Employee testimonials

Find out how joining The OnboardSpa Company has changed the lives of some of our employees.

Sonja Sorich, Spa Manager

Whilst I was backpacking and working wherever I could to earn some money, I decided there had to be a better way to travel!

I wanted to achieve several things:

• I wanted to earn money doing what I loved and using my qualifications.
• I wanted a career where I could move forward.
• I wanted to save money for a property.
• I wanted to travel and expand on my knowledge of the world.
• I wanted an office with water views.
• And I wanted to have a place to call home...no more living out of a suitcase.

I also wanted a break from life on land…the rent, the car payments, the bills, cooking, cleaning and from doing the same thing every weekend.

Coming to work is a pleasure…for a start there is no traffic to contend with, breakfast is served and there is no washing up. My uniform has been cleaned and pressed and my cabin will be clean when I return from work.

The best thing about this is that I can focus on my business. Yes that’s right, my business. It is so empowering to have a ‘free of risk’ framework in which to work in, yet have the freedom to earn as much money as I believe I can. It is empowering to continually develop strategies to improve the business and grow as a professional through doing so.

And if I do well…I might be promoted to management level. And from here I can learn so much more about running a business and leading a team to the top.

When the end of the day arrives I can choose to relax or go out for some socializing with the friends I have made. I might get dressed up and see a show or eat in one of the restaurants. What a privilege!

And then there is my time off…every day is different. I love the ever changing landscape, cultures, food, the global shopping and the learning.

Since working for the Onboard Spa Company I have fulfilled all of my dreams. I began as a fitness instructor and after one contract I was promoted to Spa manager. The experience I have gained in running a business and leading people has been the best career move I ever could have made. I have seen more of the world than I ever imagined. I have saved money. I have met a lot of interesting people. And I have had a really nice lifestyle while doing so.

When I left Australia I told my friends, "There is more than one way to do life," and this is certainly the best choice I have ever made.

Mark Nel, Spa Manager

Imagine waking-up on white sandy beaches, with crystal clear water all around, swiming with sharks, string-rays, and exotic fish, going jet skiing and canoeing, all around the world. Well I did, when I finished school I wanted to see the world, I wanted to help people reach their goals, I was going to study and become a personal trainer and save my money and travel the world, but working for one of the most reputable companies at sea, The Onboard Spa Company, has not only given me the opportunity to make my dream a reality, but guess how much it has cost me? Nothing.

Four years ago I bought a ticket to go to London and joined the Onboard Spa Company as a fitness coach. Since then they have helped me study further and I have learnt so much about how to run my own business.

I have moved from being a fitness coach, to a personal trainer and now I am one of the many top spa managers that you will find working for this awesome company.

I have made friends with people all over the world and still had the chance to do what I love - health and fitness.

This is a day in my life:

My day starts off with a stretch class, where I meet all the passengers from all over the world. I then do a yoga class and off for breakfast where I will have either cereal, fruit salad, toast or I'll spoil myself and choose from the four different warm meals.

Outside the sun is shining and myself and a few friends are going to head off to the beach (we are in Mexico today). After a day in the sun or doing a tour I am back in the gym to help some people who are struggling with training and to take a Pilates classes.

My day is then done and off to dinner I go. After dinner it is off to Crew Bar to spend my time off with friends from all around the world.

The next morning I am up for work and I am in the Canaries today. Everyday I do what I love doing, but each day I am somewhere else in the world.

If you want to meet mew people, see the world, broaden your horizons and learn how to become a successful business person, take my advice: The OnboardSpa Company can give you all that and more.

Oana Pintilie, Oasis Spa Manager

Working for Harding Brothers and on ships has been a life changing experience, Harding Brothers have been great and they support every employee in getting them to adapt to this new life. The trainers are very good and the Salon Managers are very professional and always at hand to help and advise; beside all of this the job is very fun, the only thing is that you have to take responsibility of it and plan out your day accordingly; the rest of it is coming like a holiday, I have visited some fantastic ports and had great time on days off.

Nomthetho Mgojo, Teeth Whitening Specialist

My typical day at sea starts with an early rise, the choice of a healthy breakfast or a heavy fill to give you energy for the day ahead.

Followed by a hectic schedule of clients, who require 110% of services so they can give you generous tips as you treated them special.

At midday we sit down for dinner. You have the chance to enjoy a glorious buffet and chat with colleagues and crew members from other departments.

Working aboard a spa is an advantage because we are the only department that gets a day off when the ship is in port, so you get the whole day to explore and see exotic places in the world.

You get a chance to have lunch or a coffee break ashore so you can experience other peoples cultures.

Working onboard ship is a wonderful experience and an advantage to see the world whilst you get paid.

It's hard work and you have colleagues that come from all over the world so you have to adapt and learn different cultures. And doing so makes you grew as a person and has respect for other cultures

It’s a good challenge; you learn to be independent because there is no family or friends around you. So you make new family and friends!

Natasha Benwell, Stylist

My day starts by heading down to the leading hands Mess to have a cooked hot breakfast. Up to the spa I go.

Every day varies, but formal days are the busiest, and I can do up to 25 clients a day, yes it's hard work, but I love it

It's amazing to see all these amazing countries in the space of a week or two, you are constantly on the move!! Even on a lunch break you can get off and have lunch or to just check out the view on the deck!!

When all our work for the day is done, we head down to dinner, have a hot meal and salad, then head next door to the crew bar for a drink. Sometimes I will dress up and see a show, or head up to one of the bars on deck for a drink.

It is an experience you will carry with you for a lifetime as you are continuing your career while seeing the world, meeting people from all around the world and making great friends.