Waiter / Waitress - Assistant - Now Hiring!

Job description
The hiring establishment for this position is the Pride of America, a premier cruise ship operated by NCL America that offers unique and luxurious travel experiences to its guests. As a distinguished element of the hospitality and tourism industry, this cruise ship company sets high standards for excellence in service, guest satisfaction, and employee professionalism. The Pride of America provides an environment where employees work onboard, delivering exemplary food and beverage services to a diverse, international clientele aboard a moving vessel. This opportunity is not just a job but a lifestyle, demanding commitment for extended periods while sailing between some of the most beautiful destinations.

This specific role is for an Assistant Waiter who reports directly to the Assistant Restaurant Manager. The Assistant Waiter plays a critical supporting role in the food and beverage departments. This position involves assisting the waiter in servicing a designated station or team within the restaurants, including both buffet-style and room service assignments. The role requires the ability to rotate throughout different dining service areas, such as standard buffet setups and in-room service, ensuring that all guests receive courteous, prompt, and efficient service according to the company's strict standards.

Beyond simply serving food and beverages, the Assistant Waiter contributes to achieving departmental goals, including guest satisfaction targets and revenue through proactive upselling strategies. This role requires adaptability, attention to detail, and a guest-centric approach to consistently exceed expectations. The incumbent also helps maintain hygienic and presentable dining areas before, during, and after service periods, ensuring all mise-en-place is appropriately prepared with items such as china, glassware, and silverware. Additionally, the Assistant Waiter supports buffet action stations like carving or dessert stations as necessary.

The role is embedded in a multicultural working environment where flexibility in scheduling and assignments is a must. The applicant should be knowledgeable of diverse dining service styles pertinent to various cuisines offered onboard, such as Italian, French, Oriental, and specialized dining concepts like Brazilian Steakhouse or fine dining. Key personality attributes include passion for hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, respect, and a positive demeanor. Physical fitness and the ability to perform challenging tasks such as carrying trays with multiple covers and glasses, climbing stairs and ladders, and meeting specific physical requirements per U.S. Coast Guard standards are necessary.

Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in front waiter roles with fine dining and banquet service backgrounds, a working knowledge of selling and serving wine and beverage products, and proficient English communication skills. Formal education requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent with additional training in safety, environmental, health, and sanitation regulations. Practical, hands-on skills and compliance with safety policies like SEMS form a fundamental part of this role. The versatile assistant waiter position calls for an enthusiastic individual who can thrive in a demanding, fast-paced, shipboard hospitality environment translating skills into exceptional guest experiences.
• High school diploma, secondary education or equivalent
• Minimum of two years of experience as a front waiter with fine dining and banquet service
• Minimum of two years experience selling and serving wine and beverage products
• Intermediate to advanced English communication skills
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Passionate about hospitality and customer service
• Ability to work 7 days a week
• Physical ability to meet U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential standards
• Professional appearance and good hygiene