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- A great way to travel and gain valuable experience in the hospitality industry
- Requires excellent customer service skills, the ability to work well with others and the ability to work well under pressure
- With experience you could move into front of house and management roles
As a cruise ship steward you'll clean and maintain guest rooms and cabins on cruise ships.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
With some cruise companies, the job title 'steward' refers to customer service or reception staff. In these roles, your duties could include:
- Informing passengers about the services offered on-board
- Arranging excursions and dealing with guests' queries and complaints
On smaller cruise liners you might also help out in other areas of the ship, like serving in the bar or restaurant.
- Showing guests to their cabins
- Taking food and drink orders
- Making beds
- Supplying fresh linen
- Vacuuming floors
- Replacing minibar items and providing a bill
- Replacing stocks and supplies
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll work as part of a team, under the supervision of an assistant or head housekeeper. Most cruise work is seasonal. You'll usually be on a temporary contract, with an average length of 6 months. You would work shifts which would include evenings and weekends and you'll usually share accommodation with other staff. You'll be provided with a uniform and often food, accommodation and travel insurance are included. Tipping is common on cruise ships.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with excellent customer service skills, the ability to work well with others and the ability to work well under pressure.
There are no formal requirements for this role, but experience of working in a hotel, restaurant or bar can be useful. GCSEs in English and maths will be helpful.
You could apply to work as a cruise ship steward directly or through specialist agencies. Customer service is an important part of the role, so most cruise liners will expect you to have worked in a customer service job before.
As you'll be travelling around the world, it may also be helpful if you can speak a second language.
You could also do a college course, like a Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could progress to a supervisor post like assistant housekeeper. You could also move into other areas like working as a croupier in the casino, or entertainment or restaurant work.