The onboard spa, fitness and salon department is operated by a third party concession. The largest of these concessions in the cruise industry is Steiner Leisure as they are the spa operator onboard numerous cruise lines. The other two concessions that operate onboard spas and salons are Canyon Ranch Spa at Sea and O Spa London.
Some of Steiner Leisure’s partners include Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Their job titles are listed below as headings but are standard between concessions.
The average salary will depend on itinerary, how many passengers are on board and how well the crewmember sells their services and the products. The Steiner Leisure website states that the Caribbean itineraries are traditionally very busy. Alternatively, ships cruising exotic itineraries are less busy and therefore salaries are lower.
Spa Manager
Job Description: Oversees the hair salon and spa operations inclusive of the fitness center; Manages, motivates, trains and coaches salon, spa and fitness staff; Responsible for meeting and exceeding sales targets.
Experience and Skills Required: Although many spa managers are promoted from within, land-based salon/spa/fitness management will be considered; Cruise ship or luxury resort experience is preferred; Post secondary education in business management is beneficial; Additional languages are an asset.
Average Salary: $3,000 to $5,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Hair Sylist
Job Description: Offer ladies’ updo hairstyles for formal evenings; Duties include ladies and gentlemen shampoo, cut, color, and styling; Consultations with clients; Salon reception duties; Sale of hair products.
Experience and Skills Required: Hair Stylists must have obtained a Licence in Cosmetology or Hairdressing with at least a 3 year apprenticeship; Hair Stylists should have at least one year of experience working in a salon.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Barber
Job Description: Barbers offer gentlemen facials and shaves; Other duties include men’s shampoo, cut, color and styling; Consultations with clients; Salon reception duties; Sale of hair products.
Experience and Skills Required: Barbers must have obtained a Licence, Cosmetology, Hairdressing, or Barbering with at least a 3 year apprenticeship; Barbers should have at least one year of industry experience.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Beauty Therapist
Job Description: Beauty Therapist specialize as either a Skin Care Specialist or a Body/Detox Specialist or a Holistic Therapist; Body Specialists perform Ionithermie; Skin Care Specialists perform La Therapie facials; Beauty Therapists provide facial massage, skin care and electrics; They also provide waxing services, body electrics, and body scrubs; Responsible for the sale of product and services.
Experience and Skills Required: Excellent sales skills; Must hold Esthetician licence or equivalent with a minimum of two years of training; Qualified in face cleansing therapies, face electrical treatments, electrical body treatments, manicure, pedicure and full body massage.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Massage Therapist
Job Description: Massage Therapists perform deep tissue massage, detoxifying wraps, and aroma stone therapy; Responsible for the sale of product and services.
Experience and Skills Required: Massage Therapists must hold a licence or diploma in Swedish massage with Anatomy and Physiology or Swedish / Sports Massage (minimum number of course hours is 150 hours); Additional courses of aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage, Reiki, remedial massage is preferred.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Nail Technician
Job Description: Nail Technicians are responsible for manicures, pedicures and teeth whitening procedures; Responsible for the sale of product and services.
Experience and Skills Required: Must hold a licence as a nail technician or have a certificate for acrylic nails; Should have at least one year related experience with the ability to do a full set of Acrylic or Gel nails in one hour and 10 minutes including French polish; Ability to do French polish using white acrylic powder for the tips and pink acrylic for the rest of the nail.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Spa Receptionist
Job Description: Responsible for the sale of product and services; Manages the reception lobby area; Duties may also include teeth whitening procedures.
Experience and Skills Required: Exceptional sales ability; English language skills must be at a high level as well as their communication skills; Receptionists must have an exceptional professional appearance; Experience as a receptionist in a fitness center, beauty salon or spa is preferred; Additional languages are an asset
Average Salary: $1,000 to $3,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Personal Trainer
Job Description: Leads fitness classes; Provides fitness consultations; Provides personal fitness training sessions for guests; Knowledgeable about all the products and services of the spa; Responsible for the sale of products and services.
Experience and Skills Required: Must have at least one year experience as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, or similar; Must be qualified in both personal training and aerobics; Certification from a sports academy, YMCA, ACE, AFAA or similar; Other courses such as Tai Bo, Yoga, Pilates, circuit training and spinning; Public speaking an asset.
Average Salary: $2,000 to $4,000 per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Acupuncturist
Job Description: Provide acupuncture services and Chinese Medicine as a remedy for seasickness, pain management, weight loss, stress and smoking addiction; Give Powerpoint presentations with the result of selling services and products.
Experience and Skills Required: Acupuncturists must have a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine from a recognized university (or equivalent); Candidate must have a combined total of a minimum of 2,000 clinic and classroom hours; Additional courses including Tai Chi, Chinese Herbs, and Electro Acupuncture is an asset.
Average Salary: $3,000 and up per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)
Medi-Spa Physician
Job Description: Manages the aesthetic clinic in the spa onboard; Administers non-surgical cosmetic procedures to treat conditions such as scarring, unwanted hair, age spots, wrinkles, acne, and cellulite; Responsible for sale of products and services.
Experience and Skills Required: Medi-Spa Physicians must hold a medical degree from a recognized university or college; Candidate must hold a valid and current medical licence; At least two years of clinical experience is required; Experience in dermatology is preferred.
Average Salary: $3,000 and up per month (depends on commissions, itinerary, size of ship)