Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Upholsterer
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Upholsterer maintains and repairs upholstered furniture, furnishings, curtains, mattresses, wall coverings and other soft materials throughout the ship. Candidates should have practical experience in upholstery, sewing, fabric cutting, furniture repair and the safe use of related tools and equipment. Knowledge of marine or hotel environments is advantageous. The role requires attention to detail, good colour and fabric matching skills, physical stamina and the ability to work independently or as part of a maintenance team. Candidates are expected to maintain high-quality finishes, respond promptly to repair requests, follow safety and cleanliness procedures, support refurbishment projects and provide reliable service in a busy international cruise environment.
Can I work on cruise ships?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: No host-country permit: a seafarer medical, safety training, a seaman's book, a US crew visa and a Schengen visa.
Watch for: Recruitment fees are banned on ships.
Official source: US Department of State: crewmember visa. Checked October 2026.
What the job usually comes with on cruise ships
Usual for cruise ships, varies by employer. Checked October 2026.
| Housing | Free cabin, usually shared |
|---|---|
| Meals | Free (by law) |
| Flights | Joining and home flights usually paid; free repatriation (by law) |
| Service charge | Passenger service charges pooled on many lines |
| Contract | 6 to 9 months on board, about 2 months unpaid between contracts |
| Leave | 2.5 days a month, often paid as cash |
| Income tax | Usually not withheld; depends on your home country |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a major global cruise company and part of MSC Group, a privately owned Swiss-Italian shipping and logistics organisation. The company operates a large fleet of modern cruise ships serving destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and other regions. MSC Cruises provides accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions and family-oriented onboard experiences for millions of guests each year. Its ships employ international teams across hotel services, marine operations, technical maintenance, food and beverage, entertainment and guest relations. Employees generally work on fixed-term contracts, commonly several months long, with onboard accommodation and meals included. The company offers opportunities for candidates seeking international experience, though shipboard work involves long hours, shared living arrangements, strict safety standards and extended periods away from home.