Four uniformed staff members, three men and one woman, stand at computer workstations in a modern office with a flower painting and clock on the wall, smiling and engaged in their work. Two smiling men in white uniforms stand behind a desk with a computer monitor, suggesting they are hotel or cruise staff. A decorative floral wall art is partially visible in the background.

Guest & Hotel Operations team

On our ships, guests holiday like never before. And as part of the Guest & Hotel Operations team, you can have a career like never before! This team keeps everything running smoothly, from warm welcomes and clear information to beautifully managed spaces and seamless service. It’s a big operation with a mix of skills, all working together to create unforgettable holiday happiness.

You could lead the hotel operation, drive revenue success or be the friendly face at reception. You might keep finances shipshape, manage communications and events across the ship, or provide vital audit or flights support behind the scenes.

Our Guest & Hotel Operations team plays such an important role in creating memory-making moments for our guests, bringing hospitality, precision and personality together to deliver exceptional experiences.

Shape unforgettable holidays

Every role helps create memorable experiences for guests.

Travel the world

Get paid to explore incredible destinations while building your career.

Grow your career fast

Structured training and clear paths mean quick progression

Work in a dynamic team

Collaborate across departments and thrive in a department that values teamwork.

SHINE with Britain’s favourite cruise line

Our Service Promise gives you the chance to SHINE while delivering exceptional hospitality.

Guest & Hotel Operations roles
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A man in a white captain’s uniform smiles and talks with a young woman in a striped vest top inside a modern, well-lit lobby with blue chairs and a balcony in the background.
Two hotel receptionists in uniform stand behind a desk, smiling and looking at a computer screen. A Reception sign is visible in the background, indicating they are in the hotel foyer.
Two people in white uniforms with shoulder epaulettes stand indoors, smiling and having a conversation. The background is plain, emphasising their friendly interaction.
A woman in a white uniform sits at a desk, smiling whilst holding a telephone to her ear. She appears to be engaged in a conversation, looking friendly and professional.
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Crew member working in the onboard print room aboard a P&O Cruises ship, using print management equipment to produce operational and guest communications materials. The image highlights administrative, office support and communications careers at sea within the cruise industry.
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Two people in white uniforms stand at a desk. One man is talking on the phone while writing notes; a woman beside him is looking at a computer screen and smiling. They appear to be working together in a professional setting.
A receptionist in uniform smiles whilst accepting a card from a guest across a hotel reception desk. The guest is wearing a floral dress with her back to the camera.
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Hotel General Manager

As general manager of the whole hotel operation, you’ll set service standards, empower teams and collaborate across departments to deliver exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence and strong performance.

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Hotel Operations & Retail Manager

Drive consistency and commercial success across hotel and retail. Optimise venues, coach leaders and turn insights into action so teams thrive and sales shine.

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Duty Manager Day/Night

Lead day/overnight hotel operations. Supervise reception, housekeeping and food & beverage teams, resolve guest issues and uphold brand standards.

Two hotel receptionists in uniform stand behind a desk, smiling and looking at a computer screen. A Reception sign is visible in the background, indicating they are in the hotel foyer.

Guest Services/Reception Manager

Lead the reception team to deliver outstanding guest service. Resolve issues, manage operations, and ensure smooth communication and coordination, creating a professional, welcoming environment that supports guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

Two people in white uniforms with shoulder epaulettes stand indoors, smiling and having a conversation. The background is plain, emphasising their friendly interaction.

Guest Services/Reception

Be the friendly face of the ship. Welcome guests, resolve queries and manage embarkation, accounts and information. This role is aways calm, accurate and kind to ensure a seamless guest journey.

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Events Manager

Plan and deliver unforgettable onboard events, from weddings to group celebrations. You’ll liaise across departments, manage logistics and ensure every detail is perfect, creating seamless experiences that delight guests and boost onboard revenue.

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Digital Media Manager

Manage onboard digital screens and TV systems to share timely, engaging content. You’ll support promotions, update signage and help guests stay informed, combining creativity and tech to enhance experiences and drive onboard revenue. Also support with crew channels to promote events and activities.

Passengers relax around a pool on a cruise ship while a film plays on a large outdoor screen above the deck. Some people lounge in chairs, and others walk nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Printer

Create and deliver high-quality printed materials that inform and inspire. From daily programmes to promotional flyers, you’ll ensure every piece reflects our brand, supports onboard experiences and helps guests make the most of their holiday.

Crew member working in the onboard print room aboard a P&O Cruises ship, using print management equipment to produce operational and guest communications materials. The image highlights administrative, office support and communications careers at sea within the cruise industry.

Finance

Support smart decisions with clear, compliant processes. From revenue management and audits to purchasing and cash control, keep the numbers accurate and on course while spotting opportunities to enhance service and revenue.

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Admin / Immigration & Planning Manager

Oversee immigration, customs and port clearance with precision. You’ll manage passenger data, liaise with authorities and ensure smooth embarkation and disembarkation, supporting compliance and a seamless guest experience at every port of call.

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Flight Manager

Coordinate every aspect of passenger air travel. From flight documentation to liaising with airlines and managing transfers, you’ll ensure guests and crew travel safely, comfortably and on time.

A receptionist in uniform smiles whilst accepting a card from a guest across a hotel reception desk. The guest is wearing a floral dress with her back to the camera.

Hotel Auditor

Provide organised, reliable support across hotel operations. Manage records, compliance checks and reporting so leaders and teams can focus on delivering outstanding service.

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How to apply
Meet the team: Nikhil

Hear from our team

A man sits on a wooden bench beside a white bicycle near a calm lake with a large cruise ship and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

“The personal and professional growth that comes from working in such a fast-paced and challenging setting is immensely rewarding.”

Lovely, Digital Media Manager ,

A man in a white naval or cruise ship uniform stands on a quay near a large cruise ship; he holds a mobile and is surrounded by luggage and other people under a bright, clear sky.

“The role allows you to interact with guests from around the world, create memorable experiences and enjoy a fast-paced, rewarding work environment.”

Nivedh, Reception & Events Manager ,

A person stands by a railing at night overlooking a lit waterfront with the Marina Bay Sands hotel illuminated in the background in Singapore.

“Singapore is my favourite port in the world cruise, especially at night; the view is nothing short of magical!”

Vibert, Hotel Services Manager,

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“I’ve had the chance to grow from front of house to multiple roles within finance and now as a hotel auditor. Each role has strengthened my professional growth.”

Ashlesh, Hotel Auditor,

Skills & qualifications
Team roles
Development opportunities
Working on board

What skills do I need to work in hotel and guest operations on a P&O Cruises ship?

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

  • Strong customer service and guest experience skills
  • Leadership and team management capability (for supervisory and management roles)
  • Confidence working in fast‑paced, operational environments
  • Clear communication, problem‑solving and decision‑making
  • High standards of accuracy, compliance and professionalism

Experience in hospitality, retail, travel, events, finance or operations is valuable, depending on the role.

Do I need cruise ship experience to apply?

Previous cruise ship experience is helpful but not always essential. Applications are welcome from:

  • Hotels, resorts and leisure venues
  • Retail and commercial operations
  • Airlines, airports and travel providers
  • Events, finance, audit, administration and logistics roles

Your ability to transfer your skills to a shipboard environment is what matters most.

What qualifications are required to work in guest and hotel operations?

This varies by role:

  • Operational and leadership roles  require management or hospitality qualifications
  • Finance, audit and compliance roles require relevant accounting, auditing or regulatory experience
  • Immigration, flight and planning roles require strong administrative, data and stakeholder management skills

All roles require the legal right to work at sea, medical clearance and relevant maritime certifications where applicable.

What personal qualities are needed to work on a P&O Cruises ship?

  • Guest‑focused and solution‑driven
  • Calm under pressure
  • Collaborative and culturally aware
  • Organised, trustworthy and detail‑focused
  • Passionate about creating memorable holiday experiences

What does a cruise ship guest services team do?

They’re the ship’s front desk – the main point of contact for guest questions and support. The team handles accounts, reservations, lost property, cabin access, queries and problem‑solving. They work with many departments to resolve issues quickly and support embarkation, disembarkation and compliance tasks.

 

Key duties include:

  • Answering guest questions about the ship and itinerary
  • Managing billing, payments and reservations
  • Handling lost property and cabin key issues
  • Liaising with housekeeping, F&B, security and technical teams
  • Supporting embarkation/disembarkation
  • Assisting with safety drills and emergency duties

What is the onboard team culture like in these roles?

You’ll be part of a multicultural, professional leadership and specialist community. Collaboration across departments is key, particularly for:

 

  • Hotel leadership
  • Guest services and operations
  • Events, finance and compliance teams

 

Many colleagues return assignment after assignment.

What career progression is available on a P&O Cruises ship?

Opportunities include:

  • Promotion to senior shipboard leadership roles
  • Transfers across brands and departments
  • Long‑term careers combining ship and shore‑based roles

Many leaders began their journey in frontline or specialist shipboard positions.

What training and support will I receive?

You’ll learn service standards, systems, guest care and the essentials of working at sea.

 

Training often includes:

 

  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Service and brand standards
  • Systems and admin
  • Coaching from leaders and experienced crew

Can I move between departments?

Often yes, once you’ve built experience on board. Versatility is valued and you may explore other pathways over time.

What makes someone stand out for promotion?

Consistency, professionalism and leadership behaviours. Being dependable, proactive, calm and supportive makes a real impact.

What systems or admin tasks are involved?

You’ll use systems for billing, guest records, service requests and reporting. The role includes logging requests, updating records, handling sensitive information and ensuring accuracy.

What is day‑to‑day life like for senior hotel and operations leaders on board?

Senior hotel leaders (hotel general manager, hotel operations & retail manager, duty manager day/night) play a high‑visibility role on board, balancing operational oversight with guest experience and team leadership. Days involve:

 

  • Leading cross‑department briefings
  • Monitoring service delivery, standards and performance
  • Supporting teams through busy operational periods
  • Resolving complex guest or operational issues

 

You’ll work closely with ship and shoreside leadership, influencing both guest satisfaction and commercial performance.

What is it like working in guest services and reception on board?

Guest Services teams (guest services / receptionist / reception manager) are the hub of the guest journey and work in a fast‑moving, people‑focused environment. You’ll:

  • Interact with guests throughout their holiday
  • Manage face‑to‑face and system‑based queries
  • Support embarkation, onboard accounts and information sharing

Reception managers oversee rota planning, guest escalations and team performance while setting the tone for professional, calm service.

What is it like working in events, digital media or printing on board?

These roles combine creativity with operational delivery:

  • Events managers work varied hours around weddings, celebrations and group events
  • Digital media managers manage onboard screens, TV systems and promotional content schedules
  • Printers produce daily programmes and materials to tight deadlines

Workloads may increase during sea days or promotional periods, but you’ll see the direct impact of your work on guest enjoyment and onboard revenue.

How do finance and audit roles operate on a cruise ship?

Finance and audit teams work behind the scenes to ensure accuracy, compliance and financial control. The work is structured and process‑driven, including:

  • Revenue checks and audits
  • Purchasing and stock controls
  • Cash handling and reporting

You’ll work closely with hotel leadership while maintaining independence and precision.

What is working on board like for immigration, planning and flight roles?

These roles are highly detail‑focused and time‑critical, particularly during port days and turnaround operations. You’ll:

  • Liaise with authorities, airlines and port agents
  • Manage large volumes of passenger and crew data
  • Support smooth embarkation and disembarkation

Accuracy, confidentiality and calm under pressure are essential, as your work directly impacts guest travel and regulatory compliance.

Latest department news

Our P&O Cruises Stars of the Year 2026
Guest service Recognition

Our P&O Cruises Stars of the Year 2026

19 March 2026

Our SHINE Awards help us recognise and celebrate our people for living our Core Values and SHINE Service Promise.
Read all crew and cruise news
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Got the skills and the spark?

How to apply