Explore the World While Working Onboard a Cruise Ship: Mervin Arthur Naidoo Interview Part 2

In July we featured the first of a two part interview with Mervin Arthur Naidoo on his cruise ship experiences. Click HERE to read Part 1

Last time, Mervin told us all about the excitement and adventure of living and working on a cruise ship. This time, he really gets down to the details of how shipboard contracts will pay off for you as a stylist!

What are the benefits of a cruise ship contract?

As a hairstylist who lives his job and loves to work, I am able to work to my fullest capabilities on board the cruise ship. We have a fully stocked salon with excellent products to retail and topline colour to use.

I get to meet people from all over the world everyday, with the traveling guests and the crew representing up to 51 different nationalities working on board. In the spa alone we have 5 different nationalities working together. I get to enjoy a wide variety of freshly prepared food every day, both in the crew food hall and a variety of restaurants onboard, with delicacies from all over the world.

I get to visit different parts of the world, with some places only accessible by ship.

For example, at the moment we are cruising in Alaska. We go to see the different glaciers each week and we travel through the Inside Passage which is so beautiful to see. No planes can fly there or land there - only with a ship or boat can one get there up close to these natural creations.

On my days off in port, I make it a point to enjoy the local cuisine, and chat with the local people, learn their history and see the many different crafts that they produce. It's always such a pleasure to be able to do all this, and then go to work and hear the adventures of our guests.

If you are a people's person like me then it’s easier to understand how much pleasure I get from talking to others and using my knowledge to do my job at the same time!

What qualifications are needed and what training do you receive?

You will need to be 21 years or older, and a qualified hairstylist with at least 2 years’ experience and must be able to do all aspects of hair, with experience in all hair types a great help because we deal with all types on the cruise ship, mens, ladies and kids. When you are selected, you will be given extra training on all aspects of your job. As a hairstylist I got trained on all the retail products sold on board, and we also get training on men's barbering and shaves which are a popular service on board! Even teeth whitening is popular!

We get extensive training on retailing and also how to manage your own revenue. Once on board the training will continue, with Managers providing extra training in whichever aspect you need.

All the training and support is there to help you make the most money for yourself.

What is a typical day at work like?

We start work at 7.30am with a meeting.

Our first client is in at 8am and we work till 9.30pm. We have an hour each for lunch and dinner.

We have 2 half days off which are always at a port, so that way you can go out and be a tourist too. We also get incentive hours which we can use at the ports.

How does it differ from a land based salon?

We offer all the same services that are offered on land, so there is no difference when it comes to work.

Each week we get a new lot of guests from all over the world, so we don't have to stress to make them our regulars. We don't have to go looking for clients as they come to you, every day.

What are your average earnings?

Earnings are based on how much you can do in services and retail. We get incentive hours for reaching our targets and promotions.

The more you do, the more you get paid. We also get 18% automatic gratuity which is added to the bill. Guests can also give you tips either to add onto the bill or in cash. All tip money is yours.

Is the experience valuable for future career options?

The experience of working and travelling at the same time is amazing. Dealing with different personalities and different hair types, plus learning all the extra jobs as well as safety training for all types of fires and hazards….all will help you to run a very successful business on land as a salon owner, manager and as a stylist!

You can train to become an assistant manager or a manager, or can become an educator and trainer for the academy. There are many options and directions for growth in the company.

An onboard contract looks really impressive on your C.V. and can guarantee employment in any prestigious salon in the world. Plus there are s hundreds of ships sailing all over the world, which means you can work on any ship, anywhere in the world and see the world as you work.

Sign up today for your confidential interview and a recruitment consultant will be in touch to answer any of your questions and take this forward!