After polling 2,000 UK and Ireland consumers, Royal Caribbean found that 48% of holidaymakers rely on platforms like Instagram for inspiration.
More than a third claimed they wouldn’t consider visiting a destination without first consulting social media.
As such, Royal Caribbean has launched an Instagram “Intern-ship of the Seas”, which it claims is a first for the industry.
Applications are being taken strictly via Instagram to find a winner who will sail the seas and “capture the unique stories, destinations and experiences of a cruise holiday”.
As part of the role, the candidate will travel three oceans, on three ships, for three weeks, during the summer of 2017 with food, drink, accommodation, flights and expenses covered by Royal Caribbean. They will also be rewarded with £3,000.
Applicants who think they have what it takes to capture pictures that “stand out and inspire holidaymakers” can apply for the role by sharing their “most extraordinary” travel photo on Instagram, tagging @RoyalCaribbeanUK and #ExtraordinaryExplorer. Agents can apply too.
Travel blogger Johnny Ward, who next month is set to become the youngest person to visit every country in the world, will select the winning candidate alongside a panel of judges including Royal Caribbean’s managing director UK & Ireland, Ben Bouldin.
Submissions will be judged on a number of elements including “visual appeal, storytelling ability, originality and inspirational qualities”.
Bouldin said: “Royal Caribbean has a fleet of 25 ships visiting over 250 destinations around the world, meaning our holidays are positively teeming with extraordinary moments.
“In a first for the cruise industry, we’re looking for a talented storyteller to capture those moments and bring them to the world via Instagram.
“When it comes to choosing a holiday, we know social media plays a crucial role in the decision making process for consumers.
“Knowledge and personalisation are then key to convert that idea into an actual cruise holiday, which is the crucial role our agents play.”
The competition is open to applicants from the UK and Ireland who are aged over 21 years old.
They must have a full passport, no criminal record and no travel restrictions.
