Princess Cruises Reportedly Stops Hiring Brazilians

Princess Cruises has reportedly suspended the recruitment of Brazilian crew members, making it the latest line to do so amid escalating legal concerns. While the company has not officially confirmed the move, industry sources suggest it reflects a wider trend of cruise operators scaling back employment of Brazilian nationals. This indicates thousands of potential jobs for Brazilians are now off the table.

Although no formal statement has been issued by Princess Cruises, the report has been shared by several groups, further validating its credibility. One circulated notice read:

“It is with great sadness that I share an important announcement from Princess Cruises, which directly affects our nationality—Brazilians. Since the beginning of 2024, several cruise lines have progressively stopped hiring Brazilians, mainly due to the large number of labor lawsuits filed against these companies.”

The same message described Brazil as a “high-risk country” for crew recruitment, citing legal and compliance challenges. Current applications from Brazilian candidates are being withdrawn, though their profiles will remain on file for possible consideration with other lines.

Legal Disputes Driving the Shift

The situation stems from a 2024 ruling by Brazil’s Superior Labor Court, which determined that cruise lines hiring in Brazil must comply with Brazilian labor law, rather than international maritime standards.

While the judgment was seen as a major win for workers’ rights, it also prompted cruise companies to reassess their hiring practices. Many operators now regard Brazil as a significant legal and financial liability, leading to widespread freezes in recruitment of Brazilian seafarers.