Waiter – Cruise Dining Room Attendant – Fine Dining Services
SunBay Cruises
Available Locations:
East London, Eastern Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
SunBay Cruises is seeking polished, guest-obsessed Waiters / Dining Room Attendants to deliver five-star, white‑glove service across our main dining rooms and specialty fine-dining venues at sea. You will own the entire guest dining journey—from an impeccable greeting and menu narration to wine pairing, tableside finishing, and precise billing—while upholding the highest hygiene and safety standards (USPH/HACCP) on board. If you thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural, luxury hospitality environment and enjoy living and working at sea, this is your stage.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide impeccable, anticipatory fine-dining service (gueridon/tableside where applicable) to assigned sections each service.
- Confidently present menus, describe dishes, allergens, and daily specials, and make thoughtful upsell recommendations (premium wines, tasting menus, specialty coffees, etc.).
- Coordinate seamlessly with assistant waiters, sommeliers, bartenders, and galley teams to deliver courses on time and at correct temperatures.
- Set, reset, and maintain table settings to luxury standards; ensure mise en place is always complete and pristine.
- Adhere to USPH, HACCP, and company sanitation standards; complete and document cleaning and temperature logs as required.
- Manage billing, service charges, and tips accurately; resolve guest queries or escalate professionally.
- Proactively handle guest complaints or special requests, ensuring quick recovery and memorable experiences.
- Support special events (chef’s table, wine tastings, gala nights, theme dinners) and room service when required.
- Participate in mandatory safety drills, crowd management, and emergency duties in accordance with maritime regulations.
- Contribute to onboard upskilling, cross-training, and knowledge sharing to elevate team performance.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Exceptional guest service and communication skills with a warm, confident, and professional demeanor.
- Solid knowledge of fine-dining etiquette, sequence of service, culinary terms, and wine/spirits basics.
- Ability to multi-task under pressure, handle high guest volumes, and maintain attention to detail.
- Strong numeracy and POS proficiency (ordering, splitting checks, gratuities, service charges).
- Fluent English (spoken and written); additional languages (Spanish, Italian, German, French, Mandarin, etc.) are a strong plus.
- Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and allergen management (USPH/HACCP).
- Physically fit to meet the demands of shipboard life: standing for long periods, lifting trays up to ~15 kg, climbing stairs frequently.
Experience
- 2–3 years of recent fine-dining or luxury hotel/restaurant experience required; cruise experience preferred but not mandatory.
- Prior exposure to wine service, pairing, and upselling in a premium environment is highly desirable.
- STCW basic safety training, Crowd Management, and Security Awareness certificates are advantageous (or willingness to obtain before embarkation).
- Previous USPH/shipboard sanitation inspection exposure is a plus.
Working Hours
- Shipboard roles are intensive: typically 9–11 hours per day, often split shifts, 6–7 days per week for the duration of your contract.
- Standard contracts range from 6–8 months on board, followed by a vacation / shore leave period per company policy.
- Flexibility to work late nights, sea days, turnaround days, and port days as scheduled.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Luxury service mindset with strong situational awareness and guest personalization.
- Menu & beverage literacy: ability to explain ingredients, cooking methods, origins, allergens, and pairings.
- Intercultural competence: thrive within a diverse, multinational crew and guest base.
- Problem-solving & conflict resolution: handle sensitive situations discreetly and efficiently.
- Time management & coordination: synchronize with galley pass and sommeliers to maintain course pacing.
- Safety-first attitude: strict compliance with maritime, environmental, and health regulations.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary + pooled service charges/tips (role and ship dependent).
- Free accommodation (shared crew cabin), meals, laundry, and crew gym access on board.
- Medical coverage while on contract and access to onboard medical center.
- Travel to/from the vessel per company policy.
- Structured career path with rapid promotion opportunities (e.g., Head Waiter, Sommelier, Maitre D’, F&B Supervisor).
- Global exposure to destinations, cultures, and professional best practices in luxury hospitality.
- Access to crew welfare programs, learning & development courses, and recreational activities.
Why Join SunBay Cruises
- Be part of a premium cruise brand known for refined dining experiences and service excellence.
- Work with celebrated culinary teams, curated wine lists, and signature specialty restaurants.
- Accelerate your career with clear advancement tracks, performance-based promotions, and cross-department mobility.
- Travel the world while doing what you love—serving guests unforgettable experiences at sea.
- Join a supportive, multicultural crew community that values professionalism, respect, and continuous growth.
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV (in English) highlighting fine-dining and/or cruise experience, certifications, and languages.
- Include 2–3 professional references (with contact details) and any relevant certificates (STCW, USPH, HACCP, etc.).
- Write a brief cover letter explaining why you’re an ideal fit for luxury service at sea.
- Submit your application via SunBay Cruises’ careers portal or email (as per the job posting), using the subject line: “Waiter – Fine Dining Services | Your Name.”
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a virtual interview, possible service role-play, and medical/fitness & background checks before embarkation.