I hope you are having a great week! We just came off a long weekend here in Canada, so today is our Monday! 🙂 Today we have a great interview with experienced luxury yacht stewardess, Nicole Fowler who was actually working in New York City in advertising before packing it all in and heading down south for the life of luxury yachts. Read on for her experience (and some fantastic shots of her travels!)
How did you enter the world of yachting?
Back in my NYC advertising days, I was asked if I could do anything, what would I do? I responded with, “Well, if I could find a way to travel and get paid, that would be my ideal scenario.” And that’s when the lightbulb went off. After doing my research on the yachting industry, I knew my NYC hospitality experience would help me out tremendously. I really enjoyed interacting with people and ensuring they had a great experience, so three months later, I was on a flight to Fort Lauderdale!
How do you remain fresh during a busy charter season – physically and mentally during these busy times?
Well, to me, doing charters is a workout in itself. On charters, I typically end up with over 20,000 steps a day. On days off, I like to walk/explore wherever I am and I stay away from the heavy party scene. The way to get through a charter season mentally is to not stress out. I prioritize my time and just remember that I am helping to create an unforgettable vacation and I have fun doing it. There is also a light at the end of the tunnel. The charter will end and I will have some extra cash in my pocket.
What do you like to do in your downtime while at sea?Â
Sleep! Haha! I work on “smaller” yachts, so when we’re underway, I am either on watch or sleeping and hopefully the seas aren’t too rough!
Any tips for other people starting out in the industry?
Really do your research and be honest with yourself. Attitude has a lot to do with your success in this industry. You have to be prepared for change at any moment and be ok with it, along with working 16hrs+ a day with a smile and can-do attitude.
What do you think makes a yacht charter so special and unique?
Chartering allows you to see remote parts of the world that you otherwise wouldn’t see, you get to see the world from the water rather than from land, and you also have crew that is 100% dedicated to giving you the best experience of your life.
