The professional gentleman host

Gerald Ryan is a perfect gentleman: smart, considerate, respectful, and undeniably charming.

One of Ryan's duties is to host tables for dinner in the evening

Ryan - as he is known to his friends - is one of an elite group of well-mannered seniors known as "gentleman hosts", hired as dinner companions and dance floor partners to the independent lady guests on board cruise liners.

To be a gentleman host, you must be over 50, a good dancer... and single.

Seventy-year-old Ryan is from San Francisco and is semi-retired from his life assurance business, which affords him the time to spend 100 days a year sailing the finest cruise ships of the world.

Most of his expenses are paid for by the cruise companies, who also occasionally provide him with a modest allowance while on board.

An accomplished ballroom dancer, over the last 10 years he has become a regular face on the more upmarket cruise liners; where for some passengers, a luxury cabin is just petty cash.

Friendly rivalry

Ryan's dancing rules

Ryan learned his dance skills from the Arthur Murray School of Dance in the US, shortly after retiring from a stint in the marines, where he served in Korean War.

This training has kept Ryan one step ahead of most other gentleman hosts. On sea days, Ryan holds dance classes for any guests who would like to join in.

"I try to make it light-hearted," he says, "and particularly help the men - the leaders on the dance floor - preform some basic, easy steps so they can make themselves, and their lady partners, comfortable."

"My forte is more teaching the dance classes than hosting in the evening," says Ryan. Sometimes other hosts even attend Ryan's classes to pick up some new moves.

There are usually between two and eight hosts on a ship at any one time. "I don't think there's really any rivalry between us," says Ryan, "just a little fun to see who can break the ice first."

Surprisingly, he admits that he does not always find it easy to approach the ladies. "I honestly am a little shy, but once on board ship you wear a badge and that gives you confidence."

Strictly ballroom

Ryan was divorced back in the 1960s and has four children, who are all supportive of their father's hosting career. "One of my sons can't stop bragging about what I do," he chuckles.

Ryan's friends are intrigued by his lifestyle and others are understandably, rather envious. "Most of my friends are married though, so they're not eligible to be hosts."

I've been a bachelor way too long Ryan

And this, perhaps, highlights the most intriguing element of the hosting job. What are the rules? Do hosts ever become romantically involved with the passengers?

The rules, it seems, are very clear. According to Ryan: "If you find yourself attracted to a particular passenger, you are not allowed to pursue a relationship with them on board ship." He insists he has no difficulty in retaining a professional distance from his clients.

Even though cruise companies are strict about this, if a close friendship does evolve, it is fine for hosts and passengers to exchange names and phone numbers. After all, as soon as the cruise ends, hosts are free to do as they please.

Ryan has had a number of girlfriends among women he has met on board ship over the past decade but none have lasted... until now.

Six months ago, Ryan met an English lady and romance has blossomed. He hopes he may be able to finally settle down.

"I've been a bachelor way too long," says Ryan, "and I don't believe that if you're really honest with yourself you can do this job and be in a committed relationship."

So, could this be the end of Ryan's hosting days? Quite possibly.

The Perfect Gentleman was broadcast in the UK on Tuesday 12 April 2005 at 1455 BST on BBC Two.