Onboard Hospitality: Server/Bartender/Canteen

Kingston Destination Group; Kingston; On-site; CAD 20,002 - 28,488; Part time

Job summary

A seasonal tourism company is hiring for positions as Server, Bartender, or Canteen Attendant in Kingston, Ontario. This role involves ensuring passenger safety and providing great food and drink service during cruises from April to October 2026. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and preferably some background in serving or bartending. Smart-Serve certification is required for employment.

Qualifications

• Smart-Serve certification required.
• Past hosting, serving, or bartending experience preferred.
• Proficiency in other languages is an asset, especially French.

Responsibilities

• Complete Transport Canada-approved training in marine emergency duties.
• Greet and assist guests during boarding and service.
• Prepare and deliver food and beverage items accurately.
• Participate in safety drills and act as part of the safety team.

Skills

Positive attitude

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Strong verbal communication skills in English

Proficiency in French

Heavy lifting ability

Past serving or bartending experience

Education

Smart-Serve certification

Safe Food Handlers certificate

Job description

Description

We are now hiring for seasonal positions for the 2026 tourism season!

Season

This is a seasonal position ending October 31, 2026. The Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises operating season begins in April and ends in October.

Positions

Working onboard our vessels as a Server, Bartender, or Canteen Attendant. As a member of the Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises onboard Hospitality Team you will contribute to guests' onboard sightseeing and dining experience by ensuring passenger safety, providing food and drink service directly to guests, and fulfilling orders for your service team. Successful applicants will be cross‑trained in the Server, Bartender, and Canteen attendant positions. Staff can expect to work any of these positions. Participation in other on board tasks including setup, cleaning, and safety drills is required. Your role as a member of the vessel's crew and emergency duties muster list is an important part of this job. This is a seasonal, hourly position. Hours vary according to seasonal demands. Availability for spring‑summer‑fall hours is required, including events, weekends and public holidays.

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and collaborative approach.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, guest‑focused environment.
• Strong verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in other languages is an asset, especially strong verbal skills in French.
• Heavy lifting and other demanding physical work occasionally required.
• Past hosting, serving, or bartending experience preferred.
• Smart‑Serve certification required.
• Safe Food Handlers certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete Transport Canada‑approved on‑the‑job training in marine emergency duties. Know your muster list duties, and prioritize safety at all times.
• Complete setup tasks and ensure the boat is ready for service.
• Greet and assist guests during boarding, service, and disembarkation.
• Maintain an excellent knowledge of food and beverage items, allergens, cook times, inventory.
• Take, prepare, and deliver food and beverage items ordered by guests in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Professionally plate/present food and beverages according to presentation standards.
• Minimize waste and maintain accurate inventory.
• Collect payment and process through Point‑of‑Sale software, accurately balancing end of day reports.
• Consistently meet and exceed standards for service timing and service excellence.
• Participate in safety drills and act as a member of the on board safety team.
• Anticipate and respond to guest needs: exceed expectations and create an outstanding experience as an Ambassador for Kingston.
• Support and assist the Canteen team, including assignment to Canteen Attendant shifts.

About Kingston Destination Group

Kingston Destination Group is committed to hospitality excellence as the portal to inspired visitor experience in the Kingston 1000 Islands destination. We create, sell and operate cruises, tours and experiences through our experiential brands, including Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, Kingston Trolley Tours, Waterfront Gifts & Apparel, Kingston Walks, and K‑Pass. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises operates the “Food, Fun and Entertainment Ships” of the 1000 Islands, demonstrating hospitality excellence on 1‑hour and 3‑hour cruises departing from downtown Kingston. Cruises sail on a fleet of three sightseeing and dining vessels ranging in size from 100 to 250 passengers: The Island Belle, The Island Queen, and the Island Star.

Compensation

$17.60 per hour

Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Let them know!