STEPH ARMENGOL, VICE PRESIDENT OF HOTEL OPERATIONS, OCEANIA CRUISES & REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES: "I FIRMLY BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY"
The seasoned luxury cruise veteran rose from sommelier to vice president of hotel operations, and shares both his journey and his ambitions to elevate luxury cruise experiences.
STEPH ARMENGOL, VICE PRESIDENT OF HOTEL OPERATIONS, OCEANIA CRUISES & REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES: "I FIRMLY BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY"
The seasoned luxury cruise veteran rose from sommelier to vice president of hotel operations, and shares both his journey and his ambitions to elevate luxury cruise experiences.
Steph Armengol's journey in luxury cruise hospitality embodies the essence of rising through excellence in the maritime hospitality sector. His career reached new heights with his role as senior director of hotel operations for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, culminating in his appointment, in 2016, as vice president of hotel operations for both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
A native of Perpignan, France, Armengol began his seafaring career in 1998, but it was his joining Regent Seven Seas Cruises (then Radisson Seven Seas Cruises) in 2000 that marked the beginning of a remarkable trajectory in luxury cruise operations. Starting as a sommelier aboard the Seven Seas Navigator, Armengol's expertise and dedication led to his appointment as general manager of the Seven Seas Mariner in 2005 – a vessel distinguished as the world's first all-suite, all-balcony ship.
In his current role, Armengol continues his crucial contribution, showcasing not only his personal achievement but also the evolution of luxury cruise hospitality over the past two decades.
Journal des Palaces: what are the key influences and milestones that shaped your journey in hospitality?
Steph Armengol: I was born into the world of hospitality. My parents owned two hotel and restaurant businesses in the South of France, where I was raised and gained formative experience in this dynamic industry as a teenager.
I later transitioned into the cruise sector, a pivotal juncture in my career that allowed me to travel the globe. This exposure to diverse cultures, hospitality standards and innovative regional practices enriched my understanding of global industry trends and evolving customer expectations.
Collaborating with an international array of seasoned professionals proved transformative, broadening my perspective and igniting a perpetual curiosity. This has motivated me to stay abreast of emerging trends and innovate my approach to deliver exceptional experiences that resonate with discerning luxury guests.
What attracted you to cruises specifically?
My brother inspired me. When I was 21, I followed in his footsteps and took a summer position on board a cruise ship, and I haven’t looked back! That was in 1998, and I have worked on cruises ever since. In my career, I’ve worked across multiple departments — from restaurant and F&B to housekeeping and guest relations, even up to General Manager.
What makes you so loyal to Regent Seven Seas Cruises?
It has been a distinct honour to serve as Vice President of Hotel Operations for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising. I was thrilled to accept this shoreside position in 2016, as Regent is a truly fantastic company that has enabled me to witness and participate in tremendous growth throughout my cruising career.
What truly keeps me invested in Regent, however, is the people. The team embodies a familial spirit that resonates throughout the entire organisation, a profound sense of community that serves as the very DNA of our brand. This fosters strong interpersonal relationships and a collaborative environment akin more to that of a family than colleagues. The camaraderie we share enhances our working experience and invariably enriches the journey for our discerning guests.
Over the last 25 years, I have witnessed countless unforgettable moments and experiences that have brought people together in profound ways. Events such as the renowned World Cruises highlight the sheer strength and cohesion of our steadfast community, creating lasting bonds among guests and crew alike.
How does your experience translate into your leadership style?
To craft a truly unforgettable, cohesive experience for our discerning guests requires a dedicated crew specialising in a range of diverse disciplines.
I consider myself most fortunate to have gained extensive experience working across multiple departments throughout my career. This has enabled me to appreciate the vital role played by each individual team in creating that unrivalled holistic experience. The shared experience has helped me to be not just a knowledgeable leader but also an understanding leader.
I firmly believe in the importance of humility, ever mindful of my own humble origins. This guiding principle shapes my every interaction and decision, reminding me that each and every team member, regardless of station, plays an integral role in our collective success. Ultimately, I aim to cultivate a culture where everyone feels inspired to contribute to our shared mission of delivering exceptional experiences to our guests.
Treating others with the utmost respect is fundamental to my leadership approach. By fostering an environment imbued with positivity and inclusivity, I empower my team to excel and innovate, secure in the knowledge that their efforts are truly valued. Ultimately, my paramount goal is to cultivate a culture wherein every individual feels inspired to contribute wholly to our shared mission of delivering experiences of the highest possible calibre to our guests.
What sets RSSC apart?
Regent is renowned for its immersive itineraries and lavish accommodations, and it offers the most inclusive luxury experience. Unique to the cruise line, unlimited included shore excursions provide our guests with unparalleled destination immersion. After a day’s exploration, they can return to their home at sea—relaxing in lavish suites and enjoying impeccable dining in each of our restaurants, and even in-suite if they prefer.
However, on board a Regent sailing, the people truly make the difference. When we are training our onboard crew, the dedication to creating an unrivalled, personalised experience for our guests is paramount. We pride ourselves on making our guests feel special - from the bartender in the lounge who has memorised your preferred cocktail to the maître de who knows precisely where you want to sit in the dining room.
What can you tell us about the people culture and training at RSSC?
We take immense pride in the Regent guest experience and the impeccable service we provide. All members of our esteemed on-board teams undergo rigorous, in-depth training before joining our ships, ensuring we uphold the highest standards.
Working in seamless unison, our dedicated teams are resolute in affording each guest the unrivalled luxury Regent is renowned for. From arranging exquisite in-suite dining experiences to exclusive Captain's dinners, we offer the luxury of absolute flexibility and personalisation, empowering guests to create indelible memories.
Our impressive retention rate, with over 85 per cent of our team members returning, speaks volumes about our culture and commitment to consistency. This continuity is crucial for delivering an exceptional and consistent experience, allowing us to build lasting relationships with our guests. It’s this dedicated and experienced team that transforms every journey into a remarkable adventure, making each cruise with Regent truly unforgettable.
What would be your advice to someone pursuing a career in luxury cruises?
Working in luxury cruising has been an incredible experience, and if someone is considering that path, I cannot recommend it enough. There are so many areas, so I would say not to feel like you will need to stay in one department forever—there is so much room to grow and experience. It can be hard work, but the people and destinations you will see make it more than worthwhile.
A lover of human interactions, Sonia started her journalism career in various media outlets before moving to London and shifting to the digital industry. Listening to her calling, she's picking up her pen to share the passion and ambitions of luxury hospitality.
