Three hospitality workers wearing light blue uniforms and name badges stand smiling in a well-lit corridor with warm lighting and modern decor. Two healthcare professionals wearing light blue uniforms and name badges stand side by side indoors, smiling at the camera. The background is softly blurred, suggesting a hospital or clinical setting.

Housekeeping & Laundry team

Behind the scenes, our housekeeping and laundry teams work together to keep the ship running smoothly, delivering the comfort, cleanliness and care that make every holiday feel effortless. From sorting, washing, pressing and finishing thousands of linen items each day to preparing beautifully refreshed cabins and sparkling public spaces, our crew brings energy, expertise and pride to everything they do.

Using commercial equipment, smart processes and meticulous attention to detail, we ensure guest linen, towels, uniforms and personal items stay fresh and ready – on time, every time. Whether you’re folding and delivering linen, operating specialist machinery, leading daily operations or adding those thoughtful finishing touches that transform a cabin, you’ll play a vital part in creating spaces guests love.

It’s a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment where you’ll meet people from all over the world, see the impact of your work in real time and help deliver the extraordinary holiday happiness we’re known for.

Structured training and development

Learn from experienced colleagues and gain skills that open doors to future opportunities.

Clear career progression

Many of our cabin stewards move into supervisory roles quickly, thanks to our commitment to recognising talent.

A supportive team culture

You’ll work alongside friendly, professional colleagues who share your passion for delivering exceptional service.

Competitive rewards and benefits

We value hard work and dedication, and we make sure it’s recognised.

Travel and adventure lifestyle

Explore new destinations during your down time.

Housekeeping roles
Housekeeping Manager working at laptop in cruise ship office, overseeing cabin cleanliness and guest room standards
Assistant Housekeeping Manager working at computer in cruise ship office, managing guest services and housekeeping operations
A hotel staff member in a suit sets a tray with a teapot, cup, and saucer on a table in a stylish, modern room with a sofa, cushions, and abstract wall art in the background.
A smiling housekeeper hoovers a carpeted corridor. A yellow Trip Hazard warning sign is placed nearby. The corridor has cream walls, handrails, and doors on both sides.
A woman in a housekeeping uniform arranges a cushion on a sofa in a modern, well-lit living room with a TV, bookshelves, a glass coffee table, and a black piano.
A man in a light blue shirt secures a brown strap around large metal containers in an industrial or warehouse setting.
A smiling hotel staff member wearing orange gloves and a light blue uniform cleans a decorative metal sculpture with a yellow cloth in a well-lit interior.
A person holding a pen writes on a blank sheet of paper attached to a clipboard, with only a small mark visible on the page.

Housekeeping manager

Lead the entire housekeeping and laundry operation. Manage teams, budgets and standards across guest, crew and public areas. Drive service excellence, ensure compliance and create a clean, comfortable home-away-from-home for everyone on board.

Housekeeping Manager working at laptop in cruise ship office, overseeing cabin cleanliness and guest room standards

Assistant housekeeping manager

Supporting the housekeeping manager day-to-day, look after the running of housekeeping operations across passenger decks. Lead teams, manage standards, resolve issues and ensure cabins are always clean, safe and welcoming.

Assistant Housekeeping Manager working at computer in cruise ship office, managing guest services and housekeeping operations

Butler

Deliver a personalised, professional service to guests in suites. From unpacking luggage to arranging dining, celebrations and shore experiences, you’ll anticipate needs, maintain high standards and create truly memorable moments.

A hotel staff member in a suit sets a tray with a teapot, cup, and saucer on a table in a stylish, modern room with a sofa, cushions, and abstract wall art in the background.

Housekeeper – deck / night / crew

Lead a team caring for passenger cabins and crew areas. Manage cleaning standards, schedules and supplies, and support training and audits across the housekeeping department.

A smiling housekeeper hoovers a carpeted corridor. A yellow Trip Hazard warning sign is placed nearby. The corridor has cream walls, handrails, and doors on both sides.

Cabin steward

Create a clean, calm space guests love coming back to. Maintain cabins and corridors to high standards, respond to guest needs and support a smooth, welcoming experience from embarkation to farewell.

A woman in a housekeeping uniform arranges a cushion on a sofa in a modern, well-lit living room with a TV, bookshelves, a glass coffee table, and a black piano.

Housekeeping steward

Care for crew and officer spaces. Clean cabins and corridors, manage linen and amenities and help make crew areas a home away from home for your colleagues.

A man in a light blue shirt secures a brown strap around large metal containers in an industrial or warehouse setting.

Hotel assistant – housekeeping night / crew

Support a clean, safe and welcoming ship. From public areas to crew spaces, you’ll clean, set up venues, assist with luggage and help across departments, keeping everything shipshape though flexibility and attention to detail.

A smiling hotel staff member wearing orange gloves and a light blue uniform cleans a decorative metal sculpture with a yellow cloth in a well-lit interior.

Housekeeping administrator

Keep the housekeeping team running smoothly behind the scenes. You’ll manage records, respond to guest requests and coordinate special touches, that create unforgettable holiday happiness.

A person holding a pen writes on a blank sheet of paper attached to a clipboard, with only a small mark visible on the page.
How to apply
Meet the team: Jude
Keen to polish your skills?

At P&O Cruises we want you to grow your skills and build a rewarding career at sea. That’s why we offer Career Passports for housekeeping team members – tools that help you understand your strengths, set personal goals and see the steps to progress into your next role. They highlight clear development opportunities and support your journey, so your career can be as exciting and fulfilling as the destinations we visit.

Career Passports are currently available for cabin steward roles.

Cabin crew member standing in a cabin area holding neatly folded white towels, with curtains and soft furnishings visible behind.
Laundry roles
A man in a dark uniform with gold buttons smiles and talks to another man in white work clothes in an industrial laundry room, with another worker handling laundry in the background.
Two men, one in a white uniform and one in a green uniform, inspect and discuss a large industrial laundry machine in a brightly lit laundry facility with piles of folded linen in the background.
A man in a white uniform smiles whilst working in a laundry facility, standing in front of a large machine with a pile of white linen in the background.
A man in a white uniform loads white towels into a large industrial washing machine in a laundry facility, surrounded by blue trolleys and equipment.
Shipboard tailor using sewing machine to repair uniform, supporting crew wardrobe and garment maintenance services

Laundry manager

Manage and motivate the laundry team to deliver an exceptional, reliable service for guests, crew and ship operations. Oversee equipment, scheduling, quality checks and problem‑solving to ensure every item is cleaned, cared for and returned on time. Drive efficiency while maintaining safety and service excellence.

A man in a dark uniform with gold buttons smiles and talks to another man in white work clothes in an industrial laundry room, with another worker handling laundry in the background.

Senior laundry operative

Lead daily laundry operations, supporting the team to deliver high‑quality, efficient service across the ship. You’ll monitor cleaning standards, train colleagues, and manage stock, chemicals and equipment to ensure a safe, smooth and well‑coordinated workflow.

Two men, one in a white uniform and one in a green uniform, inspect and discuss a large industrial laundry machine in a brightly lit laundry facility with piles of folded linen in the background.

Laundry operative

Operate commercial laundry equipment and process linen, uniforms and personal items to consistently high standards. You’ll help maintain machinery, keep the laundry area clean and organised, and work as part of a busy team delivering a fast, efficient and dependable service for guests and crew.

A man in a white uniform smiles whilst working in a laundry facility, standing in front of a large machine with a pile of white linen in the background.

Laundry assistant

Support the laundry team by sorting, folding and delivering linen across the ship. You’ll operate laundry machines safely, maintain a clean workspace and ensure every item meets our high standards.

A man in a white uniform loads white towels into a large industrial washing machine in a laundry facility, surrounded by blue trolleys and equipment.

Tailor

Provide expert repairs, alterations and adjustments for uniforms, costumes and linens. You’ll maintain sewing equipment, support the wider laundry team, and help ensure every garment meets our high standards, keeping crew looking professional and operations running smoothly.

Shipboard tailor using sewing machine to repair uniform, supporting crew wardrobe and garment maintenance services
How to apply

Hear from our team

A man in a white uniform stands with folded arms in front of a P&O Cruises leadership organisation chart, looking at the camera.

“For me working in laundry taught me that every role is important and every crew member contributes to making the guest experience unforgettable.”

Nitin, Laundry Operative,

A person stands on the deck of a ship beside a river or fjord, with snow-capped mountains and partly cloudy skies in the background. Green artificial turf covers part of the deck.

“Life at sea isn’t always easy, but it is honest, grounding and deeply fulfilling.”

Khay Ann, Cabin Steward,

A person wearing a light grey uniform stands and smiles in a well-lit corridor with cream-coloured walls and doors on both sides.

“Starting a new job can be intimidating, but the warmth of the people around me made it feel more like a second home.”

Spencer, Hotel Assistant,

Skills & qualifications
Housekeeping & Laundry team roles
Development opportunities
Working on board

What skills are needed to work in a cruise ship housekeeping team?

You’ll take pride in delivering high standards of cleanliness and presentation, helping create a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests onboard a P&O Cruises ship. You’ll be confident working safely, efficiently and to tight schedules in a fast‑paced housekeeping environment, with experience ideally gained in hotels, cruise ships, resorts or other high‑volume hospitality settings.

 

You’ll understand the importance of attention to detail, consistency and following established cleaning procedures and quality standards. Experience in guest cabin cleaning, public areas, or laundry operations is an advantage, as is the ability to work calmly during busy turnaround days.

 

You’ll follow health, safety and hygiene regulations at all times, including correct use of cleaning products and equipment. Basic administrative or IT skills are helpful for managing task lists or reporting issues.

 

Above all, you’ll bring a positive attitude, strong teamwork skills, reliability, and a willingness to learn, playing a vital role in delivering the exceptional onboard experience P&O Cruises is known for.

Do you need hotel or cleaning experience to work in cruise ship housekeeping?

Previous hotel or cleaning experience is helpful but not always required for entry-level housekeeping jobs. P&O Cruises provides training to help new crew members learn cleaning procedures, safety standards and customer service skills.

 

Many cabin stewards previously worked in hotels, resorts, or cleaning services where they gained experience in room preparation and guest service. However, if you have a strong work ethic and attention to detail, you can work on board in a entry-level role.

 

New hires receive training in cleaning procedures, chemical safety and ship-specific sanitation standards. Supervisors and experienced colleagues help new team members learn quickly. Strong teamwork and willingness to learn are key factors for success in the housekeeping department.

 

Useful experience backgrounds:

  • Hotel housekeeping
  • Resort or hospitality cleaning
  • Facility cleaning services
  • Customer service roles

 

What skills are needed to work in the laundry department on a cruise ship?

You’ll be highly organised, reliable and detail‑focused, with the ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast‑paced laundry environment on board a P&O Cruises ship. You’ll be comfortable handling high volumes of linen and uniforms, following clear processes to ensure items are cleaned, pressed and delivered to the highest standards.

 

You’ll have a strong awareness of cleanliness, hygiene and quality control, taking pride in well‑presented results and consistent standards. You’ll be confident following instructions, sorting items accurately, managing your time and working to deadlines, especially during busy turnaround days. Safety will be second nature to you, including the correct handling of cleaning chemicals, machinery and equipment.

 

You’ll work well as part of a close‑knit onboard team, communicating clearly and supporting others to keep operations running smoothly. Basic numeracy, record‑keeping and IT confidence will help you track workloads or report issues when needed.

 

Above all, you’ll bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, playing a vital role behind the scenes in delivering the high standards guests expect from P&O Cruises.

What are the duties of housekeeping and laundry crew members on a cruise ship?

Housekeeping crew members keep the ship clean, organised and comfortable for guests and crew. Their responsibilities include cleaning cabins, maintaining public areas and ensuring high hygiene standards throughout the vessel.

 

The housekeeping department is responsible for maintaining cleanliness across the entire ship. Cabin stewards manage guest staterooms, while other team members focus on public areas such as corridors, lounges and staircases.

 

Laundry staff wash and prepare linens, towels, and crew uniforms for daily use. Both laundry and housekeeping teams follow strict cleaning procedures to meet both guest expectations and international sanitation regulations.

 

Because cruise ships operate continuously with thousands of passengers onboard, the housekeeping and laundry departments play a vital role in maintaining a safe, hygienic and welcoming environment.

 

What does a cruise ship cabin steward do?

A cruise ship cabin steward is responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest cabins to ensure a comfortable and hygienic environment. Duties include making beds, changing linens, cleaning bathrooms, restocking amenities, and providing excellent service to passengers throughout the cruise.

 

Cabin stewards play an essential role in the Housekeeping department by maintaining guest cabins to the highest cleanliness standards. Each steward is assigned a section of cabins and is responsible for daily cleaning, linen replacement and restocking toiletries. Because stewards interact with guests regularly, strong customer service skills are important. The role requires attention to detail, efficiency, and the ability to manage multiple cabins while maintaining a friendly and professional attitude.

 

Typical cabin steward duties

  • Cleaning guest cabins and bathrooms
  • Changing bed linens and towels
  • Restocking toiletries and amenities
  • Reporting maintenance issues

What is the daily schedule like for cruise ship housekeeping staff?

Housekeeping team members play an important role in creating unforgettable holidays for our guests. A typical day usually starts with cabin servicing, including cleaning, replenishing amenities and preparing staterooms to P&O Cruises standards.

Depending on your role, you may also be responsible for public areas and responding to guest requests throughout the day. Sea days are often busier because more guests spend time on board, while port days can provide opportunities to focus on deep cleaning and preparation work.

What is the daily schedule like for cruise ship laundry staff?

No two days are exactly the same in a cruise ship laundry, but most laundry team members work a structured shift supporting both guest and crew laundry operations. A typical day involves sorting, washing, pressing, folding and distributing thousands of items, from guest garments to uniforms, bedding and towels.

Workloads can increase on embarkation days and during turnaround periods, when large volumes of linen need to be processed quickly. Laundry teams work closely with housekeeping to ensure cabins, public areas and crew accommodation are always supplied with fresh linen.

Can you get promoted from a housekeeping job on a cruise ship?

Yes. P&O Cruises housekeeping staff can advance through several levels career levels. Promotions depend on experience, performance and leadership ability, P&O Cruises Housekeeping Career Passport Programme also supports structured, long‑term growth.

 

P&O Cruises offers clear career progression opportunities within the housekeeping department. Entry-level cabin stewards can be promoted to deck, night or crew housekeeper roles responsible for overseeing teams of stewards and ensuring service standards are maintained.

 

With further experience, crew members may advance to assistant housekeeping manager or housekeeping manager leading the entire department.

 

Skills gained in housekeeping such as attention to detail, teamwork and customer service, can also open opportunities in other hospitality departments on board.

Do cabin stewards interact with guests?

Yes. Cabin stewards regularly interact with guests during the cruise. They often greet passengers in the corridor, answer questions and assist with requests such as additional towels, bedding, or extra cabin supplies.

 

Guest interaction is an important part of the cabin steward role. Because stewards are responsible for a specific section of cabins, guests often see the same steward daily. This creates opportunities to build friendly relationships and deliver personalised service.

 

Cabin stewards may respond to requests for extra amenities, adjust cabin setups, or provide general assistance.

 

Excellent communication and customer service skills help create a positive experience for passengers. Professional and courteous interactions are essential because housekeeping staff contribute significantly to overall guest satisfaction during a cruise.

How many cabins does a cruise ship steward manage?

A cruise ship cabin steward usually manages around 15 to 20 cabins, although the exact number varies depending on the ship size. Stewards must clean, maintain and prepare each assigned cabin every day of the cruise.

 

The number of cabins assigned to a steward depends on the ship’s size and guest capacity. On most P&O Cruises ships a steward is responsible for approximately 15–20 guest staterooms. Each cabin must be cleaned daily and prepared to meet strict hygiene and presentation standards.

 

Tasks include making beds, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming floors and replenishing supplies. Turnaround days, when new passengers board the ship, are particularly busy because stewards must prepare all cabins within a limited time window.

Are cruise ship housekeeping jobs physically demanding?

Yes. Housekeeping roles on cruise ships are physically demanding and require stamina. Cabin stewards spend much of the day walking, cleaning cabins, lifting linens and pushing supply carts while maintaining high cleanliness standards across multiple guest rooms.

 

Housekeeping staff work in a fast-paced environment where efficiency and attention to detail are essential. Cabin stewards move frequently between cabins, carrying supplies and performing repetitive cleaning tasks such as making beds and vacuuming floors.

 

The work can involve lifting mattresses, transporting linen carts and standing for long periods. Despite the physical demands, crew members receive training on safe cleaning techniques and proper equipment use. Many employees adapt quickly to the routine and develop strong teamwork with colleagues in the housekeeping department.

Do cruise ship housekeeping and laundry staff receive salary or tips?

P&O Cruises includes service charges in the guest fare, so staff receive a stable monthly salary instead of relying on tips. Guests may still offer voluntary tips for exceptional service and these can be kept, but they’re considered a bonus, not part of your pay.

 

Your meals, accommodation and uniform are provided, helping you save more of your salary.

 

A woman in a light blue uniform is smiling whilst holding a colourful duster in a clean, indoor environment. A smiling woman in a light blue uniform dusts a large white pipe with a colourful duster in an indoor setting. She has a name tag and keys attached to her waistband.

Got the skills and the spark?

How to apply