Five Ways to Cruise for Free (and Maybe Even Get Paid)

When I was a cruise ship crew member, I saw it all. Some passengers would complain about the food (only after finishing four courses) or about “finding” dead bugs (one went on a butterfly farm tour, then smuggled some rare “stowaways” onboard). Often they were just angling for a free cruise.

Take it from me, spurious complaints will get you no more than a well-rehearsed speech (and sympathetic head-cock) at the reception desk. And maybe a cheap platter of chocolate-covered strawberries…if you cry.

Thankfully, there are legitimate ways to cruise for free. Richard Detrich is an avid blogger and writer who “retired” in Panama several years ago. He started cruising for free as a ship chaplain, and today gets paid to lecture on everything from the Panama Canal to rum-running. “My goal as a lecturer is to entertain and educate; it’s a lot of fun,” says Richard. He has since been on free cruises to places like Trinidad & Tobago, St. Bart's, Cartagena, Rome, and Casablanca.

If you cruise as a lecturer, you can usually bring a guest to share your cabin. And lectures are usually on sea days, so you don’t miss out on precious port time. Even if you lecture several times per cruise, you’ll still have the leisure time to soak up the sun and pose for pictures with Vegas-style showgirls (or hunky deck officers).

If public speaking isn’t your idea of fun, there are other ways to go to sea for free…and maybe even get paid by the cruise line. See if any of the following apply to you:

* If you're a single man over 40…

* If you have a family reunion coming up…

* If you belong to an active professional society or a club—bridge, chess, even a book club…

* If you're a doctor or a nurse…

* If you can you swing a nine iron…or critique modern art…

Then you can cruise for free, too. I explain how in the current issue of International Living Magazine. Subscribe to the IL Magazine right now and get instant access to my full "cruise for free" article…plus a free copy of The World's Best book.