Hire a Stewardess in 24 Hours
Pre-vetted candidates from our exclusive network. No upfront fees.
Why Clients Choose Us for Stewardess Recruitment
24 Hour Shortlist
Receive qualified candidates within 1 business day
Replacement Guarantee
Peace of mind with our satisfaction guarantee
Pre-Vetted Candidates
Background checked and reference verified
At Lighthouse Careers, we've spent over two decades building the superyacht industry's most comprehensive network of exceptional stewardess talent. We understand that finding a stewardess who combines impeccable service skills with the unique demands of yacht life is one of your most critical hiring decisions. Our proven recruitment process delivers pre-vetted candidates within 24-48 hours, with no upfront costs and a comprehensive replacement guarantee. Let us take the uncertainty out of your next stewardess hire.
About the Stewardess Role
About the Stewardess Position
The stewardess role sits at the heart of the superyacht experience, where exceptional service meets the unique challenges of life at sea. In an industry employing over 100,000 crew members globally, stewardesses represent the largest single crew category, with demand consistently outpacing supply in key yachting hubs like Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Antibes, and Palma de Mallorca.
What Sets Exceptional Stewardesses Apart
While many candidates possess basic housekeeping skills, truly exceptional stewardesses combine five critical attributes that transform guest experiences:
- Anticipatory Service: Reading guest preferences before they're expressed, maintaining detailed preference logs, and creating seamless experiences
- Maritime Adaptability: Thriving in confined spaces, managing seasickness, and maintaining standards regardless of weather conditions
- Cultural Intelligence: Serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals from diverse backgrounds with appropriate etiquette and discretion
- Technical Competence: Managing laundry systems, wine service, table settings, and emergency procedures with equal proficiency
- Team Dynamics: Living and working in close quarters while maintaining professional boundaries and positive crew relations
The Business Impact of Your Stewardess Team
A skilled stewardess team directly impacts charter bookings, owner satisfaction, and crew retention. Charter guests consistently cite interior service quality as a primary factor in rebooking decisions and referrals. For private yachts, the right stewardess creates an environment where owners and guests feel genuinely cared for, transforming a beautiful vessel into a true floating home.
Common Hiring Challenges
Employers frequently struggle with several key challenges when recruiting stewardesses:
- High turnover rates averaging 40-60% annually in the industry
- Candidates with cruise ship experience who lack the personalized service skills required on superyachts
- Limited availability of experienced crew during peak seasons
- Difficulty verifying genuine experience versus embellished CVs
- Cultural and language barriers that impact service delivery
Why Specialized Recruitment Matters
Generic recruitment agencies often fail to understand the nuances that separate a good hospitality professional from an exceptional yacht stewardess. The ability to serve a formal dinner for 12 while underway, manage provisioning in remote locations, and maintain five-star standards in a marine environment requires specific experience and temperament. Our specialized approach ensures candidates not only possess the required certifications but have demonstrated success in similar yacht environments.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess
Interior Service Excellence
Daily service responsibilities extend far beyond basic housekeeping. Stewardesses manage complete interior presentations, including fresh flower arrangements, themed table settings for formal dinners, and maintaining museum-quality standards for artwork and soft furnishings. They coordinate with the galley for seamless meal service, manage multiple guest preferences simultaneously, and ensure every surface meets exacting standards despite constant salt air exposure.
Guest Experience Management
Stewardesses serve as the primary guest interface, managing everything from welcome provisions to departure logistics. This includes preparing detailed guest preference sheets, coordinating special requests with shore-side vendors, managing dietary requirements and allergies, and creating memorable moments through personalized touches. They must excel at both formal service protocols and casual beach picnic setups, often transitioning between styles multiple times per day.
Inventory and Provisioning
Managing interior inventories requires meticulous attention to detail. Stewardesses maintain par stocks of linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and guest amenities while working within strict storage limitations. They coordinate with the chief stewardess or purser on provisioning orders, manage relationships with preferred suppliers in various ports, and ensure adequate supplies for extended passages or remote cruising grounds.
Crew Coordination
Senior stewardesses often manage interior teams, creating watch schedules, training junior crew, and ensuring consistent service standards across all shifts. They coordinate with deck crew for guest activities, work closely with the galley team on service timing, and communicate guest movements to ensure appropriate crew positioning. This requires exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain authority while living in close quarters.
Safety and Emergency Duties
Beyond luxury service, stewardesses hold critical safety responsibilities. They must maintain current STCW certifications, participate in regular safety drills, and be prepared to assist with emergency procedures including firefighting, first aid, and passenger evacuation. During night watches, they monitor interior spaces for security and safety concerns while maintaining silent service standards.
Qualifications & Skills
Essential Qualifications and Skills
Mandatory Certifications
Every yacht stewardess must hold current STCW Basic Safety Training certification, including firefighting, first aid, personal survival techniques, and personal safety/social responsibilities. Additional requirements typically include:
- ENG1 or equivalent medical certificate confirming fitness for sea service
- Food Safety Level 2 certification for handling guest provisions
- Valid passport with at least 12 months validity and multiple blank pages
- Security awareness certification for vessels over 500GT
Experience Levels and Progression
The stewardess career path offers clear progression opportunities:
- Entry Level (Green): Recent graduates from crew training academies or hospitality backgrounds transitioning to yachting. Requires STCW certification and strong work ethic.
- Junior Stewardess (1-2 years): Proven yacht experience with strong references, competent in laundry systems and basic service.
- Stewardess (2-5 years): Capable of working independently, experienced in formal service, wine knowledge, and flower arranging.
- Senior/2nd Stewardess (5+ years): Leadership experience, advanced service skills, capable of managing interior operations and training crew.
- Chief Stewardess potential: Exceptional organizational skills, budget management experience, and proven leadership in demanding environments.
Critical Soft Skills
Technical skills can be taught, but certain personality traits determine long-term success:
- Discretion: Absolute confidentiality regarding guest information and onboard activities
- Flexibility: Adapting to changing itineraries, guest preferences, and crew dynamics
- Attention to Detail: Noticing and correcting minor imperfections before they're observed
- Physical Stamina: Managing 12-16 hour days during guest trips while maintaining energy
- Emotional Intelligence: Reading situations and adjusting approach accordingly
Valuable Additional Skills
While not mandatory, certain skills significantly enhance a candidate's value:
- Multiple languages (particularly French, Spanish, Italian, or Russian)
- Formal butler or silver service training
- Floristry or event planning experience
- Wine knowledge (WSET certification)
- Massage therapy or beauty qualifications
- Childcare experience for family yachts
Salary Overview
Stewardess Salary Guide
Global Salary Ranges by Experience
Stewardess salaries vary significantly based on yacht size, itinerary, and registration flag. Current market rates for different experience levels include:
- Entry Level/Green: €2,000-2,500 per month on yachts 24-40m
- Junior Stewardess: €2,500-3,500 per month on yachts 40-60m
- Experienced Stewardess: €3,000-4,500 per month on yachts 50-80m
- Senior/2nd Stewardess: €3,500-5,500 per month on yachts 60m+
- Specialist roles (spa/beauty): €4,000-6,000+ per month on larger yachts
Factors Affecting Compensation
Several key factors influence stewardess salaries beyond basic experience:
- Yacht size and guest capacity: Larger yachts with more guests typically offer higher salaries
- Charter vs. private: Busy charter yachts often pay premiums for experienced crew
- Rotation: Rotational positions (2:2 or 3:1) command 20-30% higher salaries
- Location: Caribbean and Mediterranean seasons may offer different rates
- Additional skills: Languages, massage therapy, or childcare experience add value
Standard Benefits Package
Beyond base salary, yacht positions typically include comprehensive benefits:
- All meals and accommodation provided onboard
- Flights to and from the vessel for rotational positions
- Full medical insurance including evacuation coverage
- Uniform and laundry services
- 28-38 days paid leave annually (depending on MLC compliance)
- Charter tips (can add 20-50% to annual earnings on busy charter yachts)
How Lighthouse Ensures Competitive Packages
We provide detailed salary benchmarking based on current market data, ensuring your offers attract top talent while maintaining budget efficiency. Our consultants understand the total compensation value, helping you structure packages that compete effectively for experienced stewardesses. We also advise on seasonal adjustments and retention bonuses that reduce costly turnover.
Our Hiring Process
Your Stewardess Hiring Journey with Lighthouse
Step 1: Initial Consultation (15-30 minutes)
Your dedicated recruitment consultant begins with a comprehensive needs analysis. We discuss your yacht's specific requirements, interior standards, guest profiles, and crew dynamics. This conversation covers salary expectations, rotation preferences, start dates, and any special skills required (languages, childcare, massage). We'll also review your current interior team structure to ensure the new hire complements existing crew.
Step 2: Targeted Search Activation
Within hours of our consultation, we activate our proprietary search across our database of over 5,000 pre-screened stewardess candidates. Our search parameters include your specific requirements while identifying candidates with proven success in similar yacht environments. We directly contact passive candidates who match your criteria but aren't actively job searching, giving you access to talent your competitors can't reach.
Step 3: Shortlist Delivery (24-48 hours)
You'll receive a curated shortlist of 3-5 exceptional candidates, complete with detailed profiles, verified references, and our consultant's assessment notes. Each profile includes salary expectations, availability dates, and specific examples of relevant experience. We provide video introductions where possible, allowing you to assess communication skills and presentation before investing time in interviews.
Step 4: Interview Coordination
We manage all interview logistics, whether you prefer video calls, in-person meetings at boat shows, or vessel visits. Our team prepares candidates with yacht-specific information while coaching them on your particular service standards. We coordinate multiple time zones, handle technical setup for video interviews, and provide structured interview guides focusing on scenario-based questions that reveal true capabilities.
Step 5: Comprehensive Vetting
Our seven-step vetting process goes beyond basic reference checks. We verify all certifications, conduct detailed reference interviews with previous captains and chief stewardesses, and perform background checks appropriate to flag state requirements. For senior positions, we can arrange practical assessments or trial days, ensuring candidates can deliver the service standards you expect.
Step 6: Offer Support and Onboarding
Once you've selected your preferred candidate, we facilitate offer negotiations, ensuring both parties' expectations align. We assist with contract preparation, visa applications, and travel arrangements. Our support continues through the onboarding period, with check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days to ensure successful integration into your crew.
Why Choose Lighthouse
Why Top Yachts Choose Lighthouse for Stewardess Recruitment
Unmatched Industry Specialization
Unlike generic recruitment agencies, we live and breathe the superyacht industry. Our consultants have either worked aboard yachts or spent years exclusively recruiting yacht crew. We understand the difference between a hotel housekeeper and a yacht stewardess – from managing provisions in St. Barts to maintaining standards during a Biscay crossing. This deep industry knowledge means we present only candidates who truly understand yacht life.
Risk-Free Success Fee Model
Our confidence in our recruitment process allows us to work on a pure success-fee basis. You pay nothing upfront – no retainer fees, no advertising costs, no shortlist charges. You only invest when you hire, aligning our success with yours. This model has earned the trust of over 500 yacht owners and captains worldwide, from 30m sailing yachts to 100m+ motor yachts.
Industry-Leading Replacement Guarantee
We stand behind every placement with our comprehensive replacement guarantee. If your new stewardess doesn't work out within the guarantee period, we'll find you a replacement at no additional cost. This guarantee reflects our confidence in our vetting process and our commitment to long-term placement success. With our 90% retention rate after one year, you can hire with confidence.
Exclusive Candidate Network
Our database includes thousands of stewardesses not found on public crew agencies. Through 20+ years of relationship building, we maintain connections with exceptional crew who trust us with confidential job searches. Many of our best candidates are happily employed but open to the right opportunity – talent you'd never access through job board postings.
Speed Without Compromising Quality
In the yachting industry, timing is everything. Whether you need emergency cover for a charter starting next week or planning for next season, we deliver. Our 24-48 hour shortlist commitment doesn't mean rushed decisions – it reflects our organized database, established processes, and ready pool of vetted candidates.
Client Success Stories
Leading yacht management companies, renowned captains, and private family offices consistently choose Lighthouse. From placing chief stewardesses on flagship charter yachts to finding multilingual stewardesses for private programs, our track record speaks for itself. Our clients return because we deliver not just qualified candidates, but crew members who enhance their programs long-term.
How It Works
Our streamlined process gets you qualified Stewardess candidates fast.
Share Your Requirements
Tell us about your household or yacht, the role you need filled, and your specific requirements.
Receive Matched Candidates
We search our network and present a shortlist of pre-vetted candidates within 24 hours.
Interview & Hire
Meet your candidates, conduct interviews, and make your selection with our full support.
Learn More About Hiring a Stewardess
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Trusted by Industry Leaders
Hear from clients and professionals who've worked with us
“I wanted to say a few words of thanks for your all your time and efforts over the past few years. You and your team has always been a massive help in trying to help find us the right candidate for the right job in this ever expanding and delicate industry.”

“I've had the pleasure of knowing Milica, and using her recruitment services for many years. Her attention to what I'm looking for in a crew member, fast response and flexibility and understanding of feedback has always impressed me.”

“Milica is always my first call when looking for new crew. She helped me get my first command 3 years ago and ever since has supplied me with great candidates for all positions onboard.”

“Working with Lighthouse has been a game-changer for our estate staffing. Their understanding of the unique requirements for private household positions is unmatched.”
“The team at Lighthouse found us an exceptional House Manager who has transformed how our properties operate. Their vetting process gave us complete confidence in our hire.”
“Professional, discreet, and incredibly efficient. Lighthouse understood exactly what we needed and delivered outstanding candidates within days.”
Trusted by Leading Yacht Owners & Management Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring a Stewardess
1What's included in your recruitment service?
Our comprehensive recruitment service includes an initial consultation to understand your exact requirements, access to our exclusive network of pre-vetted Stewardess candidates, shortlist delivery within 24-48 hours, interview coordination and logistics support, thorough background checks and reference verification, offer negotiation assistance, and ongoing support through the onboarding period. We operate on a success-fee basis—you only pay when your new Stewardess starts work. Our replacement guarantee provides additional security, offering a free replacement if the placement doesn't work out within the guarantee period.
2How long does the hiring process take?
We deliver your first shortlist of pre-vetted stewardess candidates within 24-48 hours of our initial consultation. The complete hiring timeline typically ranges from 5-14 days, depending on your interview availability and decision-making process. For urgent requirements, we can expedite the process – we've successfully placed stewardesses within 72 hours for emergency situations. However, we recommend allowing 2-3 weeks for the most thorough selection process, especially for senior positions where cultural fit is crucial.
3What qualifications should a stewardess have?
At minimum, every stewardess must hold valid STCW Basic Safety Training, ENG1 medical certificate, and food safety certification. Beyond these essentials, requirements vary by position level. Junior stewardesses need proven yacht experience and strong references, while senior positions require leadership experience, advanced service skills, and often specialized training in wine service or floristry. Additional valuable qualifications include multiple languages, massage therapy certification, or childcare experience. We ensure all candidates meet both mandatory requirements and your specific preferences.
4What is your replacement guarantee?
We offer a comprehensive replacement guarantee that varies based on position level and contract type. If your stewardess doesn't work out within the guarantee period, we'll find you a replacement at no additional cost. This isn't just about probation periods – we want to ensure long-term success. Our guarantee reflects our confidence in our vetting process and our commitment to your satisfaction. Specific guarantee terms are provided with each placement, typically ranging from 60-90 days depending on the position.
5How do you vet stewardess candidates?
Our seven-step vetting process is the industry's most comprehensive. We start with certification verification and proceed through in-depth behavioral interviews, focusing on yacht-specific scenarios. We conduct detailed reference checks with previous captains and chief stewardesses, verify all documents, assess technical skills, and perform appropriate background checks. For senior positions, we can arrange practical assessments. Only candidates who pass every stage reach your shortlist, ensuring you interview only the best matches for your yacht.
6What salary should I expect to pay a stewardess?
Stewardess compensation varies significantly based on experience level, responsibilities, location, and specific requirements of the role. During our initial consultation, we provide detailed salary benchmarking tailored to your specific situation and market conditions. This ensures your offer is competitive enough to attract quality candidates while remaining aligned with current market rates. We draw on our extensive placement experience to advise on the full compensation package including benefits, accommodation, and other factors that influence candidate decisions.
7Do you help with visa and work permit applications?
Yes, we provide guidance and support throughout the visa and work permit process. Our team understands the requirements for major flag states and can advise on the most efficient routes for your situation. We help prepare documentation, provide letter templates, and connect you with specialized immigration partners when needed. While we don't submit applications directly, our experience with hundreds of crew placements means we can anticipate and help avoid common visa pitfalls, ensuring your new stewardess can join as scheduled.
8Can you find stewardess candidates for specific locations?
Absolutely. Whether you need a stewardess to join in Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Auckland, or anywhere else, we have candidates available globally. Our network includes crew currently in all major yachting hubs, plus qualified candidates willing to relocate. We can source local candidates to minimize travel costs or find specialists willing to travel for the right opportunity. For remote locations, we ensure candidates understand the logistics and have appropriate visa status before presenting them to you.
9What if I need to hire a stewardess urgently?
Emergency crew coverage is one of our specialties. We maintain a ready pool of immediately available stewardesses who have passed our vetting process. For urgent requirements, we can present candidates within hours and facilitate interviews the same day. We've successfully placed stewardesses within 72 hours for charters starting that week. Our consultants are available 24/7 for emergency requirements, understanding that crew issues don't always happen during business hours. Contact us immediately and we'll mobilize our resources to solve your urgent needs.
10How do I get started with Lighthouse?
Starting your stewardess search is simple. Contact us via phone (+44 123 456 7890), email (crew@lighthousecareers.com), or through our website contact form. We'll schedule a 15-30 minute consultation to understand your specific requirements, yacht details, and timing needs. There's no obligation and no upfront costs. Most clients receive their first shortlist within 24 hours of this initial conversation. Our experienced consultants are ready to help you find your perfect stewardess match.
11Do you only place permanent crew or also temporary/seasonal stewardesses?
We handle all types of stewardess placements: permanent, seasonal, rotational, and temporary coverage. Whether you need a full-time stewardess for your world cruise, seasonal crew for the Mediterranean summer, or temporary cover for crew vacation, we have solutions. Our database includes candidates seeking various contract types, and we're transparent about each candidate's availability and preferences. We can also source day workers for special events or delivery trips, providing flexible staffing solutions for every situation.
12What makes a yacht stewardess different from hotel or cruise ship staff?
Yacht stewardesses operate in a unique environment requiring specialized skills beyond traditional hospitality. They must maintain five-star standards in confined spaces while adapting to sea conditions, manage provisioning in remote locations, and provide highly personalized service to the same guests for extended periods. The role demands complete discretion, ability to live harmoniously in close quarters with crew, and readiness to handle emergency situations. Unlike hotels, there's no calling maintenance or ordering supplies daily – yacht stewardesses must be resourceful, adaptable, and self-sufficient while maintaining impeccable standards.
Our Placement Guarantee
We're so confident in our matching process that we offer a replacement guarantee. If your placed Stewardess doesn't meet expectations within the guarantee period, we'll find a replacement at no additional cost.

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