A cabin steward is a ship employee who is responsible for keeping cabins clean and ready for passengers. These workers are most commonly found on cruise ships, which have the greatest demand for passenger and room services. Aside from cleaning the rooms, keeping the beds tidy, replacing towels, and other basic services, the cabin steward may also provide information to passengers to enhance their cruise experience. All employees on a ship should be trustworthy, but cabin stewards must be especially friendly, honest, professional, and polite because they are frequently in a passenger’s room.
In general, a cabin steward is in charge of the upkeep of a group of rooms, which are usually in the same general area. This means that the steward is usually present in a predictable location to assist guests, deliver towels or clean sheets as needed, and enter rooms to clean up in a non-obtrusive manner. The majority of the cabin steward’s day is spent cleaning rooms without disturbing guests’ luggage or belongings. A steward may also assist with carrying luggage to rooms or other minor tasks on board.
A cabin steward must frequently predict what a guest will want. If one cabin, for example, appears to be using a lot of towels, a good steward may leave extra towels to compensate. When a steward is aware of special preferences, such as a child’s favorite animal or an adult’s favorite food, he or she may fold towels in the shape of the animal or offer subtle hints on where to find that food onshore. Making small gestures for the enjoyment of guests can sometimes result in generous tips for the steward. It is customary to tip a steward in an amount commensurate with the quality of service provided, usually on the last night of the cruise.
Working as a cabin steward frequently brings you into contact with people of various nationalities and backgrounds. Professionalism is required for this position, but a truly great steward must also possess intercultural skills and be able to communicate in a variety of languages. No matter how difficult a guest may be, the steward must be able to make them feel welcome. This is not a good job for people who have trouble putting up with difficult people because of how servile this position can be.
Cabin stewards frequently work intense schedules for a few weeks and then take a long break. As a result, working weeks can be extremely stressful, with little time to unwind. While other shipboard jobs, such as bartending or entertaining, may be more glamorous and allow for more leisure time, service jobs are typically very demanding. This is not a job for someone who simply wants to travel because they will not be able to leave the ship while it is in port. It is, however, an excellent job for someone who needs to save money, as most jobs include room and board, allowing money earned to be taken home.