Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $48,000.00 - $67,200.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Competitive wages
Bonuses
travel expenses covered
Room and board
Uniforms Provided
training provided
Opportunity for career advancement

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise company specializing in unique travel experiences along America’s rivers and coasts. Established with a focus on showcasing the beauty and culture of the United States, American Cruise Lines offers passengers an intimate and elegant way to explore over 35 states through more than 50 itineraries. The company operates the finest American ships and prides itself on delivering top-tier hospitality, safety, and customer satisfaction. The firm is driven by core values including optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which shape everything from its workplace culture to the guest experience on board. Serving as a proud representative of this prestigious brand means being part of a dedicated team passionate about sharing America’s story through exceptional service and memorable travel adventures.

American Cruise Lines is currently hiring Servers for the 2026 cruising season in a temporary 28-week full-time position. These roles are ideal for individuals seeking hospitality experience in the cruise industry combined with a rewarding work environment that covers travel, room, board, uniforms, and training expenses. As a Server onboard, you will work in the shipboard hotel and restaurant settings where your primary responsibility will be to provide guests with a refined and unforgettable dining experience. Your duties will span efficient setup and breakdown of all meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hours, as well as catering to culinary requests promptly and with care. Servers escort guests to tables, present menus, suggest food and wine pairings, answer menu questions, and ensure orders are communicated seamlessly to the galley. Beyond classic serving duties, you may also be called upon to greet guests during embarkation, serve afternoon teas and snacks, and assist with evening entertainment events.

This role demands the ability to work under pressure with composure and a positive attitude, as the ship’s constant motion requires physical endurance and coordination. The position involves working seven days per week on board, with shifts that may last up to 12 hours. Applicants must be comfortable standing for extended periods, lifting moderately heavy weights, bending, squatting, and frequently using stairs. Moreover, Servers must be capable of living and working on board for extended durations, adapting to the distinctive environment that cruising entails. The company enforces grooming standards including restrictions on visible tattoos and piercings to maintain a professional appearance.

American Cruise Lines emphasizes compliance with federal laws including pre-employment drug testing and prohibits alcohol consumption during work hours to ensure guest safety. This temporary role offers competitive wages ranging from $1,000 to $1,400 per week plus bonuses, along with a unique chance to save earnings since all major living expenses are covered aboard. With a wide network of itineraries and a culturally rich work environment, employees have the opportunity to create lasting friendships and connections with crew members and guests from across the nation. This Server position serves as an excellent entry point for those interested in starting a career in hospitality or the cruise industry, with potential pathways to management roles although such advancement is not guaranteed. Overall, working with American Cruise Lines provides a unique blend of professional growth, travel, and the pride of being part of America's leading small ship cruise line.

Job Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be an American citizen or green card holder
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without accommodation
  • Must pass pre-employment drug testing including marijuana and other controlled substances
  • No alcohol consumption allowed during work hours
  • Must comply with grooming standards including limitations on visible tattoos and piercings
  • Ability to stand for entire shifts
  • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs frequently and occasionally up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat, and reach
  • Able to live and work on board the ship for up to 28 weeks
  • Willingness to work 7 days per week while onboard
  • Ability to assist in onboard emergencies
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts
  • Willingness to use stairs frequently

Job Qualifications

  • At least 18 years of age
  • American citizen or green card holder
  • Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Proven ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive attitude
  • Experience or interest in hospitality preferred but not required
  • Ability to adapt to living and working aboard a vessel for extended periods

Job Duties

  • Provide guests with an elegant and memorable dining experience
  • Efficiently set up and break down meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour by arranging tables, linen, silverware, china, and glassware
  • Cater to all culinary requests promptly and courteously
  • Acknowledge guests by name, escort them to tables, present food and beverage menus, suggest courses and wines, and answer questions regarding menu items
  • Relay orders efficiently to the galley and serve food and beverages ensuring proper presentation and garnishing
  • Perform additional functions such as greeting guests upon embarkation, serving afternoon teas and snacks, and assisting with evening entertainment
  • Maintain high standards of hygiene and personal grooming according to company policy

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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