship physician salary as well as numerous job benefits are also very attractive. Embark your medical career on a prestigious cruise line ship for a unique mix of challenge, adventure and responsibility!

Assignments for cruise ship doctor jobs are organized on a rotational basis of 4 months on board and 2 months off – on leave. Flights to and from your home are paid by the cruise line company. A cruise ship doctor is provided with Private Officers Single cabin accommodation. Housing, meals and healthcare insurance are provided by the cruise line company.

Cruise ship doctor recruitment

Cruise ship doctor requirements.

The requirements to work as a cruise ship doctor include a professional degree, relevant post-graduation experience and an unrestricted medical license.

Please consult the details below:

• MBChB, MBBCh (or equivalent) medical degree
• Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine with at least three years post-graduation experience
• Majority of experience in one or more of the following areas: Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Critical / Intensive Care, Cardiology, Anesthetics, Remote Medicine. Additional qualifications such as Diploma in Primary Emergency Care, Diploma in Anesthetics or FCEM are preferred
• Additional skills such as Ultrasound are advisable and certificates such as Advanced Trauma and Pediatric Life Support are also required by some cruise lines

In addition, applicants for cruise line physician jobs MUST have:

• Fluency in English – all candidates for the cruise ship doctor position must be able to communicate fluently in English as a medical professional
• At least 3 years post-graduate experience in Adult Emergency medicine or family practice. Work experience must be recent
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS / ALS) certification and Basic Life Support (BLS). Some companies also require ATLS and PALS
• Good computer skills – Windows based software
• Ability to meet the challenge of learning to work as a doctor in a new and different environment

Working as a doctor onboard a cruise ship

The role of a cruise ship physician goes beyond the scope of responsibilities of a mere GP on a cruise ship. You will lead the medical team in the management of several areas including laboratory testing, radiography, computer work, dispensing of medication and the control and monitoring of stock. Career opportunities for professional development are sponsored by the cruise line company.

Cruise ship doctor job description

As a cruise ship doctor, you will be working closely with other medical staff, your colleagues and a team of nurses under your supervision.  Cruise ship medical jobs involve providing both in and out patient care.  Outpatient care encompasses minor and severe illnesses, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, minor skin complaints and accidental injuries. In-patient care encompasses the management of a wide variety of clinical problems including cardiac diseases (thrombolysis and cardiac monitoring), trauma/orthopedic problems and acute medical and surgical emergencies.

Cruise ship doctor salary

Along with the benefits offered by onboard employment, cruise ship doctor job salary can be an additional source of motivation for the medical professionals in search of a new career opportunity.

Most cruise ship doctors working on passenger cruise ships can expect to earn anywhere between $8000 and $12000 monthly . Cruise ship physician’s salary may vary. Factors such as previous ship experience , years of practice and certifications may be taken into consideration when determining the starting salary.

Only the candidates with the above-noted requirements will be considered for the cruise line doctor job openings.

Cruise Job Directory

Directory of Cruise Ship Job Information

Job Openings for Cruise Ship Doctors and Nurses [November 2021]

Many cruise lines have job vacancies for doctors, nurses, and public health officers. The hiring of medical personnel is ongoing as the cruise industry is increasing the number of doctors and nurses onboard. Which cruise lines are hiring doctors and nurses?

Cruise Ship Jobs for Doctors and Nurses

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was always at least one doctor and nurse on each cruise ship. With new health regulations, most cruise lines are increasing the number of medical staff they have onboard. For example, the Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sail Panel recommendations states that,

“As a part of augmenting onboard medical capacity to ensure preparedness for potential COVID-19 cases, cruise operators should increase their existing ratios of medical personnel to guests and crew.”

Cruise lines have begun sailing worldwide, and as capacity of their ships increase and more ships come back into service, the need for more doctors and nurses is required. Additionally, a Public Health Officer is new cruise ship job that has been added by many of the cruise lines.

Job Postings for Cruise Ship Doctors, Nurses, and Public Health Officers

The following cruise lines have current job vacancies for medical personnel. Learn how to apply with each cruise line and get to know which medical jobs they are currently recruiting for.

Medical Jobs with Royal Caribbean Group Royal Caribbean International , Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises use the hiring partner V. Ships to assist with their recruiting needs, including the recruitment of medical personnel. Currently, V. Ships has postings for the position of Doctor, Nurse, and Infection Control Officer for these three cruise line brands.

Medical Jobs with Carnival UK  Both P&O Cruises and Cunard recruit for jobs through their Carnival UK careers portal. They currently have cruise ship job vacancies for the position of Doctor, Nurse, Public Health Officer, and Medical Administrator.

Medical Jobs with TUI Cruises TUI Cruises is recruiting for the position of Doctor, Nurse, Infection Control Officer, and Emergency Paramedic. They cruise worldwide and currently they have seven cruise ships with newbuilds expected in 2024 and 2026. Visit their career pages for information on medical cruise ship jobs .

Medical Jobs with Carnival Corporation Brands For medical cruise ship jobs with Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Holland America, Seabourn, and P&O Australia, Carnival Corporation has set up a dedicated career portal . For individuals looking for career opportunities as a Doctor, Nurse, Paramedic, Healthcare Assistant, they can apply for jobs through the online application tool.

Medical Jobs with Vikand Solutions Vikand Solutions offers careers at sea for a number of cruise lines including Viking Cruises , Hurtigruten, Azamara, Virgin Voyages, American Cruise Lines, American Queen Voyages, Swan Hellenic, Marella Cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages and many others. They recruit and employ cruise ship Doctors, Nurses, Infection Control Officers, and Paramedics. Their LinkedIn account has a number of recent cruise ship job postings .

Medical Jobs with MSC Cruises Currently, MSC Cruises is recruiting for the position of Doctor and Nurse. MSC Cruises’ fleet includes 19 ships and they are expected to launch another 10 ships between 2022 and 2027. For more information about the job listings, visit MSC Cruises career pages .

Posted: November 12, 2021

Do Cruise Ships Have Doctors and Medical Facilities? Explained

Boarding a cruise ship brings with it the excitement of the sea, but have you ever wondered what happens if someone falls ill onboard? The recent COVID-19 pandemic has starkly highlighted the need for robust healthcare systems in these floating cities.

Take P&O Cruises, for example. They’ve ramped up their health protocols, ensuring their medical centers are equipped and ready 24/7, with qualified staff to handle everything from seasickness to more serious concerns.

In this article, I will guide you through the healthcare services aboard a cruise ship. We’ll dive into the facilities available, the expertise of the medical staff, and how cruising giants have adapted to keep us safe in turbulent times.

Do Cruise Ships Have Doctors?

One of the most common questions I get asked about cruise life is, “Do ships have doctors?” The answer is a resounding yes, and the level of care they provide is more comprehensive than you might expect. The medical standards on cruise ships, particularly those operating from the U.S., are rigorous.

The American College of Emergency Physicians , alongside the Cruise Lines International Association, lays down stringent guidelines for both the medical personnel and the facilities onboard. This ensures a high level of care, similar to what you’d find in many land-based medical facilities.

Doctor Qualifications

The qualifications of cruise ship doctors are particularly impressive. Under the ACEP standards, they must have at least three years of post-graduate experience in fields like general and emergency medicine, or be board-certified in specialties such as advanced life support practices, medical emergencies, family, minor surgical procedures, or internal medicine. They’re also required to be certified in advanced cardiac life support.

Pediatric Care

For ships carrying children under 12, there’s an additional layer of care required. At least one physician is required to have pediatric training or equivalent emergency training involving kids, ensuring that our youngest cruisers are in safe hands in the ship’s medical center.

Beyond the cruise ship doctor, the medical team includes highly trained nurses, often with paramedic experience. All nurses are experienced registered nurses, forming a robust team ready to tackle a range of medical needs.

On-Board Facilities

Many larger cruise ships, like those operated by Princess Cruises, have hospital-like treatment rooms within their onboard medical centers. The size of the medical team varies with the ship’s size – the largest vessels may have two doctors and up to six nurses. Smaller river ships, staying close to shore, may have fewer staff, relying on easy access to land-based facilities in emergencies.

All medical practitioners, including doctors and nurses, are accountable to a chief medical officer stationed at the cruise line’s central office, who is available round the clock to assist in case of emergencies.

On my very first cruise, I remember being pleasantly surprised to discover the extent of medical facilities onboard. The infirmary, usually tucked away on a lower deck, is a hub of medical expertise. While it typically operates during regular hours, as listed in the ship’s daily program, the medical staff is always on call for emergencies, ensuring round-the-clock care.

Walking into the infirmary is much like entering any doctor’s office. There’s a waiting room where you fill out medical history forms before heading to one of the exam rooms . In my experience, the staff is as professional and thorough as any land-based clinic.

It’s only in more serious medical situations that you’re taken to the separate area housing hospital beds , a small surgical suite for minor surgeries, or the ICU and isolation rooms . Thankfully, I’ve never needed these services, but it’s reassuring to know they’re there.

The equipment in these shipboard medical centers is impressive. Onboard, you will typically find cardiac monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, x-ray machines, oxygen tanks, and even laboratory equipment. On some Carnival Cruise Line ships, for instance, there’s advanced technology like thrombolytic therapy for blood clots and pulse oximetry for oxygen level testing.

Carnival Cruise Line ‘s medical facilities have specific hours:

On the day the ship embarks, they’re open from 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. On sea days, the facilities are open from 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6 p.m., while on port days, their hours are from 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. This ensures medical care is accessible to all passengers, regardless of the day’s activities.

Pharmacies On Cruise

When seasickness hit me unexpectedly, I was relieved to find that the ship had its own well-stocked medical facility, equipped to provide immediate relief.

Onboard pharmacies carry a surprising variety of medicines, ensuring passengers have access to essential medications for common health issues. The inventory, which varies by ship, includes everything from antibiotics and seasickness pills (often complimentary) to aspirin and other over-the-counter drugs.

These pharmacies are well-equipped to cater to a diverse array of medical requirements, maintaining a supply of medications for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal ailments, infectious diseases, respiratory conditions, and even vaccines. Whether you’re dealing with a minor ailment or something more significant, there’s a high chance the pharmacy can help.

While the convenience is unmatched, it’s worth noting that the cost of medications on board can be higher than your home pharmacy, but generally comparable to prices you’d find if you purchased them in a port. This includes seasickness medications, which are readily available and can be a lifesaver for those who are unsure if they’ll be affected by motion sickness . This is a small price to pay for the convenience and peace of mind provided by these pharmacies.

Having this resource at hand on a cruise ship reassures passengers that their health and comfort are taken seriously, making for a safer and more enjoyable journey.

Common Medical Issues Handled on Cruise Ships

I’ve seen firsthand how the medical team on cruise ships expertly handles common health concerns. According to the World Health Organization , the most common issues are respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses , like influenza and norovirus. They also skillfully manage cases of motion sickness and various injuries.

It’s important to understand that a ship’s medical facility is more of an infirmary than a full-fledged hospital. This means while they’re equipped for a range of medical situations, they’re not designed for highly complex medical procedures. The staff’s expertise in quickly addressing these common issues is truly commendable, ensuring that passengers get the care they need to continue enjoying their journey.

Procedures for Handling Emergencies and Serious Medical Conditions.

Cruising is generally a smooth experience, but it’s comforting to know that if a medical emergency arises, the cruise ship doctors and the team on board are well-prepared. This is particularly reassuring for seniors who are on a cruise  and may have concerns about health care while traveling. Most medical issues on ships are routine, yet the team is adept at providing life support services and stabilizing anyone seriously ill.

In cases where a patient needs more intensive care than the ship can provide, medivac procedures come into play. The patient would typically be medically disembarked at the next port and transferred to a hospital on a stretcher.

But, if a critical emergency occurs at sea, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the local equivalent overseas, is ready to assist, even airlifting patients if necessary. It’s a bit sobering, but ships are equipped with morgue facilities too, just in case. This level of preparedness is part of adhering to the American College of Emergency Physicians’ standards.

Cruise lines have clear policies on when passengers should be medically disembarked. The medical team aboard the ship possesses the authority to determine whether a passenger is not fit to continue their journey at sea. For instance, as MSC Cruises outlines, passengers are disembarked if their condition could endanger their health or safety.

These decisions are always made with the passenger’s well-being in mind. It’s important to emphasize that air evacuation is exclusively reserved for the most critical cases. This procedure introduces additional physical and emotional strain, and the medevac units are manned by highly trained medics specializing in emergency treatment.

Case Studies or Examples of Medical Incidents Handled at Sea

Let me share a story from one of my cruises that stuck with me. Everyone was soaking up the sun, some by the pool, others with a book in hand. That’s when something unexpected happened.

Out of nowhere, a fellow passenger, an older gentleman enjoying his time by the pool, suddenly slumped over. It was one of those moments that made your heart skip a beat. But what happened next was truly remarkable.

The medical team, they were like superheroes in disguise. They appeared almost instantly, maneuvering through the crowd with a stretcher and a medical bag. Their efficiency and calmness amidst the sudden rush of worried onlookers were incredible.

They quickly got to work, checking the gentleman’s vital signs, and administering first aid. It was like watching a well-choreographed dance, each move precise and confident. The way they handled the situation, with such professionalism and care, it was reassuring to know that we were in safe hands.

In less than an hour, the gentleman was stabilized and taken to the infirmary for further observation. The whole incident was a powerful reminder of the unexpected turns life can take, even in the middle of the ocean, and the importance of having a competent medical team on board. It’s these behind-the-scenes heroes that make cruising not just enjoyable, but safe for everyone.

How Passengers Can Access Medical Care on Board

Ever wondered how you can get medical help while cruising? It’s simpler than you might think. On a cruise, if you ever need medical attention, here’s how it works.

To begin, it’s common to find the medical center situated on a lower deck of the cruise ship. This is a strategic choice – away from the hustle and bustle of crowded areas and conveniently close to crew facilities. This arrangement is especially reassuring for solo travelers over their 50s , who can feel confident about accessing medical services easily, regardless of the time of day.

It ensures privacy and easy access, both for passengers and crew. What’s great about these medical centers is that they cater to everyone on board – passengers and crew alike. So, whether it’s a minor ailment or something more serious, the medical team is there to help.

Now, while the medical team is on call 24/7 for emergencies, for regular visits, you’ll want to go during their scheduled hours. These hours are usually listed in the ship’s daily program, so it’s easy to plan your visit. Just drop in during these times, and you’ll get the care you need.

Costs and Insurance Considerations for Medical Care at Sea

When it comes to medical care at sea, it’s essential to be prepared for potential costs. Treatment and medications provided by ship physicians are usually charged to your cabin account, often requiring immediate out-of-pocket payment. Cruise ship doctors, who typically operate as independent contractors, may charge an hourly fee, with additional costs for any medications or tests.

This is where travel insurance becomes invaluable. Generally costing between 5 and 8 percent of your trip’s total price, it can cover most cruise ship medical expenses incurred onboard. Opting for travel insurance and preferably health insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring you’re financially protected against unexpected medical costs during your cruise.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the cruising world, leading to significant enhancements in onboard medical services. This included regular health screenings, isolation wards for suspected cases, and enhanced sanitation measures. Witnessing this swift adaptation and commitment to passenger health was both reassuring and impressive

These changes underline the importance and availability of comprehensive medical care on cruise ships. From routine ailments to emergency responses, the medical teams are equipped to handle a spectrum of health issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of every passenger and crew member.

As we look forward to more adventures at sea, it’s comforting to know that the industry’s response to health crises like COVID-19 has made cruising safer than ever. With well-stocked pharmacies, capable medical staff, and enhanced health protocols, cruise lines have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy experience for all.

So, as you set sail on your next cruise, rest assured that your health and safety are in capable hands, letting you fully enjoy the wonders of the sea with peace of mind.

Do cruise ships have real doctors?

Cruise ships are equipped with fully qualified doctors who provide medical services to passengers and crew. These medical professionals are licensed physicians capable of addressing various health concerns while at sea. Additionally, in the rare event of a fatality, cruise ships are prepared with onboard morgues to respectfully and appropriately handle such situations until the ship reaches port.

Can cruise ship doctors prescribe antibiotics?

Cruise ship doctors can prescribe antibiotics when appropriate. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, including bacterial infections, to ensure passengers’ well-being during their voyage.

How much do cruise ship PAs make?

Cruise Ship Physician Assistants in St. Petersburg earn an average annual salary of $105,360. These healthcare professionals play a vital role in providing medical care to passengers and crew, contributing to the safety and health of those on board.

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I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. When not cruising, I spend my time on growing my marketing agency.

About FunkyCruise

Medical Team

If you’re looking to fast-track your medical career, becoming a cruise medic is just the ticket

Join our team and you’ll gain skills and qualifications as you work in a fast-paced and rewarding environment. Our well-equipped medical centres and people-centric business ethics ensure quality patient care, with opportunities for invaluable experience across all medical specialisms.

Our teams work hard and enjoy amazing travel experiences, a stable salary and the benefits of working in the private healthcare sector.

Your career at sea

As a cruise medic you’ll grow both technical and non-technical skills, supported by a team both on board and ashore.

We’ll help you broaden your independent practitioner skillset while providing gold standard care in a unique environment. Gain technical skills such as running blood tests or performing X-rays, alongside first responder duties supporting the team with immediate patient care and transfers. You’ll also learn about the management and upkeep of a standalone medical department, including maintaining rosters, supplies, and equipment.

From a personal perspective, you’ll work within a team of other experienced medical professionals, developing strong working relationships to bring the best out of yourself and others.

All medical team members work on sister-brand ships so join us and you’ll get to experience life on board both Cunard and P&O Cruises. And should you return to shore, your years of ship experience will help you secure a more senior role.

Career Path

Join our team

If you’re a doctor at least 4-years post-qualified, or a nurse at least 3-years post-qualified, with a&e or icu experience, we’d love you to have you on board, discover more, photo gallery.

Latest medical news

Dr Alex George on board

Meet the team; Dr. Lorraine McConnell

Becoming a cruise ship Doctor

Working on board as a Nursing Officer

Working on board as a cruise ship Doctor

Fast-track your medical career when you become a cruise doctor

Working as a cruise Doctor is an opportunity to develop and enhance your clinical practice, while providing gold standard care in a unique environment.

Our well-equipped medical centres and people-centric business ethics ensure quality patient care, with opportunities for invaluable experience across all medical specialisms.

We fully support you to broaden your independent practitioner skillset and progress in your career with industry-recognised qualifications, organised, and paid for by us.

Our teams work hard and enjoy amazing travel experiences, alongside a stable and competitive cruise Doctor salary, and the benefits of working in the private healthcare sector.

Being part of our Medical Team has its benefits…

Good for you and your career

Unique to any other cruise line, we operate as a GMC designated body. This means that while you work as a cruise Doctor on board our ships, you’re able to revalidate your license and maintain your registration.

Learn about the management and upkeep of a standalone medical department, gaining clinical leadership skills though managing resources and training. With the necessary skills and experience you can progress into the role of Senior Doctor and take on the role of Lead Medical Officer on board.

From a personal perspective, you’ll work within a team of other experienced medical professionals, developing strong working relationships to bring the best out of yourself and others. And should you return to shore, your years of ship experience will help you secure a more senior role.

Join our team and gain skills and qualifications as you work in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Life on board

Travelling cruise Doctors work daily shifts and like all healthcare settings, it’s faced-paced and rewarding. However, you have the autonomy to deliver gold-standard patient care in a well-equipped medical centre with on-site laboratory and radiography facilities.

There’s opportunities to use your skills to support your colleagues’ development, while also learning from a team of experienced professionals with varied healthcare backgrounds.

And to make sure you’re able to be your best self at work, cruise Doctors enjoy extended leave at home to relax, recharge and be reenergised about returning to sea.

If you’re at least 4-years post-qualified, you can start your cruise Doctor career at sea.

A warm welcome

When you apply for a cruise Doctor job, we’ll look after you at every step of the process. From helping you with compliance documentation, to paying for your flights and supporting you to settle in on board, you’ll get a warm welcome.

Watch the video below to find out more about joining our fleet.

Our medical team work on board both Cunard and P&O Cruises ships and although the video has been created for Cunard crew, the warm welcome is just the same for P&O Cruises crew too!

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Working on board as a cruise ship Doctor

Cruise Ship Medical Jobs - Nurse, Doctor and Paramedic Positions

Back to All Shipboard Positions

Register for Cruise Ship Medical Jobs Now!

The medical department on board a cruise ship offers the following job positions: Chief (Senior) Doctor, Doctor, Nurse Practitioner (NP), Registered Nurse (RN) and Paramedic. The department usually consists of two doctors and anywhere from two to six registered nurses depending on the size of the ship, number of passengers and crew and on board medical facilities. Aboard cruise ships doing world cruises or remote itineraries, the need for a full surgical staff and a dentist may be more common. Cruise ship Doctors and nurses are hired either directly by the cruise line medical operations departments or through concessionaire companies servicing their line. All medical staff at a minimum are BLS and ACLS certified. All doctors and nurses enjoy the privilege of single (not shared) accommodation and the ability to bring along a spouse, other family member or a fiancée aboard the cruise ship.

For detailed job description, requirements and salary range, please click on position/s of interest:

Cruise Ship Chief / Senior Doctor

The Chief Doctor/ Physician is the highest ranking Medical Officer and a head of the Medical Department aboard the ship. He/ she oversees and supervises the work activities of the ship's physician, lead nurse, nurse practitioners and nurses. The Doctor reports to the Captain of the ship as well as to...

Ship Doctor / Physician

The doctor (physician) reports to the ship's chief doctor and supervises the ship's lead nurse, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. The physician is responsible for the basic and emergency medical treatment of the crew members and in...

Nurse Practitioner

The Nurse Practitioner provides medical care to both passengers and crew members plus performing administrative duties in the Medical Clinic aboard the cruise ship. The Nurse Practitioner reports to the ship’s Chief Doctor, ship's Physician as well as to the Fleet Chief Nursing Officer at the...

Lead/ Chief Nurse

The Lead Nurse is in charge of the nursing staff aboard the cruise ship and reports to the ship’s Physician, ship's Chief Doctor as well as to the Fleet Chief Nursing Officer at the head office of the cruise line. The Chief Nurse is...

The ship's nurse is an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) responsible to provide appropriate day-to-day health care to passengers and crew members aboard the cruise ship. The ship nurse reports and works under the direction of the ship's lead nurse, ship's physician and ship's chief doctor. She/ he is called first in case of...

The Paramedic is a part of the medical team aboard a cruise ship and works alongside experienced nurses and doctors. The Paramedic is the first line of medical care aboard, responds to emergency situations, treats the sick and injured and then continues that care in the medical center as part of cruise ship's medical team.

Job requirements: Nationally registered paramedics with minimum 2 years of paramedic experience and current professional certifications.

Doctor positition key responsibilities

Application requirements, job highlights, about carnival medical talent.

Not quite right? Register your interest to be notified of any roles that come along that meet your criteria.