Princess Cruises is making significant adjustments to its Food & Beverage department, with new structures set to take effect on November 1. In a letter send to the crew the company described these updates as part of a broader effort to strengthen teamwork, improve profitability, and create clearer career pathways. At the same time, the changes bring both opportunities and challenges for crew, with some positions eliminated or adjusted.

Galley and Stewarding Adjustments

The F&B Environmental Supervisor role will be removed across the fleet. Teammates in this position will be reassigned to Chief Steward or Assistant Chief Steward, with responsibilities absorbed by the Chief Steward. To reflect this, the Chief Steward role will expand and receive a salary increase.

Beverage Services Updates

Several shifts will also take place in the beverage team:

• The Bar Supervisor role will be replaced with Head Bartender. While this comes with a leaner pay structure, it is designed to create a clearer career progression ladder for bartenders.

• The Good Spirit Bartender role will remain only on Sphere class ships, with other teammates re-rated as Bartenders.

• Baristas will now have their pay aligned with Bartenders, bringing consistency with sister brands.

Career Pathways in F&B Services

Princess highlighted the creation of more defined progression routes. The updated pathway — Bartender → Head Bartender → Junior F&B Manager — will be supported by new salary ranges. Both Assistant F&B Managers and Junior F&B Managers will see salary increases to better match their responsibilities.

Restaurant Operations

In restaurants, the company is adjusting contracts and titles to promote balance:

• Waiters on 9-month contracts will move to 8-months.

• Restaurant Managers will have 6-month contracts instead of longer terms.

• The Assistant Restaurant Manager role will be removed, with many stepping into full • Restaurant Manager roles while others will be reassigned as Waiters.

• For Sommeliers, a new Cellar Master title was announced which will be introduced to strengthen inventory management. Some Sommeliers will be promoted, others will stay in their current role, while some may transition to Bartender or Waiter positions. Hiring for Sommelier roles has been temporarily paused.

Princess said that these transitions are being handled carefully. Impacted teammates will be contacted directly by email or HR letters. Onboard, HR Officers and F&B leaders will be available to guide crew, while those at home will receive assistance from Global Talent Partners. Reassignments have been determined through a review of tenure, performance, and disciplinary records.

While not all changes will be easy, Princess believes many teammates will benefit through promotions, salary adjustments, and improved career development opportunities. A Career Path Guide is available onboard for crew who want to better understand the new structures.

“These updates mark an important step toward building a stronger, more resilient business,” the company said. “Our aim is to continue investing in our people while elevating the onboard experience and creating more opportunities for growth.”