Princess Cruises Restructures Food and Beverage Roles

A male bartender pouring a cocktail
Corporate News Cruise Industry
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Princess Cruises is rolling out major changes to its Food & Beverage department, with a new structure coming into effect on November 1.

In a letter to crew, the company described the updates as part of a broader strategy to strengthen collaboration, boost profitability, and provide clearer career growth opportunities. However, the changes also involve role adjustments and the elimination of some positions.

Galley And Stewarding

The F&B Environmental Supervisor role will be phased out across the fleet. Those currently in the position will be reassigned as Chief Steward or Assistant Chief Steward, with their responsibilities consolidated under the Chief Steward. To reflect the added scope, the Chief Steward role will expand and receive a salary increase.

Beverage Services

Several shifts will impact the beverage team:

  • Bar Supervisor will be replaced by Head Bartender. Though the pay structure is leaner, the new title creates a clearer progression ladder for bartenders.
  • Good Spirit Bartender will remain only on Sphere-class vessels, with others reassigned as Bartenders.
  • Barista salaries will now align with Bartenders, standardizing pay across sister brands.

Career Pathways

The company emphasized the introduction of more structured advancement routes within F&B. The new pathway — Bartender → Head Bartender → Junior F&B Manager — will include updated salary ranges. Both Assistant and Junior F&B Managers will receive pay increases to better match their responsibilities.

Restaurant Operations

Within restaurant teams, contract terms and titles are being updated:

  • Waiters on nine-month contracts will shift to eight months.
  • Restaurant Managers will move to six-month contracts.
  • The Assistant Restaurant Manager role will be removed. Some crew will be promoted to Restaurant Manager, while others will be reassigned as Waiters.
  • A new Cellar Master title will be introduced to strengthen wine and inventory management. Certain Sommeliers will be promoted, while others may stay in their current roles or transfer to Bartender or Waiter positions. Hiring for Sommeliers is temporarily paused.

Transition Support

Princess stated that affected crew will be notified by email or HR letters. Onboard HR Officers and F&B leaders will provide guidance, while shore-based employees will receive support from Global Talent Partners. Reassignments have been based on tenure, performance, and disciplinary history.

Despite the challenges, the company believes the changes will ultimately open more opportunities through promotions, higher pay, and stronger career development. A new Career Path Guide is available onboard to help crew understand the updated structure.