Dr Gergely Toth and his wife on a cruise ship.
Dr Gergely Toth, his wife and his young son travel together on the cruises.
  • Dr. Gergely Tóth wanted to pursue a career in medicine and work on cruises.
  • During his shifts, which can last 24 hours, he has to be prepared for any crisis.
  • Tóth said he loves the job because he can travel the world with his family while earning a living.

This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Dr. Gergely Tóth, a cruise-ship doctor. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

As a medical student in Hungary in the early 2000s, I heard plenty of stories from young people who'd worked on cruises.

The adventures, experiences, and financial opportunities this lifestyle offered piqued my interest. But I knew I wanted to work there as a doctor.