steward

In the context of shipping, a steward is a member of the stewards department responsible for hotel-like services for both the crew and passengers. This role is distinct from the deck department (responsible for steering, lookout, and hull maintenance) and the engine department (responsible for operating machinery). Historically, passenger ships, particularly transatlantic liners, carried a large number of stewards. While technological advancements have significantly reduced the size of deck and engine departments, the need for stewards on passenger vessels, such as cruise ships, remains substantial, often comprising several hundred individuals.1