Get paid the equivalent of a six-figure salary to travel the world as a‘global experience hunter’
· International cruise giant Royal Caribbean® International launches search for a new Shore Explorer ‘apprentice’ to embark on an all-expenses-paid world trip
· In addition to Japan, Alaska, Europe and the Middle East, they will be one of the first to visit Perfect Day℠ at CocoCay® – a new and exclusive private island in the Caribbean
· Judging panel includes James McVey, The Vamps’ writer & guitarist and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! 2018 contestant
· Research* shows that 63 per cent of millennials (18-37 year olds) are more satisfied with seeking out new experiences than having material assets
4 FEBRUARY 2019: Royal Caribbean International has today opened applications for its first ever Shore Explorer ‘Apprentice-Ship’.
Candidates can apply via Instagram for the opportunity to seek out and test extraordinary shore experiences in some of the most jaw-dropping destinations across the globe – while getting paid a salary equivalent to over £100,000 per year for their troubles**.
Building on the success of its ‘Intern-ship’ programme two years ago, the lucky candidate will act as apprentice to Royal Caribbean’s Instagrammer-in-Chief, Russ Francis, who was appointed the role following his application in 2016, and last year captured the largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas℠.
The chosen apprentice will embark on a global trip, seeking out new land-based experiences that will ultimately influence the brand’s shore excursion programme for 2019 and beyond.
Their only daily task will be capturing their experiences on Instagram, Insta-Stories and IGTV.
They will then have the chance to enjoy a range of ‘bucket list experiences’ such as visiting a glacier in Alaska, exploring Osaka in Japan, white water rafting in the Norwegian Fjords, or riding the world’s longest urban zip wire in Dubai.
Furthermore, the apprentice will also be one of the first to step foot on Royal Caribbean’s new and exclusive private island in the Caribbean, Perfect Day℠ at CocoCay®, set to open in May 2019.
The successful candidate will be selected by an independent panel of judges consisting of The Vamps’ writer & guitarist and contestant in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! 2018, James McVey; Ben Bouldin, Managing Director Royal Caribbean International UK & Ireland; Nadia El Ferdaoussi, Travel Writer; and Russ Francis.
On becoming a Shore Explorer judge, James McVey said: “My jungle experience taught me that you really can’t beat the thrill of exploring new destinations and experiences – whether on land or sea – and that’s what becoming a Shore Explorer is all about. I’m so excited to be working with Royal Caribbean to find the perfect person for this new Apprentice-Ship; someone who has a passion for travel, exploration and seeking out new and extraordinary experiences around the world. And, of course, they have to be brilliant at sharing their adventure online too!”
Intrepid travellers and wannabe globe trotters who think they’ve got what it takes to be Royal Caribbean’s Shore Explorer can apply by sharing their favourite travel experience in a picture or video on Instagram, Insta-Stories or IGTV tagging #ShoreExplorer and @RoyalCaribbeanUK
The search for a Shore Explorer ‘Apprentice-Ship’ follows new research from Royal Caribbean that reveals millennials are adopting a ‘do it’ rather than ‘own it’ attitude, with almost two thirds (63 per cent) claiming to get more fulfilment from seeking out experiences than from owning ‘stuff’.
Seeing the Northern Lights, going on safari, experiencing a hot air balloon ride, and visiting Canada, all feature highly on the bucket lists of millennials. 46 per cent of those surveyed cited visiting the Northern Lights on their bucket list, while comparatively only 18 per cent claimed that owning a home is currently a key life goal.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said: “We’re looking for an adrenaline junkie who is not only hungry for adventure, but also has a unique ability to capture a moment and tell a story in a simple social media post.
“We already offer a huge amount of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, on-land experiences as part of our cruise holidays – from zip wires and white water rafting, to walking on glaciers and hot air balloon rides. By launching this position, we’re hoping that the winning candidate will take our shore excursion programme to the next level.”
The study also revealed:
· The ‘do it, rather than own it’ trend is largely being driven by social media, with 43 per cent of millennials claiming that they would invest in an experience ‘for the ‘Gram’ – i.e. to brag about it on Instagram and other social media
· Over half (51 per cent) of millennials claim that they would rather spend their money on memorable experiences over material possessions
· Almost a third (28 per cent) of this age group have even booked a holiday or experience after seeing someone posting about it on Instagram
· A fifth (21 per cent) of millennials cites a fear of FOMO (fear of missing out) as their reason for spending their money on real-world experiences
2019 is set to be a big year for Royal Caribbean, with the highly anticipated launch of its very first Quantum Ultra Class ship, Spectrum of the Seas℠, as well as unveiling Perfect Day℠ at CocoCay® – its very own private Caribbean island complete with the tallest waterslide in North America.
Hopeful applicants must be 21 years or over, hold a valid passport and be able to travel this year. More information can be found by visiting Royal Caribbean’s UK Instagram channel or website.
