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 visitPerfect 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 almost 60% of Irish millennials are more satisfied with seeking out new experiences than having material assets

Royal Caribbean International has today openedapplications 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 €118,000 (£104,000) 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 Irish millennials are adopting a ‘do it’ rather than ‘own it’ attitude, with almost two–thirds (62%) claiming to get more fulfilment from seeking out experiences than from owning ‘stuff’.

Seeing the Northern Lights, visiting Paris, spending New Year’s Eve in NYC, and meeting someone famous, all feature highly on the bucket lists of Irish millennials. 42% of those surveyed cited visiting the Northern Lights on their bucket list, while 34% 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 68% of Irish millennials claiming that they would post a fun or adventurous experience on social media

• Over half (56%) of millennials claim that they would rather spend their money on memorable experiences over material possessions (27%)

• 30% of this age group have even booked a holiday or experience after seeing someone posting about it on Instagram

• 68% of Irish millennials motivation for investing in experiences is to create amazing memories and have once in a lifetime adventures

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.