Assistant Waiter OR Café Crew – Onboard Dining Support Staff
cruise ship jobs
Available Locations:
cape town, Western Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
Cruise Ship Jobs is hiring enthusiastic, guest-obsessed Assistant Waiters/Café Crew to deliver seamless food & beverage service across our main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and onboard cafés. You’ll support senior wait staff/baristas, maintain immaculate service areas, upsell menu items, and ensure every guest interaction reflects our brand’s warm, polished hospitality—at sea. This is a fast-paced, high-volume, multicultural environment that rewards teamwork, resilience, and a genuine passion for service.
Key Responsibilities
- Service Delivery: Assist with table set‑up, order taking support, food running, beverage refills, and clearing/resetting tables to company standards.
- Café Operations (for Café Crew): Prepare and serve coffee, teas, light bites, pastries, and grab‑and‑go items; operate POS and handle cash/card payments accurately.
- Guest Experience: Anticipate needs, manage special requests/dietary requirements, resolve minor complaints promptly, and escalate when needed.
- Product Knowledge: Learn menus, ingredients, allergens, wine/coffee profiles, and daily specials to confidently upsell.
- Sanitation & Compliance: Adhere to USPH/CDC, HACCP, and company hygiene standards; participate in regular inspections and deep-clean schedules.
- Inventory & Handling: Refill stations, rotate stock (FIFO), and report shortages/breakages.
- Safety & Drills: Attend all mandatory safety trainings and emergency drills as per SOLAS and company policy.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with Waiters, Sommeliers, Baristas, Galley, and Provision teams to ensure smooth, timely service.
- Administrative Tasks: Accurately post orders, close checks, and assist with end-of-shift paperwork as required.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Strong spoken English; additional languages are a plus (e.g., Spanish, Italian, German, French, Mandarin).
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a guest-first mindset.
- Ability to carry multiple plates/trays safely and confidently (Assistant Waiter).
- Basic barista/coffee-making skills (Café Crew) or willingness to learn.
- Solid understanding of food safety, allergens, and hygiene best practices.
- Comfortable using POS systems and handling cash/card transactions.
- Physically fit to stand for long hours, walk stairs, and lift up to 15–20 kg.
- Valid passport with at least 12 months’ validity.
Experience
- Preferred: 1–2 years in high-volume restaurants, cafés, hotels, or cruise ships.
- Considered: Freshers with strong hospitality training, internships, or vocational certificates.
- Prior shipboard experience, USPH/CDC knowledge, STCW certification, or an ENG1 (or equivalent seafarer medical) is a strong advantage (can also be obtained post-offer, per company guidance).
Working Hours
- Typical cruise ship schedules range 70–84 hours per week, split shifts, 7 days a week during contract.
- Contract Length: Generally 6–8 months onboard, followed by 2–3 months vacation/off-contract, subject to assignment and fleet needs.
- Flexibility to work mornings, late nights, port days, sea days, and during peak service periods.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Service excellence & upselling: Confidently recommend dishes, pairings, and promotions.
- Speed & accuracy: Thrive under pressure while maintaining precision and warmth.
- Cultural agility: Work effectively with a diverse, multinational crew and guest base.
- Hygiene mastery: Deep understanding of sanitation protocols and food safety.
- Resilience at sea: Adapt to motion, confined living conditions, and shared accommodations.
- Team orientation: Positive, cooperative attitude and strong work ethic.
Benefits
- Global travel with the opportunity to visit multiple ports.
- Competitive salary + gratuities/tips (role and line dependent).
- Free accommodation & meals onboard during contract.
- Medical coverage while onboard, plus repatriation insurance.
- Uniforms provided (with upkeep policies).
- Learning & certifications (USPH, safety, barista/wine training, etc.).
- Career growth to Waiter, Head Waiter, Barista Trainer, Restaurant Supervisor, F&B Admin, or Sommelier (with training).
- Employee discounts on onboard services and sister brands (varies by line).
Why Join Cruise Ship Jobs?
- Work where others vacation—build a global career at sea.
- Be part of a high-performance, multicultural team with world-class training.
- Accelerated progression for high performers in a meritocratic environment.
- Gain international hospitality exposure valued across the industry.
- Competitive total rewards with accommodation, meals, and travel provided.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application package:
- Updated CV/Resume (with detailed F&B experience).
- Passport copy, seafarer documents (if any), and recent passport-size photo.
- Certificates: STCW, USPH, HACCP, ENG1 (if already obtained).
- Professional references with contact details.
- Submit your application via our careers portal or the authorized hiring partner/agency listed for your region.
- Interview & assessments: Shortlisted candidates will complete language, service-simulation, and hygiene assessments.
- Medical & documents: Upon selection, complete medical (ENG1 or equivalent), background checks, and safety certifications as instructed.
- Join the ship: Receive your joining details, flight arrangements, and onboarding schedule.