Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Retail Manager
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Retail Manager oversees onboard shops, sales performance, inventory, merchandising, promotions and guest service. Candidates should have several years of retail management experience, preferably in cruise, luxury, travel or hospitality environments. Strong commercial awareness, sales leadership, stock-control knowledge and communication skills are required. The role typically involves managing an international team, meeting revenue targets, maintaining brand standards and resolving guest concerns professionally. Flexibility is essential, as the position requires living and working at sea, following rotating schedules and adapting to different itineraries. Experience with retail systems, luxury products and sales incentives is advantageous. Candidates should be energetic, well presented, organised and comfortable working in a multicultural 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 Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is a luxury ocean travel brand created by the MSC Group. It focuses on refined, residential-style cruising, combining spacious suites, highly personalised service, destination-led experiences and diverse culinary offerings. The company positions itself as a modern alternative to traditional cruising, with a strong emphasis on understated luxury, wellbeing, design and meaningful connections with destinations. Its ships operate international itineraries across Europe, the Caribbean, North America and other regions. Employees work in an international environment and are expected to deliver polished service while maintaining the company’s high standards. Retail and onboard revenue teams support the guest experience through carefully selected products, premium brands, personalised recommendations and engaging sales activities. Benefits for shipboard staff may include accommodation, meals, travel to and from the vessel, medical support and opportunities for progression within the wider MSC Group, depending on contract and employment terms.