London Wellness Academy – The Cruise Ship Life, Questions Answered
Are you considering a cruise ship contract but need to know more? London Wellness Academy, with more than 40-year experience in training students for careers at sea, gives us all the information on frequently asked questions.
Contracts
The contracts for spa and salon staff are a commitment of 9 months. During this time, you will receive 1.5 days off for every 7 days of work. Scheduled days may depend on your ship and itinerary. You will also qualify for one week of vacation time for every month worked.
Cruise Ship Assignments
Cruise ship assignments are based on business needs, but all assignments offer personal and professional growth as well as an opportunity to save earnings for the future. Each cruise line is different in what they offer – unique destinations, varied mix of guests and demographics, with so many diverse forms of entertainment!
Embarkation day
We recommend you bring a maximum of 20kg luggage. Anything over this amount may be subject to additional fees. On embarkation day, the spa manager or one of the team members meets you and helps you settle in. After an orientation, prepare to begin working immediately!
Accommodation
Where you stay and sleep is your sanctuary, a place to escape the work and focus on rest and recovery; read a book; continue studies; plan your future. Except for management, acupuncture and medi-spa physicians, your cabin refuge is shared with a team member. A typical cabin is equipped with a bunk bed to provide some additional space, telephone, small wardrobe closet, dresser, private shower and bathroom facilities. It has everything one would need.
Cabins can be personalised by hanging up pictures of loved ones and what inspires you. The space can be made your very own.
Dining
From the crew dining room to dining on the Lido deck and specialty restaurants, cruise ships offer a myriad of food and beverage options. The crew dining room is open at all times for staff. There is no cost for dining in this crew area. Most ships also feature specialty restaurants at an additional cost. As this is a passenger restaurant, staff reservation confirmations for seating is based on guest demand. On some smaller ships, staff will always dine in the guest dining rooms. Never-the-less, specialty restaurants are always a wonderful option for celebrations, special occasions, or to treat yourself on a whim.
Live The Cruising Life
Most cruise lines want their crew to thoroughly enjoy the cruising life. In many instances, this means that crew can experience many aspects of the guests’ voyage. Whilst there may be some areas exclusively for guests, crew can, for the most part, visit the various lounges, watch world-class performances and Broadway shows in the theatres, and more as long as they adhere to dress codes.
After a long day with cruise guests, sometimes we want to just relax and be ourselves. For those instances, there is always a crew bar where officers, staff and crew meet to socialise amongst themselves. Most ships, especially larger vessels, also have a crew sunbathing deck with a pool as crew cannot use passenger pool areas. The private crew deck can offer a wonderful escape during time off or a break!
Communications
Calling family and friends has become easier over time, and on many ships you can call home from the comfort of your cabin. Costs vary – but they are very reasonable. E-mail is also an option if you subscribe to the onboard wireless plan. For those staff members who have a mobile phone, you can use your phone to place a call whilst in port and many ports offer complimentary Wifi.
Finances
There is no limit on your earnings. Wage commissions have a minimum monthly guarantee. A great work ethic combined with a positive attitude will mean you are extremely successful onboard. Every week you will have a fresh start with thousands of new potential clients on board, bringing new opportunities every time. Because it is a tax-free environment, retailing is easy as it’s cheaper for clients to buy onboard.
Each staff member receives a visa debit card by Brightwell where you can access money via ATMs and transfer funds online. Salaries are automatically credited to accounts. The debit card can be used to withdraw money from an ATM machine or pay at any venue that accepts credit or debit cards.
Pay cycles vary from cruise line to cruise line, but typically occur bi-weekly or monthly.
Onboard living expenses
Staff live onboard rent-free and meals are provided. All other expenses – phone calls, wireless internet, gift shop purchases, bar bills – are a personal choice.
Does travel, adventure, great money, and new horizons every day sound like your dream job? Then sign up HERE and set yourself on a career path that will change your life!
How To Apply!
Go to www.londonwellnessacademy.com and fill in the online form. A recruitment consultant will be in touch with you asap to set up a confidential interview. Your first step to a new life of excitement on board has begun!
