Room Attendant – Guest Cabin Cleaning and Turn-Down Service
cruise ship jobs
Available Locations:
cape town, Western Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
As a Room Attendant aboard an international cruise vessel, you will ensure immaculate cleanliness, comfort, and presentation of guest cabins and corridors, delivering five-star hospitality standards throughout each sailing. You’ll manage daily cleaning, evening turn-down service, linen replacement, amenity replenishment, and swift resolution of guest requests—while complying with strict maritime safety, sanitation, and environmental protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Clean, sanitize, and reset assigned guest cabins, suites, and corridors to company standards (make beds, vacuum, dust, disinfect bathrooms, replace towels/linens, restock amenities).
- Perform evening turn-down service, including room refresh, towel exchange, curtain/blind closure, and placement of daily newsletters/amenities.
- Respond promptly and professionally to guest requests, complaints, and special preferences.
- Maintain housekeeping pantries, trolleys, equipment, and chemical inventories in a clean, organized, and compliant manner.
- Report maintenance issues, lost & found items, safety hazards, or damaged equipment immediately.
- Adhere to USPH/HACCP and company hygiene standards during all cleaning and handling tasks.
- Follow all shipboard safety, security, and environmental procedures (including emergency duties/musters as assigned).
- Support luggage handling on embarkation/disembarkation days and assist with deep-clean projects, turnaround operations, and special projects.
- Collaborate closely with Housekeeping Supervisors, Laundry, and Guest Services to ensure a seamless guest experience.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain high cleanliness standards under time pressure.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills in English (additional languages are an asset).
- Ability to manage a high workload (large cabin quotas) efficiently and accurately.
- Sound understanding of hygiene, sanitation, and chemical handling (training provided onboard).
- Physically fit: able to stand/walk for long periods, lift up to 20–25 kg (44–55 lbs), bend, reach, and work on a moving vessel.
- Comfortable working and living in a multicultural, fast-paced, and highly structured environment.
- Basic knowledge of safety and security protocols (STCW certification is a plus; can be obtained pre-joining depending on company policy).
Experience
- Essential: 6–12 months of housekeeping/room attendant experience in hotels, resorts, or cruise ships (or equivalent high-volume hospitality setting).
- Preferred: Previous cruise ship experience, familiarity with USPH/HACCP standards, and prior turn-down service responsibilities.
- Certifications (advantageous/commonly required):
- Valid passport with at least 12–18 months’ validity.
- Seafarer Medical Certificate (e.g., ENG1 or equivalent).
- STCW Basic Safety Training, Crowd Management (depending on flag/state requirements).
Working Hours
- Typically 70–84 hours per week, split shifts common (morning service + evening turn-down).
- Schedule varies by cruise itinerary, sea/port days, and operational requirements.
- Contract lengths usually 6–8 months onboard followed by 6–10 weeks vacation (may vary by cruise line).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of professional cleaning techniques, tools, and chemicals.
- Understanding of inventory control for linens, amenities, and supplies.
- Ability to follow detailed SOPs, checklists, and inspection criteria.
- Strong time management, prioritization, and cabin-turn efficiency.
- Cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Commitment to safety, compliance, and environmental stewardship.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-free salary with potential service charges/tips depending on cruise line policy.
- Free accommodation and meals onboard.
- International travel opportunities and multicultural work environment.
- Medical coverage onboard and during contracts (as per company policy).
- Uniforms provided and laundered by the company.
- Structured career progression (e.g., to Senior Room Attendant, Housekeeping Supervisor).
- Discounted or free crew recreational facilities and welfare programs.
Why Join
- Be part of a global hospitality team delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
- Fast-track your housekeeping career with world-class training and high operational standards.
- Save more with minimal living expenses onboard.
- Work, live, and travel to multiple countries—meeting professionals from all over the world.
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV/Resume highlighting hospitality/housekeeping experience, guest service achievements, and certifications.
- Attach required documents (passport, seafarer medical if available, STCW certificates, vaccination records as required).
- Submit your application through the Cruise Ship Jobs portal or the official recruitment partner of the cruise line.
- Complete screening steps: initial interview, reference checks, possible online assessments, and medical & background clearances.
- Attend pre-joining training (STCW/USPH and other line-specific inductions) as instructed.