Port Operations Manager

Position Overview

The Port Destination Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing all destination-related ground operations across cruise ports. The role focuses on ensuring seamless shore excursion execution, maintaining strong relationships with port authorities and local partners, developing new destination opportunities, and delivering exceptional guest experiences while supporting the company's commercial and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Destination & Port Operations

●      Oversee all shore excursion and destination operations at assigned cruise ports.

●      Coordinate with port authorities, terminal operators, immigration, customs, and local agencies to ensure smooth execution of excursions.

●      Manage guest movement, transportation logistics, excursion dispatch, and return operations.

●      Ensure all destination activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and according to company standards.

●      Monitor operational performance during vessel calls and resolve issues in real time.

Shore Excursion Management

●      Plan, develop, and execute shore excursion programs across domestic and international destinations.

●      Conduct regular quality audits of excursion products and services.

●      Evaluate guest feedback and implement improvements to enhance guest satisfaction.

●      Ensure excursion inventory, pricing, and operational information remain updated.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

●      Establish and maintain relationships with tour operators, transport providers, destination management companies, and local authorities.

●      Negotiate commercial agreements and service contracts.

●      Monitor vendor performance and compliance with company service standards.

●      Identify and onboard new suppliers to support business growth.

Business Development

●      Research and develop new ports of call and destination experiences.

●      Support expansion into new domestic and international markets.

●      Identify opportunities to increase excursion participation and revenue.

●      Work closely with sales, marketing, and onboard teams to promote destination products.

Qualifications

●      Bachelor's Degree in Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Management, Business Administration, or related field.

●      2+ years of experience in cruise operations, destination management, shore excursions, tourism, or ground operations.

●      Experience working with port authorities, government agencies, and tourism stakeholders.

●      Strong commercial and contract negotiation skills.

●      Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.

●      Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting tools.

●      Willingness to travel extensively across ports and destinations.

Key Skills

●      Cruise and destination operations management

●      Shore excursion planning and execution

●      Vendor and stakeholder management

●      Contract negotiation

●      Budget and cost control

●      Guest experience management

●      Problem-solving and crisis management

●      Team leadership