Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Commis I Butcher
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Commis I Butcher supports the onboard butcher and galley team by preparing, trimming, cutting, portioning, storing and labeling meat, poultry and other products according to recipes, production plans and food-safety standards. Candidates are generally expected to have basic professional kitchen or butcher-shop experience, knowledge of safe food handling, good knife skills and an understanding of hygiene procedures. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, teamwork and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, multicultural cruise environment. Flexibility is essential, as the successful candidate will work shifts, weekends and public holidays while living onboard. Relevant culinary training and a valid medical fitness certificate may also be required.
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 global cruise company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and part of MSC Group, a family-owned transportation and logistics organization. The company operates a large fleet sailing to destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, Asia and other regions. MSC Cruises provides holidays ranging from family and entertainment-focused voyages to luxury and expedition experiences through its related brands and onboard products. Its ships employ international teams across hotel services, culinary operations, marine departments, entertainment, guest relations and technical functions. Employees generally live onboard during their contracts, working in a highly structured and multicultural environment. MSC emphasizes guest satisfaction, operational safety, hospitality standards and career development, making shipboard roles suitable for candidates seeking international experience and opportunities to progress within the cruise industry.