OCEAN - Waiter

Viking; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Work with a world-class hospitality team

Dynamic work environment on a cruise ship

Job summary

Viking in California seeks an experienced Waiter to provide high-quality service onboard our ships. You will ensure efficient food and beverage operations while maintaining excellent guest satisfaction standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years in a hospitality setting, fluent English communication skills, and a commitment to safety and hygiene standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Waiter in a premium hospitality environment.
• Fluent in English with excellent communication skills.
• Physically fit to carry heavy items and stand for prolonged periods.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high guest service standards and manage assigned service station.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in assigned areas.
• Relay orders accurately and serve food & beverages efficiently.

Skills

Guest-focused attitude

Excellent English communication

Strong knowledge of F&B safety and allergy

Ability to work independently

Job description

Overview

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Working with Viking

As a Viking Shipboard Team Member, you represent Viking’s values and our Service Standard, STAR Service. You are a hospitality professional with a passion for excellence. Viking will empower you with the skills, knowledge and tools to succeed in your role onboard. At Viking, we are committed to each other and our Guests through a shared set of values. We strive to be the best, we always impress our Guests and we care for each other as a family. By working for Viking, you embody our world-class service culture and become a valued part of our Viking Family.

Purpose of Position

• The Waiter ensures efficient food and beverage (F&B) operations and maintains high productivity, quality, and guest-service standards in accordance with Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• It is your responsibility to create a friendly, guest-orientated service culture to ensure Guest satisfaction.

Your Responsibilities

• Manage, control and organize the assigned service station, while supervising 2 to 4 Assistant Waiters and/or Café attendants; manage, control & organize room service orders and dispatch, when instructed.
• Manage restaurant reservations and seating requirements, when instructed.
• Conduct stock takes and inventory, according to company procedures, as required.
• Learn and use appropriate food and wine terminology & pronunciation, to enhance the Guest's dining experience; become familiar with menu descriptions and wine lists, in order to discuss items appropriately with guests.
• Have full knowledge of Viking’s F&B options & ships activities; present F&B menus to Guests, suggest dinner courses, appropriate wines and answer questions regarding menu and wine selections.
• Relay orders to the Galley, using the MXP Ordering Software; serve courses from the Galley and beverages from various locations, following safe Company Alcohol Serving Policies.
• Serve food and beverages efficiently and in a courteous manner, according to company standards and procedures.
• Prepare and perform F&B activities (i.e. cocktail parties and Tea Time) and special events, as assigned.
• Keep & store any assigned inventory stock, in accordance with set par-levels, following Safety and Sanitation Rules and Regulations.
• Ensure assigned areas are set up in accordance with the direction from the relevant Supervisors and Viking’s Operations Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Minimize equipment loss/damage, and maintain immaculate cleanliness standards in relevant areas, by applying safe working policies and procedures, according to all Public Health Policies, and ensuring that all equipment is sanitized and returned accordingly, after each use; clean & polish equipment, glassware and flatware.
• Ensure mise-en-place for all areas of responsibility are prepared 15 minutes prior to service.
• Partake in embarkation duty, as directed, including but not limited to luggage assistance, escorting Guests and any other related duties; participate in storing, as assigned or directed.
• Participate in “The Daily Reunion” every day to understand your team’s operational needs and to ensure consistent adherence to Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• Provide the highest level of comfort and sales-oriented service to Guests and consistently maintain an impeccable standard of cleanliness and hygiene in assigned areas, as per Viking’s STAR Service Standards and all Public Health Policies; proactively prepare service according to Guest flow, embarkation & disembarkation, sea day activities & other activities.
• Ensure you always wear the appropriate and task specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for your duties onboard. Always use correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
• Ensure that company property is appropriately secured and protected, especially during rough weather conditions, in order to prevent unnecessary loss or damage.
• Demonstrates outstanding flexibility: able to work at different times of the day, under pressure and reflect a positive can-do attitude and the best image of Viking at all times.
• Become knowledgeable about itinerary-related ports of call, shore excursions and shipboard activities such as events, entertainment and programs.
• Have full knowledge about safety & security procedures and can operate in line with all Public Health, Environmental and Safety & Security Policies; participate in all training concerning onboard training, safety & security, fire prevention, evacuation exercises as required by the company.
• Take ownership of the assigned areas of responsibilities in any F&B outlet, according to direction from the relevant Supervisor; assist in other departments and/or perform additional duties, as necessary.

This document describes the primary activities, duties and responsibilities of this position. Your manager or supervisor may assign additional duties and responsibilities to you.

Your Profile

• A required minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Waiter or similar position, within a premium brand hospitality environment; shipboard experience in the position is required.
• Solid F&B and allergy knowledge is a must.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work independently.
• Minimum age of twenty-one (21) years old; physically fit and in good health; must be able to carry heavy items and stand, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods of time.
• Fluent in English - must have excellent English communication skills to clearly communicate to the Restaurant Team and Guests.
• Be flexible, stress resistant, and a committed team player with an exceptional work ethic.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance, and impeccable hygiene standards, with excellent knowledge of all Public Health Policies are required.

Guidelines and Regulations

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department.
• Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the updated Grooming Standards.
• The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment.

Application and Job Relevant Information

Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-colored sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case-by-case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company. After submitting your CV, we might ask you to introduce yourself with a personal video recording. We always encourage our candidates to take this step to add their personality to any written application. Please note, however, that this step is optional and not a mandatory part of the recruiting process. For further information, please refer to our Recruitment Guidelines.

Disclaimer

As part of any recruitment process, Viking collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. If you would like to find out more about how your information will be used, please view the privacy notice on our careers page.