Employment

Job Description

Waterways Cruises and Events is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Public Cruise and Sales Coordinator to support the success of our public cruise program. This dynamic role serves as a key point of contact for guests, coordinates special public cruise events, assists with marketing efforts, and works closely with internal departments to ensure smooth operations. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, creative, and thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Respond to public and private cruise inquiries by phone and email, offering excellent customer service and accurate information.
• Manage public cruise bookings, modifications, and cancellations for public cruises.
• Support the Sales Team on projects and initiatives that drive public cruise revenue.
• Coordinate logistics for public cruise experiences, including themed events, vendors, entertainment, décor, docking, food menus for public cruises, drink menus, drink specials and supplies.
• Order décor, promotional items, and materials for special event cruises.
• Post and maintain BEO (Banquet Event Order) documentation in both digital and physical formats.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, concierges, and agents.
• Sell and manage large group bookings for public cruises.
• Contribute to the creation and execution of the seasonal public cruise schedule.
• Promote public cruises through event listings, social media, partnerships, and other marketing channels.
• Assist with developing and managing social media strategy by creating engaging content, maintaining a content calendar, and overseeing daily account management across platforms.
• Manage OTA bookings and updates.
• Greet and support vendors and representatives visiting the office.
• Uphold a high standard of professionalism and communication across all guest and partner interactions.

Qualifications & Experience: 

• 2+ years of experience in customer service, event coordination, or sales.
• Familiarity with the Seattle events or tourism industry is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in English.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; experience with booking systems such as Fareharbor; experience with Caterease or CRM/event software is a plus.
• Able to lift, push, and pull up to 40 lbs and assist with event setup as needed.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a customer-first mindset.
• College degree preferred.

Work Schedule:

• Schedule: Full-time, year-round position. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays required based on business needs. Evening networking with trade partners approximately once per week.

Compensation: 

• $50,000 base salary
• Sales bonuses and performance-based incentives
• Car and cell phone allowance
• Benefits: Health and dental insurance; PTO; Six paid holidays

How to Apply: 

• To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to cam@waterwayscruises.com with “Public Cruise and Sales Coordinator” in the subject line.

About Waterways Cruises and Events: 

Founded in 1994, Waterways Cruises and Events is a family-owned company offering distinctive experiences on Seattle’s lakes and Puget Sound. Our fleet of four elegant yachts hosts more than 60,000 guests annually for private charters, public dining cruises, weddings, and corporate events. In 2025, we expanded our offerings with a new land-based venue, Lakeside, located at Lake Union Piers. Discover more at www.waterwayscruises.com

Job Description

Waterways is looking for a group of core leadership to join our team year-round!  The On-board Cruise Manager is a mature individual, who is responsible for a successful execution of an onboard event.  This position thrives on delivering the best guest experience while leading an onboard team.  This individual will be dedicated and possess skills in leadership, organization, time management, excellent communication, and good judgment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced operation, while maintaining poise and hospitality.
• Prepare layouts based on guest count, client needs, and staffing level. Review all contract details with the crew and set expectations for the event.
• Manage onboard team throughout the event. Direct and help team as needed while being a gracious host to guests onboard.
• Assign and direct crew in their position related responsibilities, including side work, resets, and cleaning of F&B areas.
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, wipe, push, pull and lift items up to 50 pounds.
• Direct and lead set up/tear down before and after shift.
• Monitor and evaluate all food, beverage, and service quality during events. Be a host with guests and ensure satisfaction is being met throughout cruise/event experience.
• Able to think of their feet and problem solve.
• Support the staff with all safety requirements, while communicating essential information regarding the event.
• Keep all vessels in “Show-Ready” condition.
• Completion of Senior Deckhand training, including, but not limited to, vessel operations, fire safety, CPR/AED, line handling, and First Aid (preferred).
• Be proactive in communicating with General Manager, Operations Manager, and Operations Coordinator when work order is needed or supplies are low.
• Responsible for accurately filling out reports (event reports, or injuries). Confirm information with the captain and have them send to appropriate parties.
• This position requires pre and random drug testing as mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Desired Background: 

• 3 years working in the hospitality industry
• Minimum 1 year as a Manager/Supervisor in Food & Beverage
• Understands the importance of safety in the workplace and adheres to all mandated standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office

Work Schedule:

• Bulk of business occurs nights, weekends and holidays so availability during those times is a must. A flexible schedule is required.

Compensation: 

• $22/an hour (+ tips)

How to Apply: 

• To be considered for this position, please send resume and cover letter to Guest Services and Operations Director, Zach Smith, at zach@waterwayscruises.com.

Perks: 

• Waterways will assist in tracking sea time. An individual that reaches 2 yrs of service with the company and has accrued enough sea time, will be eligible for assistance from the company in obtaining their AB License, Mates License, and up to, and possibly including, 100 ton Master’s license.
• After three months working at Waterways, employees will receive four tickets to any standard dining cruise, to be used within a year.
• Waterways provides employees a  Friends and Family discount of 25% off standard dining cruises.

About Waterways Cruises and Events: 

Founded in 1994, Waterways Cruises and Events continues to provide distinctive cruising experiences on Seattle’s lakes and Puget Sound. Family owned and operated, Waterways has grown from a single yacht for private charters to include four beautiful dining and entertainment yachts, accommodating over 60,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations, and public dining cruises. For an Unforgettable Experience … Just Add Water!

Pre-employment background checks and drug/alcohol screening required for all positions. Random drug/alcohol testing also required as mandated by the USCG.

Job Description

The Sales Account Coordinator is a key member of the Waterways Cruises and Events Sales and Marketing Team, working closely with all departments and employees to maximize private event group sales and deliver Unforgettable Events to Waterways Cruises’ guests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for increasing private events revenue through inside and outside sales efforts, along with marketing and promotional campaigns.
• Maintains business relationships with current and potential sales clients through regular contact via l visits on and off site, phone calls, emails, and written correspondence.
• Responsible for initial point of contact for incoming event requests, proposal generation, contract negotiation, event logistics and planning, invoicing and collection.
• Conduct tours, site visits and sales presentations at the company’s primary event facility for prospective clients.
• Develop, maintain and update a client database.
• Develop sales materials and promotional campaigns alongside our Marketing Team.
• Attend trade shows and networking functions, representing our sales team.
• Lead special projects and new business initiatives.
• Participate with all Sales Team members to assist answering all incoming phone calls and customer/client/vendor requests in a timely manner.
• Promote the highest standard of professionalism and communication to develop solid account relationships.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Has a background of sales and account management experience in the Seattle Corporate market.
• Understands the importance of rapid response to customer inquiries and communications as a cornerstone of superior customer service.
• Must be a self-starter and a fast learner.
• Must be self-motivated, highly disciplined, well organized, detail oriented, and able to complete all tasks in an expeditious time-frame.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Constantly displaying initiative to achieve better sales results and improved customer satisfaction.
• Works well in a collaborative team-oriented environment.
• Has a positive, energetic attitude.
• Must remain poised under high pressure situations.
• Efficiency in Excel is a plus!

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Has experience in customer service, event planning or sales in the hospitality industry in the Seattle market. Certifications are a plus.

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Have both in-person and over-the-phone customer service experience.

• Have sufficient IT knowledge to access and accurately input and extract information from a moderately complex computer reservation system. Experience with Caterease is a plus.
• Be able to lift, push, and pull a minimum of 40 lbs.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Full-time salaried position with sales commission and bonus incentives.
• Permanent, year-round employee.
• Evening work required for networking with various trade groups – approximately one night per week
• Assignment, from time to time to work weekends and holidays as business requires; compensating PTO provided.

COMPENSATION:

• $60,000 base salary DOE, plus commission and bonuses (estimated total compensation 75k)
• Benefits include health/dental, PTO, and six paid Holidays
• Car and cell phone allowance

JOB LOCATION:

Waterways Cruises and Events, Seattle, South Lake Union – at Lake Union Piers

ABOUT WATERAYS CRUISES AND EVENTS

Founded in 1994, Waterways Cruises and Events continues to provide distinctive cruising experiences on Seattle’s lakes and Puget Sound. Family owned and operated, Waterways has grown from a single yacht for private charters to include four beautiful dining and entertainment yachts, accommodating over 60,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations, and public dining cruises. For an Unforgettable Experience … Just Add Water!

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to gena@waterwayscruises.com. Please include “Sales Account Coordinator” in your email subject line. No phone calls please. For more information about our company, visit www.waterwayscruises.com.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced prep cook to join our team. The prep cook is  responsible for all aspects of  the food preparation required for our private charter and public dining cruise menus, which includes platter and passed appetizers, multi-course plated meals, buffet meals and dessert service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Duties include basic prep for the main kitchen, peeling, cutting, searing, grilling, boiling, blanching, fruit trays, stocks, portioning proteins, etc.
• Responsible for daily prep list, loading food on vessels within designated timeframe, and opening and closing of the galley kitchen.
• Plating hot food, setting up buffets, and following dinner service timeframe while working closely with FOH staff.
• Maintain the overall cleanliness of the kitchen.
• Must be able to work with and without supervision.
• Must have a clean and professional appearance and work station at all times.
• Ability to be self-motivated and thrive under pressers.
• Must be punctual and reliable.
• Must be able to take direction from the Executive Chef and work well as part of a team.

Qualification Requirements: 

• Must have previous fine dining experience.
• Must have experience with Pacific Northwest cuisine.
• Must have high standards of sanitation and knowledge of Washington state health codes.
• Must possess a current Washington state food handler’s card.
• Able to interact with customers and other crew members in English.
• Positive attitude.

Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Culinary degree is preferred.

Compensation:

• $20-$22/hour (DOE)

How to Apply: 

• To apply, please submit your resume and professional references via email to zach@waterwayscruises.com. No phone calls please. Please indicate what position you are applying for in the subject line.

About Waterways Cruises and Events: 

Founded in 1994, Waterways Cruises and Events continues to provide distinctive cruising experiences on Seattle’s lakes and Puget Sound. Family owned and operated, Waterways has grown from a single yacht for private charters to include four beautiful dining and entertainment yachts, accommodating over 60,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations, and public dining cruises. For an Unforgettable Experience … Just Add Water!

Pre-employment background checks and drug/alcohol screening required for all positions. Random drug/alcohol testing also required as mandated by the USCG.

Job Description

Waterways Cruises and Events is seeking a dynamic Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations. In this role, you will design and execute menus for our private charter and public dining cruises, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience for our guests. Your expertise will elevate our dining offerings, enhancing the overall guest experience with innovative and delicious dishes. Join our team and be a key player in creating memorable dining experiences on the water.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Mastery of all culinary aspects necessary for our diverse menus, including platter and passed appetizers, multi-course plated meals, buffet presentations, and dessert service.
• Help facilitate the preparation process in the main kitchen, overseeing tasks such as peeling, cutting, searing, grilling, boiling, blanching, and portioning proteins.
• Develop and execute daily prep lists, ensuring timely loading of food onto vessels and seamless opening and closing of the galley kitchen.
• Manage galley and kitchen schedules.
• Skillfully plate hot dishes, set up elegant buffets and synchronize service timing with front-of-house staff to deliver flawless dining experiences.
• Uphold stringent cleanliness standards in the kitchen, maintaining a pristine work environment.
• Demonstrate self-motivation and composure under pressure, inspiring excellence among team members.
• Exemplify punctuality, reliability, and professionalism in appearance and conduct.
• Collaborate closely with the Sous Chef and team, embracing constructive feedback and fostering a cohesive team dynamic.
• Provide direction for day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Encourage and establish mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Serve as a role model to team.

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• High school diploma or GED with 6 years’ experience in the culinary, food and beverage, or related professional area.

-OR-

2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major, plus 5=4 years of experience in the culinary, food and beverage, or related professional area.

• Thorough knowledge of sanitation practices and adherence to Washington state health codes.
• Possession of a valid Washington state food handler’s card.
• Fluent communication skills in English, facilitating interaction with customers and crew members.

Schedule:

• Full-time – a flexible schedule is required – schedules include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation:

• Salary starting at $80k (DOE)
• PTO and paid holidays
• Eligible for health, dental, and vision benefits

How to Apply: 

• To apply, please fill out the job form below or send your resume to jeff@waterwayscruises.com.

About Waterways Cruises and Events: 

Founded in 1994, Waterways Cruises and Events continues to provide distinctive cruising experiences on Seattle’s lakes and Puget Sound. Family owned and operated, Waterways has grown from a single yacht for private charters to include four beautiful dining and entertainment yachts, accommodating over 60,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations, and public dining cruises. For an Unforgettable Experience … Just Add Water!

Pre-employment background checks and drug/alcohol screening required for all positions. Random drug/alcohol testing also required as mandated by the USCG.

Job Description

Waterways Cruises and Events, Seattle’s leading dining cruise company, is seeking experienced Captains looking for a working environment where superior marine and communication skills are valued and creativity and cooperation are encouraged.

Waterways Cruises’ Captains love what they do, take pride in themselves and in their vessels, are comfortable around people, enjoy interfacing with our guests, and can provide great customer service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Professionally pilot and handle twin screw vessels, often in difficult marine environments.
• Ensure that the safety of passengers, crew, and the vessel is the highest operational priority.
• Adhere to all USCG rules and regulations necessary for safe vessel operations.
• Understand all vessel operational systems and how they function.
• Create a friendly, inviting environment for passengers: greet guests when they board, provide safety and other announcements; answer guest’s questions; provide an informative cruise narration; visit with guests at appropriate times; and thank guests as they disembark.
• Build a team environment with crew on our vessels to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience for our guest on every cruise.
• Handle all guest and employee issues on our vessels in a professional and courteous manner.
• Assist crew in the set-up or tear-down for events onboard our vessels as needed.
• Assist in maintaining Waterways’ vessels in excellent condition.
• Maintain vessel helm and engineering logs, and complete Company required pre- and post-cruise paperwork in a timely and workmanlike manner.
• Be the face of Waterways–always appropriately groomed, smartly dressed in a clean uniform, and courteous to passengers and other crew members.

Minimum Position Requirements: 

• USCG Merchant Mariner Certification – 100-ton License
• TWIC card
• FCC Radio Operators License
• CPR and First Aid credentials
• Basic computer skills

WORK SCHEDULE:

• A flexible schedule is required – schedules include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation: 

• Depending on experience.

How to Apply: 

• To be considered for this position, please send resume and cover letter to our General Manager, Jeff Culton at jeff@waterwayscruises.com.

About Waterways Cruises and Events: 

Waterways Cruises and Events is a small family owned company operating luxury yachts on Seattle’s Lakes. Originally founded in 1994 with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to four luxury yachts, becoming Seattle’s only upscale dining cruise and event company accommodating upwards of 60,000 guests per year for weddings, corporate events, special celebrations and dining cruises. Featuring seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes, exciting entertainment options and private table dining, Waterways Cruises brings unique dining experiences and sightseeing opportunities to guests.

Pre-employment background checks and drug/alcohol screening required for all positions. Random drug/alcohol testing also required as mandated by the USCG.

Waterways Cruises is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex/gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, physical or mental handicap unrelated to ability, pregnancy, veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Waterways Cruises will consider for employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law. Waterways Cruises maintains a drug-free workplace.

Job Description

We are seeking part-time, experienced servers. Successful candidates will have excellent communication and customer service skills. Must be self- motivated, friendly and a team player.

Weekend and Holiday availability and a flexible schedule are a must. You must be committed to superior customer service in a fast-paced, high energy and fun environment. Must be professional, reliable, enthusiastic and friendly. Minimum 6 months experience with a catering or restaurant background. Seasonal employment with days, evenings and holiday shifts available.

Other job requirements include:

• Ability to work at a fast pace while maintaining poise and grace.
• Maintain a very clean and well-run section.
• Serve patrons food & beverage orders quickly, in proper portion with courtesy.
• Ability to check I.D on any customer ordering alcohol who looks under 30 years old.
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, wipe, push, pull and lift items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced operation.
• Set up and tear down before and after shift can be expected.
• A great attitude about life and the pleasure of serving our guests in a fun and relaxed environment.
• Takes pride in personal grooming and how you present yourself to others.
• This position requires pre and random drug testing as mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume.

Job Description

We are seeking part-time, experienced bartenders. Successful candidates will have excellent communication and customer service skills. Must be self-motivated, friendly and a team player.

Weekend and Holiday availability and a flexible schedule are a must.

Other job requirements include:

• Ability to work at a fast pace while maintaining poise and grace.
• Broad knowledge of cocktail preparation and the ability to mix complex drinks consistently.
• Maintain a very clean and well-run bar.
• Collect money for drinks & food served and make correct change.
• Serve patrons food & beverage order quickly, in proper portion with courtesy.
• Ability to check I.D on any customer ordering alcohol who looks under 30 years old.
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, wipe, push, pull and lift items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced operation.
• A great attitude about life and the pleasure of serving our guests in a fun and relaxed environment.
• Takes pride in personal grooming and how you present yourself to others.

This position requires pre and random drug testing as mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume.