Onboard Shore Experience Manager

The Position

The Onboard Shore Experience Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing the onboard shore experience program while helping deliver an exceptional guest journey throughout the voyage.

This is a highly visible, guest-facing role that combines guest experience leadership, operational coordination, public speaking, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. The Shore Experience Manager works closely with guests, onboard leadership, local operators, and multiple shipboard departments to ensure shore experiences operate smoothly and meet Victory Cruise Lines standards.

This is not a behind-the-scenes role.

This position both lives and works onboard the ship for extended periods throughout the Great Lakes season and requires someone who is adaptable, confident, organized, guest-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.

Work Environment

Onboard – Great Lakes & Canadian Waterways

This is a seasonal shipboard position requiring team members to live and work onboard the vessel for extended periods throughout the operating season.

This role includes frequent guest interaction, public speaking, standing for extended periods, and working in a fast-paced, highly visible environment.

Weekend, holiday, and extended schedule availability is required based on itinerary and operational needs.

What Great Shore Experience Managers Do

Successful Shore Experience Managers in this role:

• Create memorable guest experiences both onboard and ashore
• Coordinate and oversee shore excursions and daily logistics
• Confidently communicate with guests, including public announcements and presentations
• Stay calm under pressure and pivot quickly when issues arise
• Build positive relationships with guests, local operators, and onboard teams
• Balance hospitality, operations, and problem-solving simultaneously
• Operate with confidence, focus, professionalism, and high energy
• Learn systems and technology quickly while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail
• Work collaboratively across departments to support the overall guest experience
• Take ownership and maintain a strong onboard presence throughout the voyage

What We Are Looking For

We strongly prefer candidates with cruise, hospitality, tourism, or guest experience management backgrounds.

Ideal candidates often come from roles such as:

• Shore Experience Manager
• Excursion Manager
• Cruise Director Staff
• Tour Operations Manager
• Guest Experience Manager
• Resort Activities Manager
• Hospitality Operations Leader

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required

Additional education or certifications in tourism, hospitality, guest services, or event management are a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong guest service instincts and interpersonal skills
• Confidence speaking in front of groups and engaging with guests daily
• High energy, adaptability, and professionalism (as days onboard the ship can be long!)
• Strong organizational and operational capabilities
• Ability to multitask and problem solve quickly in real time
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced onboard environment
• Strong technology skills and ability to learn systems quickly
• Ability to pivot, reprioritize, and maintain focus under pressure
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Experience:

• 3–5+ years of experience in hospitality, tourism, cruise, guest experience, or excursion operations
• Cruise industry experience strongly preferred
• Experience working in fast-paced, guest-facing environments required
• Public speaking and presentation experience strongly preferred

Other

This position requires living and working onboard our Great Lakes cruise ships for extended periods (weeks at a time) throughout the operating season.

Post Offer / Pre Employment criteria must be satisfied to complete a successful hiring process; this may include, but may not be limited to: background screening, drug and/or alcohol screening, culture index surveys, medical evaluations, and any other assessments deemed necessary by the Company.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support business operations.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United States.