Assistant Housekeeper Cruise Ship Jobs

Cruise Ship

Assistant Housekeeper Cruise Ship Jobs – A Gateway to Luxury Hospitality Careers at Sea

Working on a cruise ship isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle. And for those passionate about hospitality, organization, and delivering world-class guest experiences, the role of an Assistant Housekeeper offers a unique and rewarding opportunity. Whether you’re stepping up from a hotel background or already have cruise experience, this position places you at the heart of onboard operations, ensuring every guest area reflects luxury, comfort, and impeccable cleanliness.

What Does an Assistant Housekeeper Do on a Cruise Ship?

An Assistant Housekeeper supports the Executive Housekeeper in overseeing the cleanliness and hygiene standards across the ship – including guest cabins, suites, public areas, and even crew quarters. They play a pivotal leadership role, managing housekeeping teams, coordinating shift schedules, handling guest feedback, and ensuring compliance with international health and safety standards.

Core Responsibilities Typically Include:

  • Supervising cabin stewards and cleaning teams.

  • Inspecting rooms and public spaces to ensure cleanliness standards.

  • Managing housekeeping inventory and supply requests.

  • Training new staff on safety and cleaning protocols.

  • Supporting daily operational planning with the Executive Housekeeper.

  • Assisting in responding to guest requests or complaints promptly and professionally.

  • Ensuring compliance with USPH/HACCP sanitation standards.

Key Skills & Requirements

To succeed in this role, cruise lines usually expect a blend of practical experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage a multicultural team under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in a 4-star or 5-star hotel or on a cruise ship.

  • Strong leadership and time management skills.

  • High attention to detail and guest service mindset.

  • Good spoken and written English (additional languages like French or German are a plus).

  • Experience with housekeeping software (e.g., Fidelio, MXP) can be advantageous.

Mandatory Certifications (typically required):

  • STCW Basic Safety Training (Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid, Personal Safety).

  • Security Awareness Certification.

  • Crowd Management Training (especially for passenger ships).

  • Valid Seafarer Medical Certificate.

  • Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity).

  • Vaccination certificates (Covid-19, Yellow Fever, Measles – depending on ship route).

Salary & Benefits – What to Expect?

Cruise ship companies offer competitive salary packages for Assistant Housekeeper roles, often along with extensive perks that make the seafaring lifestyle even more attractive.

Estimated Monthly Salary Range:

$2,000 – $2,800 USD (depending on cruise line and experience level)

Common Benefits Include:

  • Free shared or private accommodation onboard.

  • Complimentary meals, laundry, and uniforms.

  • Paid international travel to/from the ship.

  • Access to crew recreation areas and internet/Wi-Fi.

  • Contractual rotations (e.g., 4 months on/2 months off).

  • Opportunities for promotion to Executive Housekeeper roles.

Some cruise lines even provide health insurance, training programs, and performance bonuses.

Life Onboard – The Day-to-Day Reality

Life at sea is unlike any land-based job. As an Assistant Housekeeper, your schedule may include long shifts and back-to-back turnaround days, especially during embarkation and disembarkation. However, the dynamic environment, travel to exotic destinations, and camaraderie among an international crew make it an unforgettable experience.

You may visit places like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, or Asia – all while building a global network and enhancing your professional profile.

Career Growth Opportunities

Many of today’s Executive Housekeepers or Hotel Managers on cruise ships started out in roles like Assistant Housekeeper. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to high standards, rapid promotions are possible within the hospitality department.

Some career paths after this role may include:

  • Executive Housekeeper

  • Hotel Operations Supervisor

  • Guest Services Manager

  • Housekeeping Manager in luxury hotels or resorts (on land)

Cruise lines often prefer to promote from within, and consistent performers are rewarded.

Real Job Examples from AllCruiseJobs.com

Here’s a quick look at real Assistant Housekeeper jobs recently posted on AllCruiseJobs.com:

✅ Assistant Housekeeper – Faststream Recruitment

  • Salary: Approx. $2,483/month

  • 4-6 month contracts

  • Requires prior hotel or cruise experience

  • Free Wi-Fi, meals, and travel included

✅ Assistant Housekeeper – BSM Cruise Services

  • Work with Executive Housekeeper to manage all cabin and public area cleanliness.

  • Requires STCW, Security Awareness, and a valid Seaman’s Book.

  • English required; French a plus.

✅ Assistant Chief Housekeeper – Luxury Cruise Line

  • Supervising team of 13+ cabin stewards.

  • Required to manage supplies, reports, and onboard procedures.

  • Great for candidates with leadership background in hotel housekeeping.

(Note: Some of these positions may now be closed, but new listings are added regularly.)

Ready to Apply?

If you’re detail-oriented, energetic, and eager to build a career in international hospitality while exploring the world – the Assistant Housekeeper role on a cruise ship might just be your perfect fit.

Browse and apply to live jobs now:
All Assistant Housekeeper Jobs on AllCruiseJobs.com

Keep your CV updated, your documents ready, and check back regularly for new openings.