Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Assistant Waiter
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Assistant Waiter supports the Waiter and restaurant team by preparing tables, serving food and beverages, clearing dishes, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation. Candidates should have hospitality or restaurant experience, good communication skills, a professional appearance, and the ability to work efficiently in a busy international environment. Basic food-safety knowledge and conversational English are generally expected; additional languages are an advantage. The role requires teamwork, flexibility, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to friendly guest service. Cruise employment involves extended periods away from home, shared accommodation, irregular hours, and working throughout weekends and holidays.
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 elegant, spacious ships, destination-led experiences, refined dining, and highly personalized service. The brand aims to combine the comfort of a modern luxury hotel with the freedom of ocean travel, offering guests carefully designed itineraries and an understated onboard atmosphere. Employees work with an international team and serve guests from many countries, making cultural awareness, discretion, and polished service especially important. Benefits for shipboard roles commonly include accommodation, meals, onboard medical support, travel arrangements, and opportunities to visit multiple destinations. Exact benefits, contracts, and salary conditions depend on the position, nationality, vessel, and employment agreement.