Question 1

What does being a freelancer mean?

Accepted Answer

Being a freelancer means working for yourself and offering your skills and services to various brands on a project-by-project basis, rather than being employed by a single company. 
As a freelancer, you are essentially an independent contractor who will manage their own work.
You will send invoices for work completed, and be paid on successful fulfilment of a brief.
Cruise Retail Academy is building a network designed to support freelancers building new opportunities in our industry

Question 2

Do I need 10 years of experience to be a Brand Trainer or Speaker?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily! We look for vibe and expertise. 
If you’re a natural storyteller with deep knowledge of a specific brand or destination, you’re already halfway there. Academy Onboard helps bridge the gap by matching your unique skills with the right luxury partners and cruise lines.  If we see a skill gap, we will encourage you to take the necessary courses or engage in the specific research in order to imrpove your chances.

Question 3

Is this a "real" career move?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You’re building a portfolio of international experience, luxury brand partnerships, and leadership skills.  In particular, it will help act as a stepping stone from ship life to shore life. It looks incredible on a resume and proves you can handle high-stakes environments anywhere in the world.

Question 4

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

1. Sign up as a FREELANCER today by applying to us on the links in the role you are interested in.
2. We will then invite you to an interview first with us, and secondly by the relevant partner.  
3. If you are successful, you will be required to take part in a number of trainings and upload your documents on your profile.  Once signed off, you will have access to our FREELANCER HUB portal, where you can sign up to available assignments.  
4. Choose your assignment, follow the processes and get paid for what you complete.

Question 5

How "flexible" is this, really?

Accepted Answer

Freelancer assignments are determined by your availability and the type of role.  Some gigs might be up to 21 days long, others can be done working from home based on flexi-time.   When you apply for each of the freelancer roles, take a look at the type of position and the requirements specified, so you can understand more.

Question 6

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

We are looking for experienced professionals who have the following skills:
​
 • Proven retail, speaking or training experience (cruise retail or port shopping experience a bonus)
 • Confidence in presenting, facilitating sessions or engaging with international teams
 • Visual merchandising or sales background preferred (for relevant roles)
 • Ability to travel internationally (valid passport, visa + flexibility essential)
 • Tech literate must submit reports via digital platforms (e.g., Safety Culture)
 • Strong interpersonal, cultural, and professional standards

Question 7

What are we offering?

Accepted Answer

• Your first step from ship life to shore life 
 • Paid freelance assignments with travel and accomodation covered
 • Training via our exclusive Freelancer E-Academy
 • Brand-specific onboarding, presentation upskilling and certification
 • Access to FREELANCER HUB portal for assignment browsing
 • Tiered loyalty rewards & seasonal recognition
 • Possibility to join brand teams long-term ('try before you hire' model)

Question 8

Is this role full time?

Accepted Answer

​It depends on how many assignments you wish to collect.  We think the best way to look at the cruise retail freelancer role is additional income that can be earned whilst being on vacation, between roles or in supplement to a role you are already doing.  Most ship visits or sailings will take place as per the cruise calendar, so you will need some level of flexibility to ensure you are able to attend the specific locations.
​
More questions will be answered for you as you engage into our recruitment process.

Freelancer Hub

Welcome to the first and only Freelancer hub in the cruise industry

HOW IT WORKS

1. Select the gig

2. Show your talent

3. Deliver great work

4. Get paid

READ OUR FAQs

What does being a freelancer mean?

Do I need 10 years of experience to be a Brand Trainer or Speaker?

Is this a "real" career move?

How does it work?

How "flexible" is this, really?

Who can apply?

What are we offering?

Is this role full time?

FREELANCER GIGS

Voyage Brand Ambassador

General Retail

Academy Freelancer

General Retail

Destination Speaker

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Sales Spiker

Luxury Retail

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