• Working vacations can enable cruise travel at a fraction of the cost.cruise ship image by Cristina Bernhardsen from Fotolia.com
  
  Gourmet buffets, Broadway-style shows and majestic ocean views are all standard issue on cruise travel. Taking a cruise at full price, however, can be an expensive proposition. Fortunately, there are several alternatives for enjoying cruises at drastically reduced rates. For a fixed fee of 30 to 40 dollars per day, or a 50 percent or more discount, with free guest travel, volunteers who contribute some of their time and talent as guest lecturers, bridge directors, dance instructors or cruise hosts can make cruising an accessible and enjoyable possibility.
  
  

Cruise Ship Host

• Ballroom dancing, excellent manners and genuine sincerity are part of the criteria necessary for gentlemen shipboard cruise hosts. As a growing number of women travel independently, gentlemen cruise hosts provide sociable and honorable companionship to women traveling alone. Above all, they provide dance partners. Although no official training or dance credentials are required, cruise hosts must be familiar with social dances such as the rumba, waltz and quickstep, as well as being comfortable, outgoing and conversational. Gentlemen hosts are positions that cost the volunteer $28 to $38 per day to participate in. In exchange, hosts receive accommodations (often shared with other volunteers), all shipboard meals, a drinks and laundry stipend and, in some cases, airfare. Gentlemen hosts must be single, between 40 and 70 years old and young at heart. Gambling on-board is forbidden, smoking and heavy drinking are strongly discouraged and bringing a partner or forming a relationship on-board is prohibited. Cruise hosts enjoy all shipboard activites, dancing in the evenings, shore excursions and the ability to travel the world.
  
  

Lecturer/Speaker

• Cruise lines offer enrichment programs to their guests which include seminars on a wide variety of topics including art history, geology, oceanography, wildlife, art, health, science, music and many others. Lecturers must compose a 45- to 50-minute presentation that educates and entertains their attendees, and present this lecture an approximate total of four to five times on a seven-day cruise; more frequently on longer cruises. Presentations utilizing audio and video enhancements are encouraged.
  
  

Bridge Director

• Bridge directors lead bridge card games, teach passengers and interact with ship staff. Most cruise lines require bridge directors to be Amercan Contract Bridge League, ACBL, certified and hold Life Master standing. Directors must be proficient in both Standard American and the British Acol system, able to teach beginning, intermediate and advanced classes, and issue Master points. Ship-board meals and accommodations are included.
  
  

Dance Instructors

• Most dance instructors travel as a duo and must be familiar with a variety of dance styles. Although some instruction includes more contemporary dance styles, much is centered around ballroom dancing. On a seven-day cruise, instructors teach approximately four one-hour classes total. The classes may take place in different locations on the ship, so bringing a personal, portable music player, music and extra batteries will help conduct classes wherever is most suitable at the time. Dance instructors are encouraged to attend all evening dance events and perform a spotlight dance, if possible.