Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Sr. Executive Chef
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Senior Executive Chef leads the shipwide culinary operation, overseeing menus, food quality, hygiene, kitchen teams, production, provisioning, and guest dining standards. Candidates are expected to have extensive experience as an Executive Chef, preferably in luxury hotels, resorts, or cruise operations, together with strong leadership and international culinary knowledge. A culinary qualification, HACCP and food-safety expertise, cost-control skills, and experience managing large multicultural teams are normally required. The role demands creativity, organization, calm decision-making, and the ability to maintain consistently high standards in a fast-paced, 24-hour shipboard environment. Flexibility, excellent communication, and a guest-focused approach 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 created by MSC Group, one of the world's largest privately owned shipping and cruise companies. The brand focuses on refined, spacious ships, destination-led itineraries, personalized service, and a relaxed European approach to hospitality. Its onboard experience combines upscale accommodation with specialty restaurants, wellness facilities, entertainment, and carefully designed excursions. Explora Journeys recruits international professionals who can deliver high service standards while working effectively in a multicultural shipboard environment. Employees commonly receive accommodation, meals, travel support, and access to onboard benefits, although exact terms depend on the contract and position. The company emphasizes culinary excellence, sustainability, guest personalization, teamwork, and consistent luxury service across its fleet.