Chief Stewardess

Runs the interior department and sets the standard for guest service on board.

The chief stew (or chief steward) manages the entire interior team and experience: service standards, housekeeping, laundry, provisioning, guest preferences, event planning and interior budgets. It's a demanding management role that blends hospitality skill with genuine leadership.

What the job actually involves

• Briefing the interior team on guest preferences and the day's schedule
• Overseeing service standards for meals, drinks and events
• Managing interior budgets, provisioning and inventory
• Recruiting, training and rostering stewardesses/stewards
• Liaising directly with owners, guests, the captain and other heads of department

Getting hired

• Several years of interior experience, typically starting as a junior or 2nd stewardess and working up through service, silver service and wine courses
• STCW Basic Safety Training and a valid ENG1
• Formal interior/hospitality qualifications (silver service, wine and beverage, event planning, guest relations) are strongly expected at chief stew level
• Prior hospitality, hotel or cruise-ship experience can accelerate entry into the interior department