Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Hotel Management on Board
The Master's in Hotel Management OnboardThis program prepares you to successfully lead the comprehensive management of floating hotels. Acquire skills in optimizing the customer experience, from gastronomy and entertainment to a
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Hotel Management on Board?
The Master's in Hotel Management Onboard
This program prepares you to successfully lead the comprehensive management of floating hotels. Acquire skills in optimizing the customer experience, from gastronomy and entertainment to accommodation and personalized services. Master maritime and hotel operations, health and safety regulations, and industry-specific marketing and revenue management strategies. Develop your ability to manage multicultural teams and deliver exceptional service in unique environments.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: simulations and real-world case studies from the cruise industry.
- Expert Faculty: active professionals with extensive experience in onboard hotel management.
- Networking: opportunities to connect with leading companies in the sector.
- Global Perspective: knowledge of international market trends and challenges.
- Career Opportunities: access to positions of responsibility on cruise ships, ferries, and luxury yachts.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Specialization: Become a leader in the management of floating hotels, a booming sector with high demand for professionals.
- Curriculum: Master the management of food and beverage, accommodation, entertainment, and logistics operations specific to the maritime environment.
- Networking: Connect with experts in the shipping and hotel industries, expanding your career opportunities globally.
- Internships: Gain real-world experience aboard luxury cruise ships, applying your knowledge in a dynamic and demanding environment.
- Skills Development: Hone your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, essential for success in senior management.
- Prepare for an exciting and promising career in the floating hotel sector maritime hospitality.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Innovation in the hotel sector: digital marketing strategies and customer experience management
- Fundamentals of innovation in the hotel industry on board: global trends, current challenges and emerging opportunities in maritime hotel management.
- Advanced digital marketing strategies: SEO, SEM, content marketing and programmatic advertising focused on attracting and retaining maritime customers.
- Implementation of big data analysis tools to optimise marketing campaigns and personalise the hotel offer on board according to the passenger profile.
- Comprehensive customer experience management: Design of Customer Journey Mappings for complex and multicultural environments and optimisation of contact points on the cruise.
- Use of disruptive technologies in the customisation of the service: artificial intelligence, augmented reality and chatbots to improve the interaction and satisfaction of the guest.
- Analysis and application of key metrics of Customer Experience (CX): NPS, CSAT and CES adapted to hotel service in maritime environments.
- Optimisation of digital channels and omnichannel platforms for continuous interaction with customers before, during and after the trip on board.
- Digital Loyalty Strategies: Loyalty, CRM and Marketing Automation programmes aimed at maximising passenger value in the customer's life cycle.
- Crisis Management and Online Reputation: Protocols for managing negative feedback, management of reviews and effective communication in social platforms specialised in tourism.
- Integration of sustainability and corporate social responsibility in the hotel value proposition, and its digital communication as a competitive differentiating factor.
02
Comprehensive optimisation of operations and hosting services in highly competitive maritime environments
- Diagnostic and advanced analysis of hotel operations on board: process evaluation, benchmarking and KPIs specific to the maritime sector
- Comprehensive management of human resources in floating environments: selection, training, motivation and retention of talent under maritime conditions
- Implementation of quality systems and ISO certifications applied to hospitality in cruises and ferries
- Logistics optimisation for supply and storage: inventory management techniques, stock rotation and control of losses on the high seas
- Design and execution of preventive and corrective maintenance protocols in maritime hotel facilities, incorporating IoT technology for real-time monitoring
- Financial planning and control: Operating budgets, cost analysis and profitability with focus on seasonal fluctuations and passenger variability
- Development and implementation of advanced strategies for dynamic management and pricing for on-board hosting services
- Comprehensive management of customer experience: customisation techniques, multi-channel care and effective resolution of incidents in high-pressure environments
- International regulations and standards of safety and sustainability applied to the maritime hotel operation, including compliance with MARPOL and SOLAS in service areas
- Technological innovation applied to operations and services: integration of PMS systems, CRM, data analysis tools and automation to optimise efficiency and quality
03
Innovative digital marketing strategies and excellence in customer experience management in maritime environments
- Fundamentals of digital marketing in the hotel industry on board: evolution, challenges and specific opportunities in maritime environments
- Advanced market segmentation and nautical consumer behaviour: analysis of profiles, motivations and trends of cruise ships and boats-hotel
- Digital Positioning Strategies for Floating Hotel Establishments: Branding, Storytelling and Competitive Differentiation on Online Platforms and Social Networks
- Technological tools for the management and analysis of customer experience: nautical CRM, big data, artificial intelligence and feedback systems in real time
- Design and execution of multi-channel campaigns: SEO, SEM, email marketing, specialised social networks and influencers marketing in the maritime hospitality sector
- On-board customer experience optimisation: integration of IoT technologies, automation of personalised services and management of expectations in high-turn environments
- Advanced models of loyalty and post-stay relationship: Loyalty programmes for cruise passengers and on-board guests, with success and retention metrics
- Online reputation analysis and management: active monitoring, crisis management in digital media, and proactive response strategies for comments and ratings
- Implementation of quality systems and excellence in maritime hotel services: international standards, digital audits and certifications focused on the on-board environment
- Case studies and emerging trends: Competitive intelligence applied to digital marketing and customer experience in the evolution of maritime tourism and luxury cruises
04
Financial management and revenue management on board: P&L, KPIs and cost control in maritime hotels
- Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Applied to Maritime Hospitality: P&L Structure, Balance Sheet Link and Cash Flow
- Design and analysis of specific financial statements for on-board hotel operations: income, direct costs, operating expenses and net income
- Configuration and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) in floating hotels: ADR, RevPAR, OCC, Goppar and its impact on profitability
- Advanced Revenue Management on-board tools: market segmentation, dynamic pricing on demand and sea seasonality
- Control and optimisation of variable and fixed costs in maritime environments: food, maintenance, personnel, energy and logistics
- Integration of technological systems for financial management: specific ERPs for cruises and real-time analysis platforms
- Strategies for maximising revenue in restaurants, bars and complementary services within the on-board hotel operation
- Long-term financial planning for hotel boats: annual budgets, forecasting and deviation analysis
- Practical application of financial benchmarking techniques and their implementation to improve operational efficiency in the sector
- Internal audits and financial regulatory compliance: procedures, controls and preparation for inspections on the high seas
05
Strategic leadership and comprehensive management of multicultural teams in high-demand naval hotels
- Fundamentals of Strategic Leadership Applied to Naval Hospitality: Contemporary Theories and Models Adapted to Maritime Environments
- Comprehensive management of multicultural teams in high demand: diagnosis, intercultural dynamics and advanced techniques of cohesion and motivation
- Effective communication and conflict management in diverse teams: protocols and tools for resolution in critical situations on board
- Strategic planning oriented to passenger service optimisation: market analysis, segmentation and cultural adaptation
- Implementation of quality systems and continuous improvement in maritime hotel operations: ISO standards, certifications and audits specific to the shipbuilding industry
- Change management and transformational leadership: Techniques to encourage innovation and adaptation in dynamic high-pressure environments
- Advanced Human Resources Management: Recruitment, Retention and Specialised Training in Multicultural Hotel Crews
- Performance evaluation and professional development: KPIs, constructive feedback and career plans adapted to the on-board operations
- Digital tools and management technologies for efficient coordination of high-demand equipment during maritime operations
- Ethics and corporate social responsibility in the management of teams and leadership in naval hotels: creation of inclusive and sustainable cultures
06
Innovation and digital strategies for excellence in management High-marine hotels
- Digital transformation in hotel management on board: key concepts and emerging trends in the high marine
- Technological innovation strategies: integration of IoT systems for optimisation of customer service and efficient operation
- Advanced hotel management systems (PMS) and their adaptation to marine environments: customisation, automation and predictive analysis
- Big data and analytics applied to the guest experience: segmentation, behaviour and continuous improvement based on real-time data
- Digital marketing and online reputation in hotels on board: management of social networks, platforms of reviews and strategies and specialised SEO/SEM
- Implementation of artificial intelligence and chatbots for personalised attention and immediate resolution of on-board incidents
- Augmented and virtual reality: Applications for tourism promotion, staff training and enrichment of the guest experience
- Sustainable management and eco-innovation: intelligent systems for energy control, waste management and environmental certifications in maritime contexts
- Cybersecurity applied to shipped hotel systems: data protection, contingency protocols and international regulations
- Digital leadership models and organisational culture to foster continuous innovation in maritime hotel operations
07
Innovation in digital marketing and optimisation of customer experience in maritime environments
- Fundamentals of digital marketing applied to the maritime hotel industry: channels, strategies and emerging trends
- On-board customer segmentation and customisation strategies: behaviour analysis, demographic and psychographic data
- Optimisation of customer experience in maritime environments: service design, critical touchpoints and expectation management
- Advanced data analysis and big data tools for decision making in hotel marketing on board
- Implementation of multi-channel campaigns: social networks, email marketing, programmatic advertising and specialised SEO for cruise ships and luxury yachts
- Online reputation management and digital presence: Opinion platforms, crisis management and loyalty in real time during the journey
- Emerging Technologies Integration: Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots and Augmented Reality to improve guest interaction
- Optimisation of the customer journey-specific for maritime environments: digital onboarding, onboard and post-travel services
- Measurement and analysis of ROI in digital campaigns: key KPIs, engagement metrics and specialised reporting tools for the on-board hotel sector
- Cases of digital innovation in high-end cruises and disruptive trend analysis applicable to the sector
08
Advanced management of quality and sustainability in luxury maritime hotel services
- Fundamentals of total quality in the hotel industry on board: Definition, principles and applicable international standards
- Quality management systems: ISO 9001 implementation in maritime environments and their adaptation to cruise ships and luxury yachts
- Advanced methodologies for continuous evaluation: internal, external audits and certification processes
- Integration of customer satisfaction as a key metric: real-time feedback measurement and analysis tools
- Environmental management and sustainability: international regulations (MARPOL, ISO 14001) and its effective application in maritime hotel operations
- Techniques for reducing environmental impact: waste management, efficient energy consumption and responsible use of on-board resources
- Technological innovation for sustainability: IoT implementations for environmental monitoring and operational efficiency
- Development and implementation of corporate social responsibility policies aimed at the luxury maritime hotel industry
- Advanced training in leadership and organisational culture to promote sustainable, quality-oriented practices within hotel crews
- Pilots and Benchmarking Cases: Comparative Analysis of Best Practices in Quality Management and Sustainability in Cruises and High Level Yachts
09
Innovation, digital strategies and leadership in high-level marine hotel management
- Current overview of the marine hotel industry: global trends and specific challenges in on-board environments
- Digital transformation applied to cruise hotel management: integration of PMS systems, CRM and IoT platforms for efficient operation
- Innovation strategies in customer experience: Design of personalised services through big data, artificial intelligence and predictive analysis
- Situational leadership in multidisciplinary teams on board: advanced techniques to promote motivation, cooperation and talent management at sea
- Implementation of total quality management models and international certifications to ensure superior standards in marine hospitality
- Resource optimisation and sustainability: energy efficiency strategies, responsible waste management and eco-innovation in marine hotel operations
- Development of digital channels of communication and marketing to enhance customer acquisition and loyalty in the hotel sector on board
- Crisis Management and Technological Resilience: Protocols for Operational Continuity to Digital Incidents and Emergencies in Maritime Environments
- Data Governance and Cybersecurity: Protection of sensitive guest information and operation against internal and external threats
- Evaluation and continuous improvement through digital KPIs: comprehensive analysis of financial, operational and customer satisfaction performance in marine hotel environments
10
Safety, regulations and public health in hotels on board
- Functions of the hotel department in emergencies
- SOLAS regulations applicable to hotels
- Vessel Sanitary Programme (VSP)
- Prevention of gastrointestinal outbreaks
- HACCP food safety
- Passenger safety and protection
- Attention to passengers with special needs
- Rights of maritime passengers
- Claims management
- Health and safety audits
11
Master’s Final Project in Hotel Management on Board
- Advanced applied research methodologies: experimental design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, digital tools for data collection in hotel environments on board.
- Strategic diagnosis: Detailed evaluation of the operational and financial performance of high-end maritime hotel establishments, including benchmarking, SWOT analysis and specific market studies for luxury cruises.
- Innovation in customer experience: Development of disruptive proposals in hosting, catering and entertainment services, integrating immersive technologies, artificial intelligence and personalised on-board care systems.
- Specialised human resource planning and management: leadership models adapted to multinational and multicultural contexts, strategies to optimise the performance and well-being of personnel in demanding maritime environments.
- Design and optimisation of operational processes: Implementation of Lean systems, Six Sigma and total quality management in hotel operations on board, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
- Financial and Investment Strategies: Development of robust financial plans, return on investment (ROI) analysis and management of specific financial risks for the luxury maritime hotel industry.
- Experiential marketing and branding in high-end cruises: development of integrated campaigns, exclusive brand positioning and consumer behaviour analysis in premium international markets.
- Compliance and applicable international regulations: Extensive study of maritime, health and safety regulations that impact hotel management on board, with special attention to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
- Implementation of integrated technological systems: ERP, CRM and IoT platforms applied to comprehensive cruise management, facilitating the coordination of operational, administrative and customer service areas.
- Evaluation and presentation of the final project: Preparation of an innovative strategic plan for a hotel establishment on board, including feasibility analysis, action plan and key metrics for its implementation and effective monitoring.
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Hotel professionals looking to expand their careers into the cruise industry and the management of floating facilities.Graduates in Tourism, Hospitality, or Business Administration who want a differentiating specialization in a booming market.Executives and middle managers of traditional hotels who aspire to lead teams in a multicultural and demanding environment.Entrepreneurs and consultant
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimize the onboard customer experience
- 02Efficiently manage hotel resources and operations in maritime environments
- 03Leading multicultural teams in high-pressure environments
- 04Develop revenue management strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of the cruise industry
- 05Implement and monitor food quality and safety standards on cruise ships
- 06Design and implement innovative onboard entertainment programs and activities
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Onboard Hotel Director: Comprehensive management of hotel operations on cruise ships and ferries.
03Food and Beverage Manager: Planning and control of the onboard food and beverage offerings.
04Accommodation Manager: Management of cabins, housekeeping, and guest services.
05Events and Entertainment Director: Design and coordination of recreational activities and shows.
06Onboard Hotel Revenue Manager: Optimizing revenue through pricing and occupancy strategies.
07Purchasing and Logistics Manager: Management of the onboard supply chain and procurement.
08Quality and Customer Service Manager: Ensuring passenger satisfaction and loyalty.
09Hotel Management Consultant Onboard: Specialized consulting for companies in the maritime-tourism sector.
Questions
Entry Requirements
On cruise ships or passenger ships.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
On cruises.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Tourism, Hotel Management, or related field; or accredited professional experience in hotel management or positions of responsibility on board cruise ships/ferries.Language Proficiency:Essential English (B2 or higher) for communication with crew and passengers. Knowledge of other languages (French, German, Italian) is recommended.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, work experience certificates (if applicable), ID/Passport, cover letter.Other requirements:Availability to travel and work in
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