Christopher Arreola, a former Sports and Golf Manager on MS The World, the world's largest private residential yacht, has shared insights into the unique lifestyle and demands of its ultra-wealthy residents. Arreola worked on the 644-foot vessel, which features 165 privately owned apartments ranging in price from $2.4 million to $15 million, from 2016 to 2017.
The ship, described as a floating luxury apartment complex, boasts amenities such as multiple restaurants, bars, pools, a gym, a jogging track, a yoga studio, and a full-sized tennis court. It travels globally, docking at approximately 100 ports annually.
Arreola's role involved managing the ship's golf simulator, which offered around 80 to 100 virtual courses. More significantly, he was responsible for arranging golfing excursions for residents on shore. This included coordinating with golf courses and arranging VIP transportation, which could range from SUVs to private jets, depending on the destination and number of players. Arreola would often accompany residents to ensure seamless logistics and sometimes participated in rounds or social gatherings afterward.
He described the residents' requests as occasionally wild, noting that the ship was willing to consider almost any reasonable request. One memorable instance involved an owner requesting a charter boat bring him to an iceberg dressed as Santa Claus for his children while the ship was sailing to the Arctic around Christmastime.
Parties were a regular occurrence on board, with residents celebrating a wide array of occasions, from major holidays to election nights and birthdays. "The ultimate goal was to enjoy life and have fun. The atmosphere was alive," Arreola stated.
During his tenure, Arreola recalled an owner contemplating whether to invite then-President Barack Obama to a birthday celebration for his best friend. The owner reportedly grappled with the decision, concerned about diverting attention from his friend, and ultimately decided against the invitation.
Despite the extravagant circumstances, Arreola found the residents to be generally down-to-earth and not overly demanding. He observed that many were self-made individuals who had worked hard to build their wealth. The crew, he noted, was treated with respect and experienced significant generosity from the residents.
Living quarters for the crew were described as small but adequate, with cabin stewards handling housekeeping and laundry. Arreola received a salary of $54,000 per year, with a work schedule of four months on the ship followed by a two-month break. He considered the compensation worthwhile given the included room, board, meals, and the opportunity to travel the world.
Arreola's employment ended after he and a fellow crew member were involved in an argument in front of other employees. He explained that while relationships between crew members can be complex on a ship, the vessel maintained a zero-harassment policy, leading to the termination of both individuals.
His advice for those aspiring to work in luxury hospitality emphasizes dedication to perfection and a genuine desire to serve and make others happy. He highlighted that authenticity is crucial, as insincerity is easily detected in such roles.