Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Assistant Waiter
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Assistant Waiter supports the Waiter and restaurant team by preparing tables, serving food and beverages, clearing dishes, maintaining cleanliness, and delivering attentive service to guests. Candidates typically need previous restaurant or hospitality experience, good English communication skills, a professional appearance, and the ability to work efficiently in a multicultural team. Cruise experience is helpful but may not be essential. The role requires stamina, flexibility, strong customer-service skills, and willingness to work long shifts at sea, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates must usually pass medical and background checks and be prepared to live onboard for the full contract period.
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 line and part of the MSC Group, a privately owned shipping and logistics organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The company operates a large fleet serving destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Mediterranean, Asia, and other regions. MSC Cruises provides accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions, family activities, and a broad range of onboard services for guests. Its ships employ multinational teams in hospitality, marine operations, entertainment, technical services, retail, and administration. Employees generally receive onboard accommodation, meals, medical support, travel arrangements related to joining the vessel, and opportunities to work in an international environment. Contracts, benefits, pay, and promotion prospects vary by position, vessel, itinerary, and nationality.