The Role
The Travel Guide enhances guest experiences through engaging presentations, storytelling, and research on destinations while ensuring content accuracy and collaboration with onboard teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
The Travel Guide is a key onboard expert, delivering engaging, region-specific destination content that enhances the guest experience. This role is ideal for a passionate traveler with strong public speaking skills and the ability to bring destinations to life through storytelling, presentations, and guest interactions. From port talks and scenic narrations to in-depth Q&A sessions, the Travel Guide ensures guests feel informed, excited, and prepared for their journey ashore.
Reporting to the Entertainment Director, the Travel Guide collaborates with the Shore Excursions and Entertainment teams to curate accurate, high-quality content that aligns with the company’s luxury standards. This position requires strong research skills, adaptability to last-minute itinerary changes, and a commitment to delivering informative and engaging enrichment programming. If you have experience in travel, hospitality, or education and a talent for captivating an audience, this is an opportunity to inspire exploration and elevate the guest experience at sea.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Deliver engaging port talks, scenic narrations, and enrichment presentations tailored to each destination.
- Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on ports of call, including historical, cultural, and logistical details.
- Host Q&A sessions and dedicated desk hours to assist guests with destination-related inquiries.
- Collaborate with the Cruise Director to plan and schedule presentations.
- Ensure accuracy and consistency in destination content, aligning with company standards.
- Work with the Production Stage Manager to rehearse and execute World Stage presentations.
- Oversee the creation and distribution of Port Essentials, Port Guides, and maps in coordination with onboard teams.
- Assist guests at the gangway, providing information and support as they embark on their shore experiences.
- Adapt to last-minute itinerary changes, ensuring all content remains relevant and informative.
- Maintain a professional, approachable presence and serve as a knowledgeable brand ambassador.
Experience
Minimum Required Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in travel, hospitality, communications, education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience in destination enrichment, tourism, or public speaking.
- Previous experience in travel, tourism, public speaking, or guest enrichment within the cruise or hospitality industry.
- Strong research and analytical skills to ensure accurate and engaging destination content.
- Exceptional public speaking and storytelling skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience managing digital presentations.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with multiple departments onboard.
- High level of organization and attention to detail, ensuring content aligns with company standards.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact confidently with guests, colleagues, and leadership.
- Flexibility to adapt to itinerary changes, schedule adjustments, and evolving guest needs.
Preferred Experience:
- Two or more years of experience in the cruise, travel, or hospitality industry.
- Background in destination marketing, tourism education, or content creation.
- Experience delivering live presentations, lectures, or guided tours to diverse audiences.
- Familiarity with cruise itineraries, port logistics, and international travel regulations.
- Experience working in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environments requiring high levels of adaptability and professionalism.
- Working knowledge of additional digital content or presentation tools beyond Microsoft Office.
About
Consisting of Holland America Line and Seabourn, our fleets span the globe. We set the bar with 150 years of proud tradition at Holland America Line and delivering the finest ultra-luxury experience at Seabourn.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in travel, hospitality, communications, education, or related field
- Previous experience in travel, tourism, public speaking, or guest enrichment
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Exceptional public speaking and storytelling skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- High level of organization and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Flexibility to adapt to changes
- Two or more years of experience in cruise, travel, or hospitality industry
- Background in destination marketing or content creation
- Experience delivering live presentations or guided tours
- Familiarity with cruise itineraries and port logistics
- Experience in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environments
- Working knowledge of additional digital content tools
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The Company
What We Do
Holland America Line is a premium international cruise line that has been synonymous with timeless travel for over 150 years, inviting explorers to discover the world with nuance, depth, and grace.
