Assignment Length
Typically 4 or 6 months onboard, followed by a rest period. Length varies by ship schedule.
Guitar Vocalist.
A solo acoustic guitar and vocal act, deployed fleet-wide across all of our ships. Total creative ownership of your set — and an audience that's all yours.
Solo PerformerNon-Reading4–6 Month AssignmentsMale or Female
[ 01 ] — What the Role Involves
The Guitar Vocalist — sometimes referred to as the Busker — is a solo acoustic performer deployed across many ships. It's one of the most visible solo entertainment roles in the industry: no band behind you, no backing track required, just you, an acoustic guitar, and an audience.
The format is intentionally intimate and informal. You'll typically perform in social spaces — bars, atriums, poolside areas — rather than headline theatre stages. The repertoire is yours to curate within the product brief: covers, requests, singalongs, and the kind of spontaneous musical moments that a full band set can't deliver.
For the right performer, this is an outstanding gig. You have more creative ownership than almost any other role in the fleet, you interact directly with guests at close range, and your reputation is built set by set through the genuine connection you make. There's nowhere to hide — and if you're good, there's nowhere you'd rather be.
The creative freedom You choose your repertoire, shape your set, and read the room. The guitar and your voice are the entire show.
The responsibility You're performing solo in front of guests every session. Your energy, consistency, and ability to engage are what make or break the experience. This is a high-visibility role.
[ 04 ] — What We're Looking For
Guitar Vocalist
- Accomplished acoustic guitarist — fingerpicking, strumming, and a range of techniques that give your set textural variety across a long performance.
- Strong, engaging voice. Your vocal quality and expressiveness need to carry the room without a band behind you.
- A wide and genuine repertoire: popular classics, contemporary hits, and the ability to take requests and deliver them convincingly.
- Natural stage presence and the ability to talk to an audience as well as play to one. Connection and charisma are central to this role.
- Self-sufficiency and self-motivation. You plan your own set, manage your own time, and maintain your own standard.
- Consistency across a long assignment. Performing regularly, sometimes multiple times a day, requires genuine stamina and love for the craft.
- Professionalism and conduct that reflects well on client at all times — including when you're off stage.
- Starting repertoire of over 150 cover songs to audition
We recruit both male and female performers for this role. What matters is the combination of guitar ability, vocal quality, and personality — not gender. If you can hold a room solo with an acoustic guitar, we want to hear from you.
[ 05 ] — The Deal
Guitar Vocalists are employed directly by the client under a Seafarers' Employment Agreement — the same employment structure as all other Sonic Artistes placements.
Pay
Monthly consolidated salary via PAYE, processed by the client. Tax is handled automatically.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation, all meals, and laundry included throughout the assignment at no cost to you.
Travel
International flights and port hotels arranged and covered.
Medical
ENG1 (or approved equivalent) seafarer's medical certificate required before joining. The company covers the cost of pre-employment medicals and renewals.
[ 06 ] — Detail
A Day in the Life
Guitar Vocalist sessions typically take place in social areas of the ship — bars, lounges, pool decks, and atriums — rather than main theatre spaces. Audiences range from a handful of guests at a quiet afternoon set to a full bar during a pre-dinner session. You'll adapt your energy, repertoire, and pacing to what each audience needs.
There's a strong case that this is one of the most genuinely enjoyable entertainment roles on the fleet. The format is low-pressure in the technical sense — no charts, no band dynamics — but it demands real personality and real musicianship. Guests remember a performer who moved them or made them laugh. They don't forget a poor one either.
You'll also have more time to yourself than musicians in ensemble bands. Your schedule is built around your own sessions, which means more time at ports, more flexibility in your day, and more mental space between performances.
[ 07 ] — How the Process Works
- 01
Apply and submit your showreel and repertoire
A strong video showreel is essential for this role — we need to see and hear you performing solo. A live or live-feel recording works best; studio-only demos tell us less about your stage presence. You will need to present a starting repertoire of 150 songs that can be proved at audition (we will pick from this list at random)
- 02
Discovery call (optional)
A conversation with our team to understand your background, your repertoire, and what you're looking for. We'll also give you a clear picture of what the role involves day to day.
- 03
Audition
Async video submission, live online session, or in-person — format confirmed once we've spoken. We're assessing your ability to perform solo with personality, not just technical ability.
- 04
Roster approval and compliance
If approved, we'll work through the seafarer documentation process with you — ENG1, Bermuda ID, Seaman's Discharge Book, vaccinations, and more.
- 05
Assignment
When a position opens, we'll be in touch. Given this role exists on all seven ships, positions come up regularly for the right performer.
[ APPLY ] — Next stage
Ready to Apply?
Show us what you can do solo. We review every application and respond to every musician who fits the profile.