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Cruise ship steward

Alternative titles for this job include Cabin steward

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

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 40 seasonal

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Cruise ship steward

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

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply to work as a cruise ship steward directly with cruise lines, or through specialist recruitment 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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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 could work on a cruise ship.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Cruise ship steward right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Understanding Excellence in Customer Service for Hospitality - Level 2

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 October 2025
  • Location: Blackpool

Certificate in Understanding Excellence in Customer Service for Hospitality

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Halesowen
Find courses near you

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