Hotel Manager - River (f/m/v)

Viking Cruises AG; Basel; On-site; CHF 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Referral program

Loyalty bonuses

Health and accident insurance

Payments into a pension fund

Child allowance for children aged < 18

Job summary

Viking Cruises AG is seeking an experienced Hotel Manager to oversee guest satisfaction and profitability aboard our river vessels. You will manage the hotel operation, lead the team, and ensure service excellence in line with Viking Standards.

The role requires a hospitality degree, at least 3 years in a similar position, and fluent English. Onboard benefits include meals, lodging, travel to/from ship, and opportunities in a dynamic, guest-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional leadership skills and ability to handle confidential information discreetly.
• Ability to maintain impeccable hygiene standards; extensive walking and standing required.

Responsibilities

• Manage entire hotel operation on board according to company standards.
• Lead and motivate team according to Viking Philosophy.
• Ensure highest level of cleanliness, hygiene, and order in all areas.
• Responsible for cost control, adherence to budgets, and inventory management.
• Anticipate guest needs, handle complaints, and participate in onboard events.
• Supervise and support F&B department and crew working hours, days off, and vacation scheduling.

Skills

Fluent English

Leadership

Excellent communication

Discretion handling confidential info

Hygiene standards

Education

Diploma in Hotel Management

Job description

Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises.

With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Part of our Front Office team on our River vessels, the Hotel Manager responsible for guest satisfaction and profitability through efficient administration, excellent service, and staff supervision. The Hotel Manager reports to Corporate Operations Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO ON BOARD

• Manage entire hotel operation on board according to company standards
• Lead and motivate team according to Viking Philosophy
• Ensure highest level of cleanliness, hygiene, and order in all areas
• Responsible for cost control, adherence to budgets, and inventory management
• Anticipate guest needs, handle complaints, and participate in onboard events
• Supervise and support F&B department and crew working hours, days off, and vacation scheduling

On board our ship

• Uniforms, laundry and unlimited Wi‑Fi are free of charge for all crew members
• Lodging and meals are provided to you by Viking onboard
• Travel to/from the ship provided by Viking (first and last journeys of the season)
• Dedicated crew areas and activities
• Sundeck area for crew use

Employee benefits

• Paid vacation
• Referral program
• Loyalty bonuses
• Health and accident insurance
• Payments into a pension fund
• Child allowance for children aged under 18 years

ABOUT YOU

• Hospitality degree required (min. Diploma in Hotel Management)
• Minimum of 3 years previous experience required in similar position
• Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional leadership skills and ability to handle confidential information discreetly
• Ability to maintain impeccable hygiene standards, extensive walking and standing required

APPLICATION AND JOB RELEVANT INFORMATION

Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-colored sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company.