Types of Stewards

Stewards on Ship — Some Deck Stewards on an Unknown Ship.

Titanic had a bunch of stewards for different parts.

The Titanic had a well-organized hierarchy of stewards responsible for catering to passengers' needs and maintaining various services.

Stewards Duties[]

Here is a list of the types of stewards and a little description of them

First Class Lounge Pantry Steward - responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of refreshments and light meals to passengers in the First Class Lounge. They managed the pantry adjoining the lounge, ensuring it was well-stocked and that food and drinks were served promptly. Their duties included maintaining cleanliness, coordinating with waitstaff, and providing exceptional service to meet the high expectations of Titanic's elite passengers.
First Class Saloon Steward - attended to the needs of First Class passengers dining in the saloon. Their duties included setting tables, serving meals, ensuring the dining area was immaculate, and providing personalized service. They were responsible for creating a refined dining experience, addressing passenger requests, and coordinating with the kitchen staff to deliver meals promptly and efficiently.
Third Class Steward - responsible for assisting and attending to the needs of Third Class passengers. They ensured the comfort and safety of passengers in the lower decks, helping with meal service, maintaining cleanliness in the dining and sleeping areas, and offering general assistance. Their role also involved managing the distribution of food and supplies, ensuring that passengers received what they needed while maintaining order and providing a basic level of service within the constraints of Third Class accommodations.
Asst. Pantry Steward - assisted the Pantry Steward in managing the pantry areas, primarily focusing on the storage and preparation of food for the ship's dining services. They helped ensure the pantry was stocked with provisions, maintained cleanliness, and assisted in preparing food and drinks for various classes of passengers. They worked behind the scenes, organizing supplies and supporting the kitchen staff, ensuring everything was ready for service when needed, especially for the more exclusive First Class passengers.
First Class Bedroom Steward - responsible for maintaining the luxury cabins of First Class passengers. Their duties included cleaning and tidying rooms, making beds, replenishing linens and toiletries, and ensuring that all amenities were in place to provide a comfortable and high-end experience. They also catered to passenger requests, delivering messages, fetching items, and assisting with luggage. Their role was key to maintaining the pristine and elegant atmosphere expected by the wealthiest passengers aboard the Titanic.
Bedroom Steward responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and comfort of passengers' cabins, ensuring that beds were made, linens were fresh, and the rooms were tidy. They also replenished toiletries, assisted with luggage, and addressed any personal requests from passengers. Depending on the class, the Bedroom Steward's duties could vary, but their main focus was to provide excellent service and maintain the high standards of cleanliness and comfort expected on the ship.
Assistant Second Class Saloon Steward - assisted in the management and service of meals in the Second Class Dining Saloon. They helped set tables, served food, and ensured the dining area was clean and orderly. Their role also included assisting with the needs of Second Class passengers, ensuring their comfort during meals, and helping the head steward in organizing and delivering service. They were expected to maintain a high standard of service, though slightly less formal than the First Class staff, reflecting the expectations of Second Class passengers.
The Glory Hole Steward - responsible for cleaning and maintaining the crew quarters, often referred to as "glory holes." The term "glory hole" was used to describe small, cramped storage spaces or cupboards where miscellaneous but essential items were kept. These areas were typically used for storing tools, spare linens, and other supplies that were necessary but not frequently used. The Glory Hole Steward’s duties included organizing these storage spaces, ensuring that they were tidy, and maintaining cleanliness in the often-overlooked crew quarters. They also helped with the upkeep of the areas where the crew lived and rested, ensuring that the environment was as comfortable as possible for the hardworking staff, though these quarters were generally modest compared to the luxurious passenger cabins. The steward’s role was essential in keeping the ship's operations running smoothly, especially behind the scenes in areas that weren't seen by passengers.
Assistant Lounge Steward - assisted in the management and service of the ship's lounges, particularly in the First and Second Class areas. Their duties included ensuring the lounge areas were clean, well-maintained, and comfortable for passengers. They helped serve drinks, snacks, and light refreshments, and were responsible for attending to passengers' needs in the lounge, whether it involved delivering items, keeping track of personal requests, or ensuring the environment was relaxed and elegant. They worked under the direction of the head lounge steward and were part of the team that provided high-quality service in these luxury spaces.
Second Class Saloon Steward - responsible for overseeing the service in the Second Class Dining Saloon. Their duties included setting and clearing tables, serving meals, and ensuring the dining area remained clean and well-organized. They were also tasked with attending to the needs of Second Class passengers during meals, providing assistance with any special requests or requirements. The role involved working closely with other stewards to ensure smooth service, maintaining a high standard of dining and comfort for Second Class passengers, though the level of service was more casual compared to First Class.
First Class Plate Steward - responsible for overseeing the handling and cleanliness of the plates, glassware, and other dining equipment used in the First Class Dining Rooms. They ensured that all dishes and utensils were properly cleaned, polished, and prepared for service. This steward worked closely with the kitchen and dining staff to ensure the tableware was presented impeccably for First Class passengers. They were also responsible for maintaining the overall cleanliness and organization of the dining service equipment, ensuring that everything was in top condition for the luxury dining experience aboard the Titanic.
Second Class Bedroom Steward - responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and comfort of the Second Class cabins. Their duties included making beds, replenishing linens, towels, and toiletries, and ensuring the rooms were tidy and welcoming for passengers. They also attended to passenger requests, such as delivering messages or providing extra amenities. While their level of service was not as extravagant as that of First Class stewards, they were still expected to maintain a high standard of care and provide a comfortable experience for Second Class passengers.
Linen Steward - responsible for managing the ship's linens, including bedding, towels, tablecloths, and other fabric items used throughout the ship. Their duties included overseeing the storage, cleaning, and distribution of linens to various departments, such as the cabins, dining rooms, and crew quarters. The Linen Steward ensured that all linens were kept in excellent condition, neatly folded, and available when needed for passengers and crew alike. They worked closely with other stewards and housekeeping staff to maintain the high standards of cleanliness and comfort expected aboard the Titanic.
Baggage Steward - responsible for handling and managing the luggage of passengers. Their duties included ensuring that passengers' bags and personal belongings were properly labeled, stored, and delivered to their respective cabins or compartments. They worked closely with the crew to load and unload baggage from the ship, and were also responsible for keeping track of passengers' luggage during the journey. In addition to their organizational tasks, Baggage Stewards also provided assistance to passengers who needed help with their luggage and made sure everything was safely stored and accessible when needed.
Mess Steward - responsible for managing the mess rooms, particularly for the crew and staff. Their duties included overseeing the preparation and serving of meals for the ship’s crew, ensuring the mess area was clean, organized, and well-stocked with food supplies. They helped set up the dining space for the crew, maintained the cleanliness of the area, and ensured that meals were served efficiently. The Mess Steward's role was vital for ensuring the well-being of the crew by providing them with proper meals and maintaining a comfortable dining environment in their dedicated spaces.
Lift Attendant - responsible for operating the ship's elevators (lifts) and assisting passengers with using them. Their duties included ensuring the smooth operation of the lifts, providing courteous service to passengers, and helping them reach their desired decks. They also monitored the lift’s use to ensure safety and efficiency, as the Titanic had several elevators for the convenience of passengers, particularly in First Class areas. The Lift Steward's role was essential in maintaining the luxury experience for passengers, especially for those who needed assistance or preferred not to use stairs.
First Class Stewardess - responsible for providing personal assistance and high-quality service to female First Class passengers. Their duties included ensuring the passengers' comfort, attending to their needs in their cabins, assisting with dressing or other personal requests, and providing a range of services to make the passengers' experience as luxurious as possible. The First Class Stewardess was also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the cabins, arranging for meals or tea service, and helping with any special arrangements or requests. They played a key role in upholding the high standards of service that First Class passengers expected on the ship.
Assistant Deck Steward - assisted in maintaining the cleanliness and order of the ship's public areas, particularly on the decks. Their duties included cleaning and tidying the outdoor spaces, such as the promenade decks and the deck chairs, ensuring that everything was in place and well-presented for passengers. They also assisted passengers with seating, arranging blankets or cushions, and providing comfort during outdoor activities. The Assistant Deck Steward played a key role in ensuring the exterior areas were as polished and well-maintained as the interior spaces, contributing to the overall luxury experience aboard the Titanic.
Bath Steward - responsible for managing and maintaining the ship’s bathing facilities, particularly in the First and Second Class areas. Their duties included preparing and cleaning the baths, ensuring the water temperature was comfortable, and assisting passengers with their bathing needs. They would also provide towels, toiletries, and other necessary items, as well as maintain the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the bathrooms and spa facilities. The Bath Steward’s role was to ensure a luxurious and comfortable experience for passengers who wanted to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.
Verandah Steward - responsible for attending to the needs of passengers in the verandah cafe, particularly those located on the ship's promenade deck. Their duties included serving food and beverages, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring that passengers were comfortable while enjoying the open-air spaces. Verandah Stewards also assisted with setting up tables, offering menus, and addressing any special requests. These stewards played a crucial role in providing a relaxed and upscale dining experience for passengers who wished to enjoy refreshments while taking in the fresh sea air.
Saloon Steward - responsible for attending to the needs of passengers in the ship's dining saloons, particularly in the First and Second Class dining areas. Their duties included setting tables, serving meals, and ensuring the dining area was clean and orderly. They also interacted with passengers, delivering food and drinks, and fulfilling any special requests to ensure a high level of service. The Saloon Steward played a key role in maintaining the smooth operation of the dining experience, providing a refined atmosphere for passengers during their meals.
Boots Steward - responsible for maintaining and cleaning passengers' footwear, particularly for those in First and Second Class. Their duties included polishing shoes, boots, and other leather items, ensuring they were spotless and well-maintained. The Boots Steward would often collect footwear from passengers, clean and shine it, and return it to the passengers' cabins or locations. This role was part of the high-end service provided to passengers, helping maintain the polished and elegant appearance expected aboard the Titanic.
Lounge Steward - responsible for managing and overseeing the service in the ship’s lounges, particularly in the First and Second Class areas. Their duties included ensuring the lounges were clean, well-stocked, and comfortable for passengers. They served drinks, snacks, and light refreshments, and assisted passengers with any requests while they relaxed in these public areas. Lounge Stewards also worked to maintain a pleasant and elegant atmosphere, providing high levels of service to ensure passengers enjoyed their time in the lounge. This role was key in contributing to the luxurious experience aboard the Titanic.
Assistant Printer Steward - responsible for assisting with the production and distribution of printed materials aboard the ship. Their duties included managing the printing of daily newsletters, menus, and other important documents for passengers and crew. They helped ensure that these materials were printed on time, neatly distributed, and available in the relevant areas of the ship, such as passenger cabins, lounges, and dining rooms. This role was essential in maintaining communication and providing passengers with updates and information during their voyage.
Turkish Bath Attendant - responsible for overseeing the ship’s Turkish Bath facilities, which were a luxury feature in the First Class area. Their duties included preparing the bath area, ensuring the room was clean, setting up the proper temperature and steam levels, and assisting passengers who wished to use the bath. The attendant also provided towels, oils, and other amenities, offering a relaxing and indulgent experience. They ensured the safety and comfort of passengers enjoying the Turkish Bath, which was part of the ship's luxurious spa offerings.
Reception Room Steward - responsible for managing the reception areas, particularly those in the First Class areas such as the Reception Room and the main entrance to the First Class Dining Saloon. Their duties included greeting and assisting passengers, handling inquiries, directing them to various parts of the ship, and ensuring the area remained clean and presentable. They also helped coordinate the flow of passengers, maintaining a smooth and welcoming atmosphere. The Reception Room Steward played an important role in creating a luxurious and organized experience for passengers as they arrived or waited in these high-profile spaces.
First Class Barber Steward - responsible for providing haircuts, shaves, and grooming services to first-class passengers. Their duties included maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the barbershop, ensuring passengers' comfort during appointments, and offering a luxurious standard of service. Catering to the elite, the first-class barber played a role in enhancing the refined and opulent experience for passengers aboard the ship.
Hospital Steward - responsible for managing the ship’s medical supplies and assisting the ship's doctors in the care of passengers and crew. They helped maintain the cleanliness and organization of the onboard hospital, which was equipped for minor medical treatments and emergencies. Duties included distributing medications, preparing medical equipment, and assisting in patient care. In addition to their medical responsibilities, the Hospital Steward also ensured that the infirmary was well-stocked and ready to handle any medical needs during the voyage, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of everyone aboard.
Deck Steward - responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order of the ship's decks, particularly the public outdoor areas. Their duties included tidying up deck chairs, cleaning the promenade decks, and ensuring that the decks were safe and comfortable for passengers. They also assisted passengers with seating, provided blankets or cushions, and helped maintain the luxurious atmosphere of the ship’s exterior spaces. Deck Stewards played a crucial role in ensuring that passengers had an enjoyable experience while relaxing outdoors, contributing to the overall high standards of service aboard the Titanic.
Assistant Pantryman Steward - responsible for assisting the Pantryman in managing the storage and preparation of food supplies, particularly in the kitchens and dining areas. Their duties included organizing and maintaining the pantry, ensuring it was well-stocked with ingredients, and helping prepare food and beverages for service. They also supported the kitchen staff and stewards by ensuring that the necessary items were readily available for meal preparation and service. The Assistant Pantryman Steward played an important behind-the-scenes role in maintaining the smooth operation of the ship’s dining services.
Bugler - responsible for sounding the ship’s bugle at designated times, often to signal important events or changes, such as meal times, the start of drills, or other key moments aboard the ship. They would have been stationed in key areas, such as near the dining rooms or on deck, and used the bugle to relay important announcements or calls to the crew and passengers. In addition to playing the bugle, the Bugler Steward would have also assisted in other stewarding duties, helping maintain order and contributing to the smooth operation of the ship.
Third Class Saloon Steward - responsible for assisting in the management of the dining areas and service for Third Class passengers. Their duties included setting tables, serving meals, and ensuring the saloon was clean and well-maintained. They also attended to the passengers' needs during meals, helping with seating and delivering food and drinks. The Third Saloon Steward’s role, while more basic compared to the higher-class services, was essential for providing a comfortable dining experience for the Third Class passengers, ensuring that their meals were served efficiently and the space was kept orderly.
Assistant Smoke Room Steward - responsible for assisting in the operation and service of the ship's smoke rooms, particularly in First Class. Their duties included serving drinks, cigars, and light refreshments to passengers, ensuring the smoke room was clean, tidy, and well-stocked. They also helped maintain the atmosphere of relaxation and luxury that passengers expected in these exclusive spaces. The Assistant Smoke Room Steward worked under the supervision of the head steward, helping to provide excellent service to passengers while they socialized or relaxed in the ship’s designated smoking areas.
Second Class Librarian - responsible for managing the ship's library and overseeing the collection of books available to Second Class passengers. Their duties included organizing and maintaining the books, helping passengers select reading materials, and ensuring the library space was clean and inviting. The librarian also assisted passengers in finding specific books and creating a pleasant atmosphere for reading and relaxation. Though the library was not as extensive or luxurious as in First Class, the Second Class Librarian played an important role in providing intellectual and leisure resources to Second Class passengers during the voyage.
Second Class Barber - responsible for providing haircuts, shaves, and grooming services to Second Class passengers. Their duties included maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the barber shop, ensuring that passengers were comfortable during their appointments, and offering a high standard of service. While the Second Class Barber's services were not as exclusive or luxurious as those offered in First Class, they still provided quality grooming services to Second Class passengers, contributing to the overall comfort and experience of the passengers aboard the ship.
Gym Instructor - responsible for overseeing the ship's gymnasium facilities, which were available to First Class passengers. Their duties included maintaining the gym equipment, ensuring the space was clean and organized, and assisting passengers with any specific needs related to the gym. They might have also offered guidance on the proper use of exercise equipment, provided towels, and ensured that the gym was a comfortable and inviting environment for passengers who wished to stay active during their voyage. The Gymnasium Steward played a key role in maintaining the luxurious amenities available to passengers, contributing to their overall experience on board.
Second Pantry Steward - responsible for assisting in the management and organization of the pantry, which stored food and drink supplies for the ship’s dining services. Their duties included ensuring that the pantry was well-stocked, organized, and properly maintained. They helped with the preparation of food and beverages and supported other stewards and kitchen staff in delivering meals to the passengers. The Second Pantry Steward also assisted in the smooth operation of the ship’s dining services by ensuring the necessary supplies were readily available for meal service in the various dining rooms, including First, Second, and Third Class.
Printer Steward - responsible for overseeing the ship's printing operations, which included producing printed materials such as the daily newsletter, menus, and notices for passengers and crew. Their duties included managing the printing press, ensuring that documents were printed accurately and on time, and distributing them throughout the ship. The Printer Steward played an important role in keeping passengers informed with daily updates, schedules, and news, as well as maintaining the smooth operation of communication aboard the ship.
Bathroom Steward - responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order of the ship's bathrooms, particularly in the First and Second Class areas. Their duties included ensuring that the restrooms were clean, well-stocked with toiletries, and properly sanitized throughout the voyage. They also monitored the condition of the bathrooms, replenished towels, soaps, and other necessary items, and ensured a high standard of hygiene for passengers. The Bathroom Steward’s role was essential in maintaining the luxurious and comfortable environment aboard the ship, ensuring that passengers had access to clean and well-maintained facilities during their journey.
Third Class Interpreter Steward - responsible for assisting passengers in Third Class who spoke languages other than English. Their duties included providing translation services to help bridge communication between passengers and the crew, ensuring that passengers understood important announcements, meal times, or any ship-related information. The Interpreter Steward helped Third Class passengers feel more comfortable by translating their needs and requests into English, and vice versa. This role was crucial for ensuring that all passengers, regardless of language barriers, could navigate their journey smoothly and access the services they required on board.
Assistant First Class Barber - supported the primary barber in providing grooming services such as haircuts, shaves, and beard maintenance for first-class passengers. Their responsibilities included preparing tools and products, maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the barbershop, assisting with appointments, and ensuring passenger comfort. While working under the lead barber, they upheld the high standards of luxury and service expected in first-class accommodations, contributing to the refined experience aboard the ship.
Clothes Presser Steward - responsible for pressing and maintaining the passengers' clothing, ensuring that garments such as suits, dresses, and other items were clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free. Their duties included using pressing equipment like irons or steam presses to ensure clothes looked neat and presentable. The Clothes Presser Steward was particularly important in maintaining the elegant appearance of First and Second Class passengers, helping them stay polished and well-groomed during their voyage. This role was part of the luxurious service offered aboard the Titanic, contributing to the overall comfort and refinement of the passengers' experience.
Captain's Steward - responsible for attending to the personal needs of the ship's captain, Captain Edward Smith. This included overseeing the captain’s private quarters, ensuring that they were clean and well-maintained, and providing any necessary personal services. The Captain's Steward would also prepare meals and beverages for the captain, arrange for special requests, and assist with the captain's daily routines. In addition to their duties in the captain's quarters, the Captain's Steward would often have a role in overseeing certain aspects of the ship's overall service, ensuring that the highest standards were maintained in all areas. This position was a prestigious role, as the steward played an integral part in supporting the captain and ensuring his comfort during the voyage.
Telephone Steward - responsible for managing the ship's telephone system, which was a relatively new and luxurious service at the time. Their duties included ensuring the telephone lines were functioning properly, assisting passengers with making phone calls, and helping with any technical issues related to the phone system. The Telephone Steward would also manage the directory of available phone numbers and facilitate communication between passengers and the ship's staff or other passengers. This role was part of the high-end services provided to First Class passengers, offering them an efficient way to communicate during the voyage.
Second Class Chief Pantry Steward - responsible for overseeing the pantry operations for Second Class dining areas. Their duties included managing the storage of food and drink supplies, ensuring everything was well-organized, and maintaining the cleanliness of the pantry. They also supervised the preparation and distribution of meals for Second Class passengers, working closely with the kitchen staff and other stewards to ensure the timely and efficient service of food. The Chief Pantry Steward played a vital role in maintaining the smooth running of the dining services, ensuring that Second Class passengers enjoyed high-quality meals during their journey.
Chief Boots Steward - responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of passengers' footwear, particularly for those in the First and Second Class areas. This included supervising the cleaning, polishing, and repair of boots and shoes. The Chief Boots Steward ensured that all footwear was kept in pristine condition, reflecting the high standards of service aboard the ship. They would have managed a team of other Boots Stewards, ensuring that shoes were returned to passengers on time, neatly cleaned, and well-maintained, contributing to the overall luxury and attention to detail on the Titanic.
Assistant Second Steward - a junior-level position that supported the Second Steward in managing the service and operations in the dining and passenger areas. Their duties included assisting with meal service, maintaining cleanliness in the dining rooms, and helping serve food and drinks to passengers. They were also responsible for helping set tables, ensuring that all necessary items were available for service, and attending to the needs of the passengers. The Assistant Second Steward played an important role in supporting the smooth running of the ship's hospitality services, contributing to the overall comfort and luxury of the passenger experience.
Squash Court Attendant - responsible for maintaining and overseeing the ship’s squash court, a luxury amenity available to First Class passengers. Their duties included ensuring the court was clean, well-maintained, and ready for use, as well as providing any necessary equipment, such as rackets and balls. The Squash Court Attendant also assisted passengers with their games, offering towels or refreshments, and ensuring a smooth experience in the sport’s facility. This role helped enhance the luxurious experience on board, offering passengers a chance to stay active and entertained during their voyage.

Chief Stewards[]

The Chief Stewards aboard the Titanic were senior-level positions responsible for overseeing the entire stewarding staff, ensuring that the passengers received the highest level of service in their respective areas. There were Chief Stewards assigned to different classes, including First, Second, and Third Class.

1st Class Chief Steward - responsible for managing the First Class dining areas, overseeing all aspects of service in the luxury dining rooms and lounges, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. They supervised a team of stewards and stewards' assistants, trained staff, coordinated meal services, and attended to the passengers' needs to ensure the finest experience possible. They worked closely with the ship's officers to make sure all First Class passengers were satisfied and had everything they needed.
2nd Class Chief Steward - held similar responsibilities in Second Class, overseeing the dining service, the cleaning and upkeep of dining areas, and ensuring passengers' comfort. While not as luxurious as First Class, the service was still of a high standard, and the Chief Second Class Steward ensured that the meals were served efficiently, and that Second Class passengers enjoyed their voyage.
3rd Class Chief Steward - Is in charge of the Third Class accommodations and dining areas, which were more basic compared to the higher classes. They managed the serving of meals, cleanliness of the dining spaces, and assisted with other passenger needs in Third Class. Although the level of service was not as luxurious as the other classes, the Chief Third Class Steward played a key role in ensuring that passengers were well-cared for and comfortable during the voyage.

In addition to managing their respective teams of stewards and stewardesses, Chief Stewards on the Titanic also handled important logistics, coordinated with other departments, and ensured that their passengers were happy with their onboard experience. They were integral to maintaining the luxurious service for First and Second Class passengers and ensuring that the Third Class passengers also received proper care.

Here is a list of who were the Chief Stewards on The Titanic:

1st Class Chief Steward - Andrew Laitmier
2nd Class Chief Steward - John Hardy
3rd Class Chief Steward - James Kieran