Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Waiter
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Waiter is responsible for providing attentive, professional table service in restaurants, lounges, or other onboard dining venues. Typical requirements include previous waiter or restaurant experience, good English communication skills, knowledge of food and beverage service, and the ability to work efficiently in a multicultural team. Candidates should be courteous, well-groomed, physically fit, and comfortable working long shifts at sea. The role requires strong customer-service skills, attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm during busy service periods. Cruise experience is advantageous but may not always be essential. Food-safety awareness and a willingness to follow company procedures are expected.
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 the MSC Group. It operates a fleet of contemporary ships designed around spacious accommodation, refined dining, wellness, and highly personalized service. The brand focuses on delivering a relaxed, residential-style experience rather than a traditional mass-market cruise, with carefully selected destinations and longer stays in port where possible. Its onboard teams work in an international environment and support guests across restaurants, suites, entertainment, wellness, and shore experiences. Employees are generally expected to demonstrate polished hospitality, cultural awareness, discretion, and consistent attention to detail. Depending on the contract and position, crew members may receive accommodation, meals, medical support, travel arrangements, and opportunities for career development within the wider MSC Group.