The world’s most majestic cruise liner berthed in Durban recently for a second time. Meth is the director of the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, one of the world’s most popular spa companies.
Meth, formerly of Umbilo, has been with the ship since the beginning. She was nominated for the prestigious Hotel Catey Awards (which acknowledges the best in the hotel business) in 2009 for Spa Professional of the Year.
Working for Canyon Ranch Spa on the Queen Mary II, is it different from working from an ordinary spa salon?
It is very different from working at a land-based spa or salon as we are at sea for the most part, but our surroundings change almost daily depending on which itinerary we are doing.
When did you join Canyon Ranch Spa?
I did the set-up for the Queen Mary II in the shipyard, St Nazaire, France, at the end of 2003. I have been with Canyon Ranch and the Queen Mary II for seven years.
The Queen Mary II is arguably one of the most popular cruise liners in the world. How many people do you see every day at the spa?
We can see hundreds, bearing in mind that we pride ourselves on being the largest spa at sea, with 24 treatment rooms, six styling stations, four nail stations, a gym and an aqua-therapy facility.
What’s the weirdest request you’ve ever received from a person at the spa?
We do not get many weird requests, but there is never a dull moment.
What’s the best thing about being on a cruise ship?
I have travelled the world three times over and met some of the most amazing friends.
Don’t you ever get cabin fever?
No, never. There is always something to do, so you don’t spend much time in your cabin.
And seasickness? Did you get ill when you started working on the ship?
The only time I can recall being seasick was my first voyage when we crossed the Bay of Biscay, which is notorious for rough weather. We see some high seas crossing the North Atlantic, but I do not get seasick now.
Are there more retired couples on the Queen Mary II than younger couples?
The Queen Mary II has the distinction of being a grand ocean liner, which is why we have a more mature age demographic on board. Guests come to enjoy the ship, because there is just so much to offer.
Where do you suggest people spend their time?
Canyon Ranch Spa Club, of course.
What did you do when you heard the ship was coming to South Africa for the first time last year?
I made sure my family was able to come on board and see what has been my home for the last seven years, and that was very special for me.
How many days do you spend on the ship at a time away from land?
We mainly do transatlantic crossings, leaving from New York to Southampton and then back again, so we spend up to six days at sea at a time.
Would you ever come back home?
South Africa will always be home for me. Yes, I will return soon. - Sunday Tribune