Success Stories
Inspiring Journeys of Our Seafarers
Discover how our dedicated professionals have built remarkable careers with world-class cruise lines through Win-Stone Group.
Embark on an extraordinary journey as we delve into the remarkable life of Mr. Sohan, a shining example of dedication and ambition. From his humble beginnings in the hospitality and airline industries to becoming a respected Auditor, Mr. Sohan's story is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.
Mr. Sohan's journey with Win-Stone Shipping began when he received information about the company from a friend. Intrigued by the opportunity, he decided to attend a walking interview and was selected and made it to an online interview with AIDA cruise recruitment and got selected for a position in the Food & Beverage department.
Having previous working experience in the Hotel and Airline industries, Mr. Sohan brought valuable skills to his new role. Within six months, he completed various training programs, including the AIDA training and other short courses in Sri Lanka. During this time, he also dedicated himself to learning the German language, recognizing its importance in his position.
Mr. Sohan initially boarded the AIDAcara, the mothership, where he worked as a Utility in the Buffet Restaurant. However, due to his language skills, he was later transferred to the Fine Dining Restaurant. In this role, he had to provide extensive information about wine, including its history, fermentation process, taste, and types of grapes. Additionally, he was responsible for explaining the entire food menu, cooking methods, and ingredients to customers. He was awarded the opportunity to partake a special training in India which the company provided him with all the financial aid.
Mr. Sohan quickly adapted to his new responsibilities, and within five months, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Steward. Although the management recognized his potential for further promotions, he had to follow the hierarchical structure of the ship's promotions.
During his second contract, Mr. Sohan had worked as the Head Steward which was a rare opportunity to work in the Fine Dining restaurant on AIDAnova. He received a double promotion and eventually became the Senior Steward after successfully passing a comprehensive exam.
Throughout his contracts, Mr. Sohan faced various challenges, including working during the COVID-19 pandemic. He experienced transfers between ships, engaged in maintenance work, and even returned to Sri Lanka with the company's support during quarantine.
In his fourth contract, Mr. Sohan worked as a Food & Beverage Senior Steward in the Fine Dining restaurant on AIDAnova. However, he eventually transitioned to the role of an Auditor after a rigorous selection process. As an Auditor, he had responsibilities such as night ship management, front office management, and serving as a night telephone operator.
Mr. Sohan continued to excel in his role as an Auditor, training more than five auditors and becoming recognized as an instructor by the company. He also pursued his passion for social media by starting a blog where he shared memories, advice, and information related to his experiences.
With his extensive travels, having been to 82 countries, Mr. Sohan became the first Auditor from an Asian country in the company's history after 26 years. He has become an influential figure within the company, providing guidance to newcomers and recommending the Win-Stone Shipping Department as a valuable resource for gaining experience and finding employment.
Mr. Sohan's advice to others is to stay focused on their goals, work hard, and not forget the potential for earning more money and achieving promotions. He believes in the value of perseverance and recognizes the opportunities provided by Win-Stone Shipping to those without prior experience.
Krishnasamay Nithiyaraja has had a successful career working on cruise ships, particularly with AIDA Management. He initially learned about the opportunity through a friend and attended an interview with Win-Stone Shipping, which enabled him to proceed to the final interview with AIDA Management. Fortunately, he was successful and signed his first contract with AIDAperla on 30/03/2017 as a Bar Waiter.
After his initial contract, Nithiyaraja continued to work as a Bar Waiter on various AIDA cruise ships. His second contract was with AIDAmar, starting on 27/09/2018. He then had a third contract with AIDAperla, commencing on 20/10/2019. Subsequently, he worked on AIDAmar once again, beginning on 12/07/2021. His fifth contract was with AIDAnova, starting on 20/06/2022. Currently, he holds a contract with AIDA Cosme from 29/06/2023, but this time as a Junior Bar Keeper.
Nithiyaraja has developed a fair level of proficiency in the German language, which is beneficial for his work on the cruise ships. Based on his experience, he strongly recommends Win-Stone Shipping to those who are interested in working on ships. However, he also advises aspiring individuals to be prepared for hard work, emphasizing that working on a ship is not easy and straightforward.
Meet Ishan Madushanka Perera, a shining example of determination and hard work. Ishan's journey began when he discovered Win-Stone through a close friend. His initial selection interview paved the way for an interview with AIDA in April 2015. Since then, Ishan has embarked on a remarkable career, overcoming challenges, and achieving success in the maritime industry.
Ishan underwent rigorous training, including the AIDA training program, to qualify as a seafarer. In 2016, he signed his first contract and embarked on his seafaring journey aboard AIDAstella as an Assistant Steward. In 2018, Ishan secured his second contract on AIDAprima, continuing his role as an Assistant Steward.
In 2019, at the beginning of his third contract, Ishan received a double promotion, becoming a Food & Beverage Steward aboard AIDAprima. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ishan remained resilient and engaged himself with his family during the period of unemployment in 2020-2021. In June 2021, Ishan signed his fourth contract with AIDAprima, resuming his voyage across the great blue sea.
In 2022, Ishan achieved yet another milestone by signing his fifth contract, this time with AIDAnova. He now eagerly awaits a promotion to the esteemed position of Restaurant Manager.
Ishan's dedication and commitment led him to master the German language, achieving a B1 level. He advises aspiring seafarers to have a deep understanding of their job roles, work diligently, and possess a strong work ethic. Ishan emphasizes the importance of teamwork, respect for others, and politeness as essential attributes for success in the hospitality industry.
Ishan expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Management and entire Team at Win-Stone, considering the institution as his second mother. He acknowledges their unwavering support and guidance, which played a pivotal role in his success.
Ishan Madushanka Perera's incredible journey from an Assistant Steward to a potential Restaurant Manager with AIDA Cruise is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His story serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to succeed in the maritime and hospitality industries. With a focus on continuous improvement, language proficiency, and a strong work ethic, Ishan has overcome challenges and sailed towards a promising career.
Mr. Gamage Piumal Kanishka's journey with Win-Stone Shipping and his success with AIDA Cruise contracts is truly an inspiring story of career advancement and dedication. Introduced to Win-Stone Shipping through a friend, Mr. Kanishka embarked on an exciting path that led him to sign not one but six contracts with AIDA Shipping Cruise, each marking a milestone in his career.
His journey began in November 2016 when he signed his first contract with AIDAprima as an F&B Utility Trainee. Eager to excel in his role and passionate about his work, Mr. Kanishka proved himself to be a valuable asset to the cruise line. His hard work and commitment paid off, and just a few months later, in February 2017, he signed his second contract with AIDAaura, once again in the role of an F&B Utility Trainee.
His determination and dedication caught the attention of the cruise line's management, leading to a well-deserved promotion. In 2018, he signed his third contract with AIDAblu, but this time, he had risen to the position of a Bar Waiter. The promotion was a testament to his skills, professionalism, and ability to thrive in a dynamic and challenging work environment.
The year 2021 marked another milestone in Mr. Kanishka's career when he signed his fourth contract, this time with AIDAsol, once again as a Bar Waiter. His consistent performance and continuous growth made him an indispensable member of the AIDA team. In 2022, he signed his fifth contract with AIDAmar, achieving yet another promotion, this time as a Bar Waiter and Junior Bar Keeper. His versatility and willingness to take on additional responsibilities made him a valuable member of the cruise ship's crew.
Continuing his remarkable journey, Mr. Kanishka signed his current contract with AIDAcosma in 2023, once again as a Junior Bar Keeper. His story serves as a shining example of what hard work, dedication, and passion for one's profession can achieve.
Through his success, Mr. Kanishka not only demonstrates the potential for growth and advancement within the cruise industry but also highlights the opportunities that Win-Stone Shipping can provide aspiring individuals. The company's commitment to nurturing talent and connecting individuals with reputable cruise lines like AIDA is commendable.
His story also serves as a valuable piece of advice for anyone aspiring to work in the cruise industry. Mr. Kanishka's success was not handed to him; he had to face both initial and AIDA-specific interviews, proving his abilities at each stage. His journey underscores the importance of determination, continuous improvement, and a strong work ethic in achieving one's career goals.
As Mr. Kanishka continues to shine in his current role as a Junior Bar Keeper with AIDAcosma, his story stands as a testament to the possibilities that await those who embark on a career at sea, and it highlights the rewards that come with hard work, perseverance, and dedication in the world of cruise ship employment.