It’s perfectly legal and it’s perfectly innocent. Gentleman hosts on cruise ships are not unlike cruise ship hosts. Like hosts, they make sure guests are having a good time. The only difference is, gentleman hosts are responsible for showing individual female guests a good time. Female hosts are rare on cruise ships for several reasons. For starters, the male to female ratio on cruise ships is very high, especially in the “mature” age group (55+). This means gentleman hosts are in higher demand. This also helps close the gap between the male and female population onboard. In addition (in some cases, not all), “female host” might be taken the wrong way.
A gentleman host is not your average Joe. Gentleman hosts are typically well educated, healthy and fit, and they are usually well versed in dances such as the waltz, the fox trot, ballroom, and other formal dances. Gentleman hosts are also good conversationalists, they enjoy a variety of different social engagements, and they are well groomed and attractive. The majority of gentleman hosts are between the ages of 40-70 and retired or semi-retired from retired law, business, travel, finance, medicine, military and education industries. Gentleman hosts must be single, widowed or divorced.
In addition to free travel, gentleman hosts receive free accommodations, meals, and a small stipend. Gentlemen hosts must have their own attire and grooming supplies. Gentleman hosts will also carry their own health insurance and they must also pay for any extras such as excursions and gambling.
Now that you know all about what it takes to be a gentleman host, the next question is, how do I become a gentleman host on luxury cruise ships? For starters, you should sign up with an agency. One of the top agencies for gentleman hosts is The Working Vacation Inc. The Working Vacation Inc. is a consulting placement agency that places gentleman hosts, presenters, speakers, and lectures on cruise ships. Please visit the official The Working Vacation website to get started at www.theworkingvacation.com. If you prefer to contact the cruise line of your choice directly, visit the Ships and Cruises Directory to locate the web address. Once you have located the web address, follow the steps below to ensure a smooth process.
If the cruise line lists job openings, follow the application procedure to the letter. Applicants that do not follow directions are typically passed over in favor of those that do. If the cruise line does not list job openings on its site, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager. After a week or two, feel free to make a follow-up call to inquire about your application. It is important to be brief and polite. Remember, you never get a second chance to make first impression!