Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Specialty Dining Host/ss
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Specialty Dining Host/ess welcomes guests, manages reservations, explains dining options, escorts guests to tables and supports a smooth restaurant operation aboard the ship. Candidates should have previous experience in hospitality, restaurants, guest relations or a similar customer-facing role, along with good spoken English and a professional, friendly manner. Additional languages are advantageous. The role requires excellent communication, organization, cultural awareness and the ability to remain calm during busy service periods. Candidates are expected to provide attentive service, promote specialty dining venues appropriately, follow health and safety standards, maintain a polished appearance and work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Cruise experience is helpful but may not be 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 a major international cruise company and part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company group. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it operates modern cruise ships serving destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, Asia and other global regions. The company offers accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions and family-focused onboard experiences for millions of guests. MSC places strong emphasis on European heritage, international service and a multicultural working environment. Shipboard employees generally live and work onboard under fixed-term contracts, serving guests from many countries while collaborating with an international crew. Benefits commonly include shared crew accommodation, meals, onboard medical support and access to crew facilities, although exact terms depend on the position, vessel and employment contract.