Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Onboard event planning course
This course provides you with the essential tools to create unforgettable experiences at sea. Master the logistics, design, and execution of unique events, from intimate celebrations to large-scale themed parties. Learn to manage…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Onboard event planning course?
This course provides you with the essential tools to create unforgettable experiences at sea. Master the logistics, design, and execution of unique events, from intimate celebrations to large-scale themed parties. Learn to manage budgets, coordinate suppliers, and overcome the specific challenges of the maritime environment. This program will prepare you to excel in the onboard entertainment industry.
Differentiating Advantages
- Nautical Specialization: Focus on the specific needs of events on cruise ships, yachts, and other vessels.
- Comprehensive Management: From conceptualization to post-event evaluation, controlling every detail.
- Creativity and Trends: Innovative design, original themes, and adaptation to the latest trends.
- Safety and Regulations: Compliance with maritime regulations and safety protocols for events.
- Professional Networking: Contact with industry experts and collaboration opportunities.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Logistics: Learn to plan unforgettable nautical events, from weddings to corporate conferences.
- Safety and Regulations: Understand the essential protocols and maritime legislation applicable to onboard events.
- Creativity and Design: Develop innovative concepts and create unique experiences for your clients.
- Resource Management: Optimize budgets, coordinate suppliers, and maximize the profitability of each event.
- Marketing and Promotion: Attract the right audience and position your nautical events in the market.
- Boost your career and become an expert in organizing successful maritime events.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of onboard events, nautical hospitality and guest experience
- Onboard event concept and differences between private celebration, corporate event, tourist experience, themed charter and nautical reception
- Event typologies: birthdays, private meetings, dinners, intimate weddings, presentations, incentives, networking and premium experiences
- Relationship between boat, route, capacity, security, service, climate, logistics and guest satisfaction
- Key Actors: Host, Organiser, Captain, Crew, Catering, Suppliers, Guests and Support Staff
- Frequent risks: Adverse weather, dizziness, delays, overcrowding, service failures and change of itinerary
02
Design of the event, program, logistics and operational coordination
- Definition of objectives, guest profile, event style, duration, budget and level of formality
- Selection of boat, route, port of departure, schedules, capacity, available spaces and operational restrictions
- Design of the programme with boarding, welcome, navigation, activities, food, toasts, music, stops and disembarkation
- Coordination with Captain, Crew, Suppliers, Catering, Decoration, Photography, Entertainment and Ground Transportation
- Material planning, assembly, storage, loading, unloading, preparation and disassembly times
03
Security, regulations, guest management and protocols during nautical events
- Capacity control, guest list, documentation, boarding, landing and special needs
- Safety briefing: vests, permitted areas, on-board mobility, bathroom rules, emergencies and responsible behaviour
- Management of minors, elderly people, reduced mobility, nervous passengers, dizziness and discomfort situations
- Protocols against bad weather, delays, falling to water, fire, injury, technical failure or need for early return
- Privacy, image rights, music, permits, responsible consumption and compliance with internal rules of the boat
04
Service, setting, catering, entertainment and premium experience on board
- Setting design: decoration, lighting, music, furniture, flowers, welcome details and aesthetics of the event
- Catering on board: menus, beverages, food restrictions, conservation, service, assembly and coordination with kitchen or suppliers
- Entertainment: Live music, DJ, games, dynamics, photography, video, aquatic experiences and themed activities
- Guest service: welcome, discreet attention, rhythm of the event, replenishment, cleaning and management of special requests
- Adaptation of the service to movement, wind, humidity, reduced spaces, heat, cold and changes of route
05
Applied event planning project on board
- Case Definition: Private Event, Family Celebration, Corporate Experience, Yacht Dinner, Sunset Party, or Premium Activity
- Diagnosis of guests, boat, route, budget, suppliers, expected climate, restrictions and expectations of the client
- Programme design, logistics, assembly, catering, setting, entertainment and operational coordination
- Preparation of the safety plan, briefing, guest management, contingencies and regulatory compliance
- Budget development, customer communication, suppliers, marketing, evaluation and continuous improvement
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 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
Cruise and ferry staff looking to enhance the quality of events and customer satisfaction on board.Event and banquet coordinators wanting to specialize in maritime environments and the specifics of offshore logistics.Entertainment and animation teams needing to expand their repertoire to adapt to life on board and international audiences.Catering and decoration service providers interested i
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
- 01Coordinate and manage resources efficiently
- 02Designing memorable experiences for passengers
- 03Optimize logistics for flawless events
- 04Ensure regulatory and safety compliance
- 05Encourage creativity and innovation in every event
- 06Maximize the return on investment for each event
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Event Organizer: Design, planning, and execution of events on cruise ships and vessels.
02Entertainment Coordinator: Management of recreational activities, shows, and entertainment for passengers.
03Wedding and Celebration Specialist: Organization of ceremonies and special celebrations onboard.
04Congress and Convention Manager: Planning and coordination of corporate events on cruise ships.
05Shore Excursions Manager: Design and logistics of shore excursions for passengers.
06Themed Event Promoter: Creation and development of special events based on specific themes.
07Nautical Event Consultant: Advising on the planning and organization of onboard events for companies.
08Public Relations Staff Onboard: Interaction with passengers and communication management during events.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Create memorable and engaging experiences for passengers.
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.
Managing limited resources and suppliers within a confined and constantly moving space, while complying with maritime safety regulations.
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
Academic/Professional Profile:Training in event organization, tourism, public relations, or marketing; or demonstrable experience in event planning and management, preferably in the tourism or cruise sector.Skills and Competencies:Creativity, organizational and planning skills, interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, budget management, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Knowledge of protocol, etiquette, and maritime safety regulations.Specific Experience:Previous experience in organizing events on board cruise ships or in similar environments (hotels,
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Frequently Asked Questions
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