SHIP DAYS
2000 – 2002

When I first applied to work at sea, I could never have imagined that a unique opportunity would mark the beginning of my first contract. I had been selected as part of a specialist team sent to Trieste, Italy, to assist in the setup of a luxury spa aboard a cruise ship still under construction and journey across the Atlantic to New York on her maiden voyage.

During our time at the academy, we were told in no uncertain terms that upon boarding our assigned ships, we would be expected to report to the spa immediately, briefly meet our team, and begin performing treatments straight away. Yet here I was, during my first month, given the rare privilege of witnessing a spa come to life from scratch and without a doubt, I knew how lucky I was.

The first two weeks of my contract were spent working alongside an exceptional team—seasoned professionals from across the world, each bringing their own expertise and experience from previous contracts. Their knowledge was invaluable, I looked up to them and I absorbed everything I could. Once the spa was officially handed over to Steiner, the setup began. Watching crates of cutting-edge equipment and premium products being crane-lifted through the open decks into the evolving spa was a moment that left a lasting impression on me. It was here that my fascination with business startups and operational planning truly began—little did I know, this would become a passion that would continue to shape my career in the years to come.

Soon the ship’s construction was complete and the Carnival Victory set sail on her maiden voyage to America. What followed was an extraordinary period of advanced training—an invaluable and unexpected opportunity made possible by our unique circumstances at sea.

The next 14 days became an immersive education in service excellence, treatment and product sales, and, most importantly, the art of creating an exceptional client experience. It was during this time that I came to understand the profound difference between simply performing a treatment and delivering it with excellence. This understanding shaped not only my approach as a therapist but also my perspective on the true value of exceptional service—an ethos that has remained at the core of my work ever since.

As we approached New York, the sight of the iconic skyline emerging from the horizon was truly breathtaking—a moment I will never forget. As the highly anticipated ship docked, the excitement on board was palpable. We turned our focus to preparing for our very first passengers to embark on this brand-new vessel. Everything we had learned during training now came to life as we conducted six hours of continuous spa tours, followed by an evening of performing treatments. At that moment, my first contract had officially begun.

Settling into life at sea was both exhilarating and demanding. We worked twelve-hour shifts, back to back appointments, six days a week, with one precious day off, which rotated to allow us the opportunity to disembark and explore the incredible destinations we visited. As I adapted to the rhythm of ship life, I observed the experienced therapists closely, paying attention to their techniques and, more importantly, which treatments proved to be the most lucrative.

While some therapists were happy to maintain their designated services I was determined to progress, I set my sights on earning an Ionithermie column—an advanced anti-cellulite and inch-loss treatment highly coveted among therapists for its financial rewards. However, this was not a position granted lightly; it had to be earned by consistently proving my ability to achieve and maintain sales targets. I started at the most basic level, performing massage treatments—the default assignment for new therapists. Over the following months, I steadily climbed the ranks, first being promoted to offer mud envelopment treatments, then advancing to face and body therapies.

By month six of my eight-month contract, the team I had come to see as family was beginning to prepare for their journey home. As their contracts came to an end, a shift in the team dynamic was inevitable. As part of my ambiton to attain the Ionithermie column the next progression was to achieve the facial column and succeed Natasha, a highly skilled skin specialist whose expertise I deeply admired. Knowing she would soon be leaving, I made it my mission to learn as much as I could from her, shadowing her closely in her final month.

When the time came for Natasha to return home, I was thrilled to be offered a trial position performing La Therapie facials—on the condition that I could reach and maintain the required sales targets, which I did for the final two months of my contract. This was a pivotal moment in my time at sea, marking the culmination of months of relentless dedication, learning, and perseverance.

Although I had not yet achieved my goal of securing an Ionithermie column during my first contract I had spent some time with Louisa, who performed this treatment aboard the Victory, and with her guidance I knew this would be the next step in my journey. With a newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of what it took to succeed, I left my first contract in February 2001 with the determination to return stronger, ready to take on the challenge in my next appointment at sea.

Looking back, this contract was one of the most eventful of my career, not only for the incredible destinations we visited but for the professional growth I experienced in such a short time. The journey from a basic massage therapist to a specialist in facials was one of sheer determination, resilience, and a willingness to continually push myself beyond my comfort zone—lessons that have stayed with me ever since.

Upon returning to the UK, I immediately began planning my next contract. Completing a first contract came with the privilege of requesting a preferred ship and destination, offering a small degree of choice in the vast world of cruise assignments. At the time, another brand-new ship had just left Finland, carrying several of my former colleagues from the Victory. However, as I was unable to commit to the setup dates, I joined in its third month of sailing instead.

Before departing, I briefly rejoined the Steiner Academy for additional training and to expand my qualifications. Elemis had just introduced Hot Stone Therapy across all spas, and I was eager to master this new technique. In September 2001, I flew to Vancouver, where I was reunited with some familiar faces and met my new Steiner family aboard the Carnival Spirit.

With my six-month contract officially underway, I knew I would have to prove myself all over again. Once more, I started with mud envelopment treatments before moving on to Hot Stone Therapy over the first two months. As therapists began reaching the end of their contracts, new opportunities arose, and I reclaimed my position performing La Therapie facials for the next two months. However, my ultimate goal remained unchanged—to secure an Ionithermie column.

Louisa, my inspiration from the Victory, was preparing to leave in two months, and I was determined to absorb every bit of her knowledge before she disembarked. I made the most of every free moment—sometimes even hiding in the product stock cupboard to listen and take notes during her treatments. Every evening after work, I practiced and studied relentlessly. Yet, despite my dedication, there was no guarantee. The Academy had started pre-selecting therapists for specialized treatments during training, making it even harder to earn a position through merit alone.

Nevertheless, my efforts paid off. When Louisa left, I was officially appointed as the ship’s Ionithermist. It was an incredible achievement—one I had worked tirelessly for. As the sole therapist offering this service, the expectations were high, and the sales targets even more demanding than before. I spent my final two months on board performing Ionithermie treatments, knowing that my time on the Spirit was coming to an end.

As my departure neared, I focused on passing my knowledge forward, just as Louisa had done for me. My dear friend Kelly had excelled in La Therapie sales and was eager to follow in my footsteps. For weeks, we trained together, ensuring she was fully prepared to take over once I left. But, just a week before my departure, the Academy assigned a brand-new therapist to the ship—her role was to take my position.

At first, I was disheartened. Kelly had worked so hard, and I feared our efforts had been in vain. However, it soon became clear that this new therapist did not share the same drive. She had not fought for the position, nor did she appreciate what it had taken to earn it. Despite my attempts to guide her, she showed little interest, convinced she already knew everything. With time running out, I had no choice but to step away, leaving my column in her hands rather than Kelly’s.

When I disembarked in February 2002, I felt a bittersweet mix of pride and disappointment. I had finally reached my goal, yet I left knowing that my knowledge had not been passed down as successfully as it had been passed to me. However, just a week later, I received news that Kelly had been reassigned to my position after the new therapist failed to meet sales targets. Though the transition had not gone as planned, I was overjoyed that my friend had achieved what she had worked so hard for.

After just two months back home, I was ready for my next adventure. This time, I joined an older ship—the Carnival Destiny. Unlike my previous contracts, this vessel followed the same weekly route, visiting the same islands each trip. By then, I was content with a steadier pace, having already proved myself in previous roles.

This contract was different in another way too. Thanks to my established track record, I was assigned Ionithermie from the outset, without the need to compete for the role. Out of my three contracts, this one felt the most settled. I knew my work, exceeded my targets, and enjoyed the security that came with experience. But that didn’t mean it was without excitement.

Once again, I built strong friendships—one of which, my boss at the time, remains a cherished presence in my life today. Four months into the contract, Destiny was scheduled for dry dock in the Bahamas. For two weeks, the ship was out of commission for major works, giving us a rare and well-earned break. Six weeks later, at the end of November 2002 my contract came to an end, and I was replaced by another experienced Ionithermist.

At the time, I didn’t know that this would be my final contract. After spending the night in Puerto Rico before my flight home, I watched the Destiny sail away without me—a profound moment that made me realize something important. Life at sea would continue, with or without me. I had achieved my goal, and now, it was time to find my next challenge.

Looking back on those early professional years, I am deeply grateful for the experiences I had, the cultures I encountered, and the lessons I learned. Had I not taken that brave leap at such a young age, I often wonder where life might have taken me instead.

Alongside the hard work, we had so much fun, saw places I had only dreamed of, and formed bonds that would last a lifetime. While the corporate landscape of what was Steiner has evolved since my time, I have no doubt that the sense of adventure, camaraderie, and travel remain unchanged. For anyone with a desire to expand their horizons, I can only say—go for it. You never know where the journey may take you.