Living With Scoliosis as A Cruise Ship Crew Member

“Wait… is your back supposed to bend like that?” That’s usually the moment I remember I’m living with scoliosis. Most days, I completely forget I even have it – until someone points out why I’m slouching or sitting awkwardly, looking like I’m auditioning for Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Before working on cruise ships, I briefly considered becoming a flight attendant. But either I realised I didn’t have the right personality for it, or I read that scoliosis might disqualify me. Whatever the case, I gave up on that idea and turned my focus to life at sea instead.

Still, working as a seafarer isn’t without challenges, and scoliosis can add a few extra hurdles. The pre-employment medical exam – every crew member’s rite of passage – can feel intimidating when your spine isn’t textbook straight. And then there’s ship life: long hours, tight spaces, and an always-moving floor.

But scoliosis doesn’t mean abandoning your dreams of adventure at sea. You just have to approach it differently – sometimes quite literally, when the ship starts swaying.

What Is Scoliosis, and How Does It Impact Life at Sea?

Scoliosis, for the uninitiated, is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often resembling an “S” or “C” shape on an X-ray. For me, it’s a long “C.” Not wildly noticeable, but enough to remind me it’s there when someone points out my uneven posture or I catch myself leaning to one side in photos.

Uneven posture from my right side? Definitely not Insta-worthy. Thankfully, discomfort is rare, though there are days when my back feels like an overly opinionated colleague I can’t shake off.

Cruise ship life isn’t all sunsets and scenic ports – especially for crew members. It’s a mix of long shifts, tight spaces, and physical tasks. For someone with scoliosis, even minor cases, these conditions can amplify the usual strain.

Fortunately, my desk-based role spared me from heavy lifting and physically demanding tasks. But long hours sitting in a less-than-ideal chair brought their own challenges. By the end of the day, I’d wonder: Am I just lazy, or is my back genuinely tired? Probably a bit of both.

Sometimes, all I wanted to do after work was flop onto my bed and disconnect. But too much downtime isn’t great for scoliosis either. It’s like my spine needs a Goldilocks balance: not too active, not too lazy, just right.

Can You Work on a Cruise Ship with Scoliosis?

The short answer? Yes, but there’s a catch: passing the pre-employment medical exam. For seafarers, this test is non-negotiable and can be pricey. Most of my friends spend around RM400–RM500 for their medical certificates, but mine often cost higher – once over RM1,000 – due to specialist reviews.

Scoliosis isn’t something you can hide. Recruitment personnel rely on a doctor’s notes to assess if your condition meets requirements. If you already know the degree of your spinal curve, ask a doctor beforehand whether it’s likely too severe for a seafarer’s role. Otherwise, you risk wasting time and money on a medical process that might not work in your favor.

My desk-based role worked in my favor since it didn’t involve heavy lifting or strenuous tasks. As a result, I was deemed fit to work every time – except for once. A cruise line in the international region rejected my application because my spinal curve exceeded their guidelines.

To this day, I don’t know exactly what those international guidelines are. All I know is that I spent around RM2,000–RM3,000 on medical tests, applications, and travel for that job, only to walk away with nothing. It was frustrating, but I had to accept that no amount of preparation can control every outcome.

If you’re wondering whether scoliosis will hold you back, my advice is to be upfront during your medical exam. Most cruise lines are accommodating, especially for non-physical roles. Yes, the process can be expensive, but if working at sea is your dream, it might be worth every cent.

Strategies for Managing Scoliosis on a Cruise Ship

I’ll admit, I wasn’t the poster child for scoliosis management. Most of the time, I didn’t experience major issues. The only moments I even thought about my back were when the cabin bed felt uncomfortable, which might explain my occasional bouts of insomnia.

One key piece of advice? Avoid carrying heavy items. This was especially important when handling luggage during sign-on and sign-off days. Thankfully, I rarely had to carry it up the stairs alone – someone often offered to help, and I gladly accepted when I didn’t feel strong enough.

Exercise wasn’t a big part of my routine, but stretching would’ve been beneficial. I’d recommend it to anyone with scoliosis on a ship. Even a quick stretch at the start or end of the day can relieve tension and prevent stiffness.

Walking the deck was my go-to for staying active. It wasn’t a workout, but the movement kept me from feeling cramped or sedentary. Taking the stairs instead of the lift became my version of cardio – simple but effective.

Nutrition wasn’t my strong suit either, but I tried to cut back on processed snacks. Staying hydrated was another challenge – I’ll admit I didn’t drink enough water most days. Still, it’s something I’d encourage others to prioritise, as hydration makes a huge difference, especially on a moving ship.

The Emotional Rollercoaster – Coping with Setbacks

At first, I wore oversized T-shirts to hide my uneven posture. Over time, though, it became less about hiding and more about comfort. My go-to grunge style – layered T-shirts and checkered long sleeves – felt like a cosy armor that helped me focus on my work instead of worrying about how I looked.

There were days when I felt self-conscious, especially when I saw photos of myself. I avoided looking at them too closely, not wanting to dwell on how my posture came across. But these moments were rare, and for the most part, I forgot about my scoliosis altogether.

What really helped was the environment onboard. Most of my colleagues didn’t even notice my scoliosis, and the few who did didn’t think much of it. Their reactions reminded me that I was often my own harshest critic. Sharing laughs and building friendships with the crew made self-consciousness take a backseat.

The Silver Lining – What Scoliosis Teaches You at Sea

Scoliosis rarely felt like a major issue during my time at sea, but it taught me some valuable lessons. For one, I learnt to accept help when it was offered – like when someone carried my luggage up the stairs. Small acts of kindness like that made me realise I didn’t have to do everything alone.

Stretching, walking, and staying active helped me feel more in tune with my body, even if I didn’t stick to a formal routine. Those moments of movement were a reminder to take care of myself, even in small ways.

Most importantly, I learnt to stop focusing on imperfections. Working on a ship taught me to embrace what makes me unique and to extend that same empathy to others. The ocean has a way of putting things in perspective – scoliosis might be a curve in my back, but it doesn’t have to curve the path I choose to take.

Final Thoughts

Working on a cruise ship with scoliosis might sound intimidating, but it’s entirely manageable with the right mindset. Avoid heavy lifting, incorporate stretching into your day, and don’t hesitate to accept help when it’s offered. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

For the most part, scoliosis didn’t affect my experience at sea. It reminded me to take care of myself and, occasionally, to laugh at my quirks.

Your spine may not be straight, but who says your path through life has to be? Onboard or ashore, scoliosis is just a small part of the bigger adventure.