MSC Cruises Culinary Training – Durban, Capetown
Listing Reference: MSC-Onboard-Training-2024
Listing Status: Applications Open
Position Summary
Company: MSC Cruises
Industry: Cruise Tourism, Maritime Hospitality
Job Category: Onboard Training / Hospitality & Culinary Careers
Location: Cape Town & Durban (Training Centres)
Contract Type: Temporary (Training Phase) leading to full-time onboard opportunities
Remuneration: Free training (Travel and accommodation not included)
EE Position: Open to All, inclusive of people living with disabilities
Closing Date: Ongoing (Apply early due to high demand)
Introduction
Do you dream of working while sailing across the oceans? MSC Cruises offers you the opportunity to launch an exciting international career in the cruise tourism industry. With a strong commitment to nurturing future talent, MSC Cruises provides free professional onboard training programs to individuals passionate about working in roles such as Culinary Arts, Housekeeping, Bar, and Dining Services.
Whether you aspire to become a Cruise Line Chef, Cabin Attendant, or Dining Server, this opportunity prepares you with the essential skills needed to excel on a world-class cruise liner.
Take your first step into the hospitality and travel industry with MSC Cruises’ hands-on training programmes available at designated centres in Cape Town and Durban.
Job Description
The MSC Cruises Training Programme is designed exclusively for candidates who successfully pass the recruitment phase. Once shortlisted, candidates will be enrolled in an intensive pre-embarkation training program that spans between 6 to 20 consecutive days, depending on the chosen role.
Key Features of the Training Programme:
- Free training for all selected candidates
- No training fees required
- Morning snack and lunch provided
- Industry-standard, role-specific curriculum delivered by experts
- Training conducted at:
- Cape Town Training Centre (for Culinary roles)
- Durban Training Centre (for Housekeeping, Dining & Bar roles)
- Candidates are responsible for accommodation and transport
- Opportunity to be placed onboard MSC vessels upon successful completion
This is your gateway to a high-energy, international lifestyle in cruise ship hospitality, where every day is an adventure at sea.
Ideal Candidate
To qualify for the MSC Cruises training and subsequent employment onboard, candidates must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a valid South African ID
- Be proficient in spoken and written English
- Show interest in customer service, hospitality, or culinary arts
- Be willing to work long hours and in shifts
- Demonstrate professional behavior, teamwork, and adaptability
- Be physically fit for active shipboard roles
- Have no visible tattoos, criminal record, or travel restrictions
Note: Candidates must first pass an interview and selection process before being invited to training.
Role Responsibility
Trainees will be prepared to perform functions onboard in their respective departments, such as:
Bar Department:
- Preparing and serving drinks to international guests
- Managing bar inventory and cleanliness
- Providing excellent guest service and engagement
Dining Services:
- Setting up dining areas before service
- Serving food and beverages efficiently
- Handling guest requests with professionalism
Housekeeping:
- Cleaning and preparing cabins and public areas
- Replenishing amenities and linens
- Ensuring hygiene and guest comfort standards
Culinary Roles:
- Preparing dishes as per menu standards
- Handling food preparation and sanitation
- Working under supervision in busy ship kitchens
Skills & Attributes
Successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualities:
- Customer service excellence
- Strong work ethic
- Attention to detail
- Good interpersonal communication
- Time management
- Ability to work under pressure
- Multitasking capability
- Adaptability in a multicultural environment
- Team player attitude
Available Positions Per Department
Culinary Department:
- Baker
- Butcher
- Chocolatier
- Commis Chef
- Demi Chef de Partie (DCDP)
- Pastry Chef
- Pizza Maker
Dining & Hospitality Departments:
- Dining Room Waiters
- Restaurant Assistants
- Bar Waiters
- Bartenders
- Housekeeping Attendants
All roles offer the chance to join the shipboard team post-training and travel to exotic destinations worldwide, all while building a globally recognised career in cruise ship hospitality.
Benefits of the MSC Cruises Training Opportunity
- Free industry-specific training
- Certificate of completion (required for onboard placement)
- Realistic work environment simulations
- International career pathways
- Multicultural exposure
- Growth opportunities across shipboard departments
- Guidance from seasoned industry professionals
- Opportunity to travel and earn at sea
How to Apply
- Visit the official MSC Cruises Careers Portal.
- Select your preferred department and position.
- Submit your updated CV and supporting documents.
- If shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview.
- Upon selection, you’ll be enrolled in a mandatory training program.
If you’re passionate about the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, and you’re looking for a launchpad to an international cruise career, this is your moment. With MSC Cruises, you get more than just training—you get a ticket to the world.
From Culinary Training in Cape Town to Dining & Bar Services in Durban, the journey starts here. Gain world-class skills, work with global teams, and build an exciting career where the ocean is your office.
Apply today and start your journey to becoming a hospitality star at sea!
