Five-star career on the high seas
Words by H! Magazine 19/09/2008
Like me, you have probably been reading in amazement about the Independence of the Sea, a.k.a. the biggest cruise ship in the world. You know the one: features an ice-skating rink and surfing pool. So you can imagine my delight when, along with an editorial colleague from H!, I was invited to spend the day aboard, courtesy of Steiner’s recruitment department. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer size of the ship; I can only compare it to a floating American shopping mall. There is a 24-hour buffet (Mmmm… fresh cookies at 4am), a not for the faint-hearted rock climbing wall and even a Titanic-style main dining room with more than 2,000 person capacity. But best of all: free ice cream cones all day! I mentioned to Roksolana, the recruitment manager for Spain and Portugal, how amazing it would be to live like this every day. “Well, it is possible,” she replied. “If you work for Steiner, you get to enjoy most of the ship’s facilities.” Hmmm, interesting!Ambitious couple Herman and Abigail Steiner opened their first hair salon in 1934 and by 1947 they owned the first maritime salon on board the Queen Mary. Today they operate spas onboard 139 luxury cruise ships offering a varied selection of Steiner signature services, all taught at their London training academy. Fancy working for such a prestigious company? Working on a cruise ship is a fantastic way to see the world, meet new people, earn money and gain valuable experience. Steiner seeks experienced stylists, fitness instructors, beauty therapists, nail techs, massage therapists and acupuncturists. All you need is the recommended qualifications in your chosen field and be able to speak English at a medium level. All other languages are a bonus.Once selected you will undertake an intensive training programme at the London academy, where standards of personal grooming, excellent communication skills and customer service are developed. Working onboard a ship is like running your own mini business, putting you in good stead for the future. Many of Steiner’s staff members have gone on to very successful careers in the industry – running International spas, setting up consultancies or teaching in colleges.Borja Iglesias, a massage therapist for Steiner, recalled his experience: “Training lasted for six weeks, which was worth the wait as my sweetest home, the world’s biggest cruise ship, Independence of the Seas, was waiting for me. But what really fascinated me was living with people of different cultures, learning to become a better professional while exploring the world. All the money in the world could not buy this experience for me.”What are the other benefits? Your accommodation, food, treatment products and training are paid for. You get to see destinations that you have only dreamed of such as Canada, the Caribbean or the Far East, and on your days off you are free to explore the country at which you are berthed. Another plus is that you will be working in a five-star environment If you are interested in this opportunity to combine a career with your desire to travel, why not give Steiner a call. n Tel. (+34) 607.656.851Roksolanak@str.co.ukwww.str.co.uk
