Straight Talk. Real Experience. No Bull-ship. 🚢✨
At Cruise Academy, we don’t just teach it - we’ve lived it. Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, we specialize in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise industry.
We tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting. No sugarcoating, no sales pitch - just real, honest insights from those who’ve been there. Because you deserve to know exactly what to expect before stepping onboard.
We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, ensuring the highest standards in training, recruitment, and compliance.
If you're serious about a career at sea, we’ll get you there - the right way.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Hotel General Manager to lead the entire hotel operation onboard for one of the world’s leading cruise lines. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and high-quality delivery of all hotel services across multiple departments, including Guest Services, Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Retail, Housekeeping, and more. Reporting to the Hotel Operations Director shoreside, and the Master onboard, you’ll set the tone for service excellence and operational performance, creating an environment where guests and crew alike feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee all day-to-day hotel operations, ensuring alignment with company standards and guest expectations.
* Lead a team of senior shipboard leaders to execute the hotel strategy and deliver an exceptional guest experience.
* Coordinate ship itineraries, maintenance periods, and embarkation/disembarkation processes in partnership with technical, medical, and shore excursion departments.
* Monitor and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), guest feedback, and revenue performance to identify trends and implement proactive improvements.
* Champion guest-centric programs and act as Chair of the onboard CRUISE Steering Committee, ensuring engagement at all levels.
* Develop talent through regular coaching, performance reviews, and succession planning for a diverse, multicultural team.
* Maintain strong financial oversight of all revenue outlets and hotel expenditures, ensuring budgetary targets are met.
* Promote interdepartmental collaboration, uphold health and safety standards (including HACCP), and ensure all services exceed compliance and public health requirements.
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Candidates must have previous shipboard experience (non-negotiable).
* Minimum of 10 years’ progressive leadership experience in high-end hospitality operations.
* Strong operational knowledge of guest services, F&B, rooms division, and onboard entertainment or retail functions.
* Proven ability to drive results through data analysis, problem-solving, and implementation of service enhancements.
* Experienced in coaching and managing a diverse international workforce; skilled in performance management and conflict resolution.
* Understanding of maritime compliance, environmental practices, public health, and crew welfare standards.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident public speaker and engaging leader.
* Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration or similar field preferred.
* Languages: Fluent English essential; additional languages a plus.
Contract Details
* 4:2 Rotation (Auto-renewed contracts of 4 consecutive months onboard, followed by 2 months of vacation.
* Single executive officer accommodation.