How to Become a Cruise Ship Massage Therapist: Life, Salary, and Lifestyle

Do you have a passion for massage therapy and a craving for adventure? Ever dreamed of traveling the world while doing what you love? Well, pack your bags and set sail, because working as a cruise ship massage therapist could be your next big adventure! But before you hop on board, let’s break down what this exciting (and sometimes intense!) life at sea is all about.

Get Ready for Non-Stop Action!

Life on a cruise ship isn’t a vacation (well, for you at least!). You’ll be working long hours—think 12-hour shifts, six days a week. Expect to be hands-on, delivering around 10-12 massages a day. That’s a lot of kneading and soothing, so make sure you’re ready to keep your energy high and your technique flawless!

Unlike working in a land-based spa, your clients will be in vacation mode, which means they’ll expect top-tier service even as you power through a long day. You’ll need to maintain your focus, enthusiasm, and energy to meet the demands of guests looking to relax after a day of excursions, dining, and entertainment.

Master the Art of a Standardized Massage Routine

When you join a cruise line as a massage therapist, companies like Steiner (a major recruiter of massage therapists) and OneSpa World want consistency. You’ll go through rigorous training to master massage routines that are almost like a performance—designed to be replicated exactly for each guest. Love getting creative with your massage style? That might have to wait for shore leave, as this job is all about delivering a standardized experience.

While this might seem a bit restrictive at first, there’s a silver lining. Having a well-rehearsed routine means you’ll develop muscle memory, making it easier to get through busy days without overthinking each treatment. Plus, it ensures guests get the same high-quality experience every time, which is key to customer satisfaction on a cruise ship.

Upselling is Your Friend: Cruise Ship Therapist Earnings

Want to boost your paycheck? Cruise ship massage therapists rely heavily on commissions and client gratuities. If you can charm guests into purchasing additional treatments or products, you’ll see your earnings rise. Embrace your inner salesperson and get ready to upsell like a pro. The more you sell, the more management will love you, which means better bookings and possibly less demanding workdays.

Beyond selling more treatments, you’ll also be promoting skincare, massage oils, and other spa-related products. So, if you’ve got the gift of gab and can recommend products tailored to your client’s needs, you’ll boost your income—and your reputation. Being a trusted advisor means guests will seek you out, and that can lead to better tips and repeat visits throughout their voyage.

Sea Days: Action-Packed from Sunrise to Sunset

On a sea day, you’ll hit the ground running! Sea days are usually the busiest days for the ship’s spa, so be prepared for a packed schedule. You’ll likely have back-to-back treatments all day long, with little downtime. However, if things slow down, don’t get too comfortable—it’s time for some spa promotion! You’ll head out around the ship to promote the spa’s services and encourage guests to book treatments. After all, the more bookings you secure, the more you earn. Commissions babe!

Despite the fast-paced environment, you’ll still get some breaks to recharge. Expect two one-hour breaks—one for lunch and one for dinner. Depending on the day’s demand, your shift will wrap up around 8:30 PM or 9:30 PM. How long you work depends on the manager and how busy the spa is.

Port Days: A Little Slower but Just as Rewarding

On port days, the hours are the same, but the workload is usually lighter. Most guests are eager to explore the destination, meaning you’ll have fewer treatments. However, you’re still clocking in the same amount of time, so the day isn’t necessarily shorter.

Time Off: Enjoy Those Precious Moments

How much time off do you get? Depending on your contract, you might be entitled to a day off every 7 days. So, if you have the morning off, for example, you can start working around 1 or at 2 PM, or if you work in the morning, you’ll be done by 1:30 – 2 PM and have the rest of the day to yourself. These are merely examples and can change based on the cruise line, ship itinerary, etc.

While having the afternoon off is usually preferable (hello, shore excursions!), most of the time, you’ll get mornings off. Why? Because guests are more likely to book treatments in the afternoon, so they will want you on duty when demand is highest. More sales more commission to you!

Contracts, Training, and Salary Details

Cruise lines typically contract companies like Steiner or Canyon Ranch for massage therapists. Expect to sign on for around nine months of adventure at sea, with training that will have you perfecting those choreographed massages before you even set sail.

Training typically happens in England, if hired by Steiner, where you’ll learn the standardized routines required for your new role. This process is demanding but essential for maintaining the high level of professionalism expected at sea. You’ll also undergo sales training, as selling products and upselling treatments is crucial for boosting your earnings.

The Cruise Ship Lifestyle: Living Below Deck

Imagine cozying up in a shared cabin with a fellow spa worker below deck. While it might not be the spacious luxury suite you’re used to, housekeeping keeps things clean, and the crew mess ensures you’re well-fed (although don’t expect gourmet fare every night!). The good news? You’ll enjoy discounts at some of the ship’s restaurants, and on your days off, you’ll have a chance to explore the exotic ports of call (if the senior crew doesn’t snag all the best spots first!).

Work Hard, Play (a Little) Harder

Let’s be honest—this job isn’t for the faint of heart. The hours are long, the pressure is high, and you’ll be expected to meet sales targets. But the rewards are plentiful. You’ll meet incredible people, explore dream destinations, and gain a unique perspective that few jobs can offer.

When you do get some precious free time, use it wisely! Explore the ports of call, soak up the local culture, and recharge for the next leg of your journey. While senior crew get priority on shore excursions, even a brief stroll through a new destination can offer a sense of adventure and excitement.

Friendships and Perspective at Sea

One of the best parts of being a massage therapist on a cruise ship? The friendships you’ll form. Working with people from all over the world, you’ll build bonds that could last a lifetime. Plus, traveling to breathtaking locales and soaking in different cultures will forever change how you see the world.

Not to mention, the perspectives you gain on life and work could shift dramatically. You’ll learn to live minimally, appreciate downtime, and connect with people in ways that a typical land-based job might never allow.

Is Being a Cruise Ship Massage Therapist Right for You?

So, does life as a cruise ship massage therapist sound like your dream job or just a nice fantasy? Before you decide, ask yourself:

• Can you handle long hours and repetitive work? This job is all about endurance and maintaining high energy, even when you’re exhausted.
• Are you okay with following strict routines? If you’re all about personalization, the standardized nature of cruise ship massages might feel limiting.
• Are you adaptable, flexible, and eager for new experiences? You’ll live and work in a small, tight-knit community on a floating city—it’s an adventure, but it’s not for everyone!

Ready to Set Sail into the Susnet?

This life isn’t for everyone, but if the call of the ocean, the thrill of new experiences, and the idea of combining your massage therapy skills with travel sound irresistible, then it might just be the adventure you’re looking for. Even if cruise ship work isn’t your final destination, the skills, friendships, and memories you gain will stay with you forever. So, what are you waiting for?

Here’s the list of a few recruitment agencies to get you started! Bon voyage and smooth sailing!

Top Staffing Agencies for Cruise Ship Spa Jobs, Including Massage Therapists

Here are some of the top staffing agencies that recruit massage therapists for cruise ships, along with their websites so you can easily apply:

Final Words

Working as a massage therapist on a cruise ship may not be for everyone, but it offers an undeniably unique and exciting experience. If you’re ready to embrace the challenge, you’ll find opportunities for personal and professional growth while seeing the world. Remember, “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” and what better way to create a future filled with adventure and purpose than by sharing your healing touch with others while sailing the high seas?