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Here are some quotations from the book, The Insiders' Guide
to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess: Confessions from My
Years Afloat with the Rich and Famous, by Julie Perry:
to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess: Confessions from My
Years Afloat with the Rich and Famous, by Julie Perry:
"Becoming a crewmember on a luxury yacht is not only a career move that can grow
your bank account—it can enlarge your worldview, as well. It's about travel, it's about
providing service, and it's about stepping outside of your comfort zone to become
more knowledgeable about the world, its customs, and its diverse people." (Page 10)
your bank account—it can enlarge your worldview, as well. It's about travel, it's about
providing service, and it's about stepping outside of your comfort zone to become
more knowledgeable about the world, its customs, and its diverse people." (Page 10)
Quotes from the Book
"If the pay and benefits that come from accompanying the rich and famous on their
private journeys around the world is news to you—and appeals to you—then that's
where I come in. Consider me your coach on how to become a part of it all." (Page 23)
private journeys around the world is news to you—and appeals to you—then that's
where I come in. Consider me your coach on how to become a part of it all." (Page 23)
"The incredible opportunity that exists to work aboard luxury yachts is one of the
best-kept secrets around." (Page 11)
best-kept secrets around." (Page 11)
"I Must Confess...We yachties sort of frowned upon what life might be like aboard
the ol' cruise ships." (Page 22)
the ol' cruise ships." (Page 22)
"While guest privacy is vehemently protected in this industry, it is common knowledge
(thanks to various media) that some of the more notable big name yacht charterers
include the following: Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Oprah, John Travolta,
Sylvester Stallone, Jim Carey, Claudia Schiffer, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Robert DeNiro,
Paris Hilton, Diddy, and the list goes on..." (Page 35)
(thanks to various media) that some of the more notable big name yacht charterers
include the following: Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Oprah, John Travolta,
Sylvester Stallone, Jim Carey, Claudia Schiffer, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Robert DeNiro,
Paris Hilton, Diddy, and the list goes on..." (Page 35)
"Louis Vuitton luggage, Christofle Crystal, Prada pumps, Mont Blanc pens...What did I
know of these things? Nothing. Make no mistake about it, my middle-class upbringing
left me flat-out clueless when it came to this lifestyle I was now catering to as a yacht
stewardess." (Page 33)
know of these things? Nothing. Make no mistake about it, my middle-class upbringing
left me flat-out clueless when it came to this lifestyle I was now catering to as a yacht
stewardess." (Page 33)
"People often associate yachts with big-name superstars. In actuality, a majority of
the owners and many of the people who charter these boats have nothing to do with
Hollywood or its media circus. Rather, they are major industry tycoons and business
giants: moguls, magnates, oil barons, and even sheiks and heads of state." (Page 31)
the owners and many of the people who charter these boats have nothing to do with
Hollywood or its media circus. Rather, they are major industry tycoons and business
giants: moguls, magnates, oil barons, and even sheiks and heads of state." (Page 31)
"When guests are paying $25,000 per day—plus fuel, food, oil, and port charges—
you give them what they want. And I quickly learned that they aren’t shy about telling
you what that is." (Page 36)
you give them what they want. And I quickly learned that they aren’t shy about telling
you what that is." (Page 36)
"All in all, yachting is one of the most jet-set industries in existence. The owners and
guests are the crème de la crème, and for these people, yachts are like toys. Likewise,
they see the world as their playground. There's no telling where you might go working
on a yacht—probably places you could never afford on your own, even in a lifetime."
(Page 37)
guests are the crème de la crème, and for these people, yachts are like toys. Likewise,
they see the world as their playground. There's no telling where you might go working
on a yacht—probably places you could never afford on your own, even in a lifetime."
(Page 37)
"I can tell you now with total confidence: the money and other perks you can obtain
working on luxury yachts beats those offered on cruise ships hand over fist." (Page
23)
working on luxury yachts beats those offered on cruise ships hand over fist." (Page
23)
What attracted me to this industry was the seduction of travel...and I wasn't
disappointed. (Page 40)
disappointed. (Page 40)
"But that's just it, this yacht was my home. And each day, as I climbed up the stairs
from the crew quarters area below, I would emerge to find a different destination
awaiting me. Odysseus, eat your heart out!" (Page 41)
from the crew quarters area below, I would emerge to find a different destination
awaiting me. Odysseus, eat your heart out!" (Page 41)
"The lifeblood of this industry is the crew. These are the individuals who live aboard
the vessels and look after them year round, guests onboard or no guests onboard. A
myriad of companies exist to recruit and train, license and place, network and
represent, and even consult and insure the crew." (Page 41)
the vessels and look after them year round, guests onboard or no guests onboard. A
myriad of companies exist to recruit and train, license and place, network and
represent, and even consult and insure the crew." (Page 41)
"The recent surge in luxury yacht production equates to a tough challenge for the
industry. International Yacht Training (IYT) estimates that 4,200 new crew will be
required to fill these positions as these new builds are completed and launched
throughout 2007." (Page 45)
industry. International Yacht Training (IYT) estimates that 4,200 new crew will be
required to fill these positions as these new builds are completed and launched
throughout 2007." (Page 45)
In order to keep fingerprints off any of the utensils, stewardesses quite often wear
white service gloves while laying the table. This also allows for last-minute polishing,
including on the glassware (no smudges allowed!). One glove will usually do it, so if
you haven't brushed up on your Michael Jackson moonwalk, you might want to; if you
break out this dance while setting the table, you will totally look the part. (A guest
caught me doing this once….Thank goodness he had a sense of humor!) (Page 90-91)
white service gloves while laying the table. This also allows for last-minute polishing,
including on the glassware (no smudges allowed!). One glove will usually do it, so if
you haven't brushed up on your Michael Jackson moonwalk, you might want to; if you
break out this dance while setting the table, you will totally look the part. (A guest
caught me doing this once….Thank goodness he had a sense of humor!) (Page 90-91)
"Whether you are willing to commit to this industry for one year, two years (I
recommend a two-year minimum), five years, or as a lifelong career, working on
yachts can be extremely rewarding on many levels. Not only that, but the work you
do, the skills you learn, and the people you meet can all pave the way to a slew of
opportunities down the road." (Page 43)
recommend a two-year minimum), five years, or as a lifelong career, working on
yachts can be extremely rewarding on many levels. Not only that, but the work you
do, the skills you learn, and the people you meet can all pave the way to a slew of
opportunities down the road." (Page 43)
"The bottom line when it comes to service: for the owner who is paying your salary,
and for the charter guest who might possibly be paying more than your yearly
earnings just to enjoy a single DAY on a luxury mega yacht, no request is too much
to ask." (Page 84)
and for the charter guest who might possibly be paying more than your yearly
earnings just to enjoy a single DAY on a luxury mega yacht, no request is too much
to ask." (Page 84)
"Ahhh, the gold-plated sink. The glint, the gleam, the sparkle...Such a symbol of
decadence...and such a pain in the stewardess's arse!" (Page 97)
decadence...and such a pain in the stewardess's arse!" (Page 97)
"While you may have a guest who leaves you a bit star-struck upon your initial
introduction, don’t worry—you'll usually get over it within the first 24 hours...after
you've cleaned his or her room a couple of times." (Page 110)
introduction, don’t worry—you'll usually get over it within the first 24 hours...after
you've cleaned his or her room a couple of times." (Page 110)
"We (myself and my chief stew at the time) managed to spend $8,000 in one day
buying new items for the yacht’s interior: new crystal glassware, chinaware breakfast
sets with napkins and table linens to match, 100 new DVDs, 50 new CDs, new serving
plates, two new vacuums (Dysons!), and an assortment of fine liquor—top shelf
everything! We got to wear our interior decorator hats, too, as we picked out candles
galore, flower vases, breakfast napkins, and decorative throw pillows. Talk about a
spree; we got to buy so much crap, it was awesome!" (Page 126-27)
buying new items for the yacht’s interior: new crystal glassware, chinaware breakfast
sets with napkins and table linens to match, 100 new DVDs, 50 new CDs, new serving
plates, two new vacuums (Dysons!), and an assortment of fine liquor—top shelf
everything! We got to wear our interior decorator hats, too, as we picked out candles
galore, flower vases, breakfast napkins, and decorative throw pillows. Talk about a
spree; we got to buy so much crap, it was awesome!" (Page 126-27)
"As a yacht stewardess, your role as part of the crew is paramount to the experience
that each of the guests has onboard. You will be expected to personally interface with
some of the world's wealthiest and most distinguished people. To handle this, all the
experts I interviewed agreed: more than actual skills, you need key personality traits."
(Page 140)
that each of the guests has onboard. You will be expected to personally interface with
some of the world's wealthiest and most distinguished people. To handle this, all the
experts I interviewed agreed: more than actual skills, you need key personality traits."
(Page 140)
"You have probably heard the term 'green' used to refer to novices or people who
lack experience when they first enter a new field or industry. Yachting is no different.
In this industry, being green means you have never worked on a yacht before, and
you are searching for your first job. (That's right, it has nothing to do with the
expectation that you’ll become seasick your first time at sea.)" (Page 209)
lack experience when they first enter a new field or industry. Yachting is no different.
In this industry, being green means you have never worked on a yacht before, and
you are searching for your first job. (That's right, it has nothing to do with the
expectation that you’ll become seasick your first time at sea.)" (Page 209)
"Guests on yachts don't care how you get something done, so long as you get it
done. You must be able to think quickly on your feet and control your emotions in
crisis situations. The big rule is to get the mission accomplished, but never let them
see you sweat (even if it’s a 90-degree day in Capri, and you’re serving lunch on the
sundeck)." (Page 150)
done. You must be able to think quickly on your feet and control your emotions in
crisis situations. The big rule is to get the mission accomplished, but never let them
see you sweat (even if it’s a 90-degree day in Capri, and you’re serving lunch on the
sundeck)." (Page 150)
"When I signed up for stewardess training, I was under the impression that this was
simply a course on serving food and being a hostess to the guests. To my surprise,
they spent an entire day teaching us nautical terms and familiarizing us with the
layout of a yacht. For someone who didn't have much recreational boating experience
outside of water skiing on lakes in northern Indiana, it was exactly what I needed."
(Page 169)
simply a course on serving food and being a hostess to the guests. To my surprise,
they spent an entire day teaching us nautical terms and familiarizing us with the
layout of a yacht. For someone who didn't have much recreational boating experience
outside of water skiing on lakes in northern Indiana, it was exactly what I needed."
(Page 169)
"Make no mistake about it, the résumé/CV you put together, no matter how you
choose to distribute it, is the single most crucial element to getting hired onboard a
yacht. Oh sure, there will be interviews that follow where you will have the chance to
elaborate upon your repertoire of skills and present your irresistible personality. But
first, you need to make the cut." (Page 235)
choose to distribute it, is the single most crucial element to getting hired onboard a
yacht. Oh sure, there will be interviews that follow where you will have the chance to
elaborate upon your repertoire of skills and present your irresistible personality. But
first, you need to make the cut." (Page 235)
"Don't underestimate the power of having some type of quick, polished, and very
non-self-centered statement to give the captain an overall impression of your
character. This will also demonstrate you understand that the selection process is
about what you can offer in order to enhance the onboard experience for the guests,
captain, and crew." (Page 242)
non-self-centered statement to give the captain an overall impression of your
character. This will also demonstrate you understand that the selection process is
about what you can offer in order to enhance the onboard experience for the guests,
captain, and crew." (Page 242)
"For novices to the yachting industry with little to no previous boating experience,
motor yachts are the way to go. There are more luxury motor yachts in existence
that will be actively searching for crew, so ruling out sailing yacht positions shouldn’t
really affect your chances of finding a job." (Page 258)
motor yachts are the way to go. There are more luxury motor yachts in existence
that will be actively searching for crew, so ruling out sailing yacht positions shouldn’t
really affect your chances of finding a job." (Page 258)
"This was more than a job for any one of us; we lived where we worked and worked
where we lived...Our lives–our jobs: they were so intertwined." (Page 263)
where we lived...Our lives–our jobs: they were so intertwined." (Page 263)
"Professionally trained yacht stews are more in demand than ever. This isn't because
it's not an amazing job, but rather, people just don't know the job exists." (Page 43)
it's not an amazing job, but rather, people just don't know the job exists." (Page 43)
"For me, just getting a glimpse of a gondola race in Venice from the guest cabin
window I was cleaning felt like the opportunity of a lifetime. The alternative? I could
have been at some corporate desk job staring out at a busy city intersection with
skyscrapers stretching up on every corner...people bustling about to run errands,
catch buses, get to lunch appointments...horns honking, brakes screeching, garbage
cans falling. No thanks!" (Page 53)
window I was cleaning felt like the opportunity of a lifetime. The alternative? I could
have been at some corporate desk job staring out at a busy city intersection with
skyscrapers stretching up on every corner...people bustling about to run errands,
catch buses, get to lunch appointments...horns honking, brakes screeching, garbage
cans falling. No thanks!" (Page 53)
"The fact that you have no expenses in this job means you can save tremendous
amounts of money. So, if you are making $30K, $50K, or even a hundred thousand
dollars (of course it can vary with tips), it's your allowance. Put it in the bank, and you
have a down payment to buy a house if you decide to leave the industry after several
years. You can pay off college loans. You can go back to school. You have a golden
opportunity here to start off your life with a nice financial cushion." (Page 59)
amounts of money. So, if you are making $30K, $50K, or even a hundred thousand
dollars (of course it can vary with tips), it's your allowance. Put it in the bank, and you
have a down payment to buy a house if you decide to leave the industry after several
years. You can pay off college loans. You can go back to school. You have a golden
opportunity here to start off your life with a nice financial cushion." (Page 59)
"I know, it seems easy enough to figure out: The captain drives the boat, the
engineer takes care of the engines, the mate and deck crew clean the outside, the
chef cooks for the guests and crew, and the stewardesses clean, serve, and keep the
guests happy. Well, yes...all that is true. But there's a little more to it than that."
(Page 68)
engineer takes care of the engines, the mate and deck crew clean the outside, the
chef cooks for the guests and crew, and the stewardesses clean, serve, and keep the
guests happy. Well, yes...all that is true. But there's a little more to it than that."
(Page 68)
"So trust me, if a non-bed-making, non-laundry-doing, hardly-ever-cleaned-her-
room-during-adolescence, scatterbrain from landlocked Indiana can become a yacht
stew, ANYONE can!" (Page 80)
room-during-adolescence, scatterbrain from landlocked Indiana can become a yacht
stew, ANYONE can!" (Page 80)
"To begin with, yacht stews are not like Julie from The Love Boat (being named Julie,
you can only imagine how many times I heard that comparison), nor are they there to
simply clean and serve. A yacht stew does perform those functions, but for a more
appropriate comparison, think of the interior department's role on one of these
glamour vessels as equivalent to both managing and carrying out all of the tasks that
go into running a five-star hotel...that floats." (Page 81) Click here to read an
entire job description for a luxury yacht stewardess or steward...
you can only imagine how many times I heard that comparison), nor are they there to
simply clean and serve. A yacht stew does perform those functions, but for a more
appropriate comparison, think of the interior department's role on one of these
glamour vessels as equivalent to both managing and carrying out all of the tasks that
go into running a five-star hotel...that floats." (Page 81) Click here to read an
entire job description for a luxury yacht stewardess or steward...
"The preparation for meal service is a whole art unto itself. The traditional term is
'mise en place,' but we Midwestern girls like to call it 'settin' the table.' Okay, it's a bit
more cumbersome than simply remembering 'fork on the left' and 'knife on the right,'
but, those basics do apply—just add on 35 other types of cutlery and flatware (eating
utensils or silverware), a smorgasbord of crockery (chinaware or dishes), more types
of glassware than you care to know when to use, some pretty fancy linen folding...
and you’re golden!" (Page 89)
'mise en place,' but we Midwestern girls like to call it 'settin' the table.' Okay, it's a bit
more cumbersome than simply remembering 'fork on the left' and 'knife on the right,'
but, those basics do apply—just add on 35 other types of cutlery and flatware (eating
utensils or silverware), a smorgasbord of crockery (chinaware or dishes), more types
of glassware than you care to know when to use, some pretty fancy linen folding...
and you’re golden!" (Page 89)
"You might also find yourself completing tasks normally handled by a personal
assistant, like sending faxes for a client or helping him decide what to wear for an
evening ashore. (And if it's a big-named star attending a big-named event, such as
the Cannes Film Festival or the MTV Music Awards, you might get to meet a famous
designer who comes onboard for a fitting—I know a stew this happened to, and I was
jealous!)" (Page 113)
assistant, like sending faxes for a client or helping him decide what to wear for an
evening ashore. (And if it's a big-named star attending a big-named event, such as
the Cannes Film Festival or the MTV Music Awards, you might get to meet a famous
designer who comes onboard for a fitting—I know a stew this happened to, and I was
jealous!)" (Page 113)
"Consider for a moment the name of Tiger Woods' yacht: M/Y Privacy. That about
sums it up, I think. Luxury yachts are one of the last bastions of privacy for the elite
of the world, and while guests are onboard, the crew is expected to give 110 percent
effort to keeping it that way. This means practicing discretion by not leaking out to
others who you have aboard on a particular trip." (Page 120)
sums it up, I think. Luxury yachts are one of the last bastions of privacy for the elite
of the world, and while guests are onboard, the crew is expected to give 110 percent
effort to keeping it that way. This means practicing discretion by not leaking out to
others who you have aboard on a particular trip." (Page 120)
"Here is one of the drawbacks: You will be living within pretty confined quarters as far
as you actual cabin goes. To give you a good idea of what I mean, I used to refer to
my cabin as a "cabinet." (Yes, that means there is limited space.)" (Page 264)
as you actual cabin goes. To give you a good idea of what I mean, I used to refer to
my cabin as a "cabinet." (Yes, that means there is limited space.)" (Page 264)
"Becoming romantically linked with a fellow crewmate is not uncommon, it's just not
recommended. As with traditional office politics, partnering up with one of your co-
workers can lead to disaster. Obviously though, these things can't always be planned,
so my advice is this: when its mid-charter, you’re feeling lonely, and that hunky new
Dutch engineer starts making goo-goo eyes at you from across the crew mess table,
just think twice before you react." (Page 267)
recommended. As with traditional office politics, partnering up with one of your co-
workers can lead to disaster. Obviously though, these things can't always be planned,
so my advice is this: when its mid-charter, you’re feeling lonely, and that hunky new
Dutch engineer starts making goo-goo eyes at you from across the crew mess table,
just think twice before you react." (Page 267)
"Then there are those stews who get burnt out after a time—they want to plant some
roots ashore, start a family, or transition into another line of work. If you are
wondering what type of jobs being a yacht stew can prepare you for, I honestly think
the list is endless." (Page 274)
roots ashore, start a family, or transition into another line of work. If you are
wondering what type of jobs being a yacht stew can prepare you for, I honestly think
the list is endless." (Page 274)
"For me, life on yachts, unlike what I later experienced working in Corporate America,
wasn't a rat race...Despite the fact that we were surrounded by wealth, the job itself
was not about chasing money, attempting to gain status, or climbing a ladder of
success or social hierarchy. My life felt so free of those concerns. The work I did, while
yes, for financial gain, did not seem to carry the same weight of 'have to.'" (Page
279)
wasn't a rat race...Despite the fact that we were surrounded by wealth, the job itself
was not about chasing money, attempting to gain status, or climbing a ladder of
success or social hierarchy. My life felt so free of those concerns. The work I did, while
yes, for financial gain, did not seem to carry the same weight of 'have to.'" (Page
279)
"I Must Confess...I grew to love the sea." (Page 281)
"Those years I spent traveling are priceless. I live now with a faith that the world is
filled with infinite opportunities and possibilities. If anything, it was my years spent
vagabonding around the world that contributed most to the development of my
entrepreneurial spirit. Talk about inspiration...talk about self-empowerment...talk
about learning to rely on one's own instincts and developing a desire to chart one's
own course in life!" (Page 281)
filled with infinite opportunities and possibilities. If anything, it was my years spent
vagabonding around the world that contributed most to the development of my
entrepreneurial spirit. Talk about inspiration...talk about self-empowerment...talk
about learning to rely on one's own instincts and developing a desire to chart one's
own course in life!" (Page 281)
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