It’s true! You can trade your talents for free
(or substantially discounted) luxury cruises.
Cruise line management is very interested in
keeping their passengers happy at all times. This
goal is a bit more challenging on days when the
ship’s at sea. To address this issue the cruise
lines offer all manner of onboard activity. Many
of these activities are staffed by outside people
who typically cruise free or at discounted fees
paid to booking agencies. One key advantage is
the time commitment, which is generally minimal
for those who are contracted (usually an hour per
day on days when the ship’s at sea). Also, most
outside contractors get to bring along a traveling
companion who also cruises free.
You may consider whether you could trade your
talents for free cruises. To assist in your self-
assessment here is a list of positions typically
staffed by outside people:
Enrichment Lecturer: Many cruise lines have
formal enrichment programs that offer edutainment
type programs in a variety of topics. A majority
of these programs use destination-driven lectures
although many lines will also consider general
interest topics.
Arts and Crafts Instructors: Craft classes are an
onboard staple at sea. Projects range from so
called "high art" like watercolor classes to
simple macramé projects. Typically, the more
popular classes are those that are also
destination related, i.e. handicraft or folk art
of one of the countries on the itinerary.
Dance Instructors: These classes too are often
related to the destinations being visited, i.e.,
Line dances (Texas); Meringue (Dominican
Republic); Salsa (Puerto Rico), Samba (Brazil),
Tarantella (Italy) etc.. Obviously you must have
happy feet and know your business, but there is
much fun to be had.
Bridge Players: If you enjoy playing bridge and
have a "knack" for it, you can spend a couple
hours a day in the game room playing in exchange
for your cruise. Many times a requirement here is
that your traveling companion must be ready,
willing and able to sit in on a game should a pair
need to be completed in order to play.
Gentleman Host: Single? Chatty? Happy feet?
Impeccable manners? Gentleman will be expected to
appropriately entertain unescorted ladies on the
cruise. Dancing and polite company are the stock
in trade for this onboard position.
Computer Instructors: Many cruise lines are very
interested in contracting with folks who can
deliver a series of onboard computer classes.
The list does not end here. Many cruise lines
will consider any kind of tasteful and interesting
activity. In any event, trading your talents for
free cruises is worth investigating further.
Daniel Hall, has cruised the world as an onboard
speaker and is teaching others to do the same
through his new program Speak on Cruise Ships:
Eight Easy Steps to a Lifetime of Free Luxury
Cruises
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