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Cruise Ship Server Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Server

Dover, TN

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Kake, AK

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Boston, MA · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Key West, FL · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Tunica Resorts, MS · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Castine, ME · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Farmington, UT

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

La Crosse, WI

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Woods Hole, MA · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Petersburg, AK · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Boston, MA · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Camden, ME

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Cambridge, MD · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

New Bedford, MA

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Server

Petersburg, AK · On-site

$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 ...

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All JobsCruise Ship Server Jobs

Cruise Ship Server information

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$15

$30

How much do cruise ship server jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ship 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 are cruise ship servers?

Cruise ship servers are hospitality professionals responsible for providing food and beverage service to guests on a cruise ship. Their duties typically include taking orders, delivering meals and drinks, ensuring guest satisfaction, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. They work closely with other staff to create a positive dining experience for passengers. Cruise ship servers often work long hours and must adapt to a fast-paced, multicultural environment. Excellent customer service skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cruise Ship Server, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cruise Ship Server, you need strong customer service skills, knowledge of food and beverage service, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with POS systems, safety regulations, and sometimes basic food handling certifications are important technical requirements. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential soft skills due to the multicultural and fast-paced environment. These competencies ensure exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and smooth collaboration among diverse crew members.

Which cruise is hiring now?

Cruise ship companies frequently have ongoing hiring for cruise ship servers, especially during peak seasons or before new voyages. Job openings are typically posted on the companies' official careers pages or major maritime employment websites. Candidates should have relevant hospitality experience and be prepared for a flexible schedule and onboard training requirements.

How to become a cruise server?

To become a cruise ship server, candidates typically need previous experience in food service, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Many cruise lines require applicants to pass background checks, obtain necessary certifications such as food safety training, and be flexible with travel schedules. Applying through cruise line websites or recruitment agencies is common for job opportunities in this role.

What is the difference between Cruise Ship Server vs Restaurant Server?

AspectCruise Ship ServerRestaurant Server
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, serving passengers across various locationsIn restaurants, cafes, or dining establishments on land
Required CertificationsFood safety, alcohol service, sometimes maritime safetyFood safety, alcohol service, possibly responsible beverage service (RBS)
Employer & IndustryCruise lines, hospitality industryRestaurants, hospitality industry

Both roles involve serving food and beverages, but Cruise Ship Servers work on ships with a focus on passenger experience at sea, often requiring maritime safety certifications. Restaurant Servers work on land in various dining settings. The key differences are the work environment and specific certifications needed for maritime safety and alcohol service on cruise ships.

How much do cruise ship waiters make?

Cruise ship waiters typically earn between $1,200 and $2,500 per month, depending on experience, the cruise line, and the length of the voyage. They often receive tips that can significantly increase their overall income, and the job usually includes room and board as part of the compensation package.

How much does a server get paid on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship servers typically earn a base salary ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 per month, depending on the cruise line and experience. In addition to the salary, they often receive tips from passengers, which can significantly increase total earnings. Many servers also work on a contract basis with specific schedules and may need relevant certifications or training.

What are some unique challenges faced by cruise ship servers compared to land-based servers?

Cruise ship servers often work longer shifts and serve guests from diverse cultural backgrounds, which can require adaptability and strong communication skills. The work environment is fast-paced, with the added complexity of living and working on a ship for extended periods, often away from family and friends. Teamwork is essential, as servers collaborate closely with kitchen staff and other departments to ensure guest satisfaction and smooth service. Additionally, cruise ship servers must adhere to strict health and safety standards while maintaining a high level of hospitality. These unique aspects can be both rewarding and challenging for those new to shipboard life.
More about Cruise Ship Server jobs
What cities are hiring for Cruise Ship Server jobs? Cities with the most Cruise Ship Server job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Server jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Server jobs are:
What states have the most Cruise Ship Server jobs? States with the most job openings for Cruise Ship Server jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cruise Ship Server jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cruise Ship Server jobs are:
Cruise Ship Server jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Server job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,808 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Server

Server

American Cruise Lines

Dover, TN

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 20 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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