Cruise ship waiters have the important job of keeping passengers fed and happy. In addition to serving food and drinks, they are also responsible for cleaning up the dining area and setting tables. While the job can be demanding, it is also very rewarding. Waiters typically work long hours, but they are often rewarded with tips from satisfied customers. In addition, they have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and see some amazing places. For those who love to travel, becoming a cruise ship waiter is a great way to make money while seeing the world.
Find detailed job description of a cruise line waiter ahead in this article.
Job description and responsibilities
Cruise ship waiters have many responsibilities. They are responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and keeping the dining area clean. They also must be able to handle customer complaints in a professional manner. In addition, cruise ship waiters may also be responsible for setting up the dining area, as well as helping with other tasks as needed. While the job description of a cruise ship waiter may seem daunting, it is an important job that helps to ensure that passengers have a positive experience on their vacation.
A sea ship waiter is responsible for providing excellent customer service to passengers, take orders accurately, and deliver food and beverages quickly and efficiently. In addition, they must maintain a high level of cleanliness in their work area and ensure that all safety and sanitation guidelines are followed. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential for cruise ship waiters as they will be working closely with other members of the food and beverage team.
They must be able to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and be able to overcome any challenges that may arise.
List of generic duties of a cruise ship waiter/waitress:
- Setting up tables, tablecloths, crockery, glassware and silverware.
- Welcoming passengers and assisting them to their tables.
- Presenting menus, serving dishes, guiding diners about daily special items, ingredients and cooking methods.
- Conveying the orders to the kitchen staff.
- Monitoring passengers experience and ensuring their satisfaction with food and service, taking the necessary action to correct any problem.
- Removing dishes, silverware and glassware from the table after the service is completed.
- Maintaining tidiness of dining tables and area.
- Replenishing table supplies such as tissue papers, glassware, napkin clothes and other service equipment.
- Embellishment of dining tables for service.
- Filling salt, pepper, sugar and condiment containers.
- Answering passengers’ queries about the service and events on the cruise ship.
- Providing any required help to the diners before leaving tables.
- Keeping a look at the dining area if passengers have completed dining.
- Presenting bills and processing payments if required.
- Training assistant waiters and new employees on the ship.
Salary: How much does a cruise ship waiter make?
The average salary for a cruise ship waiter is $2000 per month. However, experienced waiters with outstanding customer service skills can earn up to $4000 per month. So, if you’re thinking of becoming a cruise ship waiter, be prepared to work hard and provide excellent customer service. But if you’re successful, you can earn a very good salary.
USA:
In the US, salary for a cruise ship waiter ranges from USD 2500 to 4200.
Philippines:
Average salary of a cruise ship waiter in Philippines is PHP 12,000 per month.
UK:
Salary range for a cruise line waiter/waitress in UK is £1,430 to £2,470 per month.
India:
₹16,000 t0 ₹20,000
South Africa:
R 480,000 per year (4000 per month).
Assistant Cruise Waiter Salary:
$900 to $2200.
Junior Cruise Ship Waiter Salary:
$1200 to $1800.
Job Requirements
Many cruise lines are looking for candidates with customer service experience, as well as those who are able to speak multiple languages. For positions in the kitchen, candidates should have experience with food preparation and cooking.
- Applicants as a waiter or waitress on cruise ships should provide verifiable details on experience in this job or subordinate seagoing position or in land-based hospitality facilities.
- Knowledge of practical customers service standards.
- Knowledge of food and beverage terminology.
- The waiter must have communication and interpersonal skills to interact with passengers and other employees in an appropriate and professional manner to provide a quality service.
- Ability to operate processing credit card and cash systems.
- Ability to perform in a team-oriented work environment.
- Ability to be active for a full shift.
- Ability to recognize and solve problems with coworkers and passengers by using good judgement, tact and initiative.
- The waiter should be able to work overtime or assist the workload in the area or other areas aboard the ship.
See also: Cruise Ship Entertainer Job Description
How to Become a Cruise Ship Waiter?
Here are some tips on how to become a successful cruise ship waiter:
1) Firstly, you will need to have experience working in a busy restaurant.
2) Secondly, you should be aware that language barriers can be an issue on cruise ships. You will need to be able to communicate effectively with passengers from all over the world, so it is important that you have a good level of English.
3) Finally, remember that presentation is key in the role of waiter. You will need to make sure that you are always well-groomed and dressed in clean, pressed uniforms.
By following these tips, you will greatly increase your chances of becoming a successful cruise ship waiter.
How to apply for a waiter in a cruise ship?
The first step is to submit an online application, including a resume and a recent photo. Once the application is reviewed, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person interview. During the interview, candidates will be asked about their customer service experience and their availability for the required shifts.
Benefits
1. First, the average cruise ship offers its employees free room and board. This means that waiters don’t have to worry about finding affordable housing or paying for food while they’re working.
2. Second, most cruise ships offer their employees the opportunity to travel the world. This is an incredible benefit for those who love to travel but can’t afford to do so on their own.
3. Third, cruise ship waiters typically earn high wages. In addition to their base salary, they also receive tips from passengers.
4. Fourth, waiters on cruise ships often enjoy generous vacation time. They typically receive two weeks of paid vacation per year, as well as additional time off for holidays.
5. Finally, many cruise ships offer their employees educational benefits. These benefits can include tuition assistance or the opportunity to take classes in order to improve their skills.
Where to find cruise ship waiter jobs?
Find below the websites where you can job openings for a ship waiter:
USA
- Indeed – Cruise Ship Waiter Jobs
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Cruise-Ship-Waiter
Canada
- https://ca.indeed.com/Cruise-Ship-jobs
- https://wikibioinfos.com/jobs/job/cruise-ship-jobs-in-canada/
- https://ca.jooble.org/jobs-waiter/Abroad
UK
- https://uk.indeed.com/Cruise-Ship-jobs
- https://www.pocruisescareers.co.uk/careers/restaurant/
- https://www.hosco.com/en/job/carnival-group-uk/waiter-waitress
Australia
- https://au.indeed.com/Waiter,-Cruise-,ship-jobs
- https://www.seek.com.au/cruise-jobs
- https://www.placementindia.com/job-detail/waiter-jobs-in-florida-for-oceania-luxury-cruise-849479.htm
South Africa
- https://za.indeed.com/Cruise-jobs
- https://za.simplyhired.com/search?q=cruise+ship
Philippines
- https://ph.indeed.com/Waiter,cruiseship-jobs
- https://www.glassdoor.com/job-listing/room-service-waiter-bahia-shipping-services-JV_KO0,19_KE20,43.htm?jl=1007279754185
Japan
- https://www.allcruisejobs.com/i38939/senior-waiter-bar-f-m-d-asuka-cruise/
- https://www.daijob.com/en/jobs/company/9627
Indonesia
- https://ebu.co.id/job/cruise/
- https://cruisejobdirectory.com/2021/02/cruise-ship-job-listings-for-indonesians-february-2021/
- https://www.allcruisejobs.com/i4949/waiters-from-indonesia-thailand-myanmar/
Singapore
- https://www.jobstreet.com.sg/en/job-search/cruise-jobs/
- https://sg.linkedin.com/jobs/view/pcl-jr-waiter-cs-at-princess-cruise-line-ltd-3202455885
- https://sg.indeed.com/Cruise-jobs
India
- https://in.jooble.org/jobs-cruise-ship-waiter
- https://www.quikr.com/jobs/cruise-waiter+zwqxj2726005330
- https://in.linkedin.com/jobs/cruise-ship-jobs
Frequently asked questions:
1. What is a cruise ship waiter called?
A cruise ship waiter is called a “steward.” The term “steward” comes from the Old French word estuve, meaning “a participant in a journey.” In other words, a steward is someone who helps to take care of passengers while they are on a journey. In addition to serving food and drinks, cruise cabin stewards also typically handle baggage, make reservations, and provide customer service.
2. How do I get a job as a waiter on a cruise ship?
The process is actually pretty simple. First, you’ll need to submit an online application. Be sure to include your contact information, work history, and any relevant qualifications. Once your application has been reviewed, you may be asked to come in for an interview. If everything goes well, you’ll be offered the job and can start packing your bags for your next adventure.
3. Is working on a cruise ship worth it?
Working on a cruise ship is very different from working on land. For one thing, you’re often working long hours during the day and into the night. This can be difficult to adjust to, especially if you’re used to a more traditional work schedule. In addition, you’ll need to be comfortable with close quarters living. Most cruise ships have small cabins for crew members, and you may need to share a cabin with someone else. If you’re someone who enjoys meeting new people and exploring different cultures, then working on a cruise ship can be an excellent opportunity. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared for the challenges that come with the job before you commit to it.
I will really appreciate the opportunity to work as a steward some day.