Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Watch Lead - 1st officer
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Watch Lead – 1st Officer supports the Master in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, taking responsibility for navigational watches, bridge procedures, safety drills, emergency readiness, and supervision of deck officers and ratings. Candidates typically need a valid STCW certificate, an appropriate maritime license such as Chief Mate or equivalent, shipboard experience—preferably on cruise vessels—and strong knowledge of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, bridge resource management, and electronic navigation systems. The role requires confident leadership, sound judgment, clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Flexibility, professional English, a safety-first attitude, and readiness to live and work at sea for extended rotations are 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 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, hotel-style experiences at sea, combining spacious suites, destination-focused itineraries, fine dining, wellness, entertainment, and highly personalized service. Its ships are designed for a more relaxed and contemporary style of luxury cruising, with extended stays and visits to distinctive ports. Explora Journeys recruits international maritime, hotel, culinary, guest service, and technical professionals to operate its vessels. Employees generally work within multicultural teams and follow strict international maritime, safety, environmental, and service standards. Benefits commonly associated with shipboard roles include cabin accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, medical support, training, and rotational contracts, although exact terms depend on rank, vessel, nationality, and employment agreement.