Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Chief Carpenter
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Chief Carpenter is responsible for supervising and carrying out carpentry, joinery, furniture repairs, cabin maintenance, and general woodwork throughout the ship. Candidates typically need proven experience as a carpenter or joiner, strong knowledge of woodworking tools and materials, and the ability to read technical drawings. Cruise or marine experience is advantageous. The role requires practical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, physical fitness, and a commitment to safety and quality standards. The successful candidate is expected to lead or support the carpentry team, respond promptly to maintenance requests, keep work areas clean, maintain equipment, and cooperate effectively with hotel, technical, and safety departments. Flexibility, reliability, and willingness to work rotating shifts at sea 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 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, destination-led journeys aboard modern ships, combining spacious accommodation, fine dining, wellness, entertainment, and highly personalized service. Explora Journeys aims to offer a more residential style of cruising, with an emphasis on elegant design, relaxed exploration, and thoughtful guest experiences rather than traditional mass-market cruising. Its onboard teams include marine, hotel, culinary, guest services, entertainment, and technical professionals from many countries. Employees work in an international environment where safety, discretion, teamwork, service quality, and attention to detail are especially important. Contracts generally involve living and working onboard for extended periods, with accommodation and meals provided while at sea.