Cruise Ship Bartender – Guest Beverage Service and Bar Operations
cruise ship jobs
Available Locations:
cape town, Western Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
As a Cruise Ship Bartender, you will deliver memorable bar experiences to guests across lounges, pool bars, specialty venues, and VIP areas while safeguarding revenue, compliance, and brand standards. You’ll craft classic and contemporary cocktails, upsell premium beverages, manage bar mise-en-place, maintain immaculate hygiene in line with USPH/HACCP, and execute efficient bar operations in a fast-paced, multicultural, 24/7 environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Service & Sales
- Prepare and serve alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages to recipe and presentation standards.
- Proactively upsell premium brands, beverage packages, and signature cocktails to meet revenue targets.
- Provide engaging, knowledgeable recommendations and responsible alcohol service (age verification, refusal of service when required).
- Bar Operations
- Open/close bars, set up stations, stock and rotate inventory, and ensure accurate par levels.
- Operate POS systems, handle cash and charge transactions, and reconcile end-of-shift reports.
- Execute inventory counts, wastage logging, and variance controls alongside Bar Supervisors.
- Compliance & Safety
- Adhere to USPH, HACCP, and company sanitation protocols; complete cleaning schedules and documentation.
- Follow shipboard safety policies, participate in emergency drills, and comply with crowd management procedures.
- Observe all alcohol service laws, company standards, and port regulations.
- Teamwork & Training
- Collaborate with bar waiters, baristas, sommeliers, and storeroom teams to deliver seamless service.
- Mentor junior team members; share cocktail techniques and product knowledge.
- Participate in ongoing trainings, tastings, and menu rollouts.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Proven mixology and bartending skills with solid knowledge of classics, contemporary trends, garnishing, and glassware.
- Strong POS/cash-handling accuracy and basic numeracy for inventory and reconciliation.
- Exceptional customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills in a multicultural setting.
- Certifications (preferred/advantageous):
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (e.g., TIPS, RSA, or equivalent).
- STCW Basic Safety Training & Crowd Management (can be completed pre-joining if not already held).
- USPH/HACCP or equivalent food safety certification.
- Fluency in English (spoken and written); additional languages are a plus.
- Valid passport with at least 12–18 months’ validity; ability to obtain required visas/seafarer documents (e.g., C1/D where applicable) and medical fitness certificate.
Experience
- 2–3 years of high-volume bartending experience in premium hotels, cruise lines, resorts, or upscale bars/lounges.
- Demonstrated record of meeting sales targets and upselling effectively.
- Prior shipboard experience is an asset but not mandatory.
Working Hours
- Contract-based, typically 6–8 months onboard followed by 6–8 weeks vacation (may vary by cruise line).
- Expect 10–12 hours per day, 7 days a week while onboard, aligned with maritime labor regulations and company scheduling.
- Rotational shifts (day, evening, late-night) across multiple outlets.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of spirits, wines, beers, liqueurs, and cocktail-making techniques.
- Understanding of beverage cost control, stock rotation (FIFO), and wastage reduction.
- High stamina and resilience to work in a moving environment and under pressure.
- Meticulous attention to cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation.
- Strong cultural awareness, adaptability, and teamwork.
- Ability to stand for long periods, lift and carry stock (as per safety standards), and work in varying climates.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-free salary with performance-based incentives/service charges (company-specific).
- Free accommodation, meals, laundry for uniforms onboard.
- Global travel, multi-destination itineraries, and access to crew recreational facilities.
- Professional development, brand/product trainings, and clear career progression (e.g., Bar Supervisor, Mixologist, Beverage Manager).
- Medical coverage onboard and during contract period (per company policy).
- Paid vacations between contracts (per contract terms).
Why Join
- Work, travel, and grow your career with a world-class hospitality team.
- Serve a diverse, international guest base and refine your craft with constantly evolving menus.
- Fast-track advancement opportunities in one of the most structured beverage operations environments.
- Be part of a high-energy, service-driven culture where your personality and sales skills are rewarded.
How to Apply
- Prepare your documents: Updated CV, professional photo, valid passport, certifications (RSA/TIPS, STCW, USPH if available), and references.
- Submit your application: Apply through Cruise Ship Jobs’ official careers portal or approved hiring partners/agents.
- Interview & assessments: Complete virtual/in-person interviews, potential skills tests (cocktail-making, sales scenarios), and English proficiency checks.
- Medical & documents: Pass the seafarer medical exam, obtain visas and STCW (if required).
- Join the ship: Attend pre-embarkation onboarding and report to the designated port on your joining date.