How to Work As a Stylist on a Cruise Ship
Beauty salons, spas and fitness facilities on board a cruise ship are a large source of revenue for the company. Offering these services to passengers in turn offers employment opportunities for experienced hair stylists. The cruise lines do not hire employees directly for the salon. These jobs are typically staffed by third-party concession companies. These land-based companies provide screened, experienced professionals for high-end salons, both on land and at sea.
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Things You'll Need
- Training certificate
- Current license
- Resume
- Photo identification
- Transportation workers identification card
- Merchant Mariners card
Instructions
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Education and Licensing
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Complete the required education for your field. Hair stylists are required to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED certificate and must have graduated from a state-approved school of cosmetology. They must be currently licensed in their state of residency.
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Unique training may be required to work in a salon on a cruise ship. Research current opportunities. Third-party companies that fill positions on cruise ships will have additional requirements. These may include compliance for local laws or specific types of salon services within a geographical area. For example, ships sailing around Hawaii may require knowledge of Hawaiian flower hair styles specific to the islands. This may mean taking specialty classes in these areas before applying for the job.
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Many consessioner companies conduct interviews online or over the phone. Apply for the position. Research available companies that specialize in filling salon positions aboard a cruise ship. Send a current resume to the hiring department. Expect a few weeks delay in processing. Many companies hold interviews over the phone or via online teleconference. The companies maintain lists of available stylists and refer to the lists as opportunities become available.
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Once hired, complete any necessary applications for required documents. Apply for necessary documents. When the company makes an employment offer, they also send applications for maritime card requirements. If employment is in the U.S., a transportation workers ID card is required to access dock or port areas. A Merchant Mariners card may also be necessary. These are U.S. Coast Guard certifications and require background checks. Both cards take at least three to five weeks to be processed. The hiring company will have further details.
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Hair stylists can work aboard ships for major cruise lines. Begin your new career. Meals and uniforms are often provided. Anticipate adapting to small living spaces and long work hours. Required shipboard duties may include participating in crew activities or safety drills. In return, your leisure time can be spent in some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.
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Tips & Warnings
When packing for the ship, just bring the basics. Clothing, shoes and a few personal items. Try purchasing travel sizes of hair products to conserve space.
It may take weeks or months for the hiring and placement process. Be patient.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit spa salon #14 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com beautiful smiling blong girl with white flower in her hair image by Andrejs Pidjass from Fotolia.com business woman image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com employment image by Pavel Vlasov from Fotolia.com Spa towels and orchid image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
