royal caribbean cruise galley steward salary

• All Job Positions
• Marine Operations
• Recruitment process

Carnival Cruise Line is the most popular cruise brand in North America and operates a fleet of ships designed to foster exceptionally safe, fun and memorable vacation experiences at an outstanding value. Our company is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. Our focus is on continuous improvement and collaboration. Our employees have a responsibility to be accountable for all actions. We consider the environment in all aspects of our business and have a responsibility to put safety and sustainability first. We live and share a positive attitude which is based on fostering an environment of inclusion, trust, a willingness to listen, openness and integrity. Doing this helps us to achieve our ultimate goal, which is to include FUN in everything we do!

Set sail on a new career with Carnival and help us bring the FUN to life aboard one of our fantastic vessels! We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join us as Galley Attendants!

Working behind the scenes, our Galley Attendants support all areas of the Food Operations department by ensuring the Galleys are clean, all utensils, crockery and cutlery are ready for our guests to use. You will be an upbeat, positive individual who can’t stop smiling, has a "can do" attitude and can bring the FUN to work every day!

Our Food Outlets are BUSY and our Galley Attendants work hard to maintain the outlets to the highest standards of cleanliness and preparation, so our front facing teams can focus on providing service to guests so they can focus on having a great vacation experience in their home away from home.

Joining Carnival as a Galley Steward is the first step towards a rewarding career on-board our FUN ships! 

Job Functions:

• Wash, rinse and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, and all other galley utensils.
• Operate various cleaning equipment
• Clean all kitchen equipment and machines.
• Handle and dispose of chemicals and food waste.
• Complete all other duties assigned by chefs.
• Participate in all safety drills and trainings as scheduled

Job Requirements:

• Positive attitude,
• Fluency in conversational English.
• Must be physically strong and able to lift a minimum of 60 lbs and sustain physically challenging work for up to 9 months at a time.
• Should have a desire to progress in their career 

Undergo assigned trainings to develop skills & knowledge for the future positions.

Report any equipment malfunction, difficulties & concerns to the supervisor on duty.

Follow additional duties, other than listed in the job description, assigned by management due to the operational needs/shortages/changes.

Ensure beverage stations are full at all times and cleaned daily.

Engage in light conversations with guests always greet them with a smile.

You should have at least 1-2 years of experience in a similar role.

Fluency in spoken English to connect with guests is required.

Some level of interaction with guests will be required.

You must pass a Seafarers Medical Fitness Examination and be able to lift up to 50lbs unassisted.

You focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.

Galley Steward

Nationality

—Please choose an option— Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Caribbean Netherlands Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Egypt Ecuador El-Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, North Korea, South Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia, Federated States Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Barthélemy Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia Somaliland South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste (East Timor) Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Tuvalu United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uganda Ukraine Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Cruise Line you want to apply

Cruise Line 1ste —Please choose an option— Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Cunard Line Holland America Line Oceania Cruises P&O Cruises Regent Seven Seas Royal Caribbean International TUI Cruises Virgin Voyages

2nd Choice —Please choose an option— Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Cunard Line Holland America Line Oceania Cruises P&O Cruises Regent Seven Seas Royal Caribbean International TUI Cruises Virgin Voyages

3rd Choice —Please choose an option— Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Cunard Line Holland America Line Oceania Cruises P&O Cruises Regent Seven Seas Royal Caribbean International TUI Cruises Virgin Voyages

Ready to Apply? Click here!

Job Summary:

Operates, maintains and cleans equipment, china, glassware, and other galley items as well as dishwashing areas. Assists with transporting food, provision, china, and other supplies as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with company policy regarding waste separation and environmental compliance.
• Responsible for proper dishwashing, food handling and cleaning procedures in accordance with USPH and company standards.
• Follows procedure for handling, racking, and pre-rinsing of dirty dishes and the uncracking, storing and delivery of clean dishes.
• Maintains a high level of productivity, cleanliness, and sanitation throughout operation and areas of responsibility.
• Properly utilize, maintain and return equipment and utensils to prevent damage, loss or undue maintenance.
• Reports any malfunctioning equipment or finishing’s in need of repair to Chief Steward.
• Responsible for performance, appearance, dress and personal conduct in accordance with company rules and regulations.
• Follows guidelines and instructions establishes by Chief Steward and/or Executive Chef
• Perform other job related functions as assigned.

Core Capabilities:

• Good listening skills and able to follow instructions.
• Shows initiative in performing culinary tasks.
• Asks questions if tasks are unclear.
• Team player

Desired Skills & Experience:

• 1+ years’ experience in a 5 star+ hotel, cruise ship or high-profile restaurant performing the functions of a similar position.
• Certification from accredited advanced food safety program. Extensive knowledge in VSP preferred.
• Extensive kitchen machinery and knife safety knowledge.
• Ability to effectively read, write and speak English.
• Degree from accredited culinary college or university.

Note: Other duties as assigned included and not limited to Health, Environmental, Safety and Security responsibilities.

Assistant baker.

Virgin Voyages

THE GIG: We’re on an exciting journey to create one of the most irresistible travel brands in the world and are buildi...

Bar Steward

Cunard introduces the Queen Anne’s HR Team

Aida cruises to broadcast uefa euro 2024.

• US Coast Guard Airlifts Carnival Sunshine Team Member

Cruise Passenger Arrested in Grand Turk

• Hard Rock International Teams Up with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises

The hardest job on cruise ship - Galley Steward

Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward. For most employees, there is a minimum of information about the job description before boarding the ship. Indeed, the galley steward is one of a kind job worldwide. I can not find any similar job that could be matched with the cruelty and inadequate pay of the galley steward job itself. Of course, when you apply back home to the agency, they will show you the white sand beaches and all these tropical places that you will visit while working on the cruise ships. The undistorted reality is bittersweet, as proven in my long working experience on cruise ships. The agency back home is only after the percentage fee from each selected crew member, so they will often trick people into an idealistic job assignment belief. Before you join the ship, here are some of the "expected" job requirements for each new galley steward on board the ship.

Key Responsibilities

-   Always follows operational methods and seeks advice from the Galley Supervisor if necessary. 

-   Follows USPHS principles and Princess Cruises procedures at all times. 

-   Works as part of a cleaning team responsible for consistently cleaning and sanitizing specific galley equipment and service locations, including but not limited to pots, pans, and other galley equipment (Most heavy pot in the main galley is 30.5lbs and pastry heaviest mixing bowl is 38.6lbs and 71lbs) 

-   Always recycles cooking service equipment before, during, and after service. 

-   Assist when required to unload and store food deliveries (average weight 50lbs to 60lbs) 

-   Willingly participates in scheduled deep cleaning in addition to everyday cleaning operations. 

-   Always treats all equipment used during the cleaning process and all equipment to be cleaned carefully to prevent damage. 

-   Reports equipment defects to the Galley Supervisor / Executive Chef / Food Manager on a daily basis.

-   Always performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies and procedures, USPHS and Fleet Regulations, and other internal, external, and governmental regulations as directed. 

-   Always conducts galley cleaning in compliance with environmental regulations and objectives. 

-   Performs all General Emergency Organization duties as directed. 

-   Demonstrates commitment to the company's values, beliefs, goals, and initiatives. 

-   Acts as a Company representative and always portray a positive image to all passengers, officers, and crew. 

- Always maintains professional, effective, and motivated working relationships, considering differences in cultures, backgrounds, and individual personalities. 

• Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
• •Must have a thorough knowledge of USPH practices and procedures.
• •Must have good oral and written command of the English language.
• •Must be experienced in cruise ship industry galley operation.
• •Must have a working knowledge of scientific cleaning and sanitation procedures for the food service industry.

This is all just for show off, the companies will portray this job to sound credible, organized, and fair-and the reality is extremely opposite. 

I want to pause for a second and discuss this sentence explaining what is expected from the Galley steward. 

"Acts as a Company representative and always portray a positive image to all passengers, officers, and crew."

Wow. This is one of the biggest lies and enormous HYPOCRISY. Let me focus on the part of the galley steward job expectation where it says," portray the positive image to all passengers."

Ok, this is crystal clear. The biggest cruise line companies are registered in the Bahamas or Panama, partly to avoid paying large US taxes and partly to avoid any stricter eligibility for crew members on board the ship. In other words, if there is a job in the US land base as galley stewards, the company management would be arrested and charged for the horrific human rights treatment. But on the cruise line companies, that is ok because Panama and Bahamas do not have strict law regulations, so the cruise line companies are registering their ships in those countries.

The reality of the galley steward jobs includes following:12-14 hours shifts in the worst humid working conditions, untrained, biased, and horrible management for those positions, 350-400 working hours a month for a salary of $450. Yet, those people are soo resilient and strong like diamonds. They don't crack under pressure, they work so hard beyond the company's expectations, and instead of getting promoted to higher positions, the company will do exactly the opposite. The company tends to keep galley stewards on that starting position even for the 7 or 8 contracts; even those people deserved to be promoted immediately after their first contract. The reason for that is simple-priorities-cruise ship companies' selfishness. Only a few people are physically and mentally fit to complete the most difficult cleaning tasks in the giant ship galleys, and those people are really special. But from the company perspective, those people have to be exploited as long as possible in that role because it's hard to find many hard workers who are soo amazingly resilient to survive working in the toughest conditions on the planet. For that reason, company delays their promotion, and those poor people are not complaining about it because they are scared to lose what they already have.

When I was only passing through those colossal galleys between guest dining rooms, I could not have breathed of the high humidity level; I stayed only for a few minutes. Imagine working hard there for 12-14 hours daily. And on top of that, you are managed by some untrained biased managers who would squeeze you and try to test your mental limits. 

And then there is that requirement that says," portray your positive picture to our passengers."

Yes, because the company does not want to show the truth to its passengers. The company is hiding that cruelty level behind the curtain, and they expect the galley steward to smile and great passengers when passing by next to them.

Some people might say everyone can accept the job on the cruise ship. But the thing is, we usually get tricked by the colorful employment agency statement back home before getting the job. We are often provided with the fake image of white sand beaches and pina colada sunsets in beautiful tropical destinations. Of course, it is understandable for them to send this inviting picture about employment on cruise ships. But the work's reality, especially the galley steward position, is much different than once presented by the ship agents . on the land. Like, everything is so wonderful and perfect, let's just pretend that this is all a living dream. No, it's not. And is time to create a law and change the US legislation that will create more rights for those hard-working people who will be protected in terms of working hours, working conditions, and abusive management systems on board the ship.

Recent posts

US Coast Guard Airlifts Carnival Sunshine Team Mem...

AIDA Cruises to Broadcast UEFA EURO...

Looking for a particular position? Find it here!

Career Designer is coming soon! This feature will help you take charge of your RCL career by outlining your potential options. Thank you for your patience!

Click here to login to MyRCLHome!

Please Select a Department

• Casino Dealer
• Casino Dealer - Asia
• Assistant Casino Manager
• Cash Desk Manager
• Casino Manager
• Casino Supervisor
• Slot Manager
• Slot Technician
• Baker Tournant
• Chef De Partie
• Chef De Partie - Butchery
• Head Butcher
• Chef De Partie - Baker
• Chef De Partie - Pantry
• Chef De Partie - Pastry
• Chef De Partie - Sushi
• Commis Cook
• Teppanyaki Chef
• Chef Tournant
• Executive Sous Chef
• Food And Beverage Ops Excellence Controller
• Demi Chef De Partie
• Utility Cleaner
• Galley Steward
• Pantry Chef
• Pantry Cook
• Pastry Cook
• Pastry Chef Tournant
• Activities Host/ess
• Activity Manager
• Adventure Ocean Assistant Manager
• Adventure Ocean Manager
• Broadcast Operator
• Cruise Director
• Cruise Programs Administrator
• Cruise Staff
• Digital Signage & Itv Specialist
• Disc Jockey
• Entertainment Stage Staff
• Entertainment Lighting Technician
• Lounge Technician
• Production Manager
• Entertainment Performer Flying Specialist
• Entertainment Performer Flying Assist
• Entertainment Sound Technician
• Sports Staff
• Sports Manager
• Stage & Production Manager (aqua)
• Stage Manager
• Stage Staff
• Aquatic Stage Staff
• Technical Stage Staff
• Youth Staff
• Brazilian Band
• Brazilian Band Leader
• Brazilian Dancers
• Dominican Band
• Dominican Band Leader
• Flamenco Dancers
• Lead Brazilian Dancer
• Pianist Singer
• Spanish Band
• Spanish Band Lead
• Sports & Fitness Supervisor
• Stage & Production Manager
• Tango Dancer
• Entertainment
• Entertainment Technical Director
• Entertainment Operator- Lighting
• Entertainment Operator- Sound
• Entertainment Operator- Fly
• Venue Prodution Manager
• Entertainment Media Specialist
• Traveling Ifly Trainer
• Entertainment Wardrobe Supervisor
• Premier Musician
• Assistant Repairman-engine
• Assistant Repairman - Hotel
• Administrative Assistant
• Assistant Repairman - Aqua
• Horticulturist
• Landscape Specialist
• Repair Supervisor
• Repairman Supervisor - Aqua
• Assistant Upholsterer
• Artistic Painter
• Assistant Lawnkeeper
• Assistant Plumber
• Repairman - Hotel
• Hotel Maintenance Manager
• Gmts Plumber
• Traveling 1st Assistant Carpenter
• Traveling 2nd Assistant Carpenter
• Traveling 3rd Assistant Carpenter
• Traveling Assistant Repairman
• Traveling Carpenter
• Refurbishing-3/assistant Upholsterer
• Assistant Carpenter
• Laundry Technician
• Apprentice Purser
• Junior Payroll Purser
• Food And Beverage Administrator
• Bar Utility
• Flair Bartender
• Assistant Beverage Manager
• Traveling Beverage Manager
• Assistant Maitre'd
• Restaurant Management
• Assistant Waiter
• Head Waiter
• Restaurant Attendant
• Restaurant Hostess
• Cruise Activities
• Assistant Cruise Director
• Dive Instructor
• Shore Excursions Manager
• Traveling Shore Excursions Manager
• Dive Manager
• Port Lecturer
• Assistant Dive Manager
• Assistant Shore Excursions Manager
• Land Discovery Staff And Bike Escort
• Senior Destinations Manager
• Shore Excursions Bike Escort
• Asst. Shorex Manager
• Assistant Front Desk Manager
• Associate International Ambassador
• Desktop Publisher
• Fleet Revenue Director
• Front Desk Manager
• Group Coordinator
• Guest Services Manager
• Guest Services Officer
• Hotel Administrative Assistant
• International Ambassador
• Junior Guest Relation Officer
• Loyalty Ambassador
• Assistant Purser
• Event Coordinator
• Grand Class Host/ess
• Junior Concierge
• Administration Purser - Documentation
• Retreat Manager
• Retreat Concierge
• Guest Services
• Cruise Sales Associate
• Digital Communication Associate
• Suite Manager
• Onboard Digital Manager
• Hotel Director Royal Caribbean International
• Hotel Director Celebrity Cruises
• Stateroom Attendant
• Pool Monitor
• Public Area Attendant
• Housekeeping
• Housekeeping Supervisor
• Assistant Housekeeping Manager
• Housekeeping Manager
• Housekeeping Coordinator
• Laundry Attendant
• Human Resources Manager
• Crew Administrator
• Crew Relations Specialist
• Human Resources Specialist
• Learning And Development Consultant
• Human Resources Director
• Learning And Development Manager
• It Support Specialist
• Communication Service Specialist
• Bar Storekeeper
• Food Storekeeper
• Hotel Storekeeper
• Provision Utility
• Physiotherapist
• Public Health Officer
• Crew Counselor
• Dental Assistant
• Director Revenue & Marketing
• Onboard Revenue And Communications Manager
• Marketing And Revenue Manager
• Lifeguard Manager Instructor
• Lifeguard Supervisor
• Lifeguard Staff
• Photographer
• Store Associate
• Traveling Manager, Technical Photo Operations
• Traveling Manager, Video And Private Studio Operations
• Chief Officer
• Gmts Safety Officer
• 2nd Officer
• Chief Officer - Deck
• Environmental Officer
• 3rd Officer
• Gmts 2nd Asst Electrician
• Project Deck Officer
• Safety Administrator
• 1st Officer
• Fitter Deck
• Fitter Turner
• Upholsterer
• Assistant Repairman - Deck
• Quartermaster
• Fitter Repairman
• Sanitation Utility
• 2nd Upholsterer
• Refurbishing Assistant Carpenter
• 4th Electrical Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Electrician
• 2nd Electronics Engineer
• 2nd Electrical Engineer
• Pl Asst Electronic Officer
• 2nd Engineer
• 3rd Engineer
• Refrigeration Engineer Expansion
• A/c Mechanic
• Sanitation Engineer
• 1st Refrigeration Engineer
• Technical Storekeeper 1
• Chief Plumber
• Accommodations Maintenance Manager
• Accommodations Maintenance Supervisor
• Amos Controller (celebrity Cruises)
• Chief Electrical Engineer
• Gmts Fleet Chief Engineer
• Gmts Trvl Chief Ref. Engineer
• Technical Support Officer
• Gmts 2nd Assistant Refrigeration Technician
• Gmts Engine / Diesel Mechanic
• Gmts Mechanic
• Gmts Motorman
• Gmts Ref. Maintenance Tech
• Gmts Tech Support Storekeeper
• Apprentice Engineer
• Traveling Technical Support Officer
• Gmts Sr. Engine / Diesel Mechanic
• Gmts Coatings Maintenance Technician
• Fitter Engine
• Junior Engine Man
• Incinerator Operator
• Engine Foreman
• Technical Storekeeper
• Technical Assistant
• Fitter Engine Foreman
• Engine Mechanic
• Engine Storekeeper
• Incinerator Man
• Sanitation Technician
• Amos Controller (azamara Club Cruises)
• Technical/amos Controller (pullmantur Cruises)
• Gmts Fitter
• Gmts Jr. Engine Man
• Assistant Repairman - Engine
• Engine Ratings
• Security Staff
• Guest Security Supervisor
• Public Safety Officer
• Guarantee Admin Officer

Private Destination

• Entertainment Manager
• Activities Staff
• Cruise Entertainment Staff
• Captain Jack's Guitar Entertainment
• Calypso Band Musician
• Captain Jack
• Captain Jill
• Junkanoo Dancer
• Lounge Techncian
• Av Technician
• Operations Director
• General Manager
• Project Manager
• Problems Resolutions & Brand Standards Manager
• Tours & Attractions Manager
• Executive Office Admin
• Customs Operations Specialist
• Finance Specialist
• Finance Manager
• Office Admin
• Customs Operations Agent
• Bar Island Attendant
• Beverage Manager
• Beverage Supervisor
• Lead Bartender
• Bar Attendant
• Ice Production Attendant
• Cabana Attendant
• Cabana Manager
• Senior Cabana Attendant
• Cook Assistant Commis
• Executive Chef 
• Exec Sous Chef
• Cook Asst Commis
• Attendant Kitchen
• Island Attendant Kitchen
• Cbc Director
• Club Server
• F&b Venue Manager/training
• Restaurant Attendant (ship Waiters & Asst Waiters)
• F&b Sanitation Controller
• Office Administrator
• Crew Administration Manager
• Hr Administrator
• Hr Business Partner
• Training Manager
• Head Of Human Resources
• Island Technology Manager
• Island Technology Officer
• Island Tech Officer
• Information Technology Support Technician
• Assistant Storekeeper
• Inventory Control Specialist
• Inventory Manager
• Inventory Ctrl Specialist
• General Worker/island Attendant
• Island Operations Manager
• Island Operations Specialist
• Restroom Attendant
• Island Operations Lead
• Attendant Kitchen Sr
• Island Ops Manger
• Island Attendant
• Seasonal Island Attendant
• Island Ops Supervisor
• Lead Carpenter
• Assistant Lifeguard Operations Manager
• Lead Lifeguard Training
• Lead Lifeguard
• Lifeguard Operations Manager
• Senior Lifeguard
• Island Doctor
• Port Captain Safety
• Assistant Port Facilities Security Officer
• Port Facilities Security Officer
• Assistant Port Facilities So
• Assistant Security Supervisor
• Deputy Port Facilities So
• Deputy Security Supervisor
• Port Facilities Security Guard
• Port Facilities So
• Security Boat Captain
• Security Bus Driver
• Security Supervisor
• Assistant Excursion Manager
• Aquatics Guide
• Aquatics Attendant (general Worker)
• Balloon Operator
• Island Shore Excursion Manager
• Jet Ski Chase
• Kayak Tour Staff
• Lead Shore Excursions
• Senior Balloon Operator
• Aquatics Attendant
• Asst Excursion Mgr
• Attractions Lead
• Cabana Lead
• Cabana Assistant Manager
• Attractions Fl Driver
• Attractions Monitor Coaster
• Attractions Monitor Flightline
• Parasail Boat Operator
• Shorex Manager
• Retail Lead
• Retail Attendant
• Auto Aquatic Mechanic
• Amos Controller
• Carpenter/ Handymen
• Electronic Engineer
• Engineering Manager (assistant Site Engineer)
• Fiber Glass Repairman
• Facilities Maintenance Lead
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Generator Mechanic
• Engineering Director
• Pool & Park Maintenance Specialist
• Refrigeration Engineer
• Senior Linesman
• Technical Supervisor
• Auto Aquatics Mechanic
• Enrc Repairman
• Incinerator Ops
• Maintenance Technician
• Pier Attendant
• Tech Storekeeper
• Technical Attendant
• Tender Captain
• Ac Technician
• Guest Services Lead
• Guest Serv Water Park
• Housekeeper
• Lead Housekeeper
• Operations Driver
• Ops Driver Sr
• Island Entertainment Lead
• Island Experience Mgr
• Market Associate
• Island Experience Specialist

What is a cabin steward on a cruise? Learn about the people who keep your room clean

One of the best parts of a cruise is that you don't have to worry about dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing or otherwise lifting a finger to clean during your vacation. That's due, in large part, to your room steward, also known as a cabin steward or cabin attendant. These cruise line employees make sure your cabin stays tidy throughout your sailing.

What else should you know about your cruise cabin steward? In this piece, I'll lay out their duties, what you can (and can't) ask them to do and what sets them apart from the folks who straighten up your room at a hotel or resort.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Room steward duties

In addition to cleaning and sanitizing your room and bathroom before you embark, your cabin steward is also responsible for tidying and cleaning your cabin during your cruise.

Many cruise lines offer twice-a-day service in each cabin. That means you can expect your room steward to come in sometime between breakfast and lunch to make up the beds, remove any used glasses or room service trays and provide fresh towels and toiletry refills when necessary.

They'll also pay visits to your stateroom at night, likely while you're at dinner, to provide turndown service, which sometimes includes treats like pillow chocolates and towel animals. On lines that still provide paper printouts, your steward's nightly duties will also include leaving copies of the next day's activity schedule, as well as dinner invitations, shore excursion tickets and flyers for events like art auctions and spa tours.

However, there are exceptions. Several major cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line — have cut back to once-a-day room cleaning in order to trim costs. On those lines' ships, passengers can expect room straightening once per day.

If you don't want your cabin steward to enter your room, put the provided "do not disturb" magnet or hanging sign on your door. Some newer ships have buttons for you to push instead; these activate lights outside to tell the room steward you'd like some privacy. I do this when napping or getting ready for dinner.

As for their other tasks, room stewards are responsible for collecting clothing that passengers wish to have laundered, dry-cleaned or pressed (for a fee); restocking each cabin's minibar; and fielding requests for things like extra bedding or hangers.

What a cabin steward can (and can't) do for you

Keep in mind that a room steward is not a butler. While they can refill your ice bucket, show you how to work your TV and climate control, provide you with child-size life jackets and fold the pajamas you left strewn around the room when you ventured out for morning trivia, they won't be able to honor specific requests outside the scope of keeping your room spotless.

Here's some of what you can expect your cabin attendant to do:

• Introduce themselves to you on the first day or two of the sailing
• Deliver your checked luggage to your room after you board the ship
• Remove dirty dishes, cups and room service items from your cabin
• Straighten up and tidy your room (vacuum, wipe up spills, fix beds and generally organize)
• Remove dirty towels and provide new ones
• Change your bedsheets (if requested)
• Set up sleeping arrangements (splitting beds, combining beds and pulling down bunks)
• Refill complimentary shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion
• Restock tissues and toilet paper
• Deliver daily schedules and other paper announcements
• Answer general questions or point you to the person who has answers if they don't
• Alert maintenance if something goes wrong with things like plumbing or electrical in your cabin

They won't be able to do the following:

• Answer questions related to your onboard bill
• Schedule shore excursions, dinner reservations or spa treatments for you
• Take room service orders
• Help you unpack or repack
• Offer assistive services if you have mobility issues
• Babysit your kids
• Hang out with you during your cruise
• Show you the crew quarters

To address the first few items on the second list, you'll have to call guest services, the shore excursions desk or the spa from your cabin, or visit in person. Sometimes, you can also make these reservations on your cruise line's mobile app . If you're booked in an expensive suite that includes the services of a concierge , you'll have the option to book through them as well.

For room service , you'll have to call your ship's dedicated room service number, which is often noted on your cabin's phone. For help packing and unpacking, employ the services of a butler if you're staying in high-level accommodations. Otherwise, you're on your own.

How room stewards differ from hotel housekeepers

Although a cruise cabin steward is similar to a housekeeper who would service your room at a hotel, there's one major difference: You're likely to actually meet your room steward and, possibly, even get to know them. They will almost always knock on your door on embarkation day to introduce themselves and their team (if they aren't working alone), explain the particulars of your room and ask if there's anything you need.

It's also common for them to greet you by name when they pass you in the hallway and ask about your day.

In addition to knowing your name and the names of those traveling with you, cabin attendants have a tremendous knack for remembering special requests. Would you like a daily refill of your ice bucket? Do you prefer only one pillow chocolate instead of two? Do you want a printed copy of the daily schedule even though your cruise line only offers them on request? Do you need four washcloths instead of two? Ask your room steward.

Service on a cruise is far more personalized than what you'll receive at a standard hotel. For that reason, it's customary (except on luxury cruises where gratuities are included) to tip your room steward for a job well done. Most cruise lines charge a per-passenger daily service fee that covers the cost, but many passengers choose to leave extra in cash at the end of their sailing if they feel their cabin attendant has gone above and beyond.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin