Insights from a Professional Chief / Sole Stewardess - Alyson Kehler

Join us for an exclusive Q&A with Alyson Kehler, a professional stewardess in the yachting industry. With her unique perspective and rich experiences, Alyson sheds light on the life and challenges of a yacht stewardess.

Dive into our special interview to discover the behind-the-scenes of luxury yachting, straight from an expert who lives it every day.

Introduction:

My name is Alyson Kehler and I am originally from Michigan. I played soccer at Michigan State University. I love all sports and have a love for the ocean. In 2021, I married the love of my life, Jeremy Chromik. He's been my heart and soul, supporting me through my demanding career in yachting and estates.

1. Introduction to Yachting:

Q: How did you start your career in the yachting industry? 

A: I grew up in Michigan and played soccer at Michigan State University but always had a love for the ocean. I was fortunate to go to the Turks and Caicos after school while I was working in Finance at the time.

I loved it there and saw a bigger picture for myself. I have worked in hospitality since I was 14 years old and when I heard the opportunity, I packed my car in Michigan and drove straight to Fort Lauderdale to take courses and begin my journey.

2. Day-to-Day Experience: 

Q: Can you describe a typical day for you on a yacht?

A: The best thing for me as Chief stewardess was to always make a game plan for every day. They can change of course but when theirs a plan to train new stewardesses or even deck crew everyone knows where to get started. Checking provisions was huge on my early mornings because a lot of places I traveled didn’t have typical grocery stores. To be sure we had everything needed was first on my list to check. Check on laundry and cleanliness first thing.

Also taking care of the crew and being sure they all had what they needed to do their job properly for each day. Accounting would follow with no guests on board and with guests would be taking care of their service and planning any additional excursions or reservations to spas and restaurants if they wanted. Collaboration with the chef and bring in masseuses if they just wanted to stay on board. Which is always at the forefront because everyone wants to check out the places they visit but making it a priority that they don’t have to or want to leave is key as well.

3. Challenges Faced: 

Q: What are some of the hardest challenges you have faced in your role?

A: Difficult charter guests. Some that you can pull out all the stops and they are just not going to be happy. Also provisioning in countries that don’t have much to provide and getting things flown in and working it into a schedule and budget.

To be honest. I didn’t in 16 years come across too many. I was privileged to meet and work with wonderful people.

4. Managing Stress: 

Q: How do you manage stress in such a demanding work environment?

A: Keep a positive attitude. Get along with your coworkers and keep things drama-free at all costs. Exercise more and party less or not at all. If you’re a leader people will follow that inspiration.

Keep your own room clean so when you have a 19-hour work day you get to take a shower in a clean bathroom with your bed made. Make a schedule for yourself of a day to do your sheets or your coworkers for them. Help wherever needed because everyone has different days. Don’t just be what your job role says. It helps stress to know you’ve helped someone else and learned something new.

5. Personal Growth: 

Q: How do you continue to learn and grow in your role?

A: Constantly learning. My thing is just say yes I can do it and figure it out even if it’s a little new. Ask questions if you aren’t proficient in something. People are more than willing to help you if you ask for advice rather than not.

6. Advice for Newcomers: 

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting in the yachting industry?

A: It’s a tough industry and can be long hours but find the joy in what you do. The more you learn and teach others, it gets easier every day. Learn everything that you can. Help when needed.

If you’re a stewardess and the engineer is busy, offer to clean AC filters, or if the chef is slammed offer help chopping or plating or Whatever they need. And motor annoying thing is if someone is in the weeds with whatever they are doing and you’re sitting around not offering to help.