Sr Mgr, Port Adventures & Destination Experiences

Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional, apply today!

Responsible for the commercial strategy and development of all Port Adventures across the Disney Cruise Line portfolio of destinations, as well as the overall Guest experience in each port of call. In addition to the commercial aspects of Port Adventure development – including vendor selection, product creation, pricing, and Guest experience – this role must also coordinate operational logistics with the Sr Manager, Port Adventures, Recreation & Attractions Operations to ensure a seamless operation for both Crew and Guests. With respect to destination experience, this role is charged with developing strategies and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders on ensuring a safe and pleasurable Guest experience in every port of call visited by Disney Cruise Line vessels.

Responsibilities

Port Adventures

• Develop and implement operating budgets for all areas of responsibility. Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement.

• Provide strategic direction in the planning and commercial development of Port Adventures across the fleet for worldwide cruise destinations.

• Partner with the Sr Manager, Port Adventures, Recreation & Attractions Operations for all Port Adventure operational needs.

• Creation and execution of innovative and personalized Port Adventures worldwide to increase sales, Guest satisfaction and profit

• Partner with Itinerary planning department for new port of call development and itinerary planning.

• Manage all third-party operator relationships worldwide and verify operators fulfill their contractual agreements.

• Handle all tour proposals, site inspections, negotiating, contracting, execution, and maintenance of Port Adventures around the world.

• Direct Cruise Activities team for all changes and additions to the online inventory in Seaware for Port Adventures.

• Oversee the website advanced booking process and monitor capacity to increase space as necessary.

• Strategically leverage any corporate alliance and synergy partners.

• Monitor and analyze industry trends inside and outside the cruise industry

• Identify and cultivate new Port Adventure experience opportunities via strategic partnerships and/or other novel commercial arrangements with tour operator partners

Destination Experience

• Coordinate with applicable DCL stakeholders and shipboard teams to determine Guest experience opportunities in ports of call visited by DCL

• Work with destination partners both public and private to implement destination experience improvement initiatives to enhance the overall Guest experience in ports of call, including encouraging destination development where opportunities exist

• Build relationships with all port of call officials and partners both governmental and private. Coordinate efforts with External Affairs teams to develop message points and execute community initiatives

Destination Commercial Relations

• Primary commercial point of contact for all ports of call where DCL operates

• Negotiates and establishes port agreements and other required contracts for all ports of call and serves as point of contact for all port of call contract execution (current and future) including acquiring long term berthing rights

• Identify new upland + port development opportunities in strategic ports of call

• Ensure compliance of and to all elements contained in all home port contracts

• Gather intelligence relating to planned and contemplated future development opportunities in strategic ports of call and maintain information related to the industry

• Maintain database containing all relevant documentation and information pertaining to each port of call utilized by DCL

Miscellaneous

• Member of FCCA (Florida Caribbean Cruise Association) Operations Committee, partnering with cruise lines and building relationships with key destination members

• Serve as DCL representative at CLIA events, forums and working groups.

Basic Qualifications

• 5 -10 years’ experience in the cruise/tourism industry with an emphasis on strategy, product development, and marketing.

• Experienced strategic planner with strong technical skills, analytical ability, sound judgment, and operational focus.

• Experience in Luxury Cruise and/or Tour Operator programs.

• Deep knowledge of the destinations and expertise in setting up complex destination experience programs.

• Experience building/hiring/shaping successful teams that deliver results.

• Proven track record in revenue growth and team management.

• Exceptional negotiation skills, unwavering business ethics, and adept problem-solving prowess.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with all levels of leadership.

• Leadership skills for the strategic direction of the product/experience.

• Ensure strategic alignment between all stakeholders and partners throughout the product development process.

• Proven ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results through others, plus the ability to build strong and sustainable relationships along with the capability to interact with all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualification

• Experience working with third-party vendors, preferably in the travel/tour industry.

• Deadline-oriented and able to work efficiently under pressure.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and/or a minimum of 10 years of related experience in Product Management, preferably in tour operations and/or cruise line environments.

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration or related field

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