Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Bar Waiter/ss
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Bar Waiter/Waitress serves beverages and light refreshments to guests in bars, lounges, and other onboard venues. Candidates should usually have previous bar, restaurant, or hospitality experience, good spoken English, a professional appearance, and strong customer-service skills. Knowledge of beverage service, POS systems, hygiene standards, and responsible alcohol service is helpful. The role requires energy, patience, teamwork, flexibility, and the ability to work long shifts in a busy international environment. Candidates are expected to deliver friendly, efficient service, take accurate orders, maintain clean service areas, promote drinks when appropriate, and follow MSC Cruises safety, sanitation, and company procedures. Cruise experience and additional languages may be advantageous.
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 global transportation and logistics organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The cruise line operates a large fleet serving destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and other regions. MSC Cruises offers accommodation, dining, entertainment, family activities, excursions, and hospitality services to passengers from around the world. Its ships employ multinational teams across hotel operations, food and beverage, marine services, entertainment, guest relations, and technical departments. Working for MSC typically involves living onboard, following structured company procedures, and serving guests from diverse cultural backgrounds. Contracts commonly include cabin accommodation, meals, travel arrangements connected with assignments, and access to onboard facilities, although exact benefits depend on the position, nationality, and contract terms.