Guest Commerce Director – International Cruise Ships

Location: Onboard international cruise ships (global itineraries)
Contract Type: Full-time fixed-term maritime contract
Contract Rotation: Approximately 5 months onboard (+/- 1 month) followed by 2 months off covered by unemployment, then an additional 5 months onboard (+/- 1 month). On average, 8 months worked per year and 4 months off.
Start Date: Approximately in July (Upon completion of required onboarding documentation and training)
Working Hours: Full-time, shift-based, including weekends
Accommodation and Meals: Private single cabin onboard, all meals included
Travel: Transportation to and from the port of embarkation covered by the employer

Salary:
€6,586 gross per month + performance bonus (approximately one-third or slightly more of the monthly salary).
The exact bonus amount will be defined during the selection process.

Salary includes global pay, navigation indemnity, supplementary navigation indemnity, and accruals such as 13th and 14th salary, leave, additional leave, compensatory rest, and severance pay (TFR). Some components are paid monthly, while accrued amounts are paid at the end of the employment period.

Benefits:

• Private single cabin accommodation onboard
• Free meals during the entire contract
• Medical insurance
• Company-covered travel to and from the ship
• STCW maritime safety training (reimbursable by the company after the fourth month onboard)
• Support during documentation preparation (passport, medical and vaccination certificates, criminal record)

Job Description

The Guest Commerce Director is a key member of the vessel’s Senior Management team and is responsible for leading and optimizing all onboard revenue-generating activities.

This role coordinates and enhances the onboard commercial schedule, using it strategically to activate sales opportunities, drive guest engagement, and guide guest flows across the ship. By overseeing all commercial outlets and aligning cross-department sales strategies, the Guest Commerce Director ensures strong commercial performance while maintaining exceptional guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Strategy & Revenue Management

• Analyze guest demographics and onboard data to develop cruise-specific commercial strategies
• Monitor retail KPIs, purchase behavior, and consumption trends to improve revenue performance
• Manage onboard revenue targets and implement initiatives to achieve commercial objectives
• Identify new revenue opportunities and develop strategies to increase onboard profitability
• Monitor cost efficiency in line with company targets

Onboard Sales & Activity Coordination

• Plan and schedule revenue-generating activities in collaboration with sales partners and entertainment teams
• Oversee the planning and execution of the onboard commercial schedule to support sales growth
• Host onboard revenue meetings and coordinate different revenue departments
• Monitor sales dashboards and performance metrics daily

Guest Experience & Engagement

• Ensure entertainment and commercial activities are clearly communicated to guests
• Develop initiatives such as events, workshops, and gamification strategies to enhance guest engagement
• Monitor guest feedback and satisfaction indicators to continuously improve the onboard experience

Communication & Reporting

• Maintain effective communication between shipboard teams and shoreside departments
• Produce clear reports, correspondence, and operational updates
• Ensure all promotional materials and communication channels comply with brand standards

Leadership & Team Development

• Organize and manage revenue teams by setting clear objectives and responsibilities
• Promote a constructive feedback culture to support crew development
• Facilitate training and development opportunities for team members
• Address team concerns and resolve issues while maintaining a positive working environment

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Marketing & Communication, Business Administration, Business Management, or Hospitality Management
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the retail sector, demonstrating expertise in areas such as:

1. retail operations
2. visual merchandising
3. workforce management
4. asset protection
5. operational process optimisation

• C1 level of spoken English and Italian
• B2 level of a third language: French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, or Mandarin Chinese
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
• Experience in international environments and managing cross-functional teams
• Previous experience working onboard cruise ships is considered an advantage
• Availability to live and work onboard for the full contract rotation

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to work in a multicultural international environment
• The chance to lead commercial strategy in a dynamic hospitality setting
• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Private cabin and all meals onboard
• Global travel opportunities while working at sea
• Career development within the international cruise industry

If you are a commercially driven leader with strong retail expertise and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, this role offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with global travel.