Want to travel the world with your job?

Our Educator, Lauren Williams, shares her story of working for International cruise line company Steiner.

The very first salon I worked for after graduating had a quote posted on the wall of the famous ‘back room’ which read ‘Dream, Believe, Create, Succeed’. Too often I would stare at this quote, often dreaming of where I saw myself heading in the future. One word always came to mind was TRAVEL.

My mother always told me I was capable of doing anything I wanted if I put my mind to it. At age 18 and with the support of my family and friends I applied for a job with international cruise line company Steiner. Thankfully, I was accepted.  The training I received at Steiner Academy, London was second to none. It wasn’t just about performing beauty treatments; it was about professionalism, grooming, client care, six star customer service and of course their world renowned spa treatments.

Source – Silversea Cruise Liners

The spas on board were absolute luxury –  only five and six stars. They were equipped with steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis, lap pools, heated lounges, vichy showers, mud rooms, thalassotherapy pools and fitness centres. The spa services on board ranged from extravagant spa and beauty treatments to a full service hair and barber salon, nail services, teeth whitening, acupuncture, nutritionist and even a cosmetic doctor for injectables……. the list was endless.

Source – Celebrity Cruises
During my time on board, I had the opportunity to visit 42 different countries, Europe, Northern Africa, Scandinavia, Canada New England, United States, Central America and the Caribbean. I was also honored to have had the opportunity to work with staff of all cultures and nationalities from all over the world.

Source Crystal Luxury Cruises
Of course all jobs have their positives and negatives. Apart from travelling the world and the tax free money, my work hours quite often consisted of 12 hour days, 5 days a week and at times back to back massage, with all clients wanting ‘firm’ pressure.  The hardest part of working on board was missing family and friends; however the feelings never lasted long as waking up in a different country every morning was a part of the dream.
From my experiences it gave me the skills to secure almost any job on my return to Australia. By blending the worlds of spa therapy and international travel and culture, it opened up a new awareness, consciousness and acceptance of all people and the planet in which we live and share.

They say that travel is the only thing you can buy that will make you richer and I would recommend to anyone to travel and see the world – it’s something you will never regret.