Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Executive Sous Chef
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Executive Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in managing all culinary operations, including food preparation, menu execution, kitchen standards, hygiene, cost control, inventory, and team supervision. Candidates should have substantial experience in high-volume luxury hotels, resorts, or cruise ships, preferably in a senior kitchen leadership role. Strong knowledge of international cuisine, HACCP and food-safety procedures, budgeting, stock control, and staff training is expected. The role requires excellent organization, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, together with the ability to work long hours in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. Flexibility, professional discipline, and a genuine commitment to luxury guest service 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 the MSC Group. It combines contemporary European hospitality with carefully designed ocean journeys, offering spacious suite accommodation, refined dining, wellness facilities, enrichment, and personalized service. The brand operates modern ships intended to provide an elegant, residential-style experience rather than a traditional mass-market cruise. Its culinary program focuses on varied international concepts, premium ingredients, destination influences, and high service standards. Employees work in an international environment alongside colleagues and guests from many countries. As part of the wider MSC organization, Explora Journeys benefits from substantial maritime, hospitality, and operational expertise. Career opportunities may be available across culinary, hotel operations, guest services, marine, entertainment, wellness, and administrative departments, depending on the ship and sailing schedule.