“Tommy Möller's career was practically predetermined. His father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather had all been sailors. Nevertheless, he didn't begin his nautical studies until he was 35, ultimately to become a captain.
"I come from a real seafaring family," Möller explains. Growing up on the Baltic Sea, he had the perfect conditions to eventually set sail himself. After finishing tenth grade in 1988, shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall in the former GDR, he began his training as a ship's mechanic. He learned about working on deck and on the bridge, but also everything that goes on in the engine room – while simultaneously completing his high school diploma.
After his training, he actually wanted to start his nautical studies. That's the first step on the path to becoming a captain. But the job market for sailors was poor at the time, Möller recalls. Therefore, he postponed his studies indefinitely. He worked for almost six months on a fishing vessel, traveling to many parts of the world on the coastal cutter, but then he changed direction again: Möller traveled the world privately and eventually began studying law. Without completing his degree, and rather by chance, he moved to a small construction company – and remained there for ten years as a business partner.
"By then I had spent 15 years on land, and at 35 I said: Okay, time to go back to my roots," Möller recounts. The job prospects were also better, as container shipping was booming. According to United Nations figures, in 2010 it transported more than twice as much as ten years earlier. So, in 2009, Möller began his nautical studies in Warnemünde.
After graduating, he actually worked for a short time on a container ship. However, his colleagues raved about working on cruise ships. That piqued Möller's interest. In the same year, he signed on as a third officer with the cruise company Aida.
What convinced him back then was salary: approximately 3500 euros gross.
Working on a cruise ship was significantly different from working on a container ship. A 300-meter-long container ship has only about 20 crew members. "Because of the watch system on board, you only see half of the crew at any given time," Möller explains. "It's a life without much social interaction on board." On a cruise ship, it's completely different: Möller works on the largest and newest ship, the Aida Cosma.
The crew numbers 1400 members. Many friendships developed there. In addition to the crew, there are more than 5000 guests.
Even as a third officer, Möller was allowed to take watch on the bridge. And he even got to be on stage: During the nautical presentation, the officers tell the guests about seafaring and the ship. "That's when I realized I had a knack for being on stage." That's why he still enjoys this task today.
Möller's career within Aida quickly took off. The cruise line business also grew rapidly in the following years. Between 2007 and 2013, Aida commissioned a new ship every year, which meant new personnel were needed. Möller quickly rose through the ranks from third to second to first officer. As first officer, he was responsible for safety on the ship, including the lifeboats. Above all, however, the nautical officers are responsible for navigating the ship from port to port.
Finally, Möller reached the position of Staff Captain, the direct representative of the Captain, and thus the last step before commanding the ship. As the Captain's deputy, he gained insights into all areas, learning what happens on board, in the kitchens, and on the excursions, as well as how to deal with the authorities ashore. After a year and a half, Möller had the opportunity to transfer to another ship and become its captain. He would have actually left the ship soon afterward and gone on vacation. "That was a bit of a surprise. I thought about it for about 30 seconds." Möller accepted the offer. "That's always a special moment, of course. There has to be a position available, and there has to be a ship available." In 2014, after only five years, he became captain of the Aida Aura.
With each promotion and every few years due to his seniority, the 53-year-old's salary increased, and the captain's position led to another significant jump. After 15 years with Aida, Möller earned an average of 11,700 euros gross per month in 2024. In addition, there was a bonus payment of 43,200 euros. About two-thirds of this bonus is tied to Aida's overall performance, while the other part is based on an additional certification. Möller's promotion means he is now authorized to captain ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). In total, he earns a gross annual salary of 183,600 euros. Möller pays his taxes in Italy, as the Aida ships sail under the Italian flag. His cabin also gets larger with the promotion. Currently, Möller has a two-room cabin spanning approximately 35 square meters.
The duties of a captain differ significantly from those of the nautical officers. While the latter primarily focus on steering the ship, this only constitutes a small part of Möller's work. He takes command on the bridge when the ship is docking or undocking, as well as in challenging ports or during very bad weather. "A captain is also very much a mentor," says Möller. The nautical officers are expected to learn to make their own decisions and take responsibility for navigating the ship.
When the ships arrive in port in the morning, the captain receives a wake-up call at four o'clock. Between five and six o'clock, he is on the bridge. This is also one of his favorite moments on the ship: enjoying the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand. After about an hour, the ship is moored in the harbor, and Möller greets the guests at the destination port.
Afterward, his work in his office usually begins. This part of his job accounts for about 80 percent of his time. He answers emails and attends meetings. Ship inspections are also part of his daily routine. Usually after dinner, Möller has to return to the bridge so the ship can leave the port. A final meeting follows, then his day is over.
Most of Möller's days are ten hours long, but in special cases, they can be twelve or even fourteen hours. As a captain, he works a seven-day week on the ship. On average, he manages to get off the ship two days a week and explore the port cities. He is particularly fond of Palma de Mallorca. Möller is usually on the ship for two to two and a half months at a time. Afterward, he has the same amount of time off. This system can make life difficult for captains with families. Family members can travel on the ship at their own expense, but this is only possible during school holidays for children of school age. Möller has no children; he met his wife on the ship. She herself worked in the ship's hotel for a long time, so they spent many years together on the ship and had their time off together. For Möller, this arrangement has only advantages: it leaves plenty of time for his hobby, sailing, and for extended vacations.” [1]
1. So viel verdient ein Kreuzfahrtkapitän: Tommy Möller kam erst spät zu Aida, stieg dann aber schnell auf. Wie viel Zeit er auf See verbringt, warum er nur selten hinter dem Steuer steht - und was sein Lieblingsmoment ist. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 08 Nov 2025:33. LEON MANZ
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