Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Executive Chef
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Executive Chef leads all culinary operations onboard, overseeing restaurants, menus, food quality, presentation, purchasing, cost control, and kitchen teams. Candidates typically need extensive experience as an Executive Chef or senior Sous Chef in luxury hotels, resorts, or cruise ships, along with strong knowledge of international cuisine, HACCP, food safety, budgeting, and team leadership. The role requires excellent organization, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure in a multicultural environment. Candidates are expected to maintain high guest-service standards, coach and motivate staff, manage large-volume production, and comply with company policies and maritime regulations. Cruise experience and formal culinary qualifications are 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 the MSC Group, one of the world's largest privately owned shipping and cruise companies. The brand focuses on refined, resort-style experiences at sea, combining spacious suites, destination-focused itineraries, personalized service, and a strong emphasis on culinary excellence. Explora Journeys ships offer multiple restaurants, elegant lounges, wellness facilities, and carefully designed onboard experiences. Its hospitality approach is intended to feel less like a traditional cruise and more like a contemporary luxury hotel that travels between destinations. Employees work in an international environment with guests and colleagues from many countries. Culinary, hotel, marine, entertainment, technical, and guest-relations professionals may find opportunities across the fleet. Roles generally involve structured contracts, shared accommodation for crew, onboard meals, training, and travel between international ports.