Robert Cheeke

Robert Cheeke graduated from class D-51 at the Salt Lake City Campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy in March of 2000. Upon completion of the Professional Massage Therapy Program, Robert enrolled in the Sports Massage Career Track. Soon after completing the Career Track in August of 2000, Robert not only landed a job with a prestigious resort spa, but also began working for a well-known fitness club. After having worked in the fitness club for only a few short months as a massage therapist, Robert was promoted to the position of Director of Massage Therapy. Since that time, Robert has gained employment with Steiner Transcocean, Inc. on a "seas spa." Recently, Robert sent the following update letter to the Career Services Department:

"Hello from the Caribbean. Today we’re in Grand Cayman and I’m on a two-hour lunch break. Let me bring you up to speed, this is what the Cheekey Monkey has been up to since my August interview with Steiner at UCMT’s main campus…

"I went back to Oregon, where I’m from and waited to hear from Steiner. It took months because they lost my paperwork, but eventually they contacted me and told me to come to London, England in March 2002.

"The training with Steiner takes 1-12 weeks depending on the individual’s progress. I remember at my August interview Victor predicted that I would complete the course within 1 week! Well, he was close. I was there for 2 _ weeks when they told me I was flying out to my ship! I expected to be there for 8 weeks and that is what I planned on.

"Our training facility is located about 20 minutes from London and believe it or not, I never made it to London. I planned on going with a group of friends on my 3rd weekend, but of course that is when I ended up flying to Miami, FL.

"The [time] I spent in London (or just outside of London) was one of the greatest experiences I have had. We lived in a dorm-type atmosphere at the YMCA in Watford, England. We lived together, studied many hours together, partied together, played sports together and formed a VERY close bond. I’m going to Sough Africa in January to meet my roommate Gerrit and my best friend during the time I was there, Tracy. We were from all different nations there for the same purpose; to go out on and adventure and explore the world.

"I remember that I was surprised when I got my ship details. I felt I wasn’t ready to leave. I was getting very close to my friends and even as far as the job goes, I didn’t feel like I was fully prepared. But the Steiner staff saw that I was becoming a leader and I’m guessing it was my confidence level and personality that sent me out early.

"In our classes we learned massage techniques, but most of [the training] was learning signature treatments and retail training! The main part of our job is to sell Elemis products. We had hundreds of products to learn: what they are, what they do, how to use [them], ingredients, contraindications and prices. It was very hard and that is why after 2 weeks I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the ship. At the Academy, the dress code and hair have to be perfect! Looking "perfect" is another main part of the job. One girl even got sent back to South Africa because she didn’t smile enough. All in all, it was hard, but I had an incredible time there and in a short time made friends who I still keep in contact with.

"So, I got my details and they sent me to the Celebrity Cruise Ship Millennium on March 30th. I actually worked the day I got on the ship! The following day I did between 5-7 massages and later that week did up to 8 in one day. It was hard to get adjusted at first and I really struggled. I wasn’t living up to expectations and they even threatened to send me to a different ship because I kept making mistakes and I wasn’t selling very much. My spa is one of the biggest and best that Steiner owns. So expectations are very high and most people have a few years experience working on ships. I’ve been on for almost 3 months now and I’m finally starting to settle in and be productive; even finishing in the top 5 in sales last cruise out of a staff of 26 (most sea spas have 10-15 staff.)

"I've been in the Caribbean the entire time. We’ve been to places like Aruba, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Costa Rica, Panama, Barbados, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Martin, the Bahamas and other places. I typically work from 8 AM to 8 PM every day with 2 days off per 10 or 11-day cruise. I would guess [I work] approximately 70 hours per week. Sometimes I work until 11 PM or have meetings until 9 PM. The most I’ve done is 9 massages without a break and last week I worked 12 hours and few days later worked 11 hours. That is just the way it goes. My boss has been on ships for 14 years and knows how to bring in money so he keeps us busy. On port days, most people get off the ship so it is an easier day.

"My ship is pretty big. We have 1,000 crewmembers from 60 different nations (only 25 Americans including 2 in the spa.) We hold up to 2,500 passengers. The ship is long than 3 football fields lined up end to end. We have 14 decks, many pools, a Broadway theater, a movie theater, a basketball court, libraries, Internet cafes, restaurants, shops, fitness centers, a bank, bars etc.

"I have a great time on the ship. My room has two beds (bunk beds), fridge, TV, VCR, stereo, safe, bathroom, shower, closet, cupboards, two chairs, a small table and shelves for storage space or display. I’d even say it’s bigger than a college dorm room. My roommate is from Estonia, near Russia. He’s 31 years old. His name is Leonard and he’s my best friend on board.

"Most of my friends are from South Africa and I can’t wait to go there in January! My best friend from my time in England, Tracy is on Carnival Destiny and we both dock in Barbados every 3 weeks. So once each month I get to hang out with her (if I have the day off.) Sometimes there are as many as 8 ships at one port. When I have the day off I usually go to the beach, do a little shopping or catch up on sleep. So far my favorite places are St. Thomas, Aruba and Barbados. We’re based in Forth Lauderdale, FL and we pick up new passengers every 10 or 11 days. I stock up on my vegan food while I’m there. I do most of my mail sending from Florida or St. Thomas.

"On the ship I am the main Aroma Stone Therapist. It’s $175 for the 75-minute treatment plus a 10% service charge, so $192 for one massage. So I always try hard to give a great massage so they get their money’s worth. I also do sports massage, deep tissue, Swedish, well-being and reflexology. We have targets we have to hit and incentives and things like that.

"Overall ship life is a wonderful experience. I meet people from all over the world and travel for free. My ship goes to Europe in April. I’m done in December but entertaining the idea of coming back for a 6-month contract and travel all around Europe. We’ll see what happens.

"I want to thank everyone at UCMT who has helped me along my way. I continue to use techniques or advice that I learned from every teacher or staff member at UCMT."