Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Bartender
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Bartender prepares and serves cocktails, wines, beers, soft drinks and other beverages while delivering attentive, polished guest service. Candidates typically need previous bartending or hospitality experience, good knowledge of beverages and cocktail preparation, strong communication skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a busy international environment. A professional appearance, positive attitude, teamwork, and customer-service focus are essential. Cruise work also requires flexibility, stamina, willingness to follow health and safety procedures, and the ability to live and work onboard for extended contracts. Food and beverage certifications, responsible alcohol-service training, and foreign-language skills may be advantageous.
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 Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is a luxury ocean travel brand created by MSC Group, offering smaller-ship experiences focused on elegant design, spacious suites, refined dining and highly personalized service. Its ships are designed to combine the freedom of private-yacht travel with the facilities and reliability of a modern cruise line. The company operates internationally, visiting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America and other regions. Employees work in a multicultural environment and support a premium guest experience, with high standards for hospitality, presentation, discretion and service consistency. Shipboard teams generally receive accommodation, meals, training and access to onboard facilities, although contracts involve long working hours and extended periods away from home. Bartenders contribute directly to the guest experience by providing knowledgeable beverage recommendations, efficient service and a welcoming atmosphere in bars and lounges.