Your options for spending a season abroad are not limited to just ski or beach resorts. In fact, instead of spending six months living and working in one place you could work while sailing around the world, visiting faraway destinations such as Alaska and South America that you might otherwise only glimpse in holiday brochures.
We spoke to some cruise industry professionals to find out what you can expect from life at sea. Jane Hall, director of Cast-a-way-UK, an agency that recruits childcare professionals for the cruise industry, says, 'It's hard to get across to people just how big a cruise ship can be. We show them photos but it's only when they get to the dock that they can actually gauge the size of the ship. On a large ship there can be around 3,000 passengers and 1,400 crew. Some people find it really daunting and think they're going to get lost!'
Wendy Sutherland, senior youth director at Carnival Cruises, believes the highlights of childcare at sea are having the chance to meet people from all over the world, and being able to use your skills while travelling. She adds, 'People gain so much confidence, experience and a different insight.'
There are many similarities between working in a resort and on a cruise ship, with food, bills and accommodation all provided by your employer. You are likely to share a cabin with another crew member, which should help to kick-start your social life.
Settling the children quickly is one of the major challenges of a childcare role aboard ship. The children in your care are likely to change every three to four days, or two weeks at the most. As with a resort, the focus is on fun. Jane explains, 'Childcare on a cruise ship is very oriented towards play, so there is lots of games and dressing up,'
Wendy adds, 'We run an activity- based programme for the children, so there are different activities for them all the time.'
A cruise ship is in some ways similar to a floating resort. On the boat itself there can be a huge range of attractions to enjoy during your time off. A cruise ship may offer an ice skating rink, climbing wall, and basketball court, as well as a beauty salon, fitness centre and nightclub.
The ships tend to have internet and e-mail facilities which mean that staying in touch is not a problem.
Opportunities for career progression are available on a cruise ship as well as in a resort. Wendy worked her first contract for Carnival ten years ago as a youth counsellor and has progressed to senior youth director.
Colleagues frequently graduate to assistant manager or head office level.
Wendy says, 'We also have onboard training suites where you can learn new languages or IT skills.'
One major difference between working for a major cruise company like Carnival and a ski or beach resort is that on the ship you will be living in a truly international environment.
Jane says, 'There are people from over 60 different nationalities on an average ship. Some people find it difficult to adapt to this, but it means you make friends from all over the world.'
Long hours are a staple of the role. 'You're probably going to be working between 50 and 60 hours a week,' says Jane, 'but it's very much "work hard, play hard", and on such a large ship there is always something going on.'
Daily work hours vary from eight to 12 depending on whether it's a 'sea day' or a 'port day', and whether you are assigned for evening duties.
If your day off coincides with a 'port day' the world is your oyster - you can leave the ship and explore your destination. Wendy says, 'You can go off on tours or just lie on the beach. There is so much at your fingertips.'
