Waiter / Waitress - Assistant

The position of Assistant Waiter on the Pride of America is a vital role within the company's restaurant department. This role specifically supports waiters by assisting with food and beverage service in various dining settings, including buffet areas and room service. The Assistant Waiter is responsible for ensuring guests receive courteous, timely, and efficient service in accordance with the company's high standards. Working on a cruise ship like the Pride of America requires adaptability and the ability to work in a dynamic, multicultural environment. Crew members must be prepared for extended periods on board, often living and working closely with others in a shared space.

The Assistant Waiter works closely with the Assistant Restaurant Manager and is integral in maintaining smooth operations during meal services across multiple restaurant concepts, ranging from Italian and French cuisine to casual fare and specialized dining venues such as steakhouses and Brazilian steakhouses. The position demands proficiency in all meal periods—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and the flexibility to rotate through buffet stations and room service duties. Duties include setting up assigned stations with required supplies, following proper service sequences, addressing guest concerns promptly, and ensuring cleanliness and orderliness of the station.

This role is also essential in supporting private parties and events held onboard by assisting with setting up and serving food and beverages. The Assistant Waiter must be knowledgeable about wine and beverage service, and help optimize up-selling opportunities to contribute to departmental food and beverage revenue targets. Physical demands of the job are significant and include carrying trays with multiple covers or glasses, moving through tight spaces, and performing various physical tasks as required in the shipboard environment.

Candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have at least two years of relevant wait staff experience in fine dining, banquet service, or shipboard hospitality. Proficiency in English, excellent customer service skills, and a professional appearance are mandatory. Additionally, applicants are required to pass physical competency requirements as set by the U.S. Coast Guard for merchant mariners, including the ability to carry out essential shipboard tasks safely and efficiently.

Overall, the Assistant Waiter position offers an exciting opportunity for hospitality professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional service while enjoying the unique lifestyle of life at sea. The role fosters teamwork, camaraderie, and a customer-focused approach in a thriving, fast-paced environment aboard the Pride of America.Show Less