Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Specialty Bartender
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Specialty Bartender prepares and serves cocktails, wines, beers and other beverages in premium bars or specialty venues aboard MSC Cruises. Candidates typically need previous bartending or hospitality experience, strong beverage knowledge, good communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a busy international environment. Fluency in English is generally required; additional languages are an advantage. The role involves taking orders, operating the bar system, maintaining cleanliness, checking stock, following health and safety procedures, and delivering friendly, attentive service. Candidates should be flexible, well-presented, reliable and comfortable living and working at sea for extended contracts, including evenings, 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 MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a major international cruise company and part of MSC Group, a privately owned Swiss-Italian business with extensive experience in shipping and travel. The company operates a modern fleet serving destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, North America, South America, Asia and other regions. MSC Cruises offers holidays covering accommodation, dining, entertainment, shore excursions and onboard leisure activities. Its workforce is highly international, with crew members employed in hotel services, food and beverage, marine operations, entertainment, guest services and technical departments. Working for MSC generally means living onboard ship, serving guests from many countries and following structured company standards for safety, hospitality and professional conduct. Contracts, benefits, accommodation, meals, travel arrangements and pay can vary according to nationality, position, vessel and applicable employment agreements.