How does the employment on board works?

If you work on board, you will receive a contract of employment of seaman. The length of the contract can vary depending on the position on board and the location. In general, you can assume an assignment length of about 3 to 6 months. AIDA Cruises is one of the few shipping companies in the world where you, as an EU citizen, receive an employment contract in compliance with the directives of the European Union and are thus comprehensively covered by social insurance. In addition, you have the option of switching to a permanent position after successfully completing several assignments.

Am I insured during my time on board?

EU citizens on board are fully covered by health, accident, unemployment and pension insurance for the duration of the employment contract in compliance with EU directives (Regulation EC No. 883/2004).

Are there any special requirements for employment on board?

Depending on the position, the qualifications required for employment on board may include an appropriate apprenticeship or university degree as well as previous work experience. In addition, all employees on board require a certificate of fitness for sea service and a current police clearance certificate. Before the start of the assignment, various training courses are organized to ensure optimum preparation for the work on board.

What health requirements are necessary for me to be able to work on board?

Physical and mental fitness are important basic requirements for an assignment on board. Every crew member of a cruise ship has to prove a national sea service fitness before boarding the ship, which only certain doctors are allowed to examine (you can find an overview of the doctors and further information here ). Certain medical conditions, such as very weak eyesight, a significant physical impairment (e.g. no self-rescue possible) or a BMI that is above the national standard, can exclude a fitness for sea service. After you have received a confirmation from us, you have to take care of your national sea service fitness.

What are my working hours on board?

Basically, a 7-day working week applies. The working and rest periods comply with the established standards and regulations of the internationally applicable Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and depends on the job on board. The crew usually works on a part-time basis, so you can discover the most beautiful places in the world between working hours.

How does the arrival and departure of the crew take place?

In case of regular embarkation and disembarkation of the crew living outside Germany, AIDA Cruises covers the costs for the arrival and departure from the home airport to the ship and back. Crew members embarking or disembarking in their home country organise the arrival and departure to/from the ship themselves. Crew members living in Germany have the opportunity to use the Flixbus free of charge. If the embarkation or disembarkation takes place in a port outside Germany, AIDA also covers the flight costs for crew members living in Germany from/to the nearest home airport. The arrival and departure to/from the airport is the responsibility of the crew member.

What does the catering on board look like fot the crew?

In the Crew Mess, the exclusive restaurant for our crew members, you can compile your food and drinks for free. The meals are varied and tailored to the various needs of our international crew (different, country-specific dishes, vegetarian and vegan dishes, etc. ). By arrangement it is also possible to use our guest restaurants.

What is the on-board language for crew members?

On board works an international crew. English language skills are therefore essential. The language on board used with our guests is German.

What leisure activities are available on board for crew members?

On board the ships, the crew has its own crew mess (restaurant), a crew sundeck, a crew sauna, an exclusive gym and a crew bar incl. crew store. You can find more insights into our crew area here . In their cabins, crew members receive TV and movies in German or English. Furthermore, there is internet access on board of our ships as well as different e-learning tools for further education. Of course, the crew can do shore excursions in their free time and discover the most beautiful places in the world.

Do I get a uniform on bord?

On board, all crew members are provided with a uniform. These will cleaned free of charge. Please bring your shoes and socks by yourself.

How old do you have to be to work on board?

To work on board the AIDA fleet, you must be at least 18 years old. There is no age limit to the top.

Can I work on board if I have tattoos/piercings?

Of course, it's totally fine for us if our employees have tattoos and piercings.

Do I need apprenticeship training for every job on board?

Of course, you also have the opportunity to find a job on board our AIDA fleet as a career changer - for example, if you have just graduated and are looking for a new adventure. In the departments of our hosts, outdoor guides or in some entry-level positions in the bar and restaurant area, an apprenticeship is not absolutely necessary. However working experience is an advantage. Feel free to check out our job search for more information on the requirements.

Is it possible to do an internship on board?

Internships on board our ships are only possible in the nautical or technical area as part of your studies. If you are studying in a different field, you are of course welcome to work on board and acquire practical experience. In this case, your assignment on board will be temporary. If you have to complete a compulsory internship as part of your studies, please check with your university beforehand whether this type of activity is also recognized as a practical semester. Currently we do not offer student internships on board.

Can I do an apprenticeship on board?

We do not offer apprenticeships on board our fleet. But you are very welcome to apply for an apprenticeship on shore with us.

A look behind the scenes

Living and working aboard the AIDA fleet

Living on a cruise ship, working in an international team and waking up in a different place every day. We show what makes working on board attractive.

Months of service on board

3 - 6

Nationalities on board

Crew Excursions and Crew Events

Regular

Accommodation and Meals

Free

On this website

01
Discover our departments on board
02
More than a job: our benefits
03
This is what life on board looks like
04
Discover the exclusive crew areas
05
Living on our cruise ships
06
Insight into your next destination?
07
Working on board AIDA
08
AIDA crew moments
09
More about career at AIDA

Show all

Get started now!

Find out more about our open positions on board in the job search now.

To the current vacancies

Discover our departments on board

Nautics and Technics

Whether on the bridge or in the engine room - you take on responsibility here. Navigation, technology and security work together precisely. Dive deeper into the world of nautics and technics now.

Discover open positions now!

Bar, Restaurant and Galley

Charming guest service, exciting cuisine and creative bar work - here, well-coordinated teams ensure moments of enjoyment on board. Find out more about our jobs in the F&B department.

Discover open positions now!

Hotel and Administration

Professional guest service meets precise organization behind the scenes. Find out more about our housekeeping jobs and become part of the team.

Discover open positions now!

Spa and Sport

Whether wellness treatments or personal training: the spa and sports department focuses on holistic care, individual advice and professional execution. Make a difference and find out more about jobs in the spa and sports department!

Discover open positions now!

Hospital

The onboard hospital focuses on providing medical care for our guests and crew. Professional expertise, care and teamwork ensure health, safety and rapid assistance at sea. Become part of the team!

Discover open positions now!

Sales, Art and Experience

Friendly advice, creative product presentation and artistic experiences characterize everyday life on board. Find out more now about your opportunities in the departments of shops and sales, photo as well as casino.

Discover open positions now!

Entertainment and Technics

Staging and controlling - technical professionals ensure that shows shine, processes run smoothly and special moments are created. Learn more about the departments of entertainment and onstage, as well as theater technics and backstage.

Discover open positions now!

AIDA Casting

Our shows thrive on diversity, energy and team spirit. AIDA Casting brings creative minds to the stage - for unforgettable experiences on board. Get to know the world behind the scenes and become the next AIDA star!

Learn more about AIDA Casting

TV and Media

This is where filming, editing and design take place - technical expertise is used to create content that informs and entertains guests and gives them a peek behind the scenes. Discover the world of media on board and support our team!

Discover open positions now!

To the application process for jobs on board

More than a job: our benefits

With a wide range of benefits, we create an environment that supports you, promotes team spirit and expands your career opportunities - for an unforgettable time at sea.

Discover the benefits on board

This is what life on board looks like

Life on board is colorful, lively and full of opportunities - and not just during work hours. In your free time, you can enjoy a wide range of activities that are true highlights: take part in sports competitions, show off your talent at crew karaoke or try your luck at crew bingo.

AIDA crew members playing table soccer in the Crew Bar

Discover our corporate culture

Discover the exclusive crew areas

Whether you want to relax, socialize or simply have a good time - our crew areas offer space for recreation, community and lots of fun. Check out our 360-degree tours now!

Crew Sun Deck with Pool

The Crew Pool and Sun Deck offers our crew the opportunity to take a break, enjoy the sun, meet with colleagues or relax in the whirlpool.

Start a 360-degree tour

Crew Restaurant

Our exclusive employee restaurant, called Crew Mess, provides free meals and drinks for the crew. The varied, international cuisine is offered in buffet form - vegetarian options are of course also included.

Start a 360-degree tour

Crew Bar

In the Crew Bar, our crew members get together after work and spend a relaxing evening with a delicious drink. It is the meeting place on board – for jam sessions, table soccer tournaments or board game nights.

Start a 360-degree tour

Crew Sauna

In the Crew Sauna, our crew enjoys a moment of relaxation and recreation during the free time.

Start a 360-degree tour

Crew Relaxation Center

Borrowing books, watching movies or just talking with colleagues - our crew members spend quality time together in our “crew living room”.

Start a 360-degree tour

Crew Gym

Our exclusive Crew Gym is available to our crew for staying fit and working out. In addition, they can also use the gym in the guest area.

Start a 360-degree tour

Living on our cruise ships

Our AIDA fleet is not only a place to work for our crew members, but also a second home. Discover our different cabin categories on board now.

Our Single Cabins

Depending on their position, our crew members are staying in single or double cabins. The single cabins are partly provided with a bull's eye and sometimes, the bathroom is shared with another crew member. In our 360 degree tour you can already take a look at the cabin.

360 degree tour

Our Double Cabins

In a double cabin our crew members share the accommodation and bathroom with a cabin mate. Optionally, it is possible to move in with a crew member of your choice, if there is availability on board. Take a look at the cabins in our 360 degree tour.

360 degree tour

Insight into your next destination?

Working on board AIDA

How does the employment on board works?

If you work on board, you will receive a contract of employment of seaman. The length of the contract can vary depending on the position on board and the location. In general, you can assume an assignment length of about 3 to 6 months. AIDA Cruises is one of the few shipping companies in the world where you, as an EU citizen, receive an employment contract in compliance with the directives of the European Union and are thus comprehensively covered by social insurance. In addition, you have the option of switching to a permanent position after successfully completing several assignments.
Am I insured during my time on board?

EU citizens on board are fully covered by health, accident, unemployment and pension insurance for the duration of the employment contract in compliance with EU directives (Regulation EC No. 883/2004).
Are there any special requirements for employment on board?

Depending on the position, the qualifications required for employment on board may include an appropriate apprenticeship or university degree as well as previous work experience. In addition, all employees on board require a certificate of fitness for sea service and a current police clearance certificate. Before the start of the assignment, various training courses are organized to ensure optimum preparation for the work on board.
What health requirements are necessary for me to be able to work on board?

Physical and mental fitness are important basic requirements for an assignment on board. Every crew member of a cruise ship has to prove a national sea service fitness before boarding the ship, which only certain doctors are allowed to examine (you can find an overview of the doctors and further information here). Certain medical conditions, such as very weak eyesight, a significant physical impairment (e.g. no self-rescue possible) or a BMI that is above the national standard, can exclude a fitness for sea service. After you have received a confirmation from us, you have to take care of your national sea service fitness.
What are my working hours on board?

Basically, a 7-day working week applies. The working and rest periods comply with the established standards and regulations of the internationally applicable Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and depends on the job on board. The crew usually works on a part-time basis, so you can discover the most beautiful places in the world between working hours.
How does the arrival and departure of the crew take place?

In case of regular embarkation and disembarkation of the crew living outside Germany, AIDA Cruises covers the costs for the arrival and departure from the home airport to the ship and back. Crew members embarking or disembarking in their home country organise the arrival and departure to/from the ship themselves. Crew members living in Germany have the opportunity to use the Flixbus free of charge. If the embarkation or disembarkation takes place in a port outside Germany, AIDA also covers the flight costs for crew members living in Germany from/to the nearest home airport. The arrival and departure to/from the airport is the responsibility of the crew member.
What does the catering on board look like fot the crew?

In the Crew Mess, the exclusive restaurant for our crew members, you can compile your food and drinks for free. The meals are varied and tailored to the various needs of our international crew (different, country-specific dishes, vegetarian and vegan dishes, etc. ). By arrangement it is also possible to use our guest restaurants.
What is the on-board language for crew members?

On board works an international crew. English language skills are therefore essential. The language on board used with our guests is German.
What leisure activities are available on board for crew members?

On board the ships, the crew has its own crew mess (restaurant), a crew sundeck, a crew sauna, an exclusive gym and a crew bar incl. crew store. You can find more insights into our crew area here. In their cabins, crew members receive TV and movies in German or English. Furthermore, there is internet access on board of our ships as well as different e-learning tools for further education. Of course, the crew can do shore excursions in their free time and discover the most beautiful places in the world.
Do I get a uniform on bord?

On board, all crew members are provided with a uniform. These will cleaned free of charge. Please bring your shoes and socks by yourself.
How old do you have to be to work on board?

To work on board the AIDA fleet, you must be at least 18 years old. There is no age limit to the top.
Can I work on board if I have tattoos/piercings?

Of course, it's totally fine for us if our employees have tattoos and piercings.
Do I need apprenticeship training for every job on board?

Of course, you also have the opportunity to find a job on board our AIDA fleet as a career changer - for example, if you have just graduated and are looking for a new adventure. In the departments of our hosts, outdoor guides or in some entry-level positions in the bar and restaurant area, an apprenticeship is not absolutely necessary. However working experience is an advantage. Feel free to check out our job search for more information on the requirements.
Is it possible to do an internship on board?

Internships on board our ships are only possible in the nautical or technical area as part of your studies. If you are studying in a different field, you are of course welcome to work on board and acquire practical experience. In this case, your assignment on board will be temporary. If you have to complete a compulsory internship as part of your studies, please check with your university beforehand whether this type of activity is also recognized as a practical semester. Currently we do not offer student internships on board.
Can I do an apprenticeship on board?

We do not offer apprenticeships on board our fleet. But you are very welcome to apply for an apprenticeship on shore with us.

AIDA crew moments

Take a look behind the scenes and gain exciting insights into life and work on board. Whether it's job insights, team experiences or after-work events - our crew shares their best moments with you here!