yacht stewardess salary

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Official Yacht Stewardess Job Descriptions and Salaries (Including a Salary Chart)

June 12, 2018 By Julie Perry

For some even more straight-from-the-book fun, I present to you below the official job descriptions for the various yacht steward/ess roles. These are pulled directly from The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Chapter 3—a chapter that actually contains descriptions for each of the positions onboard, from Captain to Engineer, and from Executive Chef to Deckhand. And they are all presented with accompanying salary ranges.

The Crew of Megayacht “Allegria” (2010). Photo by Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

So if you’re interested in a yachting career in another department outside of a superyacht’s interior, consider picking up a copy of my book to learn more . (The “how to get started” information in Part II of the book really does pertain to most any entry-level position.)

Official Yacht Steward/ess Job Descriptions

Meanwhile, here are your yacht stewardess job descriptions, with a detailed salary chart found at the end of this post:

CHIEF STEWAR/DESS (Annual Salary Range: $39,000–$96,000+)

Job Function —The chief stewardess will carry out his or her duties and responsibilities under the direction and authority of the captain. As the person ultimately responsible for the interior of the vessel and for providing superior hospitality service to meet the owner’s and guests’ expectations, the chief stew will also train and manage any lower-ranking stews under his or her supervision. Excellent service, host/ess, and managerial skills are a necessity, as is having a good degree of creative flair.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the everyday smooth operation of the boat’s interior department, which means being adept in the arts of housekeeping services, laundry procedures and wardrobe management, food and beverage service and cleanup, and entertaining (while maintaining proper etiquette and a high-energy, can-do attitude at all times)
• Responsible for directing, motivating, and training the lower-ranked stews (2nd, 3rd, and so on)—if any are onboard—which includes the assignment and scheduling of rotational duties and implementing Human Resources (HR) procedures and guidelines
• Providing valet services and overall guest care. Note: In the hospitality industry, “valet” refers to any employee who performs personal services for guests (and refers to more than just parking cars, which is what we normally associate it with). With regard to yacht stews, valet services include tasks such as packing and unpacking guests’ luggage, caring for their personal items and specialty garments, and even making daily activity arrangements for them.
• Protecting, maintaining, and caring for valuable interior items and surfaces, such as artwork, silks, china, crystal, linens, fine woodwork, and marbles
• Creating, implementing, and monitoring a financial planning system that includes accounting and budgeting for interior department needs
• Creating, implementing, and maintaining an informational management system of interior inventories and maintenance procedures
• Provisioning to maintain inventory supplies and cover guest usage
• Collaborating with the executive chef regarding meal service for the guests
• Creative planning and quality service of theme dinners and occasional guest parties
• Keeping all interior storage areas organized, orderly, and maintained
• Crew uniform purchasing
• Writing and updating all interior manuals and guest-information documents
• Maintaining and displaying knowledge of international etiquette and protocol
• Watchkeeping in accordance with the list of responsibilities in the crew mess
• Exterior-crew support as needed (requiring proficiency with exterior lines and fenders)
• Selecting, purchasing, and serving fine wines, specialty teas, and cigars, which may require advanced training
• Planning and managing destination experiences proficiently
• Assuming full responsibility for certain onboard safety tasks (as assigned by the first mate) in an emergency

Qualifications —A chief stewardess should possess some type of training and experience in the areas of bartending, silver service, cigar service, and wine presentation and service. (The more extensive a stew’s wine knowledge, the better.) STCW BST certification is now mandatory for a chief-stew position, and previous yachting experience on either charter or private vessels is most always required. It is also recommended that you obtain an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, or its equivalent. Floral arranging and table decorating skills prove to be an advantage, while an Advanced/Medical First Aid Certificate or a higher degree of medical training is also a major bonus. In fact, many chief stews are now taking courses to become certified as a yacht’s Medical Person-in-Charge. This requires a seven-day course that will satisfy the standards set forth by the STCW Code A-VI/4, 4.4-4.6, offered at many of the marine training schools. While the new PYA Interior-Crew G.U.E.S.T certification is not mandatory (as of July 2013), it is wise to follow the courses outlined and seek out equivalent intermediate and/or advanced interior-crew training classes, if not sign up for the full PYA G.U.E.S.T course modules.

A Chief Superyacht Stewardess handles the ordering of provisions and other guest amenities for the yacht, which might include things like floral displays that the interior crew is too overwhelmed to handle on its own. While that may sound like an easy task, consider that no matter how many years a yacht stew has been doing this job, he or she will always end up in a new port (sometimes half-way around the world). First, he or she must find a reputable vendor. And not only do fresh flower arrangements need to be ordered, but they must be paid for as well. A chief stew must keep thorough accounting throughout a trip and make sure all vendors and provisioners are paid from the right accounts. Photo Credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

STEWARDESS—2nd and 3rd Stews; sometimes referred to as Senior and Junior Stews (Annual Salary Range: $30,000–$54,000+)

Job Function —A 2nd or 3rd stew will carry out his or her duties and responsibilities under the direction and authority of the chief stew and the captain. Individuals holding these positions are responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the interior of the vessel and providing superior hospitable service, in line with the owner’s and guest’s expectations. Hostess skills should be well developed to fully accommodate the owners and their guests while onboard.

• Maintaining interior housekeeping during a trip (detail cleaning) while also being held largely responsible for guest-cabin care
• Laundry, ironing, and other wardrobe maintenance tasks for guests and sometimes crew (when guests are onboard)
• Applying excellent guest service (including silver service) and expert bartending skills when called upon
• Guest care and valet services
• Assisting in the creative planning and quality service of theme dinners
• Assisting with physical product inventories, provisioning, writing and updating checklists, and all other applicable tasks within interior
• Exterior-crew support as needed

Qualifications —This is an entry-level position; while previous yachting experience is not required, it does bring added salary benefits. STCW BST certification is now mandatory for obtaining even entry-level work on a megayacht. It is also recommended that you obtain an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, or its equivalent. Table service, bartending, and cocktail-service experience or equivalent qualification are crucial to landing a job—training and certification recommendations for these can be found in Chapter 7 of The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess. While the new PYA Interior-Crew G.U.E.S.T certification is not mandatory (as of July 2013), it is wise to follow the courses outlined and seek out equivalent introductory interior-crew training classes, if not sign up for the full PYA G.U.E.S.T introduction modules.

Yacht Stewardesses at Work Photo Credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

Dual Positions

On smaller and midsize vessels, where not as many crewmembers are needed (nor is there room for them), the core crew positions listed in the last section are often fused into what I call “dual positions.” An individual hired into such a position will assume a dual role and be expected to wear more than one “hat” during the course of a day.

Here are some examples:

• Deckhand-Stew
• 2nd Engineer-Deckhand
• Captain-Engineer
• Stew-Purser

Steward/ess Salaries

According to Dockwalk’s annual Crew Salary Survey in September 2013 , steward/esses are making a wide variety of salaries these days, and the amount of experience and training they have makes a difference. Of course, the size of the yachts will also be a factor. Compensation for chief stews runs anywhere from $3,450 to $5,650 a month on smaller yachts (80 to 140 feet) to $5,200 to $8,000 a month on yachts over 140 feet. It is very common now to see $65K and $70K salaries, or even $90K+ on the much larger vessels. Salaries for entry-level yacht stewardesses start out between $30K–$43K a year, or $2,500–$3,600 a month.

Base salaries for stewardesses, when compared with those of food and beverage servers, cabin stews, and laundry staff on cruise ships, are slightly higher. But where the potential income differences become dramatic is when you consider the tips one can earn working on luxury charter yachts, or the bonuses and perks afforded the crew on solely private yachts.

Here is a table that sums up salary ranges for the various stew roles within the interior department on a megayacht / superyacht:

Steward/ess Salary Ranges

While annual salary guidelines are given above, again, keep in mind that the ranges are wide because salaries will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the yacht, the use of the yacht (private or charter), the style of boat (power or sail), and what other benefits are available to the crew, such as insurance packages or education reimbursement. Salaries may also vary depending on the specific qualifications of a crewmember, the amount of time the owner and guests use the vessel, and what itinerary will be traveled. Furthermore (and I cannot emphasize this enough), the compensation ranges listed are base salaries and do not reflect tips, if those are applicable.

Yacht Crew Have Got 99 Problems, But Living Expenses Ain’t One of Them

The first thing people always say after I give them the above salary figures: “Gee, is that all? I thought you said it paid well?” And someone will always add, “Oh, well I can get paid that same amount to take an entry-level office job.”

But here’s the kicker: no expenses.

Most all positions on luxury yachts require you to live aboard and travel with the vessel, and therefore, your room and board are completely covered. It is customary and expected that everything you need on a daily basis is provided by the yacht owner—your meals, your uniforms, laundry detergent, linens, and on most boats, even your personal hygiene products, such as soap and toothpaste. Meanwhile, your earnings automatically go into your bank account.

What other job can you take where, at the end of the year, you have nearly your entire salary sitting in your bank account, relatively untouched? Most people in other industries are lucky if they save 1/10 of the amount they earn in a year. Why? Because they are paying rent and utilities, buying and maintaining cars, and purchasing all the clothes they wear to work each day. And let’s not forget groceries.

Ready to find out how to get started one your way to working on a yacht? All the advice you need to land that first yacht job can be found in this guide . Good luck!

Megayacht crewmembers. Photo Source: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

Interested in more advice on how to become a yacht stewardess and what it takes to handle the job? Download Chapter 1 of The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess 2nd Edition here .

September 11, 2013 at 6:01 pm

This is something I really would like to do !! I’m going to check into getting the training !!

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How to Get a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

Kate got her start in the yachting industry working as crew. She spent five years cruising the Bahamas, Caribbean, New England, and Central America, then segued that experience into a career in marine journalism, including stints as editor of  Dockwalk  and  ShowBoats International .

If you’re not afraid of hard work, have a knack for hospitality and service, and are a team player, then traveling the globe as superyacht stewardess could be in your future. Here is everything you need to know to land a job as a stewardess on a luxury yacht...

A yacht stewardess (or steward) is an entry-level position in yachting that provides a gateway to a career in hospitality at sea. A stewardess serves a vital role as part of the interior team and is responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the interior of a vessel.

One of the greatest appeals of working as interior crew on a superyacht (other than travel and tips ) is that the role of a stewardess doesn’t require extensive schooling or qualifications. While experience in the hospitality or customer service sector is advantageous, when starting out as a junior steward or stewardess, it is more about having a friendly disposition and being willing to learn and work hard.

“The ideal junior stewardess will have an eagerness to absorb information and learn the ropes properly, the ability to take direction and follow instructions, as well as the confidence to ask questions when clarification or additional instruction is needed,” says Sarah Bester with Northrop & Johnson Crew Services .

What is a Yacht Stewardess?

A steward or stewardess maintains the interior of a superyacht and provides five-star service to its owners and guests. On charter or owner trips, the interior team handles beverage and meal service, housekeeping, and laundry, all with the highest attention to detail. They have the most face time with guests so are responsible for relaying their wishes to the deck department, chef, and captain.

What Does a Yacht Stewardess do?

A junior member of an interior team on a yacht larger than 45 to 50 meters will typically start his or her career in the laundry room and/or in housekeeping rather than in service.

On smaller boats, the stewardess can be a department of one. “If you’re a solo stew you’ll be up early doing it all,” says Alene Keenan, a 30-year veteran of interior work who has literally written the book on yacht service, The Yacht Guru’s Bible. The day starts with opening duties: “setting up for breakfast, preparing breakfast, serving and clearing breakfast, laundry, cabin service, housekeeping duties, more laundry,” lists Keenan. This is followed by lunch service and more housekeeping and laundry, ongoing beverage service, setting up for afternoon activities, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres service, dinner service, cabin turndowns, finishing and returning laundry, and to close the day, pulling dishes, décor, and service items for the next day’s breakfast.

“If you have two or more interior crew, the duties are shared and probably rotated, and start times depend on hours of work and rest,” Keenan says.

• Top Tips For Working as a Stewardess

On larger yachts, the chief stew will provide his or her team with a checklist of duties to perform for each shift. “The routine will generally be the same,” says Chief Stewardess Tracey Bamforth . “You will be allocated a shift, shift duties, and shift expectations. You will wake up and dress in your on-charter uniform, making sure you are presentable, fresh, and on time. It’s important to remember that when the guests are on, your need to manage yourself to the best of your ability: speaking softly, working smartly, being very aware of your environment — for example, not leaving cleaning products out and about and keeping the yacht to its absolute best standard.”

Off-charter is when maintenance, deep cleaning, and inventorying are done in addition to daily laundry, crew mess, and bridge duties.

Who Does a Yacht Stewardess Report to?

This varies depending on the size of the yacht and crew. “Every yacht is unique and could have a different set-up; nothing is black or white,” says Lien Eggermont, senior yacht placement consultant for interior crew at Viking Crew .

Generally, when a stewardess works alone, they report to the captain. When there are two or more in the interior department, the junior would report to the chief stewardess, or with larger teams, they may even report to the second steward/ess. For the largest of superyachts, each interior division — housekeeping, laundry and service — will have their own head of department (HOD), so for example a housekeeping stewardess would report to the head of housekeeping.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Yacht Stewardess?

All crew need STCW basic safety training , a five-day course, and an ENG1 medical certificate , and some yachts may also require certification in Food Safety & Hygiene, a one-day course.

On top of these necessities, there are numerous options for yacht-specific interior training, but many chief stews, like Robert, prefer to teach on the job. “Most of the skills you need in yachting, especially in the interior, you learn as you go,” she says.

The amount of knowledge you need going in may depend on when you’re hired. “Early in the season, the HOD will have time to train and teach everything from scratch. Mid-season they don’t have time to hold somebody’s hand — in the nicest possible way — and will need somebody who can hit the ground running,” Eggermont says.

Courses that introduce entry-level candidates to yacht interior work are offered in many countries around the world. “Bluewater hosts some fantastic courses; their Yacht Interior Service courses start at a zero-to-hero course and can really help with a newbie or green stewardess who wants to acclimate and understand the principles and products used on a vessel,” Bamforth says.

Bester points out that additional courses like silver service and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) can help a candidate stand out. “These courses are an additional investment and thus an indication that the candidate may be more career minded,” she says.

• Recommendations for Entry-Level Interior Crew

“Training has always been a privilege in my mind,” adds Bamforth. “Most newbies starting out will already be stretched from arriving from a new country, trying to find a new role, living in a crew house, and then to expect them to start off with a couple thousand dollars in courses under their belts is somewhat unfair. I believe in the ability to train and trial a newbie and give them the opportunity to show you they have the capacity to work, learn, live in a very close environment with others, repeat the systems they are learning, and, most importantly, have a good attitude!”

Maxine Robert, chief stewardess on 47-meter M/Y Loon , adds, “Having a positive attitude is everything as we live in such close quarters and work very closely with each other every day.”

What Experience Do I Need?

“Many programs will consider junior stew candidates who are green to yachting but come with strong land-based hospitality experience,” says Bester. Eggermont seconds this: “Waitressing in high-end restaurants or hotels, background in events, housekeeper in a hotel or, for example, a boutique B&B. But also candidates who have worked on board cruise ships or river cruises will be considered.”

Keenan points out a wide range of work experiences on land that translate to interior work at sea, listing: “restaurant/hotel work, flower arranging , event planning, retail sales, anything with customer service.”

Furthermore, Bamforth says she considers a potential new hire’s complete background, including things like whether they have finished university — “my thoughts would be that they have a ‘stick it out to the end’ attitude, and an ability to think on their own, which is always a plus,” — or if they played team sports at school — “shows an aptitude for playing nicely with people.” She says she has enjoyed working with hires from a wide variety of backgrounds, from advertising to having a family member who is a florist. “Nurses or medical-trained candidates I find to be extremely empathic and good with other crewmembers,” she says.

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

The entry-level starting salary can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, says Bester at Northrop & Johnson. “Charter programs will typically be on the lower end of the salary range due to the additional income crew receive through charter tips,” she says. Eggermont at Viking Crew says the average is €2,500 per month.

Dockwalk conducts an annual salary survey that polls both placement agencies and working yacht crew. According to its most recent 2020 Salary Survey , the low end of the range given by agencies — where most junior crew would start — is between $2,250 and $2,800 per month. Interior crew who aren’t working as the chief or solo self-reported that they made from $3,000 to $4,500 per month, with the bigger bucks being netted on bigger vessels.

The earning potential of interior crew grows alongside experience. At the top of their game, a chief steward/ess on a vessel longer than 70 meters earns $7,000 to $12,000 per month, says Dockwalk ’s wage guide.

“I’d say don’t be too picky as a junior crewmember,” Eggermont says. “If a 90-meter-plus (yacht) offers you a role at €2,000 with potentially an increase after probation or so, I’d say take it. Do a season, do your best so that you get a great reference. You need a foot in the door!”

Related articles:

• What are the Different Crew Roles on a Luxury Yacht?
• How to Get a Job as a Yacht Chef
• Everything You Need to Know About STCW Training
• What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate and Why Do I Need it?

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What is a Yacht Stewardess? A Complete Guide

Written by Virtual Yacht Assistant

November 5, 2023.

Introduction:

Are you passionate about travel, luxury, and providing exceptional hospitality? If so, a career as a yacht stewardess might be perfect for you! Yacht stewardesses play a crucial role in ensuring that guests' experiences onboard a luxury yacht are nothing short of extraordinary. In this blog post, we'll delve into various aspects of this exciting career, including qualifications, prior experience, job responsibilities, salaries, challenges, and the potential for growth within the industry.

Qualifications:

To become a yacht stewardess, certain qualifications are highly desirable. Firstly, possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills is essential. Clear and effective communication is a primary factor in providing top-notch service to yacht guests. Additionally, having exceptional organizational abilities, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills will serve you well in this role.

Experience in the hospitality industry will come in handy when applying for work, this includes any sea going exposure, spa experience, diving qualifications, photography, events management, bartending, teaching and child-care. There are compulsory qualifications required in order to qualify as a Seafarer able to go to sea, and these qualifications include STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), Food Safety and Hygiene Level II & ENG1/SAMSA Medical. Other qualifications such as Deckhand, Stewardess, Chef and Masseuse courses will add value to your CV and make you more confident in the role. 

Previous Experience:

While prior experience in the yachting industry is advantageous, it is not always mandatory. Relevant experience from the hospitality or service industry works just as well, as it demonstrates your ability to maintain exceptional standards of service and cater to guests' needs. Previous work experience in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, event planning, or customer service roles can be highly beneficial when applying for yacht stewardess positions. Spa/beauty therapy and photography skills are increasingly demanded by yacht owners, opening up a space for individuals qualified in those roles to transfer to the yachting industry.

Job Responsibilities:

As a yacht stewardess, your responsibilities will encompass various aspects of guest service and vessel maintenance. Your primary focus will be ensuring that guests have a memorable and comfortable experience on the yacht. This includes attending to guests' needs, serving meals and drinks, organizing events and activities, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with safety protocols. You may also be responsible for managing inventories, provisioning supplies, and handling administrative tasks.

Yacht stewardess salaries vary depending on several factors, such as the size and type of the yacht, level of experience, expertise, and the region. Salaries can range from $1800 - $ 3000 per month as a junior Steward/ess. Additionally, many yacht steward/esses receive tips from satisfied guests, which can significantly increase their earnings.

Challenges:

Working as a yacht stewardess can be demanding. You'll need to adapt to long working hours, irregular schedules, and the high expectations of guests. Attention to detail is crucial, as any service shortcomings can impact the overall guest experience. Additionally, being away from family and friends for extended periods can be challenging, as yacht crew members often spend weeks or months at sea. Your mental health also gets impacted over the duration of your career, working long hours and not being able to eat or exercise properly can take a toll on you. 

Career opportunities:

While starting as a yacht stewardess is an excellent entry point, it can pave the way for diverse career paths within the yachting industry. With dedication and experience, you can progress to positions such as chief stewardess, purser, or even yacht manager. Alternatively, you may choose to transfer your skills to other sectors of the luxury hospitality industry, event planning, or pursue entrepreneurship by starting your own yacht service business.

Being a yacht stewardess is a thrilling and rewarding career choice for those who love travel, providing top-notch service, and working in a luxurious environment. With the right qualifications, relevant experience, and a passion for excellence, you can embark on an exciting journey that offers incredible growth potential. So, if you thrive in a dynamic and customer-oriented environment, consider becoming a yacht stewardess and see where this path takes you!

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How much does a yacht stewardess make.

If you always dreamt of a career which allowed you to travel around the world, then you may wish to consider applying to get a job on a yacht as a stewardess

While this is an entry level position, it offers the opportunity of starting off a rewarding yacht career.

Here’s all you need to know about the various responsibilities and how much you could make.

Yacht Stewardess like to play Final Fantasy. Are you a fan of Final Fantasy? Do you enjoy gaming? If so, then marine stewardesses the same type of person. One study found that yacht stewardesses are more likely to be gamers than the general population. Whether they're role-playing or playing video games for fun, these ladies like to have some fun in their free time. Gaming is a popular pastime among women and it's no wonder that many stewardesses love it too! Many yacht stewards have a love for video games, and many of them are big fans of the Final Fantasy series. So when their employers offer to send them on a trip to Japan to play the game's latest installment in person, they jump at the chance. Especially after watching the ffxvi trailer . "It was an unforgettable experience," says one stewardess who went on the trip. "The sights and sounds of the game--the music, the graphics--it was all so amazing." Other stewards say that playing Final Fantasy is a great way to wind down after a long day on board.

Sailors on yachts like to play in online casinos because they can enjoy the games without having to leave the comfort of their own vessel. Additionally, online casinos offer a variety of games that appeal to sailors, including slots, poker, and blackjack. Many sailors find online casinos to be a convenient way to gamble while on their yacht. They can log in whenever they want and play for as long as they want without having to worry about dress codes or other restrictions that might be in place at land-based casinos. So if you're a sailor looking for a fun way to pass the time while on your yacht, why not give an Zodiac Casino Rewards a try? You just might find yourself enjoying it more than you thought you would. Sailors can access online casinos from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This means that they can play while they are sailing around the globe. Online casinos offer a convenient way for sailors to gamble while they are at sea.

Chapters If you have always dreamed of a career that will allow you to travel the world, then you can get a job as a stewardess on a yacht, where you will have enough time to play online casinos and even visit Ireland. Although this is an entry-level position, it offers the opportunity to start a successful yachting career, with plenty of time to relax in the online casino, which is in line with the style of such work. Here's everything you need to know about the various responsibilities and how much you can earn at online casino ireland with real money as a flight attendant on a yacht .

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The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has had a significant impact on many industries, including the casino industry. One unexpected result of this technology is that yacht stewardesses are now able to earn money in the casino thanks to AI, read more here . Yacht stewardesses are responsible for ensuring that guests on yachts have an enjoyable and comfortable experience. They often work long hours and must be skilled at multitasking and problem-solving. However, thanks to AI technology, they now have a new way to earn money while on the job. AI-powered casino games are now available that allow players to participate in games without being physically present. This means that yacht stewardesses can play casino games while they are working, without disrupting their other duties. They can play games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, and potentially win big payouts.

 As a yacht stewardess you would be working as part of the yacht’s interior department.

Consequently your main responsibilities will revolve around making sure that the yacht’s interior is well maintained.

Your goal should always be to ensure that the highest standards of guest service are provided.

You may find job opportunities of yacht stewardesses on privately owned super-yachts, or on charter yachts that are often rented to important people.

The day-to-day duties of a yacht stewardess will depend greatly on the yacht’s size and type.

The season and the itinerary will also play a role.

For example, if you’re working on a very large yacht, you will be taking care of specific duties.

Whereas on a smaller yacht, you are more likely to be hands-on and involved in most of the galley or deck operations.

General housekeeping and serving duties will be the day-to-day responsibilities of a yacht stewardess.

This includes preparing cocktails and drinks, and maintaining the drinks stock at the bar, and taking care of the meal serving.

You would also need to take care of the tableware and table decorations so that they look in tip top shape.

Other duties include crew provisioning, guest and crew laundry and uniform stocks.

We will delve a bit deeper in what other responsibilities of a yacht stewardess involve further below.

Yacht Stewardess Positions

There are different positions, with the most basic being a stewardess who specifically acts as a cook or a deckhand.

Then move slightly up the ladder by being a junior stewardess, and over time a 2nd and 3rd stewardess.

Until finally reaching the top position of chief stewardess.

Inevitably the roles are similar, but the duties vary.

The chief stewardess will be carrying out duties under the direction and authority of the yacht captain .

As a chief stewardess, you will be responsible for the interior of the yacht.

You will also ensure a superior quality hospitality service is provided all along, both to the yacht owner and to any guests.

Higher responsibility also entails more managerial duties as well as paperwork.

This includes event management, scheduling, guest activity planning, liaison with the galley and financial management.

Being a good multitasker and delegator is essential for this role.

2nd and 3rd stews carry out various duties under the direction of the chief stew and the captain.

They will be responsible for the maintenance of the interior of the yacht, as well as assist in the hospitality service.

Duties include guest care and valet services, and guest-cabin care.

The 2nd and 3rd stews will also need to take care of the laundry, ironing and any other wardrobe tasks.

Exterior crew support may need to be provided.

Assistance in inventory management, including provisioning, and taking care of checklists will often be deemed necessary.

2nd and 3rd stews may also be required to assist in the planning of dinners and other activities.

While these roles are at a lower level than those of a chief stew, it is still necessary that one has the necessary qualifications as well as possess the skills that ensure the best possible accommodation of the yacht’s owners and guests.

The stewardess will need to be responsible for all basic tasks of interior maintenance of the yacht as well as guest service.

A stewardess may be working solo, or combine the role with another position, depending on the particular job description and yacht.

Junior Stewardess

A junior stewardess will often be focusing more on tasks such as meal service and bartending, cabin detailing, laundry and valet services.

This is a dual position, whereby one will act both as a deckhand and a stewardess.

This is quite normal on smaller and mid-sized vessels as there will typically be fewer crew members required.

Besides, there will be less room for them on the yacht.

Similar to the previous post, in this case one will be required to assume a dual role.

In this case the roles are those of a cook as well as a stewardess.

As mentioned earlier, the main responsibility is to ensure that the interior department is running smoothly.

There are various things involved in this, such as housekeeping services, food and beverage service, laundry, wardrobe management and entertaining.

Valet services may also be required from time-to-time.

This includes personal services to the guests, such as packing and unpacking luggage, caring for their personal items and taking care of any daily activity arrangements.

A yacht stewardess will also need to ensure that valuable items inside the yacht are well taken care of, or safeguarded.

This includes china, crystal, artworks, linens etc.

A chief stewardess will need to take care of the financial planning of the interior department, and so some accounting and budgeting knowledge is preferred.

Another role revolves around inventories, as it is important to ensure there are well maintained inventory supplies, while making sure that provisioning is taken care of accordingly.

From time to time it will be necessary to see to the selection and purchasing of certain items such as cigars, fine wines and specialty teas.

It is very important that a yacht stewardess sees to the proper organisation of storage areas in the yacht, as these will need to be well maintained and arranged.

As a yacht stewardess you will need to take care of the planning and management of destination experiences.

Besides these important day-to-day duties, you will also need to be responsible for the direction of any lower ranked stews.

As well as guiding them, you will also need to ensure that they are properly motivated and trained as necessary.

Rotational duties will need to be assigned, so human resource management and planning is another role of a chief stewardess.

Yacht Stewardess Salary Factors

The salary of a yacht stewardess depends on various factors.

The amount of experience that one has, and the training and qualifications that one possesses have an impact on salary.

Another determining factor is the size and type of yacht one works on.

Whether it’s a charter or private superyacht, or a power or sail yacht, affects the salary ranges.

For instance, a chief stewardess will typically have a salary in the range of $3,000 and $5,250 per month on a smaller yacht (between 80 and 140 feet), while one working on a larger yacht of over 140 feet could have a salary of over $7,000 a month.

As a general rule the base salary of an entry level stewardess starts at around $26,000 per year.

However it could also be around $35,000 annually, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

Apart from the base salary, there are also various other additional benefits that could be added to the salary package.

These could include bonuses, tips, insurances, training costs and flight expenses.

Also, since as a yacht stewardess you would be living on board the yacht, there will also be the provision of meals and accommodation on board, as well as uniforms, linens and other sundries.

The yacht program refers to how the particular yacht is used by the owner.

There are yacht owners who reserve the yacht solely for their personal use, while others also decide to charter it, or lease it to others.

In the former case, the time abroad will vary depending on the occasional vacation period of the owner.

It could be a circumnavigation or only an annual departure.

Whether the yacht is a power or sail will also have an impact on the staffing requirements.

Sail yachts are generally termed as casual programs, and often there will be shared positions.

The vessel length is another determining factor.

On board a smaller vessel, the positions of the cook and deckhand for instance, will be taken care of by a steward.

On the other hand, on a superyacht there will generally be a fully staffed interior.

As with any other job, the more experience one has, the better the chances of getting a higher level position.

A junior position on a large yacht is considered to be a great first job to acquire experience.

You will be able to gather a lot of experience and direction from those who will be at a higher rank, and this will accelerate your learning curve.

Often after just a year in an entry level position, a stew may be able to reach the level of performance that is deemed necessary to move into a 2nd stew job.

Generally after around five years, and subject to professional performance, one can also manage to become a chief stew.

There are various qualifications which are considered as a must to work as a yacht stewardess.

The STCW Basic Safety Training certification has become a mandatory qualification if you work as a chief stewardess.

You will need to follow various courses in order to improve your chances of getting a job as a yacht stewardess.

There are accredited programmes which are designed to not only offer key skills and training, but also inspire and support the person who is aspiring to embark on such a career.

There is the new PYA Interior Crew G.U.E.S.T. certification which, while not being compulsory anymore, is still considered as an asset.

You may also find other equivalent introductory training classes that focus on interior crew training.

It is also recommended that you have the ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate , or an equivalent to it.

An Advanced or Medical First Aid certificate or some form of certification in medical training is highly recommended.

A yacht stewardess will also require certain specialised qualifications such as in areas of food handling, bartending, wine presentation and serving, silver service and table and flower decorating.

As noted earlier, a yacht stewardess’ salary ranges vary considerably depending on the individual’s experience and qualifications, as well as on the type and size of yacht.

A cook, deckhand and junior stewardess will generally start at a base salary of between $1,750 and $3,000 per month.

A stewardess, on the other hand, can expect to make anything in between $3,000 and $4,750 per month.

A 2nd stewardess can expect a similar salary, but with the possibility of earning even up to $5,250.

A chief stewardess can make between $6,000 and $8,000 monthly.

Higher salaries can be expected the bigger the yacht one is working on is.

The best way to try to get a job as a stewardess would be to register with a crew recruitment agency.

In this way you can increase your chances of being notified of yacht recruitment opportunities.

You can also look up yacht stewardess job opportunities online or alternatively, go dock walking.

If you are an energetic and service oriented person, who loves visiting new places, then you should seriously consider a stewardess job.

While it could prove to be quite demanding, and you will need to be on your feet for several hours, it is a very interesting and rewarding job.

The key to succeed at such a job is to be willing to give a high quality service with a smile, pay attention to details, be adaptable, as well as willing to exceed expectations.

Needless to say, good communication skills and people skills are essential.

If you have questions about a career in yachting, we would like to hear from you.

Simply get in touch with us today or let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.

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Yacht Crew Agency / How Much Does A Yacht Stewardess Make?

How Much Does A Yacht Stewardess Make?

• June 13, 2023

How much does a yacht stewardess make?

If you’re seeking a career that combines travel, hospitality, and a good paycheck, being a yacht stewardess might just be your calling.

The Basics of Yacht Stewardess Job

Being a yacht stewardess is demanding job that requires exceptional skills in hospitality and a strong knack for details. Stewardesses are responsible for the interior of the yacht, ensuring that guests have a memorable stay. This includes food and beverage services, cleaning, laundry, and often extends to personalized guest care.

Financial Perspective: How Much Does A Yacht Stewardess Make?

Now, let’s get to the point. A yacht stewardess’s income can significantly vary based on numerous factors such as the size of the yacht, the nature of its use (charter or private), the stewardess’s experience, and the frequency of trips.

The Salary Spectrum

Generally, a beginner stewardess can expect to earn between $24,000 and $45,000 per year. However, with a few years of experience under her belt, this can increase to between $50,000 and $70,000. The upper echelons of experienced, chief stewardesses on large charter yachts can earn up to $110,000 per year.

Additional Perks and Tips

Beyond the basic salary, yacht stewardesses often enjoy some additional benefits. They receive free board and meals, travel to exotic locations, and may be entitled to health insurance and flight allowances. Importantly, tips form a significant part of a stewardess’s income. On chartered yachts, crew tips can range from 5% to 15% of the charter fee, leading to considerable extra income.

Variables Influencing the Salary

While the allure of this glamorous career is undeniable, it’s essential to understand what influences the salary.

Size and Type of Yacht

The size and type of yacht plays a key role in determining a stewardess’s salary. Larger yachts with more guests require more extensive work, hence, offer higher compensation. Similarly, chartered yachts generally pay more than private yachts due to tips from numerous charters.

Experience and Skills

As with any profession, experience matters. An experienced stewardess can handle responsibilities more efficiently and is, therefore, paid more. Skills like multilingualism, mixology, silver service, or wine knowledge can also add to a stewardess’s value, potentially increasing her salary.

Work Schedule

The frequency and duration of charters also influence the earnings. More frequent or longer charters often translate to more income.

Is It Worth It?

The life of a yacht stewardess is a mixture of hard work, travel, luxury, and fantastic earning potential. But like any job, it comes with its own challenges. For those who love hospitality and adventure, the financial rewards make it a tempting career choice.

The starting salary of a yacht stewardess is typically between $24,000 and $45,000 per year.

Yes, on chartered yachts, it’s common for stewardesses to receive tips, which can significantly increase their total income.

Yes, larger yachts usually pay higher salaries as they require more extensive work.

Absolutely! Experienced stewardesses and those with additional skills like multilingualism or mixology can earn higher salaries.

Yes, yacht stewardesses often enjoy free board and meals, travel opportunities, and sometimes health insurance and flight allowances.

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Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

It’s no secret that the impressive yacht crew salaries attract most people into the exclusive yachting world.

Junior deckhands or stewardesses can earn starting salaries of $3000 per month. With a few years of experience and some courses to back you up, this amount moves up towards $4000-$4500 per month!

In order to compile this superyacht crew salary guideline, I have taken 10 of the top yachting platforms and used all of their data, combined with my personal experience, to reach an average salary expectation for each position.

Table of Contents

How Much do you Make Working on a Yacht?

Yacht Captain Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$7500
• 30m-40m: $5500-$9500
• 40m-50m: $8000-$15000
• 50m-70m: $13000-$19000
• 70m+: $16500+

Requirements of a Yacht Captain

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years of experience as Chief Officer/Mate and more than 5 years of experience as a Captain for larger yachts
• Minimum level of Qualification: 200ton licence which allows you to drive vessels below 200tons

The Captain has the highest level of responsibility onboard the yacht and hence they earn the most out of all the yacht crew salaries.

Captains are accountable for the overall safety of the yacht, crew members and guests.

They also handle daily operations of the yacht, guests, and owner liaison. They deal with management companies, port control, budgets, human resources, and many more tasks and logistics that make the job demanding and stressful.

On top of this, Captains are required to hold high levels of certifications depending on the size of the yacht they are driving.

Yacht Captain salaries can sky rocket with higher levels of qualifications.

If you are looking to become a Yacht Captain one day I recommend looking into the courses required so you can get started with licenses and sea time. It takes time to get there, but when you do it will be worth it.

Chief Officer Yacht Salary

• 30m-40m: $4000-$6000
• 40m-50m: $4500-$7500
• 50m-70m: $5500-$9000
• 70m+: $8000+

Requirements of a Chief Officer

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 Years
• Minimum level of qualification: Officer of the Watch

The Chief Officer is second in command to the Captain and is responsible for carrying out the Captain’s standing orders.

On smaller yachts, the Chief Officer is referred to as the Mate.

The Chief Officer is responsible for carrying out the safety duties onboard and assisting in the bridge with paperwork and navigational planning.

The Chief Officer is also responsible for leading and managing their deck team, ensuring crew are following their duties as well as managing the water sports and guest activities.

The salary of a Chief Officer depends heavily on the license held.

Bosun Yacht Salary

• Years of experience needed: 2-3 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Yacht Master Offshore
• A yacht Bosun salary can vary between $4000 and $6000.

Responsibilities of a Bosun

The Bosun is essentially the Lead Deckhand onboard. A lead deckhand salary on a larger vessel will be similar to that of a bosun salary on a smaller vessel.

This is an opportunity to step up from being a deckhand and gain some experience in a leadership role. This position is in place for larger yachts so that when the Officer is busy with bridge duties, someone is in charge on deck.

Yacht Deckhand Salary

Years of experience needed: 0

• Minimum level of qualification: None needed, however Power Boat Level 2 and Yacht Master offshore will put you at a great advantage
• Entry-level yacht crew salaries start at $3000 and can go as high as $4000/$4500.

Responsibilities of a Deckhand

A Deckhand is an entry-level role on a yacht.

You need to spend a few years (or less) as a Deckhand in order to learn and gain experience so that you can step up in the ranks and obtain your licenses.

This role will be very hands-on in maintaining the exterior of the yacht. Duties will include cleaning, polishing, varnishing, sanding, caulking, and any other maintenance work required.

Chief Steward / Chief Stewardess Salary

• 30m-40m :$4500-$5500
• 40m-50m :$5000-$7000
• 50m-70m- $5500-$8000
• 70m+: $7500+

Responsibilities of a Chief Stewardess/Steward

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety, Silver Service, WSET, or a Purser course

The Chief Stewardess or Steward is responsible for all the interior operations of the yacht .

They are responsible for managing the interior team, and ensuring the interior of the yacht is maintained to the highest standards. Besides cleaning and laundry schedules , this also includes provisioning for crew and guests, budgeting, accounting, and training of junior crew.

Steward or Stewardess Yacht Salary

• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety and Silver Service
• Salaries start at $3000 and go up to $6000

Responsibilities of a Steward or Stewardess

A Stewardess/Steward is an entry-level position working within the interior of the yacht.

There are rankings within the interior (2nd, 3rd, 4th Steward/Stewardesses). As you spend more time in the industry, you will be promoted to higher ranks, and with that will come a better salary and more responsibility.

This role covers a range of tasks, including but not limited to housekeeping, laundry, bartending, table scaping, floral arrangements, serving, and hosting guests.

Engineer Yacht Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$5000
• 30m-40m: $4500-$6500
• 40m-50m: $6000-$8000
• 50m-70m: $7500-$11000
• 70m+: $9000+

Requirements of an Engineer

• Years of experience needed: 2-4 years in an engineering role onboard as Deck/Engineer or relevant land-based experience
• Minimum level of qualification: AEC

The Engineer onboard is responsible for all mechanical functioning and maintenance of the vessel. This is a very technical role that can pay well as you gain experience and obtain your licensing.

Yacht Chef Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000 – $5000
• 40m-50m: $5500 – $75000
• 50m-70m: $6500-$9500

Requirements of a Yacht Chef

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years depending on previous experience
• Minimum level of qualification: Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

The Chef is responsible for feeding the crew 2 to 3 healthy and sustainable meals a day. They are of course required to prepare meals for guests when onboard to the highest of standards.

In their day-to-day tasks, they will be responsible for their own provisioning of the galley, maintaining stocks, cleanliness, and hygiene of the galley.

The salary of the Yacht Chef varies depending on qualifications and experience.

Yacht Crew Salaries for Private vs Charter Yachts

There are two types of super yachts that require crew: Private and Charter yachts. The salaries for yacht crew differ slightly between the two.

Private Yacht

A private boat is owned by a single person or family who uses the yacht for their own purposes. They don’t charter it out and you can expect to have the same guests onboard for the duration of your contract.

The benefit of these programs is that you get to know your guests well so you may find it easier to manage their wants and needs.

You may also benefit from traveling to off-the-beaten-track locations as I have!

For yacht crew working on these private boats, you will usually not receive charter tips.

Charter Yacht

A charter boat is one that gets chartered out by guests. This operates as a business and also means you will have different guests for every trip. 

If you work on a charter boat you can expect to receive charter tips at the end of each charter. These are usually 10%-20% of the charter fee!

Considering these tips can be anywhere from $2000-$5000 per week depending on the size of the yacht, charter boats offer great earning potential and can skyrocket your salary as a yachtie.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

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A day in the life of a yacht stewardess.

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How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: Everything You Need to Know About the Job

Posted on: 11/26/2018

The annual salary for a yacht stewardess starts at  around $40,000  plus tips. While that may not seem like a lot to some, while you are living on the ship all of your expenses will be covered by the charter guest.

Being a yacht stewardess is a great way to see the world, meet incredible people, be fed every meal by a great chef, and live a more present lifestyle free of cell phones and constant connection. Away from your family and friends on the open water, you will find peace and adventure.

Read on to learn how to become a yacht stewardess and begin your dream career today. 

How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: The Education Requirements

If you want to land a job as a stewardess, you will need to take some short courses that ensure safety and good service on the yacht. 

If you are looking for an entry-level position, then you will take the most standard courses, while those looking to become a chief stewardess will have to go back to school for further certifications. 

When you are first getting started in the yachting industry, you will need to complete an  STCW certification course   at an academy like the Maritime Professional Training Academy in Fort Lauderdale.

This  course costs   around a thousand dollars and is typically completed over about a week-long time range. 

How Hard is it to Get Hired as a Stewardess?

Getting hired as a stewardess aboard a yacht is generally not considered to be difficult. Once you have your STCW certification, you will be legally qualified to take a position.

In order to get a job, you should move to a major port city. In the United States, nine times out of ten that is going to mean Fort Lauderdale. Your other option is Newport in Rhode Island. While there are other cities in the country where you may be able to find a position, these hotspots are the best place for those new to the industry to scoop up work.

Once you land in the city, you can hit the docks with your resume looking for people who need to fill positions. In this industry, when you need someone, you need them now, so be prepared to start as soon as the next day.

If you have any hospitality experience such as bartending or entertaining guests, this is helpful to list on your resume.

What Time of Year Do They Hire in Fort Lauderdale?

To get hired as a stewardess, you should head to Fort Lauderdale in between seasons. This is where you will find the most stationary yachts giving you the best chance of landing a position.

There are two primary yachting seasons - summer and winter. To get hired for the summer season, you will need to be in Fort Lauderdale between April and June. For the winter season, you should arrive between September and mid-December.

These down-times are when yachts are in port preparing for the next season and you will be able to set up interviews with many different ship captains or owners at one time. 

Those are also the months that you would have off once you become part of a crew while the yachts are repaired and maintained for the next season.

What Do I Do if I Don't Get Hired There?

When you are new to the yachting industry (the term is "green"), you may find it difficult to secure a position. When you begin asking around for advice, many experienced crew members will tell you to head to St. Martin to look for work. 

St. Martin is where many of the yachts head and make a port out of for the season. If you are there you can often find positions that crop up from other stewardesses who didn't work out or were unable to fulfill their obligation.

In order to do this, you will need to purchase a round-trip ticket in order to get through customs. You can cancel your returning flight at a later date if you find a position.

If you choose this route, be cautious when you talk to customs people at the airport. Don't tell them that you are coming to look for work. It can raise a lot of questions and prevent your entry in some cases. Just like how people coming to America aren't able to work, there are similar visa requirements for the island.

However, since you will be hired aboard an international vessel, those laws won't apply to you. But trying to explain all of that to an ornery customs agent isn't the best way to spend your first twelve hours in the city.

Consider Registering with a Crew Agency

One of the best ways to find open positions aboard yachts is by registering with a crew agency. They will be able to pair you up with openings and act as an advocate on your behalf.

Before you hit the agency, make sure you spruce up your resume. You need to sell your abilities and talents to potential captains.

These agencies typically don't require any fee from you to join, so you might as well give it a shot. The agencies are paid by the ship captains once they agree to your placement.

If you go with an agency, you will still need to attend individual interviews and secure the position in the same way you would if you found it on your own. It's just a great way to aggregate leads and provides a lot of exposure for your resume bringing you more potential opportunities.

To stay on an agencies books, you will need to check in with them weekly while you are in between gigs. This is so that they can ensure that you are still available. Once you find placement, you will be required to check out.

Make sure you follow through with doing this or you may find it difficult to work with the same agent when you are in need of work again.

Networking Tips

Once you move to town, you will need to begin by walking the docks and meeting people. Dress professionally and make friends, this is a social industry where the right recommendation can go a long way.

Be proactive and positive while you network. You need to be confident in yourself and your ability to find a job if you want anyone else to believe in you.

Useful Skills to Have

While anyone can find a home aboard a yacht with the right attitude and certifications, there are certain skills that will move you up the hiring list. 

Those that have basic cooking skills, experience babysitting, formal service training, experience working in a bar or food service, mechanical experience, carpentry skills, and diving experience will all find it much easier to find work and they can also help you command more pay.

How to Secure the Most Pay

When you are first starting out as a crew member, your salary is usually a baseline. Over time, as you gain experience, you will be able to command a higher salary. 

Other factors that impact your wage include the size of the boat, the number of responsibilities that you will have, whether the vessel is chartered or for private use, and your ability to make a commitment to being on board long term.

Jobs that offer other benefits like medical and vacation time may offer lower pay as a trade-off, so decide what is important to you before you decide what vessels to head to look for work.

A Note on Commitment

When you step aboard a yacht as a crew member for the first time, you will be very excited and eager to get started. But over time with subsequent charters, you may begin to lose your excitement, especially if your charter guests are particularly difficult or if you get into an argument with another crew member. 

While cruising around the world is a dream come true for many, you have to remember that it isn't a vacation. You will be expected to work hospitality hours, which are long and hard and often go late into the night. 

You will also have to contend with the personalities of the other crew members and try not to step on anyone's toes, both while you're staying in Fort Lauderdale   and on your ship. If you don't have an easy-going personality type, then this may not be the position for you. 

Once you take a job on a yacht, you need to make sure that you finish out your contract if you want to find employment anywhere else. Don't allow gossip,  bad etiquette  and drama to ruin your potential career.

Where to Stay While Finding a Position

Having learned how to become a yacht stewardess, you know your next step needs to be certification and moving to Fort Lauderdale to find a position.

Check out these great listings for a safe, affordable  place to stay .

What Does a Yacht Stewardess Do?

Depending on the size of the yacht, there are between 1 and 5+ yacht stewardess. The duties and responsibilities as a yacht stewardess will vary with the size of the yacht and number of crew on the yacht. Your first job as a stewardess on a larger size yacht will consist of learning the basic duties of a stewardess. Crew Mess duties, detailing, cleaning windows, polishing is high on the agenda to keep the yacht in immaculate condition at all times.

Onboard a smaller yacht with a lower number of stewardess, responsibilities will increase to more hands-on duties such as; tender driving, anchoring, mooring procedures, assist within the galley or deck operations.

The workload varies depending on the yacht, season, itinerary, and whether you have guests onboard. The busiest times are usually pre-season, boat shows or guest arrivals and while guests are onboard. A yacht stewardess position on a superyacht requires energetic professionals and as you’ll constantly be on your feet. While guests are not on board its common to have a typical 8-5 schedule with weekends off if working fulltime, if there is a trip or event with guests, hours will be much longer, and work will be much more demanding.

What are the responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess?

• Providing 5-star service to guests and ensuring guest satisfaction
• Providing excellent guest service, silver service and bartending skills when needed
• Maintaining laundry, housekeeping and wardrobe tasks for both guests and yacht crew
• Floral arrangements and decorations
• Excellent knowledge of fine dining, wines and cocktails
• Maintenance of guest-cabin care and detailed cleaning
• Assisting with inventory and restocking provisions
• Watchkeeping within the crew mess
• Stowage for sea
• Attention to detail
• To maintain a safe and secure environment

Yacht Stewardess Job Descriptions

In bigger superyachts, the purser serves in her own capacity as an administrative presence, employed to take care of recruitment and keep financial records. The cases where the purser is employed to act is mostly when the population of the members of the yacht crew is considerable. Otherwise, the office and its responsibilities are merged with that of the chief stewardess. The Purser is charged with keeping an eye on the book-keeping, workforce management, crew member accreditations and yacht crew member documentations, crew training, monitoring the inventory and making orders for necessities and requirements like foodstuff and wine stock, crew uniforms, required utensils and cleaning materials. They also manage the protocol duties and logistics of transporting guests between the yachts and scheduled locations as well as concluding contracts for deliveries.

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For course schedules and availability.

Skills required:  To be a purser, you must have garnered sufficient experience at least as a Chief Stewardess on smaller yachts. The administrative workload on this position demands a very meticulous level of management as well as a versatility in the skill of organization of paperwork for each division on the superyacht’s crew. Also, as the purser will be involved with the yacht owners and their guests a lot when planning for guest excursions and occasions. It is essential that the purser has strong communication skills and has efficient strategies and expertise for drafting in new yacht crew members as the requirement surfaces. 

Salary expectations:  There is considerable crossover between the duties of a Purser and a Chief Stewardess, but on larger yachts where both roles are filled, a Purser can expect to earn between  $6,000 to $12,000+ per month .

Chief Stewardess

This role is predominantly taken up by females, hence the feminization of the position. That is not to say that there are not many famous chief stewards in charge of management in the yachting industry. The interior department headed by the chief stewardess is established to provide hospitable service for the guests of the yacht owner and the owner himself. Also, the department takes up the duties related to creating and maintaining a snug interior on the yacht. These responsibilities are not limited to Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, cleaning, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, laundry and more. The Chief stewardess in charge of the management of the interior department by planning and assigning tasks to be performed by all stewardesses. In smaller yachts, the chief stewardess reports directly to the captain and is also responsible for extra duties like the logistics and planning of guest-transporting between the yachts, crew training and scheduled locations or events. They are also in charge of currency conversion for new locations.

Skills required:  Attention to detail and exquisite taste is extremely desirable in chief stewardesses. The necessary skills will naturally develop after some time spent in service as a stewardess, and the ability to execute the role of a stewardess is measured by comparisons to first-class ratings; anything below a five-star rating for any service is deemed unsatisfactory. Experienced chief stewardesses are remarkably prudent, and they can divine in addition to excellently satisfying the wants and needs of the yacht owners and their guests aboard the yacht at all times.

Salary expectations:  Depending on experience and the size of the vessel, the current salary range for a Chief Stewardess is between  $4,500 to $9,000+ per month .

A Yacht Stewardess functions under the supervision of the chief stewardess and are tasked with making sure that the yacht interior is maintained at pristine condition while offering the best grade of hospitable service. Their responsibilities range from services like dishing food and serving drinks, filling out as baristas to domestic duties like setting the tables, preparing the cabin or doing the laundry. They are also charged with housekeeping duties which might be relegated to an entire department, which is overseen by a housekeeping head in much larger yachts. There could also be some different departments for each of the other duties like cleaning. Position Requirements: In short, while being animated and enthusiastic will earn you praises, it is more important to the perfection of the service that you able to work extremely hard with a smile on your face and pride in your ability. Also, having prior experience in delivering silver service, being a decent cocktail maker or barista will make your application a smoother process. More importantly, to be hired as a stewardess to work in a superyacht, you must have received some specific education and accreditation that qualifies you for the job. Some of the required certifications include:

Skills required:  As with an entry-level deckhand position, success in this role comes down to being prepared to work hard and keep a smile on your face. Previous experience of providing silver service or having skills as a barista or cocktail maker can boost your potential to secure a job, but the most important quality to possess remains a positive attitude and a sense of pride in achieving the highest standards in your work.

Salary expectations:  An entry-level stewardess can expect to earn between  $2,700 to $3,200 per month . On larger yachts, the stepping-stone position of the second stewardess can provide greater responsibility by sharing some of the chief stewardess’ duties and earnings increase to an average of between  $3,300 to $5,500 per month .

Yacht Stewardess Training and Qualifications:

Essential Certificates You Must Hold Before You Can Get a Stewardess Job on a Yacht are:

1. STCW Basic Training

2. ENG 1 (Seafarers Medical Certificate)

3. Passport and visas, if applicable

What does the STCW (95 + 10) Basic Safety Training course include?

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (STCW A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (STCW A-VI/1-4)
• Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)

How To Become a Yacht Stewardess With No Experience?

There is no need to question if it can be done, people get entry-level jobs as stewardesses on superyacht more often than you think. The thing they will agree on is that getting the job as a stewardess is as much about having the right certifications and skills to pull off your duties efficiently, as being able to maintain an enthusiastic outlook as you carry out your tasks.

You can start with a day job as a member of a small crew on a yacht or superyacht, depending on which you can get first. Although the work you will be assigned to might look mundane, the attitude you bring forward when working is what will set you apart for a more permanent role in the nearest future. That is not to say the right attitude is all you need if you really want to get this job; you have to consider mastering some skills like your bartending skills or your proficiency in providing silver service before considering an application.

Stewardesses are mostly tasked with either Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, clean up, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, or laundry. Getting experience enough to bring your service level towards perfection is essential. A few courses or practices you can indulge in to gain experience or certification include:

Some courses/past experiences which will help you stand out from the other yacht stewardess and crucial to landing a yacht stewardess job are, but not limited to:

• Basically, anything hospitality/service related: hotel, cruise ships, cleaning, bars and restaurants
• Any spa/beauty experience: masseuse, personal training, yoga, manicure, pedicure, hair and make-up.
• Table service (e.g. silver service, napkin folding, etc)
• Childcare/Teaching: Nanny, Baby-sitting experience or teaching kids.
• Food Safety and Hygiene or cooking experience
• Floral Arrangements
• Bartending: sommelier, cocktail, mixologist, service experience
• Anything boat related: sailing, boat driving, diving, fishing, wakeboarding, kite surfing etc.

Starting a Career as a Yacht Stewardess

One thing many experienced crew members agree on that has surprised them about their yachting careers, is the sheer number of questions. You first ask yourself some questions before you begin your yachting career. You go ahead to find answers to more questions when you gain enough interest, and then you spend the rest of your life answering questions from your family members and friends every time you open your mouth to explain that you work on a vessel of luxury like a yacht. Or you reveal the experiences you’ve enjoyed and endured on your travels. Of course, you can expect the questions to be even more suffocating when a certain set of people get to know that you work aboard a ‘super-’ yacht. Ultimately, you should always be prepared for when they all ask, googly-eyed, for how to get in on the action. Can you blame them?

It is no hidden secret that yachts are synonymous with luxury nowadays. Coupled with its nature as a luxurious means of travel, the experience for the yacht crew is matched perfectly by the financial rewards sponsored by ultra-wealthy owners, the yachting industry gives people that lift into the world of the rich and powerful while offering work conditions that are a few inches short of heavenly. With the open and beautiful seas as your office, you start getting the gist of why getting to start a career in this glitzy occupation is extremely intimidating for most people.

Indeed, as a long-term career, breaking into the ranks can admittedly be a tough nut to crack. There are predictably many requirements, most of which are not on the work advert. Fortunately, a career as a yacht crew member always fulfils its promise to be worthwhile, with a lucrative, secure and perfect opportunity waiting for those who can successfully claim this profession choice. While getting a job aboard a superyacht is the lure, achieving your dreams depends on the amount of knowledge you have acquired on how to begin your journey, what type of jobs are available as a stewardess on the yacht and which of these job types fits your individual, in terms of your disposition, talent or aptitudes and capacity.

That is the sole purpose behind this little knowledge reservoir on starting a career as a stewardess on a superyacht. This way, you get a definitive idea on what will be required of you to stand a chance, as well as what you can do to improve your chances of getting a job as an attendant aboard a superyacht. All you should do now is to inject as much eagerness and resolve into your quest as you can muster, and the job will not be far from your grasp.

What differentiates a yacht and a cruise ship from a superyacht?

Simply put, a superyacht is a massive yacht, usually over 75 feet in length, driven either by motor or sail. Superyachts are predominantly owned by private investors, and they usually require that the superyachts are staffed by specialized crews. The yachts are mostly put to work for their owners, but often available to others via crewed charters. This means that while cruise ships are built to treat a large population of people, that could number in thousands or hundreds, superyachts are designed to offer a more intense experience to a remarkably less number of people, typically at most 12 people.

Over the years, yachts of different sizes have tread the seas in the yachting industry, from the average superyachts to magnificent giga-yachts that have lengths up to 320 feet. The building cost for each of these yachts exceeds hundreds of millions of dollars. Perhaps more astonishingly, the running costs for the maintenance and other necessities can be estimated to approach a tenth of the original building cost! Every year! It goes without saying that owning a superyacht is exclusive to the extremely wealthy and even to charter the vessel is a glory that those of the same status can enjoy.

With this much money spent on them by their owners, superyachts are always beautiful creatures. They are built with the most impressive methods, best materials and very grand designs. Superyachts are also stocked with enough variety, luxury and extravagance that sincerely borders on indulgence. However, the true value of these superyachts to these elites of society is not just in their beauty. Instead, they serve as a representation of their standing in society, and that is why they spend a heartbreaking sum regularly to keep the yachts up-to-date with recent technological advancements and inventions. It is for this reason that many documentaries have been made to give others an insight into the glamorous life of these top-of-the-food-chain individuals, through their yachts. More important for you to note is that there are more than 9,000 superyachts currently travelling the seas per recorded sales data, with a continually observed increase. This means more job opportunities for crew member positions.

What else do I need to do?

• Always present yourself in a professional manner
• Prepare a  Superyacht CV
• Dress well and yacht appropriate
• Maintaining a respectful, friendly attitude during courses and interviews can make a big impression on potential employers and valuable network contacts

Do you have an immaculate room or are you a little OCD when it comes to cleaning, organizing and cleanliness? Well if not it won’t be long before you are a neat freak. Yacht Stews and Interior crew are masters of all. Imagine labeling every single item in your cupboards or detailing a toaster (that’s right you probably never even heard of the term “detailing” before. It basically means clean something that an average person will think is already clean. It’s not a bad thing, in fact, it’s a skill that will pay off in both your personal and professional life.   If you have what it takes to be a yacht stewardess, stay open-minded, show your eagerness to learn and let your personality shine!

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

At entry-level, a Junior Yacht Stewardess could expect to earn between  $2,700 and $3,200 per month.  An experienced yacht stewardess could earn upwards of $4,000 per month depending on the size of the vessel and previous deckhand experience, training and certification. These numbers are based on an average, all yachts are different and sometimes pay more or less depending.

8 Steps to Getting a Stewardess Job:

Step 1:  Research – Understanding the position and requirements Step 2:   STCW Basic Training Step 3:   ENG1 Step 4:   Training and Qualifications Step 5:  Register with a SuperYacht Crew Agency Step 6:  Upload a quality CV Step 7:  Network Step 8:   Dock Walking  – Day Work

In a quick summary, getting a job as a stewardess on a yacht can be a challenge, however, if you have read this far, the first step of the search for a stewardess job is already complete.

The next step will be to book a Stewardess Course, and you are in the right place! We offer elite preparation and training to students who want to excel within the Superyacht industry and become fully certified. If you have any questions or are interested in our Superyacht Stewardess Career Course, get in touch with us by clicking here .

Article was written by Superyacht Crew Agency

Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

Become a Superyacht Steward/ess

• Begin a career on a Superyacht
• Career paths
• Become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht

Become a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

A perfect way to combine work and travel – and you’ll get to spend your time in the sunshine and in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Superyacht industry is constantly on the lookout for energetic, hardworking people, male or female, to provide guests and owners with the ultimate holiday experience.

Read on to discover answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about being a Stewardess on a superyacht…

What qualifications do I need to work on a Superyacht?

• ENG1 medical required by all crew who work at sea. If you are thinking of becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess, then we recommend you complete the ENG1 medical before completing Step 2.
• STCW Basic Safety Training Course  is a set of compulsory qualifications required by all crew who work at sea. You will complete a Sea Survival course, First Aid, Fire Fighting (great fun), and topics on Health and Safety, and Security.
• Get some experience . If you have hospitality experience or you have worked as a Nanny, Beautician, Hairdresser or Air Steward/ess, to name a few, then this will look great on your CV.

How do I get a job on a yacht with no experience?

It’s true that you don’t have to have worked on a yacht to start your career as a Steward/ess (apart from the compulsory qualifications mentioned above!).

Like any new career, though, it is a good idea to get some training in the basics so you can hold your own onboard. All yachts run slightly differently so one size does not fit all. To increase your chances of finding a job the more experience you can get the better.

The more experience you can offer the yacht, the better. So, if you don’t have any transferable skills,  then Flying Fish can help .

How do I find work on a Superyacht?

There are three ways crew find a job.

• Most crew travel to Antibes, France described as the hub of yachting in the Mediterranean.
• Online, we talk a bit more about “going online” below.
• Contacts. If you know somebody that is already working on a Superyacht then through their connections it is possible to find work.

Almost everybody that is looking for a job on a Superyacht travels to Antibes, France. On arrival, crew tend to stay in a crew house such as the  Crew Grapevine  used as a base to look for work.

If budget is a concern then crew join forces and rent an Airbnb between them. The advantage of a crew house like the Crew Grapevine is that the owners (ex-yachties) actively help you find a job.

The way you find a job on a Superyacht is quite unique. From your base in Antibes, you would travel to other ports in the local area, walk the dock and chat to the crew working onboard to see if there are any positions available.

Superyacht crew who have the evening off will go to the local bars to unwind. This is the perfect chance to get to know people that are working on Superyachts and to build connections in the industry.

Learn more about it here

Go online to look for work

All Superyacht recruitment agents post positions on their respective websites. Once qualified, new crew would register with the agency and complete their registration form. You would then get in touch with the agent to start searching for that dream job.

The recruitment agent’s job is to match the right candidate for the job being advertised. There are many recruitments agents out there, a quick Google search for “ Superyacht Recruitment Agents ” will bring up a list.

Facebook is another medium that yachts use to post jobs. To keep up to date is it worth joining a couple of the Superyacht Facebook groups. Yacht crew jobs and Palma yacht group are two examples.

Amelia, who trained with Flying Fish in 2020, gave some good advice:

“Sign up to a few good recruitment companies, make sure you interview with the recruiter first rather than using Facebook. Second, when you have your interview, make sure you ask questions about the yacht. This is because you are not only finding a job but a home and family too, so ask as many questions as possible to make sure it’s the right yacht for you.”

How long does it take to find work as a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

Over the 12 years that we have been running  Steward and Stewardess courses, most find a job between one to four weeks. We have had customers that have found a job in a day and others that have taken six weeks to find that perfect job.

The time it takes to find a job is down to you. You will need to be proactive, up early, and make sure you are at the front of the queue. From our experience, people who work hard and explore every opportunity will find a job quickly.

Every Chief Stew that calls us for a reference asks the same questions – does the candidate have a  good attitude ? You need to be hard-working, happy to work long hours, and used to mucking in. Have a can-do attitude and a willingness to go that extra mile to help your fellow crew mates.

When’s the best time to look Steward/ess Superyacht work?

Traditionally Superyachts recruit for the Mediterranean season anytime between February to May. That being said, yachts recruit all year round. We have seen many graduates find work in July and August when the season is in full swing.

The next key recruitment period is between September and November as yachts prepare for the Caribbean season. Yachts will cross the Atlantic anytime between December and January to cruise the Caribbean or the US for the winter.

Superyacht crew who have had a busy Mediterranean season may decide to take the winter off, which leaves opportunities for new crew to enter the industry.

How much money does a Steward/ess typically make?

A Steward/ess starting out in the industry can expect to earn €2,000 to €3,500 per month – almost all crew paid in Euros. The salary can depend on many factors, the main one being the yacht’s “crew budget.”

The owner or management company will agree on a budget that the Captain uses to hire crew, which can lead to small variations in the amount yachts pay their crew.

Your salary can also depend on whether you work on a Charter or Private yacht. It is customary for charter guests to tip the crew, the tip is normally around 10% of the charter fee. Chartering a Superyacht can set you back anywhere from €250,000 to €1 million per week.

Tips are split evenly amongst the crew and on average, can be anything from €2,000 – €5,000 per charter.

Is my salary tax-free?

As a crew member (or Seafarer) working on a Superyacht, it is likely that you will be out of the Uk for a significant about of time. Spend more than half of the year abroad then you fall under a specific piece of legislation called the Seafarers Earning Deduction Scheme. As a basic principle, if you are out of the UK for more than 183 days then there is no income tax on income (including tips) from the yacht.

UK Seafarers are required to complete a self assessment tax return each year. Flying Fish are registered tax agents and offer a Seafarers tax service to the yachting industry. We work with hundreds of customers to insure that their Self Assessment tax returns are completed on time.

What is it like working on a Superyacht?

All Superyacht crew work, eat, and sleep onboard. The yacht will become your home, and all meals are provided while onboard. Your contract will specify your duties, salary, working hours, and holiday. The yacht will supply your uniform and provide further training if necessary.

Superyacht crew will be comfortable with being away from their friends and family for long periods of time. For your first job, expect to be away from home for an extended period, which may be six months or more.

There are various roles within the Interior department; Laundry, Service, and Housekeeping. Depending on the size of the yacht will depend on what your role is onboard. For example, large yachts will have a dedicated laundry team, while for a small yacht (35-40M), the Stewardess will do all three.

During a normal week, when there are no guests onboard, you are likely to work five days a week, with weekends off. The structure of your working week will differ from yacht to yacht, but there will be time off to explore and have some well-earned downtime.

What’s a typical working day like for a Steward/ess?

Your working day will typically start at 8:00 am and finish at 6:00 pm, usually six days a week. When on charter, or if the owners are onboard, your work hours will differ. Unsociable hours are common when guests are onboard.

What are the cabin arrangments ?

You will share a cabin with another Stewardess. The cabins are small but comfortable with an ensuite bathroom. There is access to the internet via that yacht’s Wi-Fi system, so you’ll be able to keep in touch with friends and family at home.

 Can I make a career in yachting?

Yes, and many have! Becoming a Superyacht Stewardess can be a career, and what an amazing career it can be. Every Stewardess starts out as a Junior Stew; then, as you gain time and experience onboard you can progress to 2nd Stew, then Chief Stew.

The chief Stew runs the entire interior team, manages the budget, and will be the first point of contact for the guests and owners – not an easy role.

Some yachts will employ  a Purser , which can be best described as the PA to the Superyacht.

Not only is there progression, but becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess offers the travel and adventure we all seek. You will meet some of the world’s rich and famous and make some friends for life.

So, how do I become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

This is where we come in. Flying Fish run a two-week Superyacht Steward/ess course that includes all the qualifications and skills you need to get started in the industry. Everything from the STCW Basic Safety Training to our specialised Interior programme, run by an ex-chief Stewardess.

The course is great fun; you will learn loads of new skills and meet like-minded people who, like you, are thinking about a different career path.

Superyacht Steward/Stewardess Course

Become a steward or stewardess on a superyacht.

Becoming a Superyacht Steward or Stewardess is the perfect way to combine work and travel.

The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who are looking to work as a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

Want to find out more?

Contact our team at Flying Fish today for information on our Superyacht Steward/ess course, life as a Stewardess, qualification advice and much more!

Alternatively, click on our Superyacht Steward/ess course below and kick start your new career today!

The ultimate guide to working on Superyachts

How Much Does a Superyacht Stewardess Get Paid?

by Guest Author | Mar 19, 2015 | The Chief Stewardess , The Superyacht Stewardess | 0 comments

Working on a Superyacht can be described as a bittersweet experience.

It is work characterized by a mix of extreme highs and extreme lows. The adventure that is touring some of the most exotic destinations on earth also doubles up as around the clock service job for the yacht crew, specifically the Super Yacht stewardess.

A yacht stewardess is charged with the responsibility of making sure the hospitality and accommodation bit of the guest’s stay is up to standard, any time any day. This then begs the question: What is the Super Yacht Stewardess Salary?

Before deliberating on the salary, it is important to understand the job description of the Superyacht Stewardess

In this regard, one begins by appreciating the other yacht crew members offering services to the guests in the yacht. They are the:

• First officer
• Second mate/bosun
• Engineers and the chefs.

A stewardess’ work is complemented by that of the other crew members. The number of crew members, except the captain, of course, depends on the size of the yacht and/or the number of guests.

This goes to show that for each crew member there’s a clear job description. For the stewardess, the job description comprises a host of tasks; some of which are sometimes not put in writing.

A stewardess is responsible for everything that happens inside the yacht, although, this is the general description of all stewardesses who exist in three categories.

There’s the chief stewardess :

Senior or first stewardess and a junior stewardess or stewardesses depending on the size of the yacht. The senior and junior stewardesses mostly feature in major and medium-size yachts.

Small yachts tend to have one stewardess, who attends to the needs of the guests.

The job description is a cocktail of housekeeping activities which needs a can-do attitude for the better part of the day. The stewardess is expected to provide 7-star services when it comes to dining, drinking, laundry and cleaning up services, floral arrangements and cabin preparation.

Stewardesses also obtain local currency besides planning trips/events and arranging transport for the guests. Their job mainly involves serving the guests and ensuring that their trip is as enjoyable as it should be.

A stewardess is answerable to the chief stewardess or the captain of the yacht she is on.

In this position, she anticipates every situation before it happens. The Stewardess’s ability is pinned on how much attention she pays to detail and the way she carries out her duties.

She should be fast to learn every guest’s preferences and need and use this to make them as comfortable as possible on the yacht.

There’s no such thing as a typical day at work for a stewardess; work for a stewardess has no specified time and requires that one be prepared for any outcome.

For one to qualify as a stewardess, they would need a convincing background in the service industry such as customer care or hospitality, culinary mastery and/or housekeeping.

The other important requirement would be STCW95 and ENG1. It is an added advantage to possess the mastery of silver service, wine knowledge, cocktail service and bartending skills.

In addition, it may not be written but a stewardess is a discrete person who practices confidentiality and displays good organizational skills. A Chief stewardess may also be called upon to see to IT/ accounting and management matters.

The guest also expects that the stewardess speaks his/her native language, therefore being multi-lingual comes in handy.

Upon review of this information, we re-visit the earlier question:

What is the Super Yacht Stewardess Salary?

A look at the industry’s salaries reveals that position matters and hence a chief stewardess’ salary is not similar to a junior stewardess’ salary neither is a 20-30 meter yacht stewardess’ salary the same as one working in an 80 meter plus yacht.

Besides position and size of the yacht, experience, use of the yacht (charter or private) and the style of the boat (power or sail) play a major role in determining how much a stewardess on Superyacht gets paid.

Other contributing factors include qualifications of the stewardess and the travelling itinerary of the yacht.

On average, a Super Yacht stewardess gets paid about £1,750 – £3,000 on a small yacht and £ 2,500 – £ 4000 per month on larger yachts.

Important to note is that these salaries are not inclusive of tips which add to the salary amount. Though they add to the salary’s final tally, tips hinge on the guest’s resolve.

Stewardesses are expected to file their own personal income tax in accordance with the tax rules and regulations of their respective countries. In most cases, this is done with the help of an International tax guru.

While on board, a stewardess is entitled to food and drink, accommodation, basic toiletries and uniform, transport to and from home and others on board expenses.

In fact, most yacht owners cover the stewardess’ health and accident insurance. Furthermore, on the stipulated annual 4-6 week holiday, a stewardess is paid in full. Pay increment is dependent mostly on performance.

In essence, the stewardess does not incur any costs related to overheads. However, the stewardess is expected to provide for their personal effects.

In matters of career progression, a stewardess advances to become a purser.

A purser’s role is mainly administrative and found mostly in extremely large yachts. In this position, one works for a monthly income of between £ 4,500 and £ 6,000.

She is however required to have strong and competitive skills in administration, crew management and all service industry abilities.

Other stewardesses progress career-wise to become more influential staff members in the hotel industry such as operations managers. There are those who move to become housekeeper/butler of the yachts owner’s residence or even secure a job in a cruise liner.

For some, this compensation is not enough for the stewardess’ hard work and diligence; while others see it as one of the best jobs to cultivate a savings culture.

There’s much about being a stewardess which hasn’t and can’t be documented. How much a stewardess is paid plays a big role in service delivery. However, it is passion and determination for the job that makes a stewardess appreciative of the payment received.

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Yacht Crew Salaries

Average starting salary guidelines.

The crew salaries reflected below have been derived from placement records and job orders for both power and sail, reflected as an average, received by Crewfinders within the past year and may change without notice.

All guides , Stewardess , Yacht Jobs

Yacht stewardess salary 2024.

• March 11, 2024

To work on Yachts, one of the most appealing factors is the Stewardess salary you receive. The yacht Stewardess salary 2024 is depending on a lot of factors. It is a variation of monthly salary, (that is not taxed) , bonuses, tips as well as leave packages for stewardess positions. It is important to have an open mind when accepting the first Junior Stewardess job in order to build experience, boost your CV and get a better salary later in your career.

How much do you make working as a Yacht Stewardess?

• Direct Yacht Stewardess Salary paid every month. Which is starting from 2500€/month depending on Yacht size, position and experience
• Paid and accrued annual leave for your yacht stewardess salary which is ranging from 40-180 days paid leave per year
• Yacht Stewardesses earn Tips which are ranging from 500€-2500€ depending on charter yacht and size and guests
• Bonuses for yacht stewardesses paid by Owners or for longevity, this is usually something like 1 month’s extra salary paid annually for longevity or completing the season.

What is a starting salary for a Yacht Stewardess in 2024? 

Students that complete the yacht crew training through  YachtieCareers  and get a yacht job as a  Stewardess , usually end up with a salary around 3000€/month.

The average salary for working as a Yacht Stewardess is 2500€-3200€ when getting the first job. But it can be more. Here is an example of a junior stewardess that after training ended up with a Yacht Stewardess salary of 3200€/month on a temporary 3-month Contract

Example Junior Yacht Stewardess Salary

One of our ex-student managed to find a yacht job in Portugal after the Yachtiecareers Training week. And her first contract had the following terms.

• 40m Private/Charter Yacht.
• 3200€/month.
• Temp Contract (3-months)

Factors that determine the Yacht Stewardess salaries in 2024 

The final yacht crew salary will be depending on many factors, such as if you are working in Europe or US and also the type of yacht, your experience and your position. Here are the key factors determining what your first yacht crew salary will be working on board:

Usually, the larger the Yacht the higher stewardess salary you will earn. But this is not always true, it is a good generalization. But Yachts ranging 80-120m are usually the best paying once. There are of course exceptions where a 70m is paying a lot more than a 125m for a Yacht Stewardesses.

• Size of Interior Department

Same as above. Especially a determining factor on charter Yachts, since the tips are divided amongst the crew, a larger number of crew will result in a smaller share of the tips. But keep in mind that a the larger the crew the larger the yacht and the more expensive it is to charter, resulting in higher tips.

• Private or Charter

On a private yacht the salary is usually higher. For a starting position such as a Stewardess it is around 2500€/month. On a charter it is similar but sometimes lower than that. But on the Charter Yacht you will earn more yacht crew tips per week which will add to the salary.

• Area of Sailing (Med/Caribbean/USA)

If you are receiving a yacht stewardess salary paid in US and work in Florida and Caribbean in the past the salary range has been a bit higher. But now with a strong EUR working in the Med is starting to become the most lucrative option for getting the best Yacht crew salary.

• Stewardess Experience on board

The more experience, skills and background education you have the higher your salary on boar will be. For a Stewardess with 5 year’s experience you can earn up to 9000€/month in a Chief Stewardess role:

• Silver Service
• Hairdresser
• Hotel and housekeeping experience

For a Junior Stewardess without experience the starting salary can be only around the 2000€ mark. But as soon as you have a little bit extra background experience or skills it goes closer to 3000€/month in starting salary.

• Position on board 

For Junior positions such as Stewardess , the starting salary range is 2000€-3800€/month.

For Medium rank positions such as 2 nd  Stewardess/ 3 rd Stewardess/ Special skill Stewardess the salary range is: 3200€-5500€ per month.

For high ranks such as positions as Chief Stewardess and Purser, the salary is from 6000€-12000€ / month.

For executive positions such as Interior Manager the salary starts from 4000€ on a very small 20m Yacht and can range all the way up to 25000€ + on mega large yachts. In a senior yacht Stewardess position you also have 6 months paid leave per year in most large yachts and rotation.

Yacht Stewardess Salaries 2024 – Summary

Chief Stewardess – 6000€-12000€  per month is the salary for a Chief Stewardess on board Yachts with usually a rotational contract.

2 nd  Stewardess –  A 2 nd  Stewardess Yacht salary on board Superyachts in 2024 starts from 3300€- 4800€/ month.  And it can be more with extra skills and experience.

Stewardess –  A Stewardess salary on board Superyachts in  2024 starts from 2300€-3800€/  month. And it can be more with extra skills and experience.

Junior Stewardess –  A Junior Deckhand salary on board Superyachts in 2024 starts from  2000€-3100€/ month . And it can be more with extra skills and experience.

Purser – Starting from 6000€ per month and goes up depending on Yacht size.

Interior Manager – Varies a lot, but with experience on a mega large yacht, the salary is often undisclosed, but sources have salaries above 20 000€/month for an Yacht interior manager role.

How to start earning a Yacht Stewardess salary and become Yacht Crew ?

To start, you can simply join   Yachtiecareers Yacht crew training  to start working on yachts.

To become a Yacht Stewardess  and get all STCW Basic Safety Training, Visas, Yacht CV and Seaman’s Discharge book you can book your training here and start working with a Yacht Crew salary go here: Yacht Stewardess Training

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• Chief Steward/ess

About the Chief Steward/ess

The chief stewardess onboard a yacht is extremely skilled in five-star hospitality, various service styles and interior maintenance, in addition to possessing extensive wine knowledge. This individual is responsible for guest satisfaction onboard and must have the ability to anticipate owner/guest needs and exceed their expectations. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to success in this position, as well as team management and fiscal administration. This role typically requires at least three years of experience in the superyacht industry.

Job Responsibilities

• Setting stewardess schedules for guest service and cleaning
• Interior cleaning and maintenance
• Interior inventory
• Interior accounting
• Liaison with guest and service meals and bartending
• Liaison with galley for meal services
• Orchestrating guest activities
• Boat stowage for sea
• Assisting with lines and fenders on deck

Required Skills

• Ability to delegate
• Good communications, organization and diplomacy
• Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
• Knowledge of flower and table decorations
• Attention to detail
• Financial management

Salary Modifiers

• Speaks multiple languages fluently
• New build experience
• Experience in five-star establishments (i.e. Michelin star restaurant, fine hotel)
• Advance medical training/certificate
• Limited computer skills

Position Statistics

Career path, chief stewardess, head of housekeeping, second stewardess, laundry stewardess, junior stewardess.