Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Chef De Partie
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Chef de Partie prepares and cooks food in an assigned galley section, following MSC Cruises recipes, presentation standards, hygiene procedures, and production schedules. Candidates generally need professional culinary training or relevant galley experience, good knowledge of food safety, knife skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a busy, multicultural environment. The role requires teamwork, physical stamina, flexibility, and willingness to work long shifts at sea, including weekends and holidays. Candidates are expected to maintain clean workstations, control waste, follow portion standards, support junior colleagues, and consistently deliver high-quality meals for guests and crew.
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 the MSC Group, a privately owned transportation and logistics organization headquartered in Switzerland. The cruise line operates a large fleet visiting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East, and other regions. MSC Cruises offers resort-style holidays with accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions, and onboard activities for families, couples, and groups. Its ships employ international teams across hotel operations, food and beverage, entertainment, technical services, marine operations, and guest services. Employees typically work on rotational contracts and live onboard while sailing between destinations. The company emphasizes hospitality, safety, multicultural teamwork, professional standards, and guest satisfaction. Benefits for eligible crew commonly include cabin accommodation, meals, onboard medical support, travel arrangements, and opportunities for career progression.