Royal Caribbean have begun their search for an explorer to fulfill the brand’s first ever Instagram ‘Intern-ship of the Seas’.
The cruise line have confirmed that social media is a key source of inspiration in consumer holiday booking habits and results have shown that 48% of holidaymakers rely on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for inspiration, and 34% (more than a third) claim they wouldn’t even consider visiting a destination without consulting social media for their own research first.
As a result of this, Royal are now seeking applications via Instagram to find an ‘extraordinary explorer’ who will sail the seas and capture the unique stories, destinations and experiences of a cruise holiday.
As part of the role, the chosen candidate will travel three oceans, on three ships, for three weeks this coming summer with food, drink, accommodation, flights and expenses covered by Royal Caribbean. Not to mention, the individual will also be rewarded with £3,000.
Any applicants that 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 and tagging @RoyalCaribbeanUK with the hashtag #ExtraordinaryExplorer.
A travel blogger, Johnny Ward, is set to become the youngest person to visit every country in the world and will be selecting the winning candidate alongside a panel of judges.
Ward states: ‘I have created a living out of my travel stories but social media is positively teeming with budding storytellers out there looking for a big break’.
Royal have decided to tap into travellers’ fear of missing out after the result came in that a third (at 37%) say that seeing their friends posting on social media bragging about their time abroad encourages them to go straight out and plan their own holiday. This ‘fear of missing out’ has triggered a fifth of travellers to go as far as to book the same holiday as friends.
Managing Director of Royal Caribbean UK and Ireland, Ben Bouldin, has his say on the matter: ‘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’.
But what are your thoughts on Royal Caribbean’s stance on the significance of social media to holidaymakers booking their cruises? Do you think this ‘Intern-ship of the Seas’ is a fantastic opportunity and incentive for other budding travellers? Or do you think cruises have gone too far in their involvement with social media now? Are you someone who prefers to go with the traditional way of things more often than not? Have your say…
So, will you be applying for Royal Caribbean’s Instagram ‘Intern-ship of the Seas’? Leave us more of your thoughts and comments!
