 |
 |
What is working on a cruise ship like?
Travelling the seven seas for free sounds incredible but, like all jobs, life on board ship has its ups and downs.
Once aboard you can expect to have your accommodation and meals provided at no charge. It is usual for two crew members to share a room with basic wash facilities (and often bunk beds!) so be ready to live closely with another member of the spa team.
During your time on board ship you will benefit from a duty-free existence, and often receive around a 25% crew discount on products and services. You will have a chance to explore the ports you visit during your time off, but these benefits come with some disadvantages.
Cruise ship work is almost exclusively run on a short contract basis, which does not afford you much in the way of job security. You are also unlikely to receive paid holidays or a pension. You will need to pass a medical before you can take up a position, and will be required to follow appropriate dress codes (formal evening attire, wearing a provided uniform etc.) You will usually be expected to provide and pay for your own formal clothing.
Time on board is split into three types: embarkation/departure, sea days and port days.
Embarkation:
Embarkation is the day the passengers arrive and get settled in. Today will give you an opportunity to meet your new clients, perform demonstrations, carry out tours of the facilities and conduct talks about the services you offer. You will also get the opportunity to make clients aware of any special offers and discounts you may be tendering. Embarkation is a great day to get your first bookings and encourage customers to visit your spa – be prepared for a long, tiring day!
Sea days:
When the ship is at sea, you will be working very hard! With no ports to visit, passengers will be keen to get in some pampering, so sea days are usually hard work. You will be expected to work long hours but during this time you have the opportunity to let your unique personality and high levels of professionalism shine though and earn yourself some tips!
Port days:
Invariably, when the ship is in port, the spa will be quieter. However, this doesn't necessarily mean there will be nothing to do. Some passengers will still want treatments, and as a crew member you are expected to carry out a range of "side jobs" around the ship. These jobs may include cleaning, waitressing, restocking and other ad hoc duties, and can take up a lot of your time. This isn't to say that you won't get a chance to explore your latest destination. But, beware: maritime code states that at least one-third of the crew must remain on board at any one time in case of an emergency. This duty is rotated but it does mean you may not always be able to leave the ship with your friends.
How much you get paid when working on a cruise ship will depend on what you do, who you work for and what qualifications you have. To give you a general idea, a beauty therapist can expect to earn somewhere between £1500 and £2800 per month, a massage therapist from £1700 to £2900, and a nail technician between £1300 and £2300 per month.
Whilst you will not have to pay for accommodation or food during your contract, it is worth bearing in mind that drinks, whilst often subsidised, are not free, and anything you choose to spend in the ports is at your own discretion. Lots of people take the opportunity of free food and board to save as much as they can, especially as cruise ship contracts are short and often with little or no security. It's wise to keep a little by to ensure you can support yourself in between contracts.
See also:
* Can I get a degree in spa therapy or spa management?
* Do I need to be qualified to work as a spa therapist?
* What opportunities are there for working overseas and what can I expect from the experience?
|
|
|