Day in the Life of a Junior Crew Member

An honest look at what new professionals can expect in their first role

Stepping into your first role on a superyacht is exciting — but it’s also a reality check. Life onboard is intense, fast-paced, and often very different from the glossy social media posts that drew you in. Whether you’re joining as a junior deckhand or stewardess, here’s what a typical day might look like — the good, the challenging, and the completely unexpected.

06:30 – Wake-Up and Uniform CheckMornings start early. You’ll need to be up, showered, and in a clean, ironed uniform before your head of department arrives. First impressions count — every day. You’ll grab a quick coffee if you’re lucky and report to your team for the day’s briefing.

07:00 – Morning Duties BeginDeckhands: You’ll rinse and chamois the exterior, clean windows, tidy the tender garage, and possibly prepare toys for the day ahead.Interior crew: You’ll begin with detailing guest cabins, restocking toiletries, polishing glassware, and resetting common areas. If guests are onboard, breakfast service prep starts here too.

Everything is done to an exacting standard. That means no shortcuts, no smudges, no missed corners.

09:30 – Crew BreakfastOnce the morning rush settles, you’ll get 15–20 minutes to eat. The food is usually amazing, but the pace is quick. Then it’s back to work — guests may be waking up, heading ashore, or expecting lunch.

10:00 – Guest Activities & Ongoing DutiesThis part of the day depends on your yacht’s schedule.Deckhands might launch tenders, set up paddleboards, or run guests to shore.Stews might prepare snacks, serve drinks on the sundeck, or turn down cabins again after guests leave for the beach.

Behind the scenes, laundry is constant. So is polishing stainless, scrubbing decks, or organizing storage areas. There's always something to do.

13:00 – Lunch Break (Maybe)You’ll usually eat after the guests — timing depends on their plans. If they’re onboard, you'll help serve and clean up before grabbing your plate.

14:00 – Deep Cleaning or Guest Service ContinuesAfternoons are often dedicated to deeper cleaning tasks, restocking supplies, or maintaining equipment.If you’re on service, you’ll stay alert to guest movements — setting up for sunset cocktails or preparing dinner service well in advance.

17:00 – Knock-Off (If You’re Lucky)If there are no guests, your day might end here. You’ll be told to “knock off,” shower, and change into your evening uniform for dinner.If guests are still active or there’s an event planned, you’ll keep going.

19:00 – Dinner Service or Watch DutiesEvening shifts rotate. You could be plating dinner in the galley, clearing guest tables, or on anchor watch logging engine room readings and monitoring radio traffic.

22:00+ – End of DayDepending on the guest schedule, you may wrap up by 10 pm — or much later. Once you're finished, you can finally relax, scroll your phone, call home, or pass out in your bunk.

What You Don’t See on Instagram

• Your personal space is the size of a closet

• Privacy is rare

• Breaks depend entirely on guest activity

• You’ll be cleaning the same mirror every day for weeks

• But — you’ll also wake up in the Maldives, swim off the back deck, and become part of a close-knit crew family

Final ThoughtsA junior role on a yacht is demanding, but it’s also an unmatched opportunity. You’ll gain skills, discipline, and stories you’ll never forget. If you’re serious about joining the industry, be prepared to work hard — and you’ll be rewarded with more than just a paycheck.

Interested in starting your yachting journey the right way? Book a free discovery call and let’s chat about how Maiden Voyage can help you get there.