Bartenders work in the various lounges and nightclubs, and sometimes on the decks of the ships. They must have knowledge of all types of mixed drinks. Duties are like those of any nightclub or lounge including serving customers, inventory and stocking, cutting
fruit and filling drink accessory trays, mixing juices, bar set-up and clean-up, washing glasses, conversing with passengers about all kinds of subjects. Bartenders on board ships are often called upon to serve exotic mixed drinks with imaginative flair. Nothing is spared to make the passenger feel "special."
Bartenders wear uniforms furnished and, usually, cleaned and pressed by the cruise line. (Passengers, including personnel, are not allowed to bring electric irons on board ship for safety reasons). These personnel work varying shifts according to a schedule, and report to the bar manager.
Bartenders must enjoy being in the public eye and interacting with passengers, even those who are inebriated and obnoxious. These personnel must be quick and attentive to detail, and should enjoy creating attractive drinks for customers. Above all, they must be friendly, courteous, and professional at all times. Wages include a base wage plus tips, incentive pay and bonuses. These personnel are allowed shore leave for up to three months at varying tunes of the year. While on board ship, these workers receive free room and board.
Basic Requirements: At least one year of related experience, 21 years of age or older, friendly manner, and in good health. Formal education and training (i.e., having graduated from a bartending school) is definitely an advantage.
Deck servers provide food and drink, lounge chairs, blankets, playing cards, board games and other amenities for passengers on the decks of the ships. On smaller ships, these personnel may work in the dining room or nightclub as a waiter or waitress for one shift during the day and then work as a deck server for a different shift that same day. Deck servers pick up empty glasses and plates from the deck, put away blankets, chairs and any articles that passengers have left on deck and they adjust sun umbrellas and shades for passenger comfort.
Deck servers wear uniforms furnished and usually cleaned and pressed by the cruise line. These personnel work varying shifts according to a schedule, and report to a deck supervisor or a cruise director.
Deck servers must enjoy being in the public eye and interacting with passengers. The temperature can be very warm on the deck and these personnel must be able to keep moving, and smiling, even in the hot sun. As with other customer contact positions, deck servers must be friendly and professional at tall times. Wages include a base wage plus tips, incentive pay and bonuses. These personnel are allowed shore leave for up to three months at varying times of the year. While on board ship, these workers receive free room and board.
Basic Requirements: At lease one year of related experience, 21 years of age or older, friendly manner.
Hostesses and Hosts are on board ship to insure passenger satisfaction with almost every part of the cruise. They become acquainted with the passengers and sit with them at meals on the deck. They sometimes join passengers in a game of chess or shuffleboard. They frequent the nightclubs, lectures, swimming pools, and other activities on board ship. They pay close attention to what activities are the most well attended by the" passengers and they inform passengers of upcoming events or activities they think the passengers might be interested in. At ports of call they often debark with passengers for shore excursions or shopping trips. They sometimes introduce lecturers or entertainers to audiences on board ship. They work as Social directors, help passengers with similar interests or backgrounds to meet each other.
Hostesses are often experienced travel agents and/or seasoned cruise ship passengers themselves and are usually women between the ages of 35 and 50. They must be highly skilled in social graces, enjoy working with and meeting new people, and they must enjoy travel and being on their own.
Hostesses wear appropriate attire for each occasion; such as evening gowns for elegant dinners, sportswear for deck appearances, and a blazer with dress slacks or skirt for a lecture. They work varying shifts according to schedule, and report to a cruise director.
Hostesses go out of their way to be highly visible and to interact with passengers. They get very little time to themselves and are constantly paying attention to others. They are a very important part of a satisfying cruise for passengers and cruise lines count on them to help bring passengers back. These personnel must be willing to accept this responsibility and to give their all!
Wages often start at approximately $250 per week. Experienced hostesses can make considerably more ($1000 per week), particularly if they become cruise directors. These personnel are allowed shore leave for up to three months at varying times of the year. While on board ship, hostesses receive free room and board.
Basic Requirements: Extensive public contact and travel (or travel agency) experience, professional appearance, correct English usage.
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