The larger cruise ships usually staff a number of massage therapists. Massage therapists should be licensed and have at least two years' work experience and know how to perform all types of massages, such as the sports massage, shiatsu massage and the deep tissue massage. The massage therapist on a cruise ship is also responsible for maintaining the massage equipment and the upkeep of massage rooms. The hours can be long, especially when guests are getting ready for a big dinner or event and want pampering beforehand. Massage therapists can expect to work as many as 12 hours a day on a cruise ships but will also typically get 1 1/2 days off at a time.
The spa attendant is responsible for making sure that the spa is clean and spotless at all times and attending to the needs of the guests, such as offering water, fresh towels and checking them in. The spa attendant should be an organized person who can multi-task, is very outgoing and friendly and has experience working in a spa. In addition, the spa attendant should be well-versed in the products and services that the spa offers to properly inform guests of what the spa offers. Spa attendants can work up to 12 hours but will have breaks for lunch and dinner and receive 1 1/2 days off.
The spa manager is in charge of all operations at the spa, including accounting and management of all staff. On most cruises, spas and beauty salons are combined, so the spa manager may be responsible for a large number of people. The spa manager should ideally have worked in a spa as a technician of some sort or as a beautician in a hair salon and have extensive managerial experience. The spa manager is usually the first person to be in the salon and the last to leave, so they will likely work more than 12 hours at a time. In addition to their other duties, the spa manager schedules lunch and dinner breaks for the spa staff. Spa attendants can be promoted to Spa Manager if they also have some experience managing and ideally working on clients in a spa.
The nail technician should be licensed and have proof of having taken a nail technician training course and have spent at least one year working in a salon as a nail tech. Nail techs should have demonstrated skills in nail add-ons, such as designs and acrylic nails. In addition, the tech should be trained in manicure and pedicure procedures. Nail technicians should be friendly, outgoing and informative as they work on their clients. Nail technicians, as with most other spa staff, will work up to 12 hours a day and get 1 1/2 days off at at time.
The cosmetologist needs to have extensive experience providing beauty treatments, and a really good cosmetologist will have experience in all aspects of beauty care such as hair treatments, skin treatments and facials. The cosmetologist must be licensed and should be able to advise the guest on beauty treatments in a knowledgeable manner. The cosmetologist should be versatile and able to fill in wherever necessary. Cosmetologists will also work up to 12 hours at a time.
