Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
OS
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
An Ordinary Seaman (OS) supports the deck department with routine maintenance, cleaning, painting, mooring and anchoring operations, cargo handling, lookout duties and general safety activities under the supervision of senior deck officers. Candidates normally need valid STCW Basic Safety Training, a seafarer medical certificate, passport and any required national maritime documents. Previous deck or maritime experience is helpful, although entry-level applicants may be considered. Good physical fitness, swimming ability, practical skills, discipline, teamwork and basic spoken English are expected. The successful candidate must be willing to work long shifts at sea, follow strict safety procedures, live in shared crew accommodation and adapt to an international working environment.
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 Explora Journeys
MSC Cruises is a major international cruise company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and part of MSC Group, one of the world’s largest transportation and logistics organisations. The company operates a modern fleet visiting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North and South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. MSC Cruises offers holidays for families, couples and groups, combining accommodation, dining, entertainment and shore excursions. Its ships employ multinational crews across marine operations, hospitality, culinary services, engineering, entertainment and guest relations. Employees typically work rotational contracts onboard, receive accommodation and meals, and operate within structured maritime and company safety standards. MSC places strong emphasis on professional training, service quality, operational efficiency and delivering an international guest experience.