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Basic Requirements
Every year, thousands of individuals seek information on how to apply for cruise ships and yachts, yet fewer than 10% of all applicants meet the fundamental criteria. While companies worldwide maintain varying standards, certain basic requirements are universally essential. There are five basic topics that we have to mention and failure to meet these prerequisites significantly reduces the likelihood of securing a position on board.
You must speak English, even if your company is from Germany or China.
If you are from an English-speaking country, that’s great! If not, you must pass an English exam and achieve at least 60% proficiency for basic low-level positions and over 90% for positions that have direct contact with passengers. Companies use either their own tests or an online platform called Marlin’s Test, and the certificate is accepted on every single cruise line in the world. By opting for the latter, it costs 20 USD and doesn’t expire. Additionally, companies reserve the right to test you at any time to confirm your proficiency level.
Note: Some companies like AIDA, Phoenix Reisen, and TUI Cruises target primarily German passengers, while others like Adora Cruises target Chinese passengers. Even for those, conversational English proficiency is required as well.
You must be in good health and clean
Not only does the medical exam ensure the interest of the seafarer, but also the interest and responsibility of the cruise line. There are a few red flags that will lead to an “unfit” classification on a pre-employment medical. Having certain allergies or medication dependencies such as a necessity to carry an ‘epi-pen’ or the need to regularly use a preventative asthma inhaler may also deem you to be “unfit”. Additionally, a fitness certificate will not be issued if there is evidence of poor dental health. Also be prepared for probing questions about alcohol use, failed relationships, homesickness, suicidal thoughts, ability to concentrate, and side effects of any medication. Physicians are assessing your psychological fitness which is also part of the exam.
These medical conditions will automatically disqualify candidates during the medical exams process, to name a few: Autism; Autoimmune disorders, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDS (except when the viral load is undetectable, requiring a medical report from a specialist); Blindness or low vision; Cancer; Cardiovascular or heart disease; Celiac disease; Cerebral palsy; Deaf or hard of hearing; Depression or anxiety; Diabetes; Epilepsy; Gastrointestinal disorders, e.g., Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome; Intellectual disability; Absent members or partially absent members; Nervous system conditions, e.g., migraine, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS); Psychiatric conditions, for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or major depression.
The use and abuse of certain substances can lead to immediate disqualification for candidates applying to work on cruise ships. These substances include, but are not limited to marijuana and its derivatives (such as Skunk, Hashish, etc.), cocaine and its derivatives (including Crack, Merla, etc.), amphetamines (such as Mazindol – Absten plus, Fagolipo, and Moderamin; distinguishing between drug use and therapeutic consumption), methamphetamines (commonly known as Speed, Ice, Pervitin, etc.), ecstasy (including MDMA, MDA, EVE, and MDE).
It’s important to note that these substances can remain in the user’s body for weeks and can be detected even months after the last use, potentially resulting in immediate disqualification from consideration for employment on cruise ships.