Adventures in Real Shipboard Spa Life: Cruising the World
Martin Putter is from Pretoria, GP, and at 48 years old, has been a qualified hairstylist for 27 years, now Senior Hairdresser at the 5-star salon Amani Spa @Raddison Blu hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town, since April 2022. He has enjoyed many onboard contracts with London Wellness Academy (previously Steiner) and can well attest to the support the company has given him from the start of his career. He has spent so much of his life aboard the cruise ships doing what he loves most and tells us how the training and onboard spa experience has set him up for success in his salon career – anywhere in the world!
Born and raised in Pretoria, I did my apprenticeship program and collage in Pretoria as well. After I graduated in 1996, I was looking for something different than working in a salon.
I became a Sales representative for Keune Hair Cosmetics, where I came across someone that told me about working on cruise ships through London Wellness Academy (previously Steiner). I was super excited and went for an interview in Johannesburg. Got my letter in mail that I was accepted and embarked on my adventure, going to London in the UK for my training.
On the High Seas at 22
I joined my first ship Celebrity Galaxy when I was 22, in 1997.
I was like a fish out of water. No one to tell me what to expect or how it’s going to change my life. But it was everything and more than I was expecting . We did the fantastic Caribbean and Alaska runs.
After that I worked on Crystal Harmony, Carnival Destiny, and an inaugural cruise contract on Carnival Triumph and Carnival Victory over the next 3 years.
Successful Years in Beverly Hills, California
After every contract I was able to explore more and travel to different countries on land. With all this experience, I saved up and finally immigrated to Los Angeles, California, in 2001 at the age of 25. I think the years of onboard spa training and work with its focused experience with high-end clientele service really set me up to succeed, because I was able to work in the best salon in Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills itself, with Joseph Martin Hair & Beauty, for 18 years in total. It was an incredibly full life with countless opportunities to work with celebrities, tv, magazine shoots and all that Hollywood could offer.
Home to South Africa but the Onboard Life Called!
In 2018, I finally decided to return home to South Africa, but I missed the cruise ships! I called London Wellness Academy (previously Steiner) and told them I want to come back. With their new Cape Town training facility, I was able to complete my retraining in 2 weeks, right here in South Africa. I was placed on the stunning ship Holland America , Koningsdam, where I was introduced to the Mediterranean cruises, and more of the Caribbean, for a 9-month contract.
Photo (below) of when I did my training in Cape Town, 2018. We did more training now than in the 90’ – training in barbering , eyelash extensions, teeth whitening and we now work with Kérastase on board, along with L’Oréal hair colour.
At the age of 43, it’s harder to get out of a bunk bed but there are so many more pros to it all. Loved every minute all over again!
My next ship was the inaugural cruise for the Regent Seven Seas Splendor. Wow, what a six-star experience! The best! I enjoyed working on all the different types of cruises and clientele.
Here are some more pics of my last ship the brand new Regent Seven Seas Splendor, with photos of where the ship was built in Fincantieri, Italy,and some inside photos of the spa and salon. And every time you are day off somewhere new! I truly loved it!
Home to South Africa Again – and in Demand
Back to Cape Town, where after Covid, I was able to walk into any high-end spa/salon, knowing I am able to get in with my experience. I am land-based again now, working in a 5-star hotel and enjoying every minute of it. I highly recommend working on cruise ships for any stylist to build up 5-star experience!
My fond memories with the onboard contract experience include Jill Baxter, my head of operations, and she still asks me at least every other month if I want to come back for just one more contract!
I am very fortunate to have built great connections and made amazing friends along the way.
I am immensely grateful for everyone that came into my life and what opportunities my career gave me. Focus, hard work and passion are what gave me everything and more than I ever dreamed.
London Wellness Academy Can Help You Share in The Adventure of a Lifetime
How To Apply!
Go to www.londonwellnessacademy.com and fill in the online form. A recruitment consultant will be in touch with you asap to set up a confidential interview. Your first step to a new life of excitement on board has begun!
Interviews are done online or in person every first Saturday of the month, so start planning as soon as possible!
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