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Cruise Server Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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.

Host | City Cruises Norfolk

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Actively participate in meetings including the Manager pre-cruise briefing. * Oversee the setting ... Coordinate buffets and table invitations on assigned deck(s)Assist Servers and Server Assistants ...

Experience working with server and networked computing environments, TCP/IP, wireless networks, and ... Lynett Cruise at lcruise@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to ...

StarTeam, PVCS-Dimensions, MKS IM and SI, ClearCase/ClearQuest/UCM, Maven, Cruise Control, Anthill ... Hands-on experience with creating or customizing build automation tools Windows Server, Linux and ...

Software Configuration Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

StarTeam, PVCS-Dimensions, MKS IM and SI, ClearCase/ClearQuest/UCM, Maven, Cruise Control, Anthill ... Hands-on experience with creating or customizing build automation tools Windows Server, Linux and ...

Software Configuration Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

StarTeam, PVCS-Dimensions, MKS IM and SI, ClearCase/ClearQuest/UCM, Maven, Cruise Control, Anthill ... Hands-on experience with creating or customizing build automation tools Windows Server, Linux and ...

StarTeam, PVCS-Dimensions, MKS IM and SI, ClearCase/ClearQuest/UCM, Maven, Cruise Control, Anthill ... Hands-on experience with creating or customizing build automation tools Windows Server, Linux and ...

Cruise Server information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$15

$30

How much do cruise server jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise server in Virginia is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.24 and $17.16 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. Many cruise servers also receive benefits such as room and board while working onboard.

What are popular job titles related to Cruise Server jobs in Virginia?

For Cruise Server jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cruise Server jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Server jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Cruise Server job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,535 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Server | City Cruises Norfolk

City Cruises

Norfolk, VA

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems.Hornblower Group’s subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.


Position Summary:

The successful Server is technically competent in serving food and beverages, is hospitable and cordial to guests and coworkers, acts safely and responsibly, and is knowledgeable about the vessel and the skyline.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as prescribed in our service systems, RESPECT.
  • Greet guests and serve food and beverages in a timely fashion.
  • Accurately take orders and enter them into the point-of-sale system.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and safety of all common areas and service stations.
  • Participate in the celebration and entertainment experience of the guest.
  • Set up and break down dining room and service stations as prescribed; this requires movement of dining cabin furniture.
  • Accurately collect payment from guests for on-board purchases.
  • Provide information to guests including menu descriptions, order of service, entertainment options, cruise route and points of interest.
  • Be prepared to begin work at the scheduled time.
  • Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
  • Assist with the warm and efficient greeting and seating of guests when they arrive.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • One (1) year experience in high volume restaurant preferred.
  • Will work for extended periods without sitting.
  • Required to lift furniture and other heavy items such as dishes up and down stairs.
  • Must meet minimum state age requirements.
  • Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.
  • Maintain a high level of organization, detailed oriented and meet deadlines.
  • Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
  • Listen effectively, assess the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.
  • Have a working knowledge of computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.
  • Must be able to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to coworkers and guests.
  • Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
  • Will be required to be available for work nights, weekends and on all major holidays.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work onboard a moving vessel in varying weather and sea conditions, including maintaining balance and stability while underway.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently throughout a shift.
  • Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, narrow passageways, and confined spaces commonly found onboard vessels.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, and inventory weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and perform repetitive motions as required in food service and hospitality operations.
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively during normal operations, guest service situations, and emergency procedures.
  • Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to moving equipment, wet surfaces, temperature variations, and moderate noise levels.
  • Ability to visually inspect service areas, food presentation, cleanliness standards, and safety conditions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with guests, crew members, and management in person and via radio or other communication devices.
  • Successfully complete vessel-specific safety and emergency training.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Work Environment

  • Work is performed primarily onboard a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, with duties split between dining, service, storage, galley-adjacent, and administrative areas.
  • Position requires regular movement throughout multiple decks and may involve occasional exposure to outdoor marine environments, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight.
  • Must be able to safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.

#CityCruisesUS

#HB1


The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.