How to Become a Hairstylist on Cruise Ships

All major cruise lines feature a number of services and facilities for guests. These include, but are not limited to, childcare services, dry cleaners, spa and fitness centers, retail outlets, and hair & beauty salons. The hair & beauty salon is one of the most important services aboard the ship for women, especially women on an extended cruise that features a number of black tie affairs.

In addition to hairstylists, the personal care department helps manage manicurists, massage therapists, fitness instructors, beauty therapists, spa attendants, and nurses and physicians. This department is dedicated to the health and well-being of all passengers aboard the ship. For their professional services, cruise lines are willing to pay handsomely as well as offer plenty of opportunities to earn money from commission and tips. Hairstylists may earn up to $27,420 annually, plus commission and tips. In addition, full-time cruise hairstylists are eligible for free accommodations, free air travel and from the ship, discounts on services aboard the ship, free meals, and retirement and savings benefits.

To become a hairstylist on a cruise ship, education and experience are a must. Postsecondary vocational training is required as well as a minimum of 2 years experience in the field, especially for luxury cruise ships. If you have the requirements listed above, you can begin your job search by picking a cruise line.
If you have a specific cruise line in mind, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website first. Visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings.

Once you have located the site, visit the website and search around for job postings. Most cruise line websites have a career center or job postings page. If the cruise line lists job openings, be sure to follow the application procedure to the letter. If the cruise line does not list job openings, send a polished cover letter, resume and portfolio of your work to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.

For more information about jobs on cruise ships visit Cruise Ship Jobs online. Here, you can download the 2010 cruise ship employment guide; you can read through cruise line profiles; you can find out which ships are hiring and for what positions — and you can even apply for a cruise ship job right online. Please note that this website charges a fee. You can apply for a job on your own, free of charge, sign up with a placement agency, or use Cruise Ship Jobs’ service.