So you are looking for an adventure? Well, how does traveling around the world working on a private mega yacht sound? You can travel to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world on someone else’s dime. And you can get paid to do it. Want to sign up?
First, I recommend checking out some crew agency websites. They list the positions available on yachts, typical salaries and what to expect. You can register with the agencies for free, interview with them in person or over the phone, and they will look to place you on a yacht. The usual ways people start on yachts is by working as either a deckhand, stewardess or chef or combo of all three! These are some agencies to register with They are all located in Ft. Lauderdale.
http://www.crewunlimited.com
http://www.carolemanto.com
http://www.luxyachts.com
September to December is a good time to start looking for work for the Caribbean season when all the yachts will looking to crew up to head to St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua and the USVI. Some yachts will fly you out of where ever you are or you can go to Ft. Lauderdale. You can day work there while looking for a full time job and pulling in anywhere between $10-15/hr. And if you need a place to stay there are crew houses where all the yacht crew go while looking for work. They are great for networking, meeting people from all over the world and so much fun! Basically, they’re hostels for travelers and people seeking yacht employment.
Around April the yachts leave the Caribbean and head to the Mediterranean to places such as Antibes, France, and Palma de Mallorca for the Summer season. You can catch a ride across the Atlantic with one of these boats from either Ft. Lauderdale, St. Martin or Antigua. Often you can find a yacht looking for crew to do a crossing just by walking to docks and speaking to crew. Make sure you always have a CV or resume to hand out. Some people can be hired on the spot.
So, this is how to get started working on luxury yachts. Remember working on yachts is really hard work, but the payoffs and rewards are so worth it!
