Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Asst. Hotel Maintenance Engineer
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Assistant Hotel Maintenance Engineer supports the safe and reliable operation of hotel-area systems aboard an MSC Cruises ship. Duties may include assisting with maintenance and repairs to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, accommodation, and public-area equipment; responding to defects; completing preventive maintenance; and following company safety, environmental, and maritime procedures. Candidates are generally expected to have a technical or engineering qualification, relevant hotel, building-services, or marine maintenance experience, practical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work rotating shifts. Good English communication, teamwork, physical fitness, flexibility, and willingness to live and work at sea are important. STCW safety certification and shipboard experience may be required or provided before joining.
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 MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a major international cruise company and part of the MSC Group, a privately owned shipping and logistics organization. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the cruise line operates a large fleet serving destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, Asia, and other regions. Its ships provide accommodation, dining, entertainment, retail, excursions, and recreational facilities for guests from around the world. MSC Cruises employs multinational onboard and shoreside teams across hotel operations, marine services, engineering, guest relations, food and beverage, entertainment, and administration. Crew members typically work fixed contracts at sea, with accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, and onboard facilities commonly included under the employment package. The company emphasizes safety, guest satisfaction, operational reliability, multicultural teamwork, and professional development.