Working as a stewardess on a luxury yacht allows you to travel the world while getting paid. It’s an exciting career path for anyone looking for adventure and new experiences. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to become a Stewardess on a Yacht.
Other Topics to Consider: What is a Bosun on a Yacht?
What Does a Yacht Stewardess Do?
A yacht stewardess is responsible for the interior of a yacht and ensuring guests have a 5-star experience on board. Main duties include:
- Housekeeping – Cleaning cabins and common areas, changing linens, making beds, etc.
- Laundry – Washing, drying and ironing sheets, towels, tablecloths, uniforms, etc.
- Service – Serving meals and drinks, setting dining tables, clearing up after meals
- Provisioning – Creating shopping lists, inventorying stock, restocking as needed
- Guest relations – Anticipating guest needs, addressing requests, conversing with guests
On smaller yachts, the stewardess handles all these tasks alone. On larger yachts, she may oversee other interior staff who handle specific duties like housekeeping or laundry.
The daily schedule varies based on whether guests are on board, but stewardesses typically work long hours – up to 14-16 hours per day during peak yacht charter season. It’s physically demanding work that requires stamina and attention to detail.
Yacht Stewardess Job Requirements
Education and Training
No specific education or degree is required, but hospitality experience is preferred. Many stewardesses have backgrounds waiting tables, working in hotels, planning events, etc.
You’ll need to complete basic safety training and get certified before working on a yacht:
- STCW Basic Safety Training – 5 day course covering firefighting, sea survival, first aid, etc.
- ENG1 Medical Certificate – Physical exam by approved doctor proving you’re fit to work at sea.
Optional but recommended courses:
- Food Safety/Hygiene – 1 day course in safe food handling.
- Interior Service – Multi-day class teaching stewarding skills.
- Silver Service – Formal dining and wine service training.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Friendly, outgoing and service focused
- Ability to anticipate guest needs
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Physically fit and able to handle long hours
- Team player who works well with others
- Takes direction but also displays initiative
- Handles pressure well in fast-paced environment
How to Find Yacht Stewardess Jobs
The Mediterranean and Caribbean are the main yachting hubs. Fort Lauderdale, Antibes, Palma de Mallorca and Antigua are popular bases. The best way to find work is to network locally:
- Crew agencies – Register with leading crew recruitment firms who match candidates to open positions.
- Online job boards – Check sites like Crew Network, YA Crew, etc. for the latest openings.
- Social media – Join Yacht Crew Facebook groups to find jobs posted.
- Dockwalking – Walk the docks introducing yourself to crews and networking.
Attend local crew bars and hangouts to connect with those already working on yachts. Take any temporary or day work opportunities to gain experience and make contacts.
Being present in the international yachting hubs at the start of each season gives you the best chance to find work:
Med Season (May – October)
- February – May: Recruitment peaks
- Antibes, Palma, Monaco – Key Mediterranean hubs
Caribbean Season (November – April)
- September – November: Hiring heats up
- Fort Lauderdale, Antigua, St. Maarten – Main Caribbean hubs
Yacht Stewardess Salary and Benefits
For junior stews starting out, expect to earn $2,000 – $3,500 per month. Salaries are higher on larger charter yachts, as you also receive a cut of guest tips. With experience, chief stews on 70m+ yachts can earn up to $12,000 per month.
Benefits include:
- Travel – Visit exotic destinations all expenses paid.
- Adventure – Explore the world’s most beautiful beaches and marinas.
- Camaraderie – Build lifelong friendships with crewmates.
- Tax-free – Earn tax-free income when sailing in international waters.
- Accommodations – Live rent-free on the yacht.
- Cuisine – Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by the yacht’s chef.
A Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess
To give you an idea of the day-to-day, here’s a sample schedule:
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Wake up, shower and dress in uniform |
| 7:30 am | Prepare cabins for morning service |
| 8:00 am | Lay out breakfast setup |
| 8:30 am | Serve and clear breakfast for guests |
| 9:30 am | Start laundry cycles |
| 10:00 am | Begin cleaning guest cabins |
| 12:00 pm | Set up for and serve lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Run afternoon laundry loads |
| 3:00 pm | Lay out snacks and refreshments |
| 6:00 pm | Prepare for and serve dinner |
| 8:00 pm | Turn down cabins for evening |
| 10:00 pm | Finish laundry and tidy up interior |
Pro Tips for Aspiring Yacht Stewardesses
Veteran yacht stews share their best advice for getting hired and succeeding in the job:
- Get certified – Complete required courses so you’re ready to work immediately.
- Be flexible – Accept day work or temporary assignments to get experience.
- Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to request clarification or help.
- Take initiative – Look for extra tasks to take on without being asked.
- Handle pressure – Keep calm and focused during stressful charter situations.
- Stay positive – Bring an upbeat attitude to your interactions each day.
- Pack lightly – Living space is tight, so only bring essentials on board.
With hard work and dedication, you can build an exciting career working on yachts all over the world. Use this guide to start your journey to becoming a globetrotting yacht stewardess.
