Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Sous Chef
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine in managing daily galley operations, preparing high-quality dishes, supervising kitchen sections, and maintaining consistent food presentation and service standards. Candidates typically need professional culinary training, several years of experience in a busy hotel, restaurant, or cruise kitchen, and strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, portion control, and international cuisine. The role requires leadership, organization, resilience, and the ability to work long hours in a multicultural environment. MSC Cruises expects candidates to follow company procedures, control waste and inventory, train junior team members, and remain calm while delivering reliable service during demanding operations.
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, a privately owned transportation and logistics group headquartered in Switzerland. The cruise line operates a modern fleet serving destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East, and other regions. Its ships offer accommodation, restaurants, bars, entertainment, excursions, wellness facilities, and family activities for a wide range of travelers. MSC Cruises employs a highly international workforce, including hotel, culinary, marine, technical, entertainment, and guest-services professionals. Crew members generally work on fixed contracts while living onboard, with meals, accommodation, and access to selected ship facilities provided. The company emphasizes multilingual service, operational efficiency, safety, hospitality, and memorable guest experiences.