Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises.

With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.

Assistant Waiter/ess

US–Mississippi River

Full-time employment: Earn up to $40,000 – $55,000 annually, which includes participation in Viking’s gratuity program. All crewmembers receive a generous employee benefits package, including health insurance.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As part of our Mississippi Food & Beverage team your job is to deliver meals, set up and maintain all buffet areas in accordance with Viking’s STAR Service Standards. You will report to the Assistant Restaurant Manager in our onboard Restaurant, River Café and Room Service.

WHY JOIN VIKING?

Elevate Your Career
Regardless of where you are on your career journey, Viking can help you in reaching new destinations with:

Paid training program in skills and approach to premium hospitality services
On-the-job coaching to help you advance rapidly
A lifelong network of hospitality professionals

Onboard our ship

Lodging (shared cabin with 1 other crewmember), meals, Wi-Fi, uniforms, and laundry are free of charge for all crew members
Travel to/from the ship provided by Viking
Crew-only deck and dedicated recreational activities

Benefits year-round, on and off the ship

As a full-time employee, you are eligible for benefits such as:

Viking pays for and provides more, better coverage: Health, vision, and dental insurance with very low premiums (some plans are fully paid by Viking)
Referral program & retention bonus
401k savings plan with company matching all your contributions with an additional 4%

WHAT YOU WILL DO ON BOARD

Provide support for food and beverage services in assigned areas
Set up and maintain self-service buffet areas, assist with food service and ensure mise-en-place for all areas prior to service
Serve beverages, maintain service quality standards, and prepare for special events
Ensure equipment and work areas are clean and well-maintained
Provide high level of comfort and sales-oriented service to guests
Willing and able to work 10-12 weeks straight on the ship followed by 3 weeks vacation. (Schedule & rotation may flucuate depending on occupancey and staffing needs)

ABOUT YOU

2+ years’ experience as Restaurant attendant or similar at a 5-Star hospitality and/or restaurant environment; shipboard experience is an advantage
Must be 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
Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards
Excellent knowledge of all public health policies

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS & AT WILL EMPLOYMENT:

U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card) to work onboard the ship, as required by federal regulations
Ability to satisfactorily pass a pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for marijuana and other controlled substances. We are a Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free workplace
Viking Cruises is an At-Will Employer. As such your, employment with Viking is a voluntary one and is subject to termination with or without cause or notice, at any time by you or Viking. Nothing in this document or in any oral or written statement shall be interpreted to conflict with or limit the right to terminate employment at-will.

Viking Cruises

The Viking Story

More than 20 years ago, Viking® set the standard for what river cruising should be, and today we are the leader that all others follow. In 2015, we took the same small ship, destination-focused experience to the seas and reinvented ocean cruising. Over the years Viking has won numerous ocean and river cruise line awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Cruise Critic, Travel + Leisure, Travel Weekly and more.

Viking is a strong and dynamic company—with a growing fleet of more than 80 river ships and seven ocean vessels cruising over 100 itineraries around the world. In 2022, our guests will experience all the comfort and elegance of our award-winning fleet with two expedition ships built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations. We will also expand our operations to the U.S. with the addition of a new Mississippi River ship.

Join the Viking Family

If you have always dreamed of combining your love of travel with the ability to grow your career, consider a position at Viking. We are the world’s leading small ship cruise line, and there is tremendous potential to advance your career with us. As part of our crew, when your ship is docked at the many destinations we visit, you can explore ashore and refresh during your free time.

Additionally, with Viking’s award-winning service and thoughtfully curated onboard experiences, our guests are typically very satisfied. This, combined with Viking’s gratuity guidelines, means that you can expect to be well rewarded as an employee on board a Viking ship.