Jobs that Travel: Working for a Cruise Line

Wanderlust – the strong desire or urge to travel and explore the world. If you’re among the wandering souls who just can’t bear the thought of staying put… in one place…all the time – you’re not alone. It’s true! The world is filled with adventurers who feel more alive when their feet hit new places and their eyes see new faces! But in the daily grind of life, satisfying your inner wanderer can be a challenge. After all, you gotta make a living, right? Right.

Fortunately, there are some professions that allow you to do both! Especially a profession that revolves around making people look and feel their very best. Intrigued? We’re talking beauty and wellness careers folks! Not only is the beauty and wellness industry expecting to add over 42,000 jobs by 2026, but this profession can take you anywhere, even the open sea! Get your sea legs ready, while we explore the ins and outs of taking your beauty and wellness training out on the water by working for a cruise line.

What beauty and wellness careers are available on most cruise lines?

There are tons of jobs for trained beauty and wellness professionals aboard a cruise ship. After all, a cruise boat is really the equivalent of a floating hotel or resort – one that makes frequent stops at exotic locales. Each ship typically has a spa and/or salon on board to offer passengers all the luxury self-care services they could want. Everything from hairstyling and mani-pedis, to therapeutic massage, and specialty skincare like facials, waxing and even Botox!

What is cruise-life really like?

It’s safe to say that every job has its ups and downs. But when you’re literally living where you work – it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of cruise-life.

Con – busy, busy, busy –

People on vacation want to relax! And pamper themselves. (Or they want to go rock-climbing and jet-skiing and pull a muscle.) Whether you’re a massage therapist helping people relax or specialize in skincare or sports massage, you’ll likely be inundated with clients and working very hard.

Pro – did we mention busy?

Many of us thrive on being busy and dread a slower pace. It’s also a plus when you factor in that most workers on cruise lines count on tips as a substantial part of their income. Busier equals more clients, equals more income!

Con – Am I supposed to sleep here?

If you’ve ever been on a cruise as a passenger, you might think the staterooms are wee-tiny. But they dwarf the typical accommodations for crew members. You’ll usually be sharing a tiny cabin, (likely without a window) with just enough space to sleep.

Pro – Did you say rent-free?

That’s right. It may not be sprawling luxury, but all of your living expenses are paid for. That’s a pretty big plus… and just think about all the places you’ll get to see!

Anything else I should know?

Yes, there are a few other things you’ll want to consider. If you’re prone to motion sickness, remember – you’re on a boat. It may feel like a floating hotel, but you will surely feel some rocking and likely plenty of it! There are plenty of over-the-counter remedies to manage motion sickness, but you may not relish the idea of dealing with it on a regular basis. There’s also the schedule to consider. Often, cruise employees work several weeks on board with a 7 to 14-day break in between, depending on your contract. But you’ll be away from home a significant amount of time. But if you’re single and on your own – this might suit you perfectly!

Who says you can’t make a living and still explore your inner-explorer at the same time! The beauty of careers in the beauty and wellness industry is the amount of options your training can provide. Life is meant to be explored! If you’d like to explore the options for your future, check out the programs offered at Daytona College. With programs like Natural Health and a Full Specialist with Spa Services Program, you can remain flexible in what services you are trained to offer. Daytona is training the next generation of talented beauty and wellness professionals. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour of our campus.