Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Pastry Sous Chef
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Pastry Sous Chef supports the Pastry Chef in managing daily pastry and bakery production aboard the cruise ship. Requirements typically include professional culinary training, several years of pastry experience, and strong knowledge of breads, desserts, chocolate, cakes, and food-safety standards. Experience in a luxury hotel, resort, restaurant, or cruise environment is advantageous. The candidate should be organized, creative, reliable, and comfortable working long hours in a fast-paced, multicultural kitchen. Responsibilities include supervising pastry team members, preparing and presenting products to a consistently high standard, controlling food costs and stock, maintaining hygiene, and assisting with menu planning and training. Flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work at sea are essential.
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
Explora Journeys is a luxury ocean travel brand focused on refined, spacious, and highly personalized cruising. Developed by the MSC Group, the company combines modern European design with attentive hospitality, destination-focused itineraries, and an emphasis on wellness, culinary experiences, and meaningful travel. Its ships are designed to feel more like elegant hotels at sea, offering suites, multiple restaurants, lounges, wellness facilities, and carefully curated onboard activities. Explora Journeys aims to attract guests seeking a relaxed alternative to traditional cruising, with fewer crowds, high service standards, and flexible experiences. Employees work in an international environment and are expected to demonstrate professionalism, discretion, cultural awareness, and genuine care for guests. Culinary team members contribute to a premium dining program that emphasizes quality ingredients, creativity, consistency, and memorable service across the ship’s restaurants and hospitality venues.