The Food and Beverage department is the largest department on a cruise ship since it has the most crew and officers working in it. Because of its size, the Food and Beverage department is broken into a few different categories depending on the cruise line.
For example, Carnival Cruise Lines separates the department into Food and Beverage Management, Culinary Arts, Bar Guest Services, Restaurant Services and other Auxiliary Services. Alternatively, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises split the department between Culinary and Food & Beverage Services.
For the sake of simplicity, we have broken the Food and Beverage Department into Culinary Cruise Jobs and Food and Beverage Service Cruise Jobs. The head of the Food and Beverage Department is the Food and Beverage Manager.
Food and Beverage Manager
Other Job Titles: F&B Director (Princess Cruises, NCL)
Job Description: The Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for the overall operations of all food and beverage outlets on the cruise ship. The Executive Chef, Maitre D’ Hotel, and Beverage Manager all report to the Food and Beverage Manager.
Experience and Skills Required: For example, Royal Caribbean expects their Food and Beverage Managers to have at least five years of food and beverage experience in a management capacity with a cruise line, resort, or hotel.
Typical Rank: 3 to 3 1/2 stripes
Average Salary: $5,000 to $8,000 per month
Food and Beverage Service
Maitre D’ Hotel
Other Job Titles: Maitre D’ (Princess Cruises), Restaurant Manager (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, NCL)
Job Description: Responsible for the smooth operation and management of all restaurants; Supervises a team of Head Waiters, Waiters and Assistant Waiters; Manages restaurant budgets in terms of staffing; Oversees guest table assignments.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidate must have at least one year experience as a Restaurant Manager or Maitre D’ Hotel on a cruise ship or large upscale restaurant; Experience managing a multinational staff; Experience using a computerized table reservation system. Post secondary education is preferred
Average Salary: $2,500 to $6,000 per month
Beverage Manager
Other Job Titles: Assistant Beverage Manager (Royal Caribbean), Bar Manager (Celebrity Cruises), Food and Beverage Manager Bars (Princess Cruises), Beverage Manager (NCL, HAL)
Job Description: Manages a handful of bar outlets and their respective bar supervisors. This manager must be able to motivate and train crew on service and selling techniques. This beverage manager oversees sales, inventory, work schedules, and cost control.
Experience and Skills Required: For example, Royal Caribbean expects their applicants for Assistant Beverage Manager will have more than five years of experience working for a cruise line or luxury hotel. They also want the applicant to have at least two years of bar management experience supervising a staff of at least 30 employees. Alternatively, NCL requires a minimum of three years. Knowledge of Micros point of sale, USPH, and beverage products is also required.
Average Salary: $2,500 to $4,000 per month
Assistant Maitre D’ Hotel
Job Descriptions: Assists the Maitre D’ Hotel with the responsibilities of overseeing the service of a restaurant. The Assistant Maitre D’ is responsible for managing a team of waiters and assistant waiters.
Experience and Skills Required: Most cruise lines expect an applicant to have at least two years of related experience on a cruise line, or in a large hotel. A college or university education with a focus on hospitality is preferable. Courses in USPH standards are required. The Assistant Maitre D’ must also have the physical ability to perform all duties of the job. Additional computerized experience is an asset.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $3,000 per month
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Job Description: Oversees the food and beverage service in the buffet restaurant; supervises the buffet stewards.
Experience and Skills Required: Most cruise lines expect an applicant to have at least two years of related experience on a cruise line, or large hotel. A college or university education with a focus on hospitality is preferable. Courses in USPH standards are required. The Food and Beverage Supervisor must also have the physical ability to perform all duties of the job. Additional computerized experience is an asset.
Average Salary: $1,200 to $1,500 per month
Head Waiter
Job Description: Oversees a section of a restaurant; assists the Maitre D’ in the supervision of the waiters and assistant waiters.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have at least five years experience in hospitality management preferably on a cruise ship or other high volume restaurant.
Average Salary: $1,200 to $3,500 per month
Head Wine Steward
Other Job Titles: Head Wine Steward (NCL), Sommelier (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Provides wine service in the restaurant; suggests wine pairing for the guests; maintains sales targets; hosts wine tasting seminars.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of bar related experience on a cruise ship or other high volume restaurant. Sales skills are an asset.
Average Salary: $1,200 to $3,500 per month
Waiter
Other Job Titles: Server (Disney Cruise Line)
Job Description: Provides food and beverage service for guests in one of the onboard dining rooms or specialty restaurants.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have at least five years of waiter experience, preferably on a cruise ship or other high volume restaurant.
Average Salary: $1,200 to $2,000 per month
Assistant Waiter
Other Job Titles: Junior Waiter (Princess Cruises), Assistant Server (Disney Cruise Line)
Job Description: Assists the waiter with food and beverage service for the guests in one of the onboard dining rooms or restaurants.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have at least three years of waiter experience in preferably on a cruise ship or other high volume restaurant.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $1,500 per month
Buffet Steward
Other Job Titles: Quick Service Attendant (Disney Cruise Line)
Job Description: Maintains the buffet restaurant seating areas; ensures cleanliness of tables, chairs and floors to USPH standards; keeps areas stocked with supplies.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidate should be able to work long hours on their feet; should have a great attention to detail; friendly with guests; able to work quickly when required.
Average Salary: $700 to $1,000 per month
Assistant Buffet Steward
Job Description: Assists the Buffet Steward with their duties
Experience and Skills Required: Candidate should be able to work long hours on their feet; should have a great attention to detail; friendly with guests; able to work quickly when required.
Average Salary: $600 to $800 per month
Bar Supervisor
Other Job Titles: Assistant Bar Manager (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises), Assistant Beverage Manager (HAL), Bar Supervisor (Princess Cruises)
Job Description: Manages the operation of a single bar or multiple bars, depending on cruise ship; supervises a team of bartenders and bar stewards.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of bar management experience on a cruise ship or in a high volume luxury resort; Post secondary education is a plus.
Average Salary: $1,200 to $1,700 per month
Bartender
Job Description: Prepares alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails; Fulfills orders placed by bar stewards in a timely manner; Complies with USPH cleanliness, preparation and storage regulations.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of bartending experience on a cruise ship or in a high volume luxury resort. Post secondary education is a plus.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $1,500 per month
Bar Steward
Job Description: Serves beverages to guests; Takes drink orders from guests.
Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of bartending experience on a cruise ship or in a high volume luxury resort.
Average Salary: $700 to $1,200 per month
Bar Utility
Other Job Titles: Assistant Bar Steward
Job Description: Assists the Bartender with stocking the bar; Stocks the bar with glassware, beverages, and miscellaneous items.
Experience and Skills Required: Potential candidates should have bartending experience on a cruise ship or a high volume luxury resort. Most bartenders start as a Bar Utility.
Average Salary: $600 to $800 per month
Culinary Service
Executive Chef
Job Description: Oversees all culinary operations onboard. Ensures all food handling, cooking, cleaning, and storing is in accordance with USPH, environmental, and safety regulations.
Experience and Skills Required: Minimum two year culinary degree coupled with a certification in sanitation and public health; The candidate for Executive Chef must have at least five years of experience as an Executive Chef on a cruise ship or high volume upscale restaurant; Must be experienced in a number of cuisines; Understanding of bakery, pastry and butcher operations.
Average Salary: $4,500 and up per month
Executive Sous Chef
Job Description: Manages an assigned galley; Ensures all food handling, cooking, cleaning, and storing is in accordance with USPH, environmental, and safety regulations.
Experience and Skills Required: Minimum two year culinary degree coupled with a certification in sanitation and public health; Candidate for Executive Sous Chef must have at least two years of experience as an Executive Chef or five years as an Executive Sous Chef on a cruise ship or high volume upscale restaurant.
Average Salary: $3,500 to $5,000 per month
Sous Chef
Job Description: Manages a section of an assigned galley; Ensures all food handling, cooking, cleaning, and storing is in accordance with USPH, environmental, and safety regulations.
Experience and Skills Required: Minimum two year culinary degree coupled with a certification in sanitation and public health; Candidate for Sous Chef must have at least five years as a Sous Chef on a cruise ship or high volume upscale restaurant.
Average Salary: 2,000 to $4,000 per month
Chief Butcher
Other Job Titles: Commis Butcher (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Oversees the raw preparation of all meats, poultry and fish
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month
Chief Pastry
Other Job Titles: Commis Pastry (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Oversees the preparation of desserts.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month
Chief Baker
Other Job Titles: Commis Baker (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Oversees the preparation of bread products.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month
Chief Crew Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis Crew (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Oversees the Crew Galley
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $2,500 to $4,000 per month
Provision Master
Job Description: Supervises the inventory of food and beverage related supplies and equipment. The position manages the day-to-day operations of ordering, receiving, shipping and storing of inventory.
Experience and Skills Required: Applicants should have a minimum of two years of management experience related to inventory or storeroom supervision. Experience with computers an asset. Knowledge of USPH storing and cleaning procedures is also required.
Average Salary: $2,500 to $4,000 per month
1st Butcher
Other Job Titles: Commis 1 Butcher (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Manages the 2nd and 3rd Butchers in one section.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $1,500 to $3,500 per month
1st Cook
Other Job Title: Commis 1 (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Manages a section or line of the galley.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $1,500 to $3,500 per month
1st Pastry Cook
Other Job Title: Commis 1 Pastry (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Manages the 2nd and 3rd Pastry Cooks.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $1,500 to $3,500 per month
1st Pizza Cook
Other Job Title: Commis 1 Pizza (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: In charge of the 2nd and 3rd Pizza Cooks.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $1,500 to $3,500 per month
1st Sushi Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 1 Pantry (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: In charge of 2nd and 3rd Sushi Cooks.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $1,500 to $3,500 per month
1st Baker
Other Job Titles: Commis 1 Baker (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: In charge of the 2nd and 3rd Bakers
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required; Supervisory experience required.
Average Salary: $1,500 to $3,500 per month
2nd Baker
Other Job Titles: Commis 2 Baker (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists the Bakers as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $2,500 per month
2nd Pizza Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 2 Pizza (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists the Pizza Cooks as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $2,500 per month
2nd Butcher
Other Job Titles: Commis 2 Butcher (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists the other Butchers as required.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $2,500 per month
2nd Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 2 (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists other Cooks as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $2,500 per month
2nd Crew Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 2 Crew (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists other Crew Cooks as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $2,500 per month
2nd Pastry Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 2 Pastry (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists other Pastry Cooks as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $2,500 per month
2nd Provision Master
Job Description: Assists Provision Master
Experience and Skills Required: Experience working in a storeroom is an asset.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $2,500 per month
3rd Baker
Other Job Titles: Commis 3 Baker (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assist other bakers as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $800 to $1,500 per month
3rd Butcher
Other Job Titles: Commis 3 Butcher (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists other butchers as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $800 to $1,500 per month
3rd Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 3 (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists other cooks as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $800 to $1,500 per month
3rd Crew Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 3 Crew (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists crew cooks as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $800 to $1,500 per month
3rd Pastry Cook
Other Job Titles: Commis 3 Pastry (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
Job Description: Assists Pastry Cook as directed.
Experience and Skills Required: Related education and experience required.
Average Salary: $800 to $1,500 per month
Ice Carver
Job Description: Carves blocks of ice and fruit for demonstration purposes; Carves ice and fruit for display purposes.
Experience and Skills Required: Proven skills in ice carvings and fruit carvings.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $1,500 per month
Galley Area Supervisor
Other Job Titles: Galley Area Supervisor (Princess Cruises), Galley Operations Manager (Royal Caribbean)
Job Description: Oversees all galley operations related to washing and sanitation processes.
Experience and Skills Required: Applicants must have at least three years of food and beverage supervisory experience in a luxury hotel or on a cruise line. A related education in hospitality or business is preferred.
Average Salary: $1,200 to $1,500 per month
Assistant Galley Area Supervisor
Other Job Titles: Assistant Galley Area Supervisor (Princess Cruises), Assistant Galley Operations Manager (Royal Caribbean)
Job Description: Assists the Galley Area Supervisor on a day-to-day basis. The Assistant Galley Area Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the washing and sanitization process in the galleys. This position supervises the team of dishwashers and Utility Galley Cleaners.
Experience and Skills Required: Applicants must have at least three years of food and beverage supervisory experience in a luxury hotel or on a cruise line. A related education in hospitality or business is preferred.
Average Salary: $1,000 to $1,200 per month
Dishwasher
Job Description: Responsible for washing plates, cutlery; Responsible for washing pots and pans.
Experience and Skills Required: Experience in a high volume kitchen environment.
Average Salary: $400 to $700 per month
Utility Galley Cleaner
Job Description: Part of a team that cleans the galleys surfaces, floors, fryers, stoves, and ovens; Assists dishwashers with their duties.
Experience and Skills Required: Experience in a high volume kitchen environment is preferred.
Average Salary: $400 to $700