Assistant Purser

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

The Assistant Purser plays a key role in supporting either the Guest Services or Administration function onboard, depending on operational requirements. This position contributes directly to smooth guest operations, accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high-quality guest service.

The role involves supervising guest-facing teams or coordinating administrative and compliance processes related to guest movement, reporting, and liaison with authorities. Assignment to either function will be determined based on operational needs and may remain fixed for the duration of the contract. The Assistant Purser may also be required to cover night operations as part of a rotational duty schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Services Function

• Supervise Guest Services Officers, ensuring adherence to hotel policies, procedures, service standards, and financial controls

• Provide ongoing coaching and operational support to enable effective use of guest service tools and processes

• Support staff scheduling to ensure appropriate coverage and service continuity

• Ensure guest complaints, service issues, and hotel defects are accurately documented, followed up, and escalated where required

• Support the handling of lost luggage cases, ensuring timely communication and updates to affected guests

• Promote ownership of guest issues within the team, ensuring resolutions are clearly communicated and closed

• Assist in delivering service standards, product knowledge, and guest service training

• Support cross-training initiatives to broaden team members’ exposure to different service functions

• Maintain awareness of public health requirements and support onboard response coordination when required

• Ensure accurate management of cash floats and settlement of guest accounts in line with financial procedures

• Monitor compliance with financial controls and support the resolution of discrepancies

Administration Function

• Liaise with port officials to arrange suitable working areas and ensure accurate handover of guest documentation

• Prepare, process, and transmit required passenger and voyage documentation to relevant authorities in compliance with immigration and security regulations

• Advise onboard and shore-side teams on guest and crew counts prior to sailing, including international guest requirements

• Ensure the accuracy, confidentiality, and protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) at all times

• Prepare and distribute non-revenue guest lists, cabin utilisation reports, and support disembarkation planning

• Coordinate with department leaders to ensure non-revenue guests meet customs and immigration requirements

• Liaise with port agents to manage transfers and documentation for guests joining or leaving the vessel mid-voyage

• Support embarkation teams by providing documentation guidance and reference materials

• Ensure missing guest data and documentation are collected and updated in relevant systems

• Be present in the terminal during embarkation and disembarkation to support ground handlers and supervisors

Additional Responsibilities

• When assigned, act in a Night Manager capacity, overseeing overnight hotel operations and ensuring continuity of guest service and operational control

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Non-Negotiable Requirements

• Previous cruise ship experience

• Graduate of a recognised hotel or business school or a minimum of two years’ experience as a Front Desk Supervisor or Assistant Manager

• Strong knowledge of guest service operations and administrative processes

• Proven understanding of immigration, clearance, and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions

• Proficiency in computer-based front office systems and standard office software

• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment

• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality

Strongly Preferred

• Knowledge of additional languages

• Experience working with port authorities, immigration officials, or embarkation operations

• Strong problem-solving skills and confidence handling complex guest situations

• High level of personal motivation and attention to detail

• Warm, personable communication style with strong interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences

• Ability to build and maintain respectful working relationships in a diverse, multicultural environment

Contract Details

• 6:2 rotation (6 consecutive months onboard the ship, followed by 2 months of vacation)

• Shared/double cabin accommodation