Lead, Expedition Operations

Royal Caribbean Group

. Research, design, develop, and continuously improve bespoke onshore experiences and remote destination programs worldwide across more than 400 locations .

Posted 10/31/2026full-timeMiami • Florida • United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research, design, develop, and continuously improve bespoke onshore experiences and remote destination programs worldwide across more than 400 locations
Research and validate bespoke onshore experiences and objective-based landings in remote destinations and challenging environments
Shape unique destination opportunities while considering logistics, safety, sustainability, accessibility, profitability, and cultural sensitivity
Create a multi-regional roadmap for guest value, innovation, and competitive differentiation
Engage local communities, researchers, and cultural stewards to co-create meaningful experiences
Translate guest insights into onshore experiences including cultural walks, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife encounters, artisan workshops, cooking classes, and community projects
Create educational components for each voyage’s Voyage Educational Profile
Create and validate concepts through guest feedback, operational reports, scouting trips, site inspections, and vessel visits
Create itinerary profiles and port-by-port strategies
Plan day-by-day voyage profiles covering wildlife viewing, cultural exploration, adventure activities, and environmental education
Identify and qualify local operators, guides, transport providers, and vendors
Negotiate and manage contracts, payment terms, performance criteria, insurance, and licensing compliance for more than 100 operators and vendors
Manage vendor costs, quality, safety standards, and cultural sensitivity practices
Coordinate emergency response plans for onshore events, including medical, evacuation, and incident reporting
Monitor performance metrics, collect feedback, and implement improvements
Forecast tour costs per port and help build a $6M+ tour budget covering more than 4,000 onshore experiences
Track tour spending, guest satisfaction, efficiency, and profitability
Implement optional high-end onshore experiences to generate revenue
Oversee real-time voyage operations, port calls, activity schedules, weather-related changes, and port delays or closures
Provide on-the-spot support to vessel-based teams and maintain tour-related data records
Conduct pre-voyage briefings for Expedition Leaders and share operational information with ship management
Plan and execute scouting trips and business travel in remote ports and challenging environments
Assess accessibility, seasonality, weather windows, logistics risks, site feasibility, and contingency pathways
Gather data for go/no-go decisions and identify alternative sites
Produce scouting reports with photos, videos, maps, site notes, and key data
Represent Silversea Expeditions at trade shows, conferences, workshops, and familiarization trips
Create and manage destination databases and maintain tour information, costs, and inventory in MXP, Res 2.0, and MyAdmin
Use AI technology to keep tour and destination descriptions current and aligned with company strategy
Validate and store operational reports
Collaborate with Marketing and Sales on itinerary and excursion messaging and launch plans
Develop day-by-day product descriptions and conduct training for sales and frontline teams
Champion itinerary vetting with Marine and Operations teams and coordinate resolutions
Ensure permits and permissions are in place
Support the Senior Manager on projects involving continuous improvement, innovation, safety, sustainability, guest satisfaction, and profitability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, Tourism, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Geography, or a related field
Master’s degree preferred
4–6 years in destination management, product development, and cruise operations experience, with remote regions strongly preferred
3–5 years of onboard experience in shore excursions or expedition department required
Worldwide destinations and port expertise
Deep knowledge of remote destinations, port operations, shelter logistics, and crisis planning in low-infrastructure settings
Remote unique destinations researching skills
Exceptional logistical planning, cultural sensitivity, and agile decision-making
International exposure and cross-cultural competence
Experience working with local communities or cultural institutions
Strategic thinking and portfolio management
Problem-solving ability and decision-making mindset
Communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with dashboards for analysis and data entry
English B2
Fluency in additional languages beyond English; regional language skills are a plus
Ability to forecast costs at a port level and make financially driven decisions
Ability to travel domestically or internationally
Ability to sit, stand, write, review and type reports, compile data, operate a PC, communicate, listen, and assess information
Ability to lift, push, pull, or move 10–15 pounds

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation and benefits package
Excellent career development opportunities
Reasonable accommodation during the hiring process
Equal employment and promotion opportunity without discrimination or harassment