Host (Zurich)

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Viking is the world’s leading river cruise line with more than 70 river ships and 6 ocean vessels cruising across 6 continents as the most award-winning company in the industry.

As a Host you ensure fullest guest satisfaction during pre-and post-included land package. Together with the program director (PD) of the vessel you manage arrangements and services, coordinate excursion activities, provide relevant information of the destination and organize the program in accordance with Viking Standards.

You will receive sufficient training according to the Viking standards before the start in this position.

This is an ideal side job for those who would like to work part time. It does include weekend and holidays depending on the guest’s arrival dates. Season starts at the middle of March and ends at the middle of December.

We offer Per-Diem contract, which means you will be paid per working day once per month.

The expected work load is approximately 10-20 days per month. This position will be based in Zurich, Switzerland.

ASSIGNMENTS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Arrival at hotel from airport/vessel

• Check arrival manifest together with Airport Representative and PD and be in close contact with the Airport Representative for arrival times at the hotel
• Co-ordinate arrival of guests from the vessel with the Program Director
• Check rooming lists with Hotel Reception and discuss check-in procedure
• Organize baggage service with porters
• Welcome guests upon arrival in accordance with the Viking Cruises Standards, explain and assist with check-in and make sure all the guests receive Viking Cruises documents (Welcome Letter, optional excursion booking form)
• Inform guests about desk hours and where to find you
• Explain time and location breakfast/business center/ wellness/concierge etc.
• Inform guests about the timing of the Welcome Walk
• Give the guests three suggestions about what to do on arrival

General

• Demonstrate leadership and take ownership over the group of guests
• Responsible for ensuring orderliness, cleanliness and useful information material about the city at the Viking hospitality desk
• Maintain a good relationship with the staff of the hotel
• Suggest restaurants for lunch/dinner and make reservations if needed.
• Provide updated information on the city, what to do and see, supply city maps, make bookings and assist guests with possible requests
• Receive and handle guest complaints
• Exchange information with other departments at Viking / Viking Vessels / Viking vendors in the destination
• For Pre-included land package guests explain what is included on the vessel while in the city so guests will not do the same things (if guests have a day in the same city as the extension)
• Report out on any quality issues occurring during the included land package

Shore Excursions: included and optional excursions

• Present and sell the optional excursions, accompany guests on optional excursions
• Liaise with local suppliers (motor coaches, guides etc.)
• Assist with private guest excursions
• Handling/explaining of Quietvox audio equipment
• Accompanying of all excursions and walks (with or without local guides)
• Controlling and monitoring of implementation and quality of the excursions

Departure from hotel to airport/vessel

• Co-ordinate and assist with guest’s departure arrangements (e.g. flight changes) to airport
• Have info on local airport to inform guests about terminal/check in desk
• Prepare guests for departure day, explain time pick up to vessel or airport, luggage procedure and reconfirm this with porter
• Provide a final farewell in accordance with the Viking Cruises Standards
• Co-ordinate the departure of guests from the hotel to the vessel with the Program Director
• Join the transfer coaches from Hotel to Vessel and from Vessel to hotel
• On this day you act as a transfer guide and are able to give valid information about Switzerland and arrival at the hotel/vessel during the coach tour from and to Basel

DUTIES

• The holder of the position undertakes not to pass over the company’s information, manuals, information on business developments and EDP data to any third party or publicize or retain the same for personal use after leaving the job.
• The company reserves the right to demand compensation for damages in the event of a breach of this instruction and take legal action against the staff.
• Conduct and appearance in accordance with the rules and regulations of Viking Cruises AG

QUALIFICATION PROFILE

• Education in hotel / tourism industry or experience in the industry is a prerequisite
• A minimum age of 25 years is required
• Excellent English skills, other languages (German and French) are an asset
• Good computer knowledge (Office) and administrative experience
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Positive and extrovert personality, neat appearance
• Stress resistant, flexible, problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently as in a team, service-oriented and guest focused
• Experience with American, British, Canadian and Australian guests is an advantage

Supervisor
Destination Manager

Gives instructions to
Local Tour Guides, Motor Coach Drivers and other service side staff

Receives instructions from
Program Director & Destination Manager

If you are interested and live in the Zurich area, please send your CV and a cover letter in English.