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Trainee Cruise Ship Server Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Server

Boston, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Roads, LA · 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

Crisfield, 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

Old Saybrook, CT · 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

Saint Augustine, FL

$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

Poulsbo, WA · 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

Arlington, OR · 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

Punta Gorda, 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 ...

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All JobsCruise Ship Server JobsTrainee Cruise Ship Server Jobs

Trainee Cruise Ship Server information

See salary details

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$15

$30

How much do trainee cruise ship server jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee 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 is the difference between Trainee Cruise Ship Server vs Cruise Ship Waitstaff?

AspectTrainee Cruise Ship ServerCruise Ship Waitstaff
CredentialsBasic training, onboarding, sometimes certification in food safetyExperience in serving, possibly food safety certification
Work EnvironmentTraining period on cruise ships, supervised environmentFull service onboard cruise ships, customer-facing roles
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training role within cruise linesEstablished role for experienced servers on cruise ships
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, training positionsComparing experienced vs trainee roles

The Trainee Cruise Ship Server is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience in cruise ship service. In contrast, Cruise Ship Waitstaff are experienced servers responsible for customer service and dining operations. The trainee role is a stepping stone, often requiring basic certifications and supervised training, while waitstaff roles demand prior experience and proficiency in service skills.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee cruise ship servers, and how can they overcome them?

Trainee cruise ship servers often encounter challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, managing diverse guest requests, and working long hours on their feet. To overcome these challenges, it's important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate effectively with both guests and team members. Building rapport with colleagues and being open to feedback can also help you quickly learn the ropes and provide excellent service, which is essential for career advancement on board.

What does a Trainee Cruise Ship Server do?

A Trainee Cruise Ship Server assists with serving food and beverages to guests in the ship’s dining venues while learning the standards and procedures of cruise line hospitality. Their responsibilities include setting tables, taking orders, delivering meals, and ensuring guests have a pleasant dining experience. They also help maintain cleanliness, restock supplies, and support senior servers as needed. This entry-level role is designed to provide on-the-job training and career development opportunities in the hospitality industry.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Cruise Ship Server, you need a basic understanding of food and beverage service, customer service skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic food safety certifications is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure exceptional guest experiences and smooth dining operations in the dynamic cruise ship environment.
More about Trainee Cruise Ship Server jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Cruise Ship Server jobs? Cities with the most Trainee 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 Trainee Cruise Ship Server jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Cruise Ship Server jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Cruise Ship Server jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Cruise Ship Server jobs are:
Trainee Cruise Ship Server jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Cruise Ship Server job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 6% 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

American Cruise Lines

Boston, MA

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 26 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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