Customer services

Cruise ship steward

Cruise ship stewards clean and service cabins on board cruise ships.

Annual Salary

variable

Working hours

36 to 40 seasonal

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts

0.5%
Future employment

There will be 0.5% fewer Cruise ship steward jobs in 2027.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • show guests to their cabins
  • take food and drink orders
  • make beds
  • supply fresh linen
  • vacuum floors
  • replace mini bar items and provide a bill
  • replace stocks and supplies

Working environment

You may need to wear a uniform.

You could work on a cruise ship.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • applying directly
College

College courses which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
  • Level 2 Diploma in Customer Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
For more information
Direct application

You could apply to work as a cruise ship steward directly or through specialist agencies.

There are no formal requirements, but experience of working in a hotel, restaurant or bar can be useful. GCSEs in English and maths will be helpful.

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 be helpful if you can speak a second language.

More information

Career tips

You can get more advice about careers in hospitality and tourism through the Hospitality Guild.

With experience you could progress to a supervisor post, like assistant housekeeper or head steward.

You could also move into other areas like working as a croupier in the casino, or entertainment or restaurant work.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • a desire to help people
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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