Stateroom Steward/ess

About Viking

Viking is a worldwide experiential travel company operating a fleet of more than 100 ships across 21 rivers, five oceans, and all seven continents. The brand is built for inquisitive travelers interested in science, history, culture, and cuisine. Viking has earned more than 450 industry awards and has been ranked #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans for five straight years in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. It is also recognized as a “World’s Best” travel company by Travel + Leisure, making it unique among travel brands in receiving top honors from both publications.

Working at Viking

As a team member aboard a Viking ship, you are expected to reflect the company’s values and STAR Service standard at all times. The role is part of a hospitality-driven environment where excellence, consistency, and care for guests and colleagues are central. Viking provides the training, tools, and support needed to perform well onboard and be part of its service culture.

Role purpose

The Stateroom Steward/ess is responsible for delivering personalized housekeeping and a consistently high level of cleanliness in guest staterooms. The role is also focused on creating a warm, guest-centered service experience that supports guest satisfaction, repeat business, and the company’s overall revenue and profitability goals.

Key duties

• Perform twice-daily servicing of 15 to 20 staterooms, including bed making, vacuuming, dusting, veranda cleaning, bathroom and toilet cleaning, mirror and window cleaning, and replenishing linens, towels, and room supplies.
• Know the stateroom setup thoroughly and support or guide the Assistant Stateroom Steward when needed.
• Keep staterooms in proper working condition, log maintenance issues through shipboard reporting tools, and replace items such as glassware and coffee machines when required.
• Protect guest privacy and security, and handle guest complaints professionally and calmly.
• Deliver ice, laundry pickup and delivery, and shoeshine services for guests.
• Use cleaning chemicals, supplies, and housekeeping equipment safely; sort and dispose of waste correctly; and follow public health standards for garbage handling and separation.
• Support luggage handling during embarkation and disembarkation.
• Attend the daily team reunion to stay aligned with operational needs and maintain STAR Service standards.
• Maintain exceptional comfort, cleanliness, and hygiene in assigned areas while preparing service based on guest traffic, embarkation, disembarkation, sea days, and other onboard activities.
• Wear required PPE, use safe lifting methods, and follow all safety practices to avoid injury.
• Maintain grooming and uniform standards in line with the company’s image requirements.
• Safeguard company property, especially in rough weather, to prevent damage or loss.
• Adapt to changing schedules and pressure while keeping a positive, professional, and service-oriented attitude.
• Learn about ports of call, shore excursions, entertainment, and other shipboard programs.
• Work toward housekeeping quality and financial targets.
• Follow safety, security, environmental, and public health procedures, including onboard training, fire prevention, and evacuation drills.
• Manage stateroom minibars during each cruise as directed by the Executive Housekeeper.
• Support other departments and take on additional tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Profile and experience

• At least 2 years of experience as a Stateroom Steward/ess or in a similar role is required.
• Experience in a high-standard guest service and cleanliness environment, such as premium cruise operations, is necessary; prior cruise industry experience is also required.
• Prior responsibility for cleaning 15 to 20 rooms twice per day is expected.
• The candidate must be capable of extensive walking, long periods of standing, and handling loads of 50+ lbs.
• Strong English communication skills are needed to interact effectively with native English-speaking guests.
• A guest-first mindset, professional behavior, positive attitude, polished appearance, and strict hygiene standards are essential.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion is required.
• Comfort working with chemicals, hazardous materials, and cleaning equipment is necessary.
• Strong understanding of public health and sanitary compliance is required.

Guidelines and conditions

The role must be performed in line with Standard Operating Procedures and STAR Service standards. Dress and appearance must follow Viking’s image and uniform rules. The company may modify or extend the job duties at any time during employment if needed.

Role title: Stateroom Steward. Supervisor: Assistant Chief Housekeeper. This role may give instructions to an Assistant Stateroom Steward, if applicable, and receives direction from the Assistant Chief Housekeeper, Executive Housekeeper, and Hotel General Manager.

Application and job-relevant information

This position is subject to appearance standards, including rules around visible tattoos. Visible tattoos are not allowed, and tattoos covered with makeup, skin-colored sleeves, or any covering other than the company uniform are still treated as visible. Exceptions may be reviewed individually where appropriate. Tattoo removal is not encouraged and does not guarantee selection, as it is a personal choice. Any employment offer will depend on passing all required medical examinations.

After CV submission, candidates may be invited to record a personal video introduction. This is optional and not mandatory, but it is encouraged as a way to add personality to the application.

Privacy and data use

The company collects and processes applicant data as part of recruitment and states that it is committed to transparency and data protection obligations. Further details about how personal data is used are available in the privacy notice on the company careers page.