Share Your Passion, Explore the World.
Speaker FAQs
What makes a great speaker?
- Bring Unique Expertise: Share fresh perspectives to inspire and engage.
- Engage with Passion: Love the thrill of connecting with live audiences with charisma and clarity.
- Love Travel: Embrace the adventure of blending travel with professional growth.
- Collaborate Seamlessly: Can work as part of a team and adaptable to changes (this is because you’ll be working with crew members while onboard and may be asked to change dates or times of your talks during the duration of your cruise booking).
Speaker FAQs
Joining Peel
How do I register as a speaker with Peel?
We represent a carefully curated community of speakers, and every new applicant goes through a friendly but thorough selection process to ensure we meet the high standards expected by our cruise partners.
To begin, please complete the enquiry form on our application website.
If there’s a potential fit, we’ll invite you to submit:
- A short professional CV
- A speaker bio highlighting relevant experience
- A minimum of 6 talk titles, each with a short description
All talks should be 45 minutes long and be delivered in PowerPoint format, with engaging visual content suitable for cruise audiences.
If your written materials align well, we’ll then ask for:
- A short video (maximum 4 minutes) of you delivering part of a talk
- A 5-8 slide sample of your presentation style
If successful, you’ll be invited to join the Peel roster and create your speaker profile on our portal, which is shared with our cruise line partners.
Your Speaker Profile & Opportunities
What happens once I’m registered on the portal?
Once your profile is live, you’ll begin receiving emails from us with opportunities that match your expertise.
To apply, simply reply to the email and confirm which talks you’d like to propose. Some opportunities are destination-specific, while others are more general.
If you’re selected by a cruise line, we’ll be in touch as soon as confirmation is received.
Timelines vary, but placements are typically confirmed 4-8 weeks after submission, depending on demand.
How many talks do I need?
All enrichment speakers must have a minimum of 6 talks, each lasting 45 minutes.
These should be well-structured, visually supported PowerPoint presentations designed to inform, engage, and entertain cruise audiences.
Which cruise lines does Peel work with?
We work with many of the world’s leading cruise lines, including (but not limited to):
Ambassador, Virgin Voyages, Azamara, Fred Olsen, Saga, Cunard, P&O, Villa Vie, Emerald & Scenic, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Silversea, Viking.
What happens if I’m selected?
Congratulations! You’ll receive:
- a Letter of Appointment
- an invoice for your administration fee
- Any additional paperwork required by the cruise line (e.g. visa details, medical declarations).
We’ll guide you through each step – and we’re here to support you right up to your embarkation day.
Fees & Administration
Is there a cost to me as a speaker?
Yes. For each confirmed placement, there is a one-time administration fee:
- £175 (+VAT) for cruises up to 13 days
- £250 (+VAT) for cruises of 14 days or longer
This fee is only payable once your cruise is officially confirmed.
How long do I have to pay the invoice?
Invoices are payable within 14 days.
Please note: your booking is not secured until payment is received.
How do I pay the administration fee?
Payment is made via Bank Transfer using the details on your invoice.
We’re unable to accept card payments.
What happens if I need to cancel?
The administration fee is non-refundable.
Companions & Travel
Can I bring a companion?
Yes. Most of our cruise line partners allow speakers to bring a companion of their choice.
If a specific voyage does not permit companions, this will be clearly communicated in advance.
Will I be charged for bringing a companion?
No. You will not be charged an additional administration fee.
However, if flights are required and not covered by the cruise line, you’ll be responsible for your companion’s flight, plus a 10% handling fee to cover administration.
We’ll always confirm what’s included before you agree to a placement.
Will my travel to and from the ship be arranged?
UK join: You’ll arrange your own travel to and from the port, at your own expense unless otherwise agreed.
International join: Return flights will be arranged for you. You’ll organise your own travel to the UK airport, but once abroad, airport transfers and any required hotels are either covered or a pre-agreed contribution will be provided towards these costs. This amount is based on the average cost at the destination. You will be advised at the time of booking whether transfers will be arranged directly or whether you will receive an agreed allowance.
Mobility & Accessibility
I have mobility requirements, what do I do?
If you use a mobility scooter or require accessibility support, it’s essential that you inform us at the point of application or booking.
Some cruise lines require speakers travelling with mobility scooters to be accompanied by a companion, and accessible cabins must be requested and confirmed in advance.
Most cruise lines also limit the number of mobility scooters onboard for safety reasons, including evacuation planning and corridor access. For this reason, mobility equipment must always be declared and approved before travel.
Onboard Experience
What time do I need to arrive at the Ship?
A few weeks before you are scheduled to sail you will receive your Pre-Joining Details, which include the details of your check-in time and embarkation instructions.
Please note: check-in times are issued by the cruise line and are not usually available until approximately one week before joining, and often only once you have completed online check-in for the cruise.
These times are set by the cruise line and cannot be requested or amended.
If you are unsure, arriving at the terminal by 13:00 will always be sufficient.
What happens when I arrive at the ship?
You’ll embark in the same way as a regular passenger. Once onboard, you’ll meet the Entertainment Manager or Cruise Director (or their deputy) to discuss schedules and requirements.
Who is my onboard point of contact?
Your main contact will be the Entertainment Manager or Cruise Director.
Ship reception can assist with general onboard queries.
Will I be able to rehearse in the venue?
Rehearsals are not usually possible. However, you will be given a scheduled technical and sound check once onboard.
Please note: on sea days, theatre availability can be limited.
Can I run my PowerPoint from PC or Mac?
Yes. Technical requirements are collected during submission, and any limitations will be communicated in advance.
Insurance, Status & Evaluation
Do I need my own insurance?
Yes. You must hold your own travel insurance, and it must cover you for cruising. Some cruise lines will request proof before issuing joining details.
Am I classed as Crew or Passenger when onboard?
You’ll be classed as a Non-Revenue Passenger, with the same entitlements as paying guests, however, be aware that you are predominantly onboard to represent both Peel Speakers and Enrichment and the Cruise Line, and this can mean that you will be of interest to the paid passengers.
Guests may ask for you to join them for dinner, for a chat or a coffee – and as a representative of Peel, you should be friendly and try to agree (whilst also making sure you’re not overstretched too).
Will I be paid for giving talks?
Cruise Ship Speaker assignments are non-paid placements.
Your benefit is the opportunity to cruise free of charge while sharing your expertise.
How will I be evaluated?
After each cruise, we receive feedback via Passenger Customer Satisfaction Questionnaires (CSQ’s).
You must meet the cruise line’s minimum score to be offered future placements.
If this isn’t achieved, we’ll arrange a discussion and review next steps together.
Availability & Booking
Can I apply for more than one cruise at a time?
Yes, absolutely! We recommend applying for any cruises you’re interested and available for. It increases your chances of being selected and helps us understand your preferences.
How far in advance will I be booked?
Most placements are confirmed around six months in advance, though shorter-notice opportunities can arise due to cancellations.
Still have questions?
Many answers are here – and revisiting this page often resolves common queries.
If you’re unsure after reading, our team is always happy to help.
Join The Movement
This isn’t just about giving lectures – it’s about becoming part of something bigger. As a speaker with us, you’ll connect with like-minded individuals, inspire audiences, and create lasting memories as you travel the world