Do you think a Nanny would take a 1 week job if it were on a cruise ship?

Question

I get frequent promotions from a couple of cruise lines via email for last minute deals. Usually, the cruise takes off in 2 or 3 weeks from the time the email is sent. I've done this before and saved about 70%. The thing is, ship availability is usually for a cabin sleeping two, and we have a child.

We don't have a need for a nanny in our normal day to day lives. But, do you think a nanny would consider taking on a one week job and going on a cruise with us in a different cabin for two? The nanny could even have time off during onboard kids club hours.

Good idea? Bad idea? Your thoughts please.

Answer 1

Sounds like a great idea to me.  I know a person who is a nanny for a doctor, and they forced her to go to Hawaii with them.  I know it was tough, but she forced her way through it.  It would be like getting paid to go on vacation.

Answer 2

You could get a caretaker easily.  It's a dream job for someone who is unemployeed or in college and can't get permanent work over the summer due to their own jobs.

However you could not get a certified nanny.  I would end up contacting several college students in the area and offering the job, explaining that it might be last minute.  Since you may decide a last minute at a time that doesn't work for your first choice, and have to pick another--it might be a good idea to get yourself a Top 3 list of candidates you would consider.

I know it would be a great job for a college student and one that was majoring in education or child services would be ideal.

But most nany agencies require more than just a 1 week offer, as they are trying to place someone.  And a nanny would hate losing a real job just to travel with you last minute for a week.

I just don't know that it would even be worth it.  Don't you have grandparents that would be willing to watch your child?  At that age, a cruise ship offers lots of programs that entertain the kids and I'm not sure a nanny would really have that much to do.  Plus you'd have to pay technically double the great rate--since you'd be buying 2 cabins for 2 instead of just one.  It would have to be a really great deal (at least 70% off) to still make it worth it, since 50% off would still make it regular price.  Plus it would add to your expenses a LOT.  I mean you'd have to pay for both her cruise and her time.  Even though she'd probably do it cheaply--I'd say $100 a day is the best you could hope for.  And that would be $700 extra in expenses, plus airfare for nanny if you aren't local.  You couldn't possibly expect a nanny to pay for her own airfare or cruise since its not a vacation for her.  And she has to end up being paid as well.

I just don't think its an option that I'd go for.  Seems like it would end up costing a lot more than the savings after you've added all that in.  Seems like it would be better to wait a year until you feel the child can run around on their own on the ship and share a cabin with you.  Or have a family member--who would want to watch your child.  For a relative or friend, I'd watch their kid just for the free vacation, without additional pay.  Do any of your friends have kids that might be up for it?

Does your kid have a usual babysitter who watches him on your date nights?  Your kid would need some time around this sitter ahead of time to feel comfortable being around this nanny.

Answer 3

HECK YES!!!    What a job!

Answer 4

i would!!!! i fink its a great idea! You get a nice n peaceful holiday, your baby gets to have fun with the nanny, she gets a nyc holiday n u can still spend time wth your baby but have a reaxing time too!! Go for it!!What cruise ship syt do u use to get discounts...sounds good value to me!! Shame Im not a nanny lol!

Answer 5

I'd say h**l YES. I was a Nanny last year, and this seems like a dream job. Perhaps if you contacted a few girls and interviewed them etc, saying that they will get short notice, and the first to reply gets the job? That way you're not running around trying to plan a holiday and a Nanny. And they dont have to make split second decisions. Also their OWN room is a must, lets face it most Cabins are pretty small, and a Nanny does need some alone time,!!! And she wont get that if the child is in the room with her...perhaps you could ask for a cot bed for the child?