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May 9, 2025

Over the years of publishing Cruising Journal, we have always aimed to dedicate space to interviews with women involved in the cruise industry, whether in onboard roles or in key positions within cruise line corporations or other companies connected to the cruise sector.

However, I am particularly convinced that experience in this industry—especially when gained onboard—leaves an indelible mark on those who choose to pursue a career at sea, whether it is brief or long-lasting. Regardless of role or responsibilities, working onboard represents a deeply meaningful experience. It is both challenging and enriching, helping individuals grow, understand themselves, and test their own limits, adaptability, and willingness to evolve.

It is precisely with this in mind that we are, for the first time, featuring an interview with a woman who no longer works in the cruise industry, but who held a significant onboard role and went on to build a career in the hospitality sector. We wanted to explore to what extent the onboard experience continues to live within those who have lived it—how formative it was, and how it is perceived in retrospect by those who have since moved on to other professional fields.

We did so by speaking with Giusy Castagna, who held important roles within the Spa departments of Carnival Cruise Line, and who is now continuing her successful career with the Belmond Group. This company, well known also for managing a fleet of river vessels, currently has Giusy serving as Spa Manager at the prestigious Hotel Cipriani in Venice.

Giusy, first of all, thank you for your time. It is often said that life onboard is extremely hectic and leaves little room for personal time, but I believe that your current role in such a prestigious setting as the Cipriani in Venice is equally demanding. We are grateful for the time you are dedicating to us, and we truly appreciate your willingness to share a bit about your past onboard experience and how it connects to your current career path.

Let’s start from the beginning: what did you study, and what first drew you—before even thinking about cruise ships—toward a profession in wellness and Spa? Did you begin working in this field with land-based experience before embarking?

I began studying aesthetics and Spa very young, at just 16 years old, driven by a deep passion for this field. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved all things beauty, and I would say, “When I grow up, I want to be an esthetician!” In reality, it turned out to be so much more than I could have ever imagined. Right from the start, I began an internship and then started working at a beauty center in Tuscany, specifically in the province of Siena—one of the most renowned, in my opinion. I used to go to school in the mornings and rush to work in the afternoons.

Tell us now about the move to cruise ships. How did the opportunity arise for you to consider working on board? Why did you end up at Carnival Cruise Line, and how did the recruitment process work?

I kept thinking to myself, “I want to travel the world—how can I do it?” One day, I searched online for ways to work on cruise ships. I came across a Spa company called Steiner, which operates on many cruise lines. I applied and had the interview right away. Believe me, I never expected it to actually happen—but everything moved really fast. I finished my third and final year of specialization in June, and by September, I was off. I first went to London, to their academy, for about three months, where you learn all of their treatments, sales techniques, and—very importantly—their grooming standards. As soon as I completed the training, a spot opened up on the Carnival Ecstasy, and out of the blue, they called and said: “Giusy, you’re flying to Miami tonight.” I was only 19 years old and about to embark on an incredible adventure.

How many contracts did you complete, which ships were you on, and what were the destinations? Were you able to enjoy some fun and explore new places despite the hectic pace of life on board?

I completed two contracts, each lasting nine months. The ships I worked on were Carnival Ecstasy, departing from Miami (2015), and then, thanks to my sales performance, I was transferred to a larger ship at the time—Carnival Dream, departing from Charleston and New Orleans (2017). The destinations were incredible: Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and many more. Life on board was indeed very hectic, but everything was worth it on your day off. Stunning locations, breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters… it was paradise! Plus, many activities and dedicated areas were organized on board for the crew—there was definitely no shortage of fun.

During your different contracts, did you experience varying work environments—better or worse—or would you say there was a fairly consistent standard across the fleet? What was your exact role, and did it change over time or between contracts?

The standard was consistent across the fleet, although of course you could find smaller ships with fewer services and larger ones with more extensive facilities. My role on Carnival Ecstasy was Facialist, and on Carnival Dream I initially worked as a Spa Therapist, and then once again as a Facialist, specializing in facial treatments. I was able to move to a larger ship after my first contract because my sales were very strong—I was consistently booking services and achieving excellent results.

Your onboard environment—specifically within the Spa—was likely made up of crew members from various nationalities, as is often the case. Were there any predominant groups? Did you always find cohesive teams, or were there sometimes individuals less inclined toward team spirit?

The Spa team was mainly composed of women from the Philippines, South Africa, Namibia, and the UK, with very few Europeans. During my first contract, I was the only Italian! I also had colleagues from Australia, Canada, and other countries. Each nationality tended to form its own group, but at the same time, we always managed to build a wonderful team spirit during every contract. Not just within the Spa, but also with colleagues from other departments—because, in the end, they become your family for many months. I’m still in close contact with many of them—we talk often, and we’ve even gone on trips together years later. Each of us has grown and pursued our own careers, but the bond remains very strong.

I believe that Italian crew members on Carnival Cruise Line are mostly found in navigation roles, much less in hotel departments. Did you have colleagues of your own nationality, or were you something of an exception on board? Did this ever cause you any issues, or did it actually motivate you even more?

As I mentioned, during my first contract I was the only Italian woman on the entire cruise ship. But my Italian colleagues welcomed me with incredible warmth, and I’m still in touch with many of them today—we’ve even met up again in Italy. They always went out of their way to treat me with kindness and care.

Let’s talk about your decision to leave. What pushed you the most to step away from a career onboard cruise ships and return to practicing your profession on land? How was the transition back, especially during your first months working in hotels?

After two years at sea, I felt the need to return to a more “real” life—to be close to my family, my friends, and most of all, my homeland. I really missed Italy. The transition was quite intense, both professionally and in terms of resuming everyday life. I still remember the first time I walked back into my house after my first year away… it felt so small! As soon as I returned, I immediately found a job at a five-star luxury hotel near home. Working on a ship gives you incredible training—strict standards to meet, sales techniques, treatment execution, and grooming—skills that are not always a given in many luxury establishments. Even though it was my first experience in luxury hospitality, I felt completely up to the task, as if I had always done it.

How did your career evolve after you stopped working on cruise ships? What roles have you held and at which properties? How did you arrive at your current position which, although far less than ship life, still took you away from home?

The first hotel I worked at was Castello del Nero 5*L (FI), now part of the COMO Hotels group. Then I felt the desire to grow further, and I joined Rosewood at Castiglion del Bosco 5*L (SI), where I began achieving even more of my goals—starting as a Spa Therapist and advancing to Spa Supervisor. After that, I moved to a new opportunity as Assistant Spa Manager at Borgo San Felice 5*L. Finally, the opportunity I had long been waiting for came along: I became Spa Manager at the Hotel Belmond Cipriani 5*L, an incredibly exclusive location. I’m now starting my third season with the company, and we’re working on some truly exciting projects. At just 28 years old, this has been an incredible achievement for me.

To conclude—and to return to the reflection we started with—how do you view your experience at sea today, after all these years? Have you ever had second thoughts since leaving Carnival Cruise Line? Or ever felt the desire to go back?

It’s been almost twelve years since my first embarkation, and it still holds a special place in my heart. When I decided not to return, they actually offered me a spot on a brand-new ship still under construction at the time—Carnival Horizon. I don’t regret turning it down because I’m truly happy with what I’ve accomplished. The nostalgia remains, which is one of the reasons I love living in Venice, surrounded by water. I won’t deny that from time to time, the thought of going back has crossed my mind.

To young people today who are considering cruise ships as a career option or a formative and professional experience, what would you suggest? Is it something worth trying or better to look elsewhere?

Absolutely yes! What it gives you is beyond words, and it truly is an incredible springboard for your career.

Giusy, thank you so much for sharing your story with us—especially the connection between your current career in some of the world’s most prestigious spas and your early beginnings onboard cruise ships. You’ve confirmed for us that life at sea, whether short or long-term, is always a meaningful formative experience and a lasting memory in both professional and personal life. This perspective has added great depth to our interview section. We wish you a brilliant career and hope you’ll always stay in touch with us—and with the world of cruising!

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Gabriele Bassi

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