Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Mess Attendant
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Mess Attendant supports the crew dining area by preparing and serving meals, replenishing food and beverages, clearing tables, washing dishes, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Candidates should be physically fit, reliable, service-minded, and comfortable working long hours in a multicultural, fast-paced shipboard environment. Previous experience in catering, hospitality, galley work, or food service is helpful, while basic English communication, teamwork, and knowledge of food-safety practices are normally expected. The successful candidate must follow company procedures, maritime safety rules, sanitation standards, and instructions from supervisors. Flexibility, a positive attitude, and willingness to live and work at sea for the full contract are essential.
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 the cruise division of MSC, a privately owned Swiss-Italian shipping and travel group. Headquartered in Geneva, the company operates a large fleet serving destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. MSC Cruises offers contemporary holidays combining accommodation, dining, entertainment, shore excursions, and family activities. Its ships employ international teams in hotel operations, food and beverage, marine services, entertainment, housekeeping, technical departments, and guest relations. The company places strong emphasis on safety, service quality, multicultural teamwork, and professional development. Crew members generally work on fixed contracts while living onboard, with meals and shared accommodation supplied. Conditions, pay, benefits, and contract length vary according to rank, vessel, nationality, and the applicable employment agreement.