Tui River Cruises has opened up applications outside of the organisation for the role of godparents on its two river cruise ships.

Successful candidates will become godparents to ships Tui Isla and Tui Maya ahead of their inaugural sailings in March.

Tui’s managing director of cruise, Chris Hackney, said: “Tui River Cruises has given us an opportunity to start new traditions and having our godparents role live beyond the launch event with them river testing some of our itineraries and making godparent recommendations will be invaluable.

“It’s also really exciting for us to be opening up the search far and wide. Traditionally, a ship’s godparent is a godmother but this role is open to anybody over 18 – they just need an explorer’s mindset.

“Exploration means something different to each and every one of us. It may mean discovering an unknown beach in an exotic location to some, whereas for others it’s as simple as finding new paths to walk in the woods, visiting new destinations on their doorstep or the thrill of taking a selfie at a world-famous landmark.

“We’re not looking for extreme mountain trekkers or arctic explorers, but ordinary people who are curious, open-minded and like to travel.”

To apply, candidates will need to explain in less than 400 words what exploring means to them. The cruise line has said that an appreciation of waterways is an advantage, but not essential.

The job description says that godparent duties will include “providing expert opinion on the exploration credentials of a Tui River Cruise, with a particular focus on the excursion programme” and they will be asked to make personal recommendations for customers.

Godparents will also be expected to attend the exclusive launch ceremony and officially christen their ships in March 2020, as well as carry out river testing, whereby the godparent and travel companion will try out a further two selected itineraries later this year to feedback their views and make their recommendations.

Shortlisted applicants who upload their 400-word cover letter to the Tui website will partake in a Skype interview, with the selected candidates informed by 26 February 2020.

Duties will kick off in Amsterdam on 23 March 2020 at the launch party.