If you’ve always dreamed of a career that lets you travel the world, you may want to consider applying to get a job on a yacht as a stewardess.
While this is an entry-level position, it offers the opportunity to begin a rewarding career in the yachting industry. Here’s everything you need to know about the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and earning potential.
Chapters
- What is a Yacht Stewardess?
- What Does a Yacht Stewardess Do?
- Yacht Stewardess Positions
- Yacht Stewardess Key Responsibilities
- Yacht Stewardess Salary Factors
- Yacht Stewardess Salary Ranges
- How to Get a Job as a Yacht Stewardess
- Conclusion
- Contact Us
What is a Yacht Stewardess?
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As a yacht stewardess, you will be part of the vessel’s interior department, ensuring that guests enjoy the highest standards of service and comfort. Your primary role is to maintain the yacht’s interior and deliver a luxury hospitality experience.
Stewardesses are employed on both privately owned superyachts and charter yachts that host high-profile guests from around the world.
What Does a Yacht Stewardess Do?
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A yacht stewardess’s duties vary depending on the yacht’s size, itinerary, and crew structure. On smaller vessels, you’ll take on multiple responsibilities, while on larger yachts you may specialise in specific areas.
Day-to-day tasks typically include interior cleaning, guest service, cocktail and meal preparation, table settings, laundry, and maintaining stock and inventory. Stewardesses also manage guest cabins, assist with provisioning, and ensure every detail of the interior meets five-star standards.
Yacht Stewardess Positions
The stewardess career path typically begins at entry level and progresses through several ranks as you gain experience.
Chief Stewardess
The chief stewardess reports directly to the yacht captain and manages the entire interior department. Responsibilities include event coordination, guest service management, inventory and budget control, and supervising junior crew.
2nd & 3rd Stewardess
2nd and 3rd stews work under the chief stewardess to maintain the interior, manage laundry and linens, handle guest care, and assist with meal service and provisioning.
Stewardess
A stewardess handles all core hospitality and housekeeping duties onboard, ensuring that guests enjoy a seamless and comfortable stay.
Deckhand/Stewardess
On smaller vessels, this dual role combines interior service with exterior deck duties such as line handling, cleaning, and guest assistance.
Cook/Stewardess
Another dual position, this role combines light meal preparation with stewardess duties, typical on yachts with limited crew.
Yacht Stewardess Key Responsibilities
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The primary responsibility of a yacht stewardess is to ensure smooth operation of the interior department. Duties typically include:
- Housekeeping, laundry, and wardrobe management
- Table setting, bar service, and fine dining presentation
- Guest hospitality, event support, and excursion planning
- Inventory and provisioning management
- Supervision and training of junior interior crew
The financial management of the department often falls under the chief stewardess, so basic accounting and budgeting knowledge is an advantage.
Yacht Stewardess Salary Factors
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A stewardess’s salary depends on several factors including experience, qualifications, yacht size, and whether the vessel is private or chartered.
Yacht Program & Length
Yachts used for private versus charter programs differ in workload and structure. Charter yachts often provide higher earning potential due to frequent trips and guest tips.
Experience
Experience is key to progression. Junior stews can advance to senior roles within a few years based on performance, professionalism, and adaptability.
Qualifications
Mandatory training includes the STCW Basic Safety Training and the ENG1 Medical Certificate. Additional recommended courses cover food handling, wine and cocktail service, flower arranging, and housekeeping standards.
The PYA G.U.E.S.T. program provides globally recognised interior training.
Yacht Stewardess Salary Ranges
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Salaries vary by position and vessel size:
- Junior Stewardess / Deckhand-Stew: $1,750 – $3,000 per month
- Stewardess: $3,000 – $4,750 per month
- 2nd Stewardess: up to $5,250 per month
- Chief Stewardess: $6,000 – $8,000+ per month
Additional benefits often include bonuses, tips, insurance, travel costs, meals, uniforms, and onboard accommodation.
How to Get a Job as a Yacht Stewardess
The best way to secure a stewardess role is by registering with reputable crew recruitment agencies, attending networking events, and dock walking in key yacht hubs such as Antibes or Palma.
Building a professional CV and maintaining your certifications will increase your chances of landing your first position.
Conclusion
If you’re energetic, service-oriented, and love to travel, a yacht stewardess career offers excitement, responsibility, and the opportunity to see the world. While the work can be demanding, it’s a uniquely rewarding lifestyle where excellence in service truly pays off.
Contact Us
If you have questions about a career in yachting, we’d love to hear from you. Simply get in touch with us today or leave a comment 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.
