Provide Massage on a Cruise Ship

[KrispyKreme]

I'm not quite sure where to post this so I'm gonna put this message on a couple of the Post types:I am an RMT and have been working for myself the past few years. However, I'd like to take a week off from that and work for a cruise ship for a couple of reasons:1) I've never done it and would like to see what it would be like.2) My boyfriend has graduated from his college and as a graduation gift, I wanted to send him on a cruise as he's never been on one and has always wanted to.3) Interested in knowing if we would get a discount on the cruise since I'm providing the massage therapy services onboard (and I don't have enough money to pay full price for both of our tickets).So basically, I'm requesting some info from any M.T.'s out there who has already worked on a cruise ship and could tell me what it was like, your experiences, compensation, etc.I have plenty of time to plan for this (summer or fall of 2005) so I'll check back now and then to see if there's been feedback.Thanks in advance! Be well,Jen

 

[stephannie1202]

most cruise ship positions are for a 6 month stint.  and most dont do their own hiring.  they usually sub contract out to a base massage business.  u might try private ships, of the rich and famous. or smaller ships

 

[Kontra~Diction]

Provide Massage on a Cruise Ship

I have a friend who actually looked into this. I will check with her and see what info she has.

 

[ledzepfan203]

I had received a massage while on a cruise ship several years ago.  The therapist wasn't happy with working on the ship.  I didn't want to bombard her with questions but got enough out of her to know that I don't want to work on a cruise ship.  SHe had told me that work was almost nonstop with only a few minutes in between each client... it was also really noisy.  

 

[rissa]

Provide Massage on a Cruise Ship

I'd also like to try working on a cruise ship for 6 months. I had a mutual friend with my ex (the friend was also a MT, as was his wife) that was supposed to look into it for me, but never did. We have the Carnival Cruise ships and all the others that leave Galveston about 1 hour away from me (about 15 minutes from those in Houston!) but I just don't know who to get in touch with to send a resume (be it the actual cruise ship or a massage business like MrMassageGuy said.) Help!

 

[ckngbbbls]

I don't anything about working on a cruise ship first hand but from those I know who did it absolutely hated it.  Said they were stuck on the ship, worked ridiculous hours, got paid like crap and never got the experience that they were looking for.  I even know one girl who said that when the got to port...she "jumped ship".  She left and never went back.  She said it sucked that bad.  It seems like something that would be really fun but something that SEEMS that fun isn't usually what you think it is.

 

[homer00j]

No first  hand experience here.  I did look into this option while in school two years ago.  Most positions are hired from the port of origin (mostly Florida).  If I understood correctly from my online research, MT would need Florida or National licensure.  

 

[Noir]

Provide Massage on a Cruise Ship

here's what i know about cruise ships spas.the majority of them are 'owned' by steiner. they make elemis products. google them if you want.the trend now on new ships being built is that the spa is wholly owned and operated by the cruise line. most cruise lines have employment offices based in miami.if you're dual-licensed in massage, skin care, nails, personal training~ you're a very desirable candidate.but that doesn't mean that you won't be hired with one skill.

 

[curious12345]

Provide Massage on a Cruise Ship

I got a reply back from Carnival Cruises. They directed me to the spa company that they use, and showed me where to go to fill out a resume and submit it. I haven't done it yet, that's more of a 'last-resort' type of thing (no pun intended).

 

[Happykid]

Well....after hearing all the input over the past few months since I posted my topic, I'm going to simply just save up money on a cruise for two hard-working people who deserve a little time off for some R&R.  8)Thanks all you wonderful service-oriented folks!  ;DBe well,Jen

 

[pooh Bear]

You mean, you're taking me with you?!  Hehe, kidding, have fun!