Chief Housekeeper – Cruise Ship

About the role

The Chief Housekeeper leads the entire housekeeping operation on a cruise vessel, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient and personalized cleaning and butler services to guests and crew. The role focuses on maintaining impeccable standards across guest suites, public areas and back-of-house spaces while upholding public health regulations and driving total guest satisfaction.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all housekeeping activities, providing premium butler and cleaning services throughout the ship.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of all areas to verify smooth operation and promptly address any issues.
• Interact with guests to anticipate needs, respond to requests, enquiries and complaints immediately, and monitor satisfaction scores.
• Manage VIP and suite procedures at embarkation, performing random checks on all accommodations.
• Maintain and display an equitable in-port manning schedule for the housekeeping team.
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information and keep accurate employee records, training logs and complaint registers.
• Prepare cruise reports, analyse guest feedback and suggest improvements to service and operational costs.
• Collaborate with HR on personnel matters, staff planning, training and corrective actions.
• Lead turnaround crew meetings to communicate essential information to the housekeeping team.

Required profile

• Proven experience in leading large housekeeping teams, preferably in a hospitality or cruise environment.
• Strong people-management skills with the ability to coach, train and motivate staff.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high service standards.
• Ability to handle guest complaints and enquiries efficiently and to follow up until resolution.
• Good organizational skills and the capacity to manage administrative duties and reporting.
• Understanding of public health requirements and ability to enforce related procedures.

Required skills