Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Wiper
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
A Wiper supports the ship’s engine-room team by cleaning machinery spaces, removing oil and waste, assisting engineers and motormen, handling tools and stores, and helping maintain a safe and orderly workplace. Candidates normally need basic maritime training, medical fitness, safety certificates such as STCW, and the ability to work at sea. Previous engine-room, mechanical, or industrial experience is useful but may not always be essential for an entry-level position. The role requires physical stamina, practical ability, attention to safety procedures, teamwork, discipline, and willingness to work rotating shifts in noisy, hot, and confined areas. A valid passport and relevant seafarer documentation are also expected.
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 privately owned MSC Group. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it operates a large fleet serving destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East, and other global regions. MSC Cruises provides accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions, wellness facilities, and family-focused holiday experiences for passengers from many countries. Its ships employ multinational teams across hotel operations, marine departments, engineering, food and beverage, entertainment, and guest services. The company places strong emphasis on maritime safety, operational standards, customer experience, training, and environmental responsibility. Working for MSC Cruises generally involves living onboard for the contract period, following structured schedules, sharing crew facilities, and working in an international environment with opportunities to gain seagoing experience and progress within the cruise industry.