Asst Purser - BECSEA

Princess Cruises; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Part time

Job summary

A leading cruise company is seeking an Assistant Purser for supporting guest services aboard their ships. Key responsibilities include supervising Guest Services Officers and ensuring exceptional service delivery. Suitable candidates will have a graduation in hotel management or relevant experience, with a strong command of English and preferably cruise ship experience. This role offers competitive pay and the chance to work in diverse environments.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Comfortable private cabin

Company-paid travel to and from the ship

Access to exclusive onboard areas

Access to learning and development opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Graduate or 2 years as Front Desk Supervisor or Assistant Manager.
• Strongly preferred: cruise ship experience.
• Excellent command of English.

Responsibilities

• Support Guest Services or Administration function onboard.
• Supervise Guest Services Officers ensuring adherence to standards.
• Assist in scheduling staff to maintain service standards.

Skills

Graduate of a recognized hotel or business school or 2-year experience as Front Desk Supervisor or Assistant Manager.

Cruise ship experience is strongly preferred.

Proficiency in the use of Front Desk computer-based programs and excellent knowledge of M/S Office.

Excellent command of the English language, both verbal and written.

Motivation to excel in all aspects of job duties and responsibilities.

Education

Graduate of a recognized hotel or business school

Tools

Front Desk computer-based programs

M/S Office

Job description

Asst Purser - BECSEA

Department: Guest Svc

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: South Africa - BECSEA

Reporting To: Snr Assistant Purser

Description

Set a course for adventure with Princess Cruises! The employer of choice in the cruise industry, our fleet of Love Boats offer exceptional facilities and extensive professional development and recreational programs for our valued teammates who hail from more than 60 countries around the globe.

An iconic brand beloved by millions, we love people who love what they do and work together to help our guests create a lifetime of wonderful memories while providing friendly, attentive and authentic service like only Princess can.

As a member of the Princess Family, you’ll enjoy a truly adventurous career with excellent incentives, unlimited opportunities for growth, and ports of call that will leave you breathless.

Key Responsibilities

As an Assistant Purser, you will play a vital role in supporting either the Guest Services or Administration function onboard, depending on operational needs. This position is key to ensuring smooth guest operations, accurate documentation, and exceptional service delivery. You will supervise and support Guest Services Officers or coordinate administrative processes related to guest movement, compliance, and reporting, while upholding Princess Cruises’ standards of excellence, safety, and integrity.

Please note: Assignment to either the Guest Services or Administration function will be determined based on operational requirements and may remain fixed for the duration of the contract.

Guest Services Function

• Supervise Guest Services Officers, ensuring they understand and adhere to all Hotel Policies & Procedures, financial controls, and service standards.
• Provide ongoing coaching and support to help team members effectively use hotel systems and tools.
• Ensure Guest Services Officers demonstrate commitment to the CRUISE program and Core Values in every interaction.
• Assist the Guest Services Manager in scheduling staff to optimize coverage and maintain service standards.
• Ensure guest complaints and hotel defects are documented accurately and escalated appropriately.
• Support the resolution of lost luggage reports and ensure timely updates are provided to affected guests.
• Promote ownership of guest issues among team members, ensuring follow-up and resolution are clearly communicated.
• Assist in delivering service and product knowledge training to Guest Services Officers.
• Help develop routines that provide team members with experience across various service roles.
• Maintain current knowledge of public health standards and assist in coordinating onboard responses to outbreak situations. Ensure Guest Services Officers maintain accurate floats and settle shipboard accounts correctly, in line with company procedures.
• Monitor compliance with financial controls and support the resolution of discrepancies.

Administration Function

• Work closely with port officials to provide suitable working areas and ensure accurate handover of guest documentation.
• Prepare, process, and transmit APIS and Landing Order files to CBP, U.S. Coast Guard, and other authorities in compliance with MSPM and HESS-MS policies.
• Advise onboard and shore-side teams on guest and crew counts prior to sailing, including international guest details requiring translated materials.
• Ensure data integrity and confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) at all times.
• Accurately prepare and deliver the non-revenue list, Fleet Cabin utilization report, and coordinate disembarkation logistics.
• Liaise with department managers and the Crew Manager to ensure non-revenue guests meet Customs and Immigration requirements.
• Coordinate transfers with Port Agents and ensure proper documentation for guests breaking voyage or joining at Wayports.
• Meet with shoreside embarkation teams prior to embarkation to provide documentation guidance and reference materials.
• Ensure missing guest information is entered into the Navigator check-in app and required documentation is collected.
• Be present in the terminal during embarkation and disembarkation to assist ground handlers and check-in supervisors.

Asst Purser may be assigned to Night Manager role and work during night shifts, managing overnight Hotel operations to ensure excellent guest service continues at all times.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Graduate of a recognized hotel or business school or 2-year experience as Front Desk Supervisor or Assistant Manager.
• Cruise ship experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in the use of Front Desk computer-based programs and excellent knowledge of M/S Office.
• Specific experience and knowledge in all aspects of immigration and clearance requirements within the US and worldwide.
• Excellent command of the English language, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of additional languages is strongly preferred.
• Fantastic attitude and a natural love and ability for dealing with complex issues in a guest facing environment.
• Understanding of the foundation of guest service; ability and willingness to deliver outstanding service to our guests.
• Motivation to excel in all aspects of job duties and responsibilities.
• Personable communicator with outstanding social skills and a warm, friendly, and caring personality.
• Ability to continuously surprise and delight guests throughout their cruise experience.
• Commitment to establish and maintain courteous and professional working relationships in a diverse cultural environment.

Job Benefits

Embark on a career adventure like no other! As part of the Princess Cruises team, you’ll enjoy:

• A competitive salary package.
• Your own comfortable double cabin - your private space to relax and recharge.
• Company-paid travel to and from the ship, so you can focus on the journey ahead.
• Access to exclusive areas and benefits onboard (depending on the rank and occupational group).
• A vibrant recreation and welfare program designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.
• Access to exceptional learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
• The chance to travel the world, exploring exciting destinations while doing what you love.
• A welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued.

Join us and become part of a global team that’s passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences—both for our guests and for one another.