Retail Sales Assistant – Onboard Duty-Free Shop Staff

AquaSail Luxury Cruises

Available Locations: cape town, Western Cape

Job Description

Job Summary


AquaSail Luxury Cruises is seeking energetic, service-obsessed Retail Sales Assistants to deliver a five‑star shopping experience in our onboard duty‑free boutiques. You will combine impeccable guest service with strong product knowledge (fragrances, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, spirits, tobacco, confectionery and travel essentials), driving revenue through storytelling, upselling and flawless store execution—all while living and working at sea on international itineraries.



Key Responsibilities



  • Delight guests with warm, consultative service that converts traffic into sales and repeat visits.

  • Own the sale end‑to‑end: product demo, cross/upsell, close, process payment (multi‑currency/POS), pack and deliver per customs rules.

  • Maintain visual standards: execute planograms, window displays, pricing, promotional signage and hygiene to brand guidelines.

  • Stock & inventory control: receive, count, replenish, conduct cycle counts, investigate variances, and prevent shrink.

  • Compliance & governance: follow international customs/duty‑free regulations, age-verification protocols, and company loss‑prevention SOPs.

  • Reporting: accurately log sales, commissions, refunds, voids, and KPI trackers at end of shift.

  • Safety first: actively participate in mandatory safety drills and adhere to all shipboard health, safety, and environmental procedures.

  • Team collaboration: support colleagues during peak periods, embarkation days, and promotional events.



Required Skills and Qualifications



  • High school diploma (10+2) minimum; diploma/degree in Retail / Hospitality / Business is a plus.

  • Proven POS and cash-handling accuracy; comfortable working with multiple currencies and exchange rates.

  • Excellent spoken and written English; additional languages (e.g., Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Arabic) are a strong advantage.

  • Strong numeracy, attention to detail, and the ability to follow SOPs precisely.

  • Valid passport with at least 12 months’ validity at time of joining.

  • Able to obtain required seafarer medical clearance (e.g., ENG1 or equivalent) and vaccinations.

  • Willingness to complete (or already holds) STCW Basic Safety Training—company sponsorship may be available.



Experience



  • 1–3 years of frontline retail, travel retail, cruise/hospitality, beauty advisor, luxury, jewelry, or electronics sales experience.

  • Demonstrated target/KPI achievement (AOV, UPT, conversion, ATV, shrink).

  • Experience with duty‑free, luxury, or high-volume tourist environments is highly desirable.



Working Hours



  • Shipboard schedules typically average 70–84 hours per week, 7 days a week during your contract, with peak trading on sea/port days.

  • Rotational contracts (e.g., 4–6 months onboard / 6–8 weeks off) depending on itinerary and business needs.

  • Overtime, rest hours, and accommodation comply with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities



  • Advanced sales techniques: needs discovery, storytelling, bundling, objection handling, closing.

  • Product expertise in at least one category: beauty, watches/jewelry, premium spirits/tobacco, or confectionery.

  • Visual merchandising fundamentals: planograms, color blocking, hero product placement.

  • Data & tools: comfortable with POS, inventory software, and basic Excel/Google Sheets for stock/sales reporting.

  • Resilience & adaptability: thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural, live‑aboard environment with limited off-days.

  • Interpersonal excellence: culturally sensitive, empathetic, and able to turn complaints into loyalty.



Benefits



  • Competitive base salary + uncapped commission/bonus tied to store and personal KPIs (typically tax‑advantaged while at sea, subject to your home country’s laws).

  • Free accommodation, meals, uniforms, and laundry onboard.

  • Medical coverage while on contract and emergency care onboard.

  • Paid travel to/from the vessel at the start and end of contract (as per policy).

  • Global travel experience across world-class destinations.

  • Crew facilities (gym, recreation areas, Wi‑Fi allowances, learning resources).

  • Clear career path into Senior Sales Associate, Boutique Supervisor, Assistant Manager, and Shop Manager roles.



Why Join



  • Sell global brands to an international clientele in a truly unique, tax‑free retail environment at sea.

  • Accelerate your retail career with intensive sales exposure, diverse product categories, and measurable KPIs.

  • Work with a multinational crew, build lifelong networks, and see the world—while getting paid.

  • Be part of AquaSail Luxury Cruises’ award-winning guest experience and fast-growing retail business.



How to Apply


Send the following to careers@aquasailcruises.com (or apply via our careers portal):



  1. Resume/CV (PDF) highlighting retail KPIs and categories sold.

  2. Short cover letter explaining why shipboard retail excites you.

  3. Passport validity, current location, and earliest availability to join.

  4. Any relevant certifications (STCW, seafarer medical, WSET/beauty brand training, etc.).


Apply Now

Similar Jobs