Working on a cruise ship sounds like a dream job, doesn't
it? Well, here's the scoop on how it all works.
According to Steiner TransOcean, an organization that manages
and trains personnel for about half of the cruise ships running in
the world, massage therapists are hired who have the qualifications
to work in the United States. Therapists who are accepted are
trained in the Elemis system of massage, which includes a specific
product line of oils not available on land. The oils are used in a
75-minute massage that incorporates mind and body relaxation.
Two very important attributes to have:
A good attitude- They want smiling faces and genuine people.
Their clients are on vacation and are there for a very positive
experience.
The ability to sell- Therapists are expected to sell the Elemis
products and a large part of their income depends upon their
sales.
After sending in a resume and proof of your certification or
licensure, you will be contacted by Steiner if they want you to
appear for an initial interview and trial massage. These interviews
are conducted on cruise ships when they are docked in U.S. ports,
usually around Florida (at your expense).
Once accepted, you fly to London (at your expense) to complete
training. Training lasts from two to 10 weeks depending on how
qualified the therapist is and how quickly she/he catches on to the
Elemis system. Steiner pays for lodging. Therapists are then flown
to their assigned vessel. From that flight on, Steiner picks
up all expenses, including room and board, and the return flight
home at the conclusion of the assignment. The length of assignments
ranges from four to eight months.