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Cruise Server Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

S. cruise company, offers unique experiences exploring America's rivers and coasts. We're hiring Servers for the 2026 cruising season. You'll work in our shipboard hotel and restaurant providing ...

Sage Hospitality

Cruise Room Cocktail Server

Denver, CO · On-site

$16.27/hr

At The Cruise Room , bartending is more than service-it's storytelling. From our signature martinis ... Must have basic knowledge of customer service principles, the food server function and restaurant ...

Sage Hospitality

Cruise Room Cocktail Server

Denver, CO · On-site

$16.27/hr

At The Cruise Room , bartending is more than service-it's storytelling. From our signature martinis ... Must have basic knowledge of customer service principles, the food server function and restaurant ...

Bi-State Development

Server

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Server Gateway Riverboat Cruises Seasonal 16.00 - 16.00 (Hourly) Benefits * All employees receive a FREE Metro Transit pass. Good for unlimited rides on MetroLink and MetroBus * FREE Parking on ...

Bi-State Development

Server

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are looking for servers that can function as part of a team ... Join us in serving delicious food to guests on our cruises and at the Paddlewheel Cafe! To acquire ...

Sage Hospitality

Cruise Room Cocktail Server

Denver, CO · On-site

$16.27/hr

At The Cruise Room , bartending is more than service--it's storytelling. From our signature ... Must have basic knowledge of customer service principles, the food server function and restaurant ...

Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Banquet Server

Savannah, GA · On-site

$8/hr

Server - Savannah Riverboat Cruises. Starting at $8.00 an hour plus tips. Part-time only at this time - weekend availability is preferred. About Us At Savannah Riverboat Cruises, we don't just serve ...

Hornblower

Server - City Cruises Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.35/hr

The successful Server is technically competent in serving food and beverages, is hospitable and ... options, cruise route and points of interest. * Be prepared to begin work at the scheduled time.

Hornblower

City Cruises DC - Server

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.95/hr

The successful Server is technically competent in serving food and beverages, is hospitable and ... options, cruise route and points of interest. * Be prepared to begin work at the scheduled time.

Baumhowers of Millbrook LLC

Server

Millbrook, AL · On-site

$200/day

Baumhower's Victory Grille Server - Up to $200/per shift!! Baumhower's Victory Grille is a part of ... Contest incentives including cruises * Meal and retail discounts * Health, dental and vision ...

Cruise-Planners

NY · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Cruise Planners is the largest franchisor of home-based travel agencies across the country that ... Build internal tooling and integrations, including MCP servers. * Prototype and ship new ...

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Cruise Server information

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$5

$15

$30

How much do cruise server jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise server in the United States is $15.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.34 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cruise server?

Cruise servers are hospitality professionals who work aboard cruise ships, serving food and beverages to passengers in dining rooms, buffets, bars, and lounges. They are responsible for taking orders, delivering meals, and ensuring guests have a pleasant dining experience throughout their voyage. Cruise servers often work long hours and must adhere to high standards of customer service, as they interact with guests from diverse backgrounds. In addition to serving, they may assist with setting up and cleaning dining areas and sometimes participate in onboard events or activities. Excellent communication skills, teamwork, and adaptability are essential for success in this role.

What does a cruise server do?

As a cruise server, your job is to work in a restaurant on a ship and provide service to guests of the cruise line. In this role, you may recommend food and beverage choices to each customer, direct people to dining halls, deliver food to any passenger that requests it, and otherwise help manage the serving of food for the duration of a cruise. Many cruise servers work away from home for extended periods, and you may travel around the world on a cruise liner. While food and restaurant-related duties are most of your daily work, cruise servers are also crew members and may help direct or manage passengers during emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cruise server, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cruise Server, you need strong customer service skills, basic food and beverage knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help set top performers apart. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality service that enhances guest satisfaction and upholds the cruise line's reputation.

What are some common challenges faced by cruise servers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cruise servers often work long hours in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment where guest satisfaction is a top priority. Challenges can include adapting to diverse guest preferences, managing high-volume meal services, and maintaining professionalism during peak periods. Effective communication, strong teamwork, and a positive attitude are essential for overcoming these challenges. Many cruise lines provide thorough training and ongoing support to help servers develop these skills, ensuring a rewarding and dynamic work experience.

What is the difference between Cruise Server vs Cruise Line Bartender?

AspectCruise ServerCruise Line Bartender
Primary RoleServing food and beverages to passengers at dining venuesPreparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at bars and lounges
Required CertificationsFood safety, alcohol service (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe)Alcohol service permits, mixology skills, food safety
Work EnvironmentDining rooms, cafes, buffet areasBars, lounges, specialty venues onboard
Industry UsageCommonly employed on cruise ships, hospitality sectorCommonly employed on cruise ships, hospitality sector

Both Cruise Servers and Cruise Line Bartenders work onboard cruise ships in hospitality roles. While Cruise Servers focus on serving food and beverages in dining areas, Cruise Line Bartenders specialize in preparing and serving drinks at bars and lounges. Both roles require customer service skills and relevant certifications, but their work environments differ slightly based on their specific duties.

How much does a cruise server get paid?

A cruise server typically earns between $2.50 and $5.00 per hour in base pay, with additional tips that can significantly increase total earnings. Total compensation often ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the cruise line, experience, and tipping habits. Good customer service skills and experience can lead to higher tips and earnings.
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Cruise Server jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Server job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,808 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Server - 2026 Season

American Cruise Lines

On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Server
American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. cruise company, offers unique experiences exploring America’s rivers and coasts. We’re hiring Servers for the 2026 cruising season. You’ll work in our shipboard hotel and restaurant providing outstanding hospitality and serving as a proud representative of our brand. This is a temporary position where we challenge you to work onboard for 28 weeks.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for providing guests with an elegant and memorable dining experience.
  • Efficiently set-up and break-down breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour including setting tables, arranging linen, silverware, china and glassware.
  • Cater to all culinary requests in an efficient manner.
  • Acknowledge guests by name, escort them to their tables, present food, and beverage menus, suggest particular courses and wines and kindly answer any questions they may have regarding menu items.
  • Efficiently relay orders to the galley, and serve various courses and beverages with care, ensuring that all items look presentable and are properly garnished and decorated before serving.
  • In addition to the routine restaurant duties, Servers may be required to perform other functions, such as greeting guests upon embarkation, serving afternoon teas and snacks, and cater evening entertainment.
Highlights:
  • Pay: Wages range from $1,000 to $1,400 per week with additional bonuses. With all major living expenses covered aboard, you have an extraordinary chance to save your earnings.
  • Hospitality Experience: This is an introductory position to the cruise industry and a strong foundation for a career in hospitality.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
  • Travel the Country: We have over 50 itineraries, spanning over 35 states in America.
  • Crew Connections: Create lifelong memories and relationships with fellow crew members and guests from all over the country.
Qualifications:
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and an American citizen or Green Card holder. You must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Under Federal Law and the Department of Transportation, we are required to pre-employment drug test all shipboard employees which includes testing for Marijuana and other controlled substances. To provide safe and conscientious service to our guests, the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. All shipboard employees also have emergency and safety functions essential to the safe operation of the ship that are included in your training.
American Cruise Lines has grooming standards that include limitations on visible tattoos and piercings. This is a temporary employment position not to extend beyond 28 weeks of shipboard work. We encourage you to utilize the skills you develop to apply for management positions within American Cruise Lines, but such positions cannot be expected and are not guaranteed.
Successful individuals work well under pressure, keep composure and have a positive attitude. The talent and dedication of American Cruise Lines’ employees have made us America's Leading Small Ship Cruise Line.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship, for up to 28 weeks.
  • This is a temporary position with no guarantee of future employment.
  • This is a full-time, nonexempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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