For the first time ever, Tui has opened up applications outside of the organisation for its new river cruise brand, with the successful candidates becoming godparents to ships Tui Isla and Tui Maya, ahead of their inaugural sailings in March.
Appointing ship godparents is an ancient maritime ritual intended to bring good luck and protection to new ships. Godparents are often chosen for qualities that mirror the spirit of the ships they represent.
The two Tui River Cruise godparents will hold the title for life.
Tui is seeking applicants with an “insatiable desire to explore and discover new things”, from reading about destinations to discovering new sights. It will be accepting applications from anyone over the age of 18 “with an explorer’s mindset”.
Successful candidates need to explain in less than 400 words what exploring means to them to be in with a chance of bagging the role. “An appreciation of waterways is an advantage, but not essential,” Tui said.
Godparent duties will include providing expert opinion on the exploration credentials of a Tui River Cruise, with a particular focus on the excursion programme, and they will be asked to make personal recommendations for customers. They will attend the exclusive launch ceremony and officially christen their ships in March.
They will also carry out “river testing”, whereby the godparent and a travel companion will try out a further two selected itineraries later this year to feedback their views and make their “godparent recommendations”.
Applicants simply need to upload a cover letter and enter their details here.
Shortlisted applicants will take part in a Skype interview with the selected candidates informed by 26 February.
Duties will kick off in Amsterdam on 23 March at the launch party.
Tui River Cruises will be launching three adult-only ships in March, with applications open for colleagues within the business to be godparent of Tui Skyla.
Chris Hackney, managing director of cruise, said: “Tui River Cruises has given us an opportunity to start new traditions. It’s also really exciting for us to be opening up the search far and wide. Traditionally a ship’s godparent is a godmother but this role is open to anybody over 18 – they just need an explorer’s mindset.
“We’re not looking for extreme mountain trekkers or arctic explorers, but ordinary people who are curious, open-minded and like to travel.”
