Stateroom Steward/ess

About the Company

Viking is a major global experiential travel company operating a fleet of over 100 ships across 21 rivers, five oceans, and all seven continents. Its voyages are designed for inquisitive travelers who value science, history, culture, and cuisine. The company has earned more than 450 awards, including top rankings for Rivers and Oceans in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards for the fifth year in a row, and it has also been recognized as a World’s Best by Travel + Leisure.

Working at Viking

As a member of the shipboard team, you are expected to represent Viking’s values and its STAR Service culture. The role calls for a hospitality professional who takes pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Viking supports team members with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to succeed onboard, while fostering a family-like environment built on shared values, care, and high standards.

Role Purpose

The Stateroom Steward/ess is responsible for providing personalized housekeeping service and maintaining consistently high standards of cleanliness in guest staterooms. The role also requires excellent guest interaction, with the goal of creating a warm, service-driven atmosphere that supports guest satisfaction, repeat business, revenue growth, and overall profitability.

Key Duties

• Perform housekeeping service twice a day for around 15 to 20 staterooms, including bed making, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning verandas, bathrooms, toilets, windows, mirrors, and restocking linen, towels, and amenities.
• Know all areas of the stateroom thoroughly and be ready to support and guide the Assistant Stateroom Steward.
• Monitor the condition of staterooms, report maintenance issues through the shipboard reporting system, and replace items such as glassware and coffee machines.
• Protect guest privacy and secure guest areas, while handling complaints professionally and appropriately.
• Deliver ice, provide laundry collection and delivery, and offer shoeshine service to guests.
• Use cleaning supplies, materials, and housekeeping equipment correctly; collect and dispose of garbage in the proper containers while following separation rules and public health standards.
• Help with luggage handling on embarkation and disembarkation days.
• Attend the Daily Reunion each day to align with team priorities and maintain consistent STAR Service standards.
• Maintain excellent comfort, cleanliness, and hygiene in assigned areas, preparing service based on guest movement, embarkation/disembarkation schedules, sea day activities, and other onboard events.
• Wear the required PPE at all times and use safe lifting techniques to avoid injury.
• Follow Viking’s image and uniform standards and maintain impeccable grooming.
• Protect company property, especially during rough weather, to avoid damage or loss.
• Adapt easily to changing schedules, pressure, and service demands while maintaining a positive attitude and strong company image.
• Learn about itinerary ports, shore excursions, shipboard events, entertainment, and programs.
• Work toward housekeeping quality and financial goals.
• Follow safety, security, environmental, and public health procedures, and take part in all required onboard training and emergency drills.
• Manage stateroom minibars during each cruise when requested by the Executive Housekeeper.
• Support other departments and take on additional tasks as directed by supervisors.

Experience and Profile

• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a Stateroom Steward/ess or in a similar role is required.
• Prior work in a high-standard guest service and cleanliness environment, such as premium cruise ships, is necessary, along with previous cruise industry exposure.
• Experience cleaning at least 15 to 20 rooms twice per day is required.
• The role demands extensive walking, long periods of standing, and the ability to physically manage 50+ lbs.
• Strong English communication skills are needed to interact effectively with native English-speaking guests.
• The candidate should be guest-focused, service-oriented, positive, professionally presented, and able to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Comfort with chemicals, hazardous materials, and cleaning equipment is essential.
• Solid knowledge of public health and sanitation compliance is required.

Guidelines and Regulations

• Standard operating procedures and STAR Service standards must be followed at all times.
• Clothing and overall appearance must meet Viking’s image and uniform requirements.
• The company may amend or extend the job description at any time during employment if needed.

Additional Job Information

Position: Stateroom Steward

Supervisor: Assistant Chief Housekeeper

Reports to / receives instructions from: Assistant Chief Housekeeper, Executive Housekeeper, and Hotel General Manager

Gives instructions to: Assistant Stateroom Steward, where applicable

Application and Job-Relevant Information

This role is subject to appearance standards, including rules around visible tattoos. Visible tattoos are not allowed, and tattoos hidden with makeup, skin-colored sleeves, or any covering other than the company uniform are still considered visible under the policy. Exceptions may be reviewed individually where appropriate. Tattoo removal is not recommended and does not guarantee employment, as it is a personal decision. Any employment offer depends on successfully completing all mandatory medical checks required by the company. After submitting a CV, candidates may be invited to record a short personal video introduction, although this is optional and not a required part of recruitment. Further details are available in the recruitment guidelines.

Disclaimer

As part of recruitment, personal data from applicants is collected and processed in line with data protection obligations. The company states that its privacy notice explains how applicant information is collected and used.

Location

Southern Africa