A qualified hairstylist for almost 20 years, Chantal Mulder tells us of her fascinating experiences in the onboard spa lifestyle and confirms that once the sea life has taken hold of you, it can open doors for your future – whether onboard permanently or land-based career opportunities, near and far. She is currently embarked on an exciting Alaskan cruise!
Q: What drew you to the cruise ship spa life?
What drew me to the cruise ship spa life was the opportunity to earn in dollars. To travel while doing so was such an added bonus. I quickly fell in love with seeing the world and exploring new places.
Q: What did your London Wellness Academy training programme include?
I'm a qualified hairstylists so the main focus for me was on hairdressing. I received further training in hair products as well as spa products for massaging and facials. I got training on various hair treatments, mini facials, men’s grooming, teeth whitening, and a few massaging therapies, as well as sales training.
Q: What hours can a stylist or beautician expect to work on board?
A typical sea day will be 12 to 13 hours with an hour for lunch and an hour break for dinner. It sounds like a very long day and some days it is. You do get used to it and believe me, after work you'll still have energy to go out or go to the gym. Some sea days won't be that busy so then you promote the spa in other areas. The nice thing is you're always surrounded with friends from the spa or other departments. On some port days you get time off depending on your work schedule. Your spa manager will create a schedule to ensure you get your appropriate time off so you can go and explore the beautiful ports where the cruise ship docks.
Q: What’s the best part of your day?
To explore and experience new destinations and sharing that with your friends onboard. The friendships that you create onboard is incredible. It's a completely different lifestyle and only your friends onboard or other crew members truly understand life at sea.
Q: How does it differ from a land-based salon experience?
Oh, it's so much more intense but in a good way. The friendships and close bonds are incredible. You make friends from all around the world. You get to meet guests from around the world. The sales training and experience with guests from all over will shape you tremendously. Working with international guests gives you a much different experience and outlook in life.
Q: What are the average earnings?
You can earn between R30 0000 to R50 000 or more per month depending on how much effort you put in. Retail is very important in the spa and adds to your income
Q: What are the career options after completing a contract?
You can continue in the spa as a therapist or you can do management training and become a spa manager. You have the opportunity to go to head office, or with your international experience in the spa on your resume, you can go work in a spa in resorts. I know Dubai is a good option as well. It will open doors for you, it's up to you to grab those opportunities!
I absolutely loved the spa life, I made the most incredible memories with friends in beautiful destinations. There are hard moments where you will be tired and miss your family, but that's normal - and those fleeting moments will make you stronger and more resilient.
This will change your life and will open doors to new opportunities. I've met my husband onboard and we now travel together and work together. I've seen so much of the world and I'm not yet done!
Who doesn't want to see the world and make money while doing so?
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