Experiential Programming & Activation Lead

Cruise Yacht OpCo Ltd (Miami Branch); Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in Fort Lauderdale seeks a senior entertainment and enrichment strategist to design programming, activations, and guest experiences aboard ultra-luxury voyages.

With 8–15+ years in luxury hospitality, events, and experiential programming, you will collaborate with Voyage Experience and Operations to deliver signature moments that delight guests.

Qualifications

• 8–15+ years in entertainment, experiential programming, events or related disciplines.
• Experience developing guest-facing experiences, activations, or entertainment concepts.
• Ability to work with talent, partners, or experience providers.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts, frameworks, and strategies for entertainment, enrichment, activations, and events.
• Translate voyage vision into guest-facing experiences that strengthen engagement and differentiation.
• Define how programming contributes to rhythm, pacing, and emotional flow of the voyage.
• Create experiences connected to the broader guest journey and product vision.
• Develop concepts for live entertainment, musicians, speakers, and cultural programming.
• Lead activation and event development for themed experiences and signature moments.
• Monitor trends and recommend new formats and partnerships to strengthen differentiation.
• Partner with Voyage Experience and Operations to align programming with strategy and feasibility.

Skills

Creative design

Guest engagement

Storytelling

Collaboration

Trends awareness

Job description

Join the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Where Every Voyage is a Symphony of Luxury Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, an exquisite extension of the renowned Ritz-Carlton brand, dedicated to redefining ultra-luxury hospitality at sea. As a "Lady or Gentleman" of our esteemed team, you'll be entrusted with the art of delivering the impeccable "Gold Standards" that have made the Ritz-Carlton an epitome of excellence across the globe.

The Essence of Excellence: The Gold Standards

The Gold Standards are the bedrock of the Ritz-Carlton experience, setting us apart in the industry and establishing a legacy of unparalleled service. These standards embody the values and culture that define our brand, and serve as the compass guiding our every endeavor.

The Employee Promise At The Ritz-Carlton, our Ladies & Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to each other and our guests. By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity, and commitment, we empower and nurture talent to the benefit of each individual and the company. The Ritz-Carlton fosters a culture where all are valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled, and The Ritz-Carlton Mystique is strengthened. Join us on a journey where every day is a testament to the highest standard of luxury and service.

What You'll Do

Design Programming & Activation Experiences

Develop concepts, frameworks, and strategies for entertainment, enrichment, activations, and events.

Translate voyage vision into guest-facing experiences that strengthen engagement and differentiation.

Define how programming contributes to the rhythm, pacing, and emotional flow of the voyage.

Create experiences that feel connected to the broader guest journey and product vision.

Shape Entertainment & Enrichment Strategy

Develop concepts for live entertainment, musicians, speakers, cultural programming, and guest engagement experiences.

Define programming approaches that reflect destination context, guest expectations, and brand positioning.

Identify opportunities to elevate existing offerings and introduce new experiences.

Ensure programming supports the desired atmosphere and character of the voyage.

Lead Activation & Event Development

Develop concepts for themed experiences, seasonal programming, destination celebrations, special events, and guest activations.

Create signature moments that enhance anticipation, connection, and guest participation.

Design experiences that encourage social engagement and memorable shared experiences.

Support development of beach events, shoreside activations, and partnership experiences.

Drive Innovation & Cultural Relevance

Monitor entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality, and cultural trends.

Identify emerging guest interests and experience opportunities.

Recommend new formats, concepts, and partnerships that strengthen product differentiation.

Ensure programming remains fresh, relevant, and aligned to evolving guest expectations.

Influence Experience Development

Partner with Voyage Experience to align programming to voyage narratives and product strategy.

Collaborate with Experience Design to ensure experiences are guest-centered and operationally viable.

Work with Operations and execution teams to support implementation and continuous improvement.

Serve as an advocate for creativity, innovation, and guest engagement.

Success Looks Like

Programming feels intentionally curated rather than operationally scheduled. Entertainment, enrichment, and events reinforce the identity of the voyage. Guests experience meaningful moments of connection, discovery, and delight. Signature experiences become recognizable drivers of differentiation. Programming evolves continuously through innovation and guest insight. The voyage develops a distinctive atmosphere and social energy that guests remember and seek out.

What We're Looking For

Experience

8–15+ years of experience in entertainment, experiential programming, cultural programming, events, hospitality innovation, lifestyle brands, immersive experiences, or related disciplines. Experience developing guest-facing experiences, events, activations, or entertainment concepts. Experience working with creative talent, performers, speakers, partners, or experience providers. Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders and developing concepts from idea through implementation.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong creative instincts and experience design capability.
• Deep understanding of guest engagement and social dynamics.
• Strong awareness of entertainment, hospitality, and cultural trends.
• Ability to curate experiences that feel fresh, relevant, and differentiated.
• Strong storytelling and concept development skills.
• Excellent collaboration and influence capability.
• Ability to balance creativity with operational realities.
• Strong network within entertainment, enrichment, cultural programming, or experiential industries is highly desirable.

Ideal Backgrounds

• Luxury hospitality brands
• Experiential marketing and activations
• Entertainment and cultural programming
• Festivals and live events
• Lifestyle and membership brands
• Theme parks and immersive entertainment
• Private clubs and luxury travel brands
• Experience design and innovation consultancies

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is an Equal opportunity, inclusive employer and will consider all applicants for employment with the Company on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

About Us:

Working from our offices in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Valletta, Malta, our shoreside team includes a wide variety of positions to support The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in delivering excellence. These roles include guest-facing Yacht Vacation Consultants, cruise hotel operations professionals, IT support, accounting and finance, sales and marketing professionals and more.