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
Cruise and Yacht Management Course
This course is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the luxury yachting industry. You will learn everything from planning exclusive itineraries and budget management to coordinating onboard…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Cruise and Yacht Management Course?
The Cruise and Yacht Management Course
This course is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the luxury yachting industry. You will learn everything from planning exclusive itineraries and budget management to coordinating onboard services and VIP customer service. This program prepares you to lead teams and ensure unforgettable passenger experiences, with a focus on resource optimization and meeting the highest quality standards.
Differentiating Advantages
- Real-world case studies: Analyze examples of successful cruise and yacht management.
- Networking with experts: Connect with industry professionals and expand your network.
- Practical simulations: Apply your knowledge in real-world situations and develop your leadership skills.
- Professional certification: Gain recognition that validates your skills in luxury vessel management.
- Flexibility: Learn at your own pace with access to online materials and interactive virtual sessions.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Market Mastery: Learn the key strategies for the comprehensive management of cruise ships and yachts, from planning to operation.
- Hands-on Experience: Immerse yourself in real-world case studies and management simulations to apply your knowledge immediately.
- Networking: Connect with industry experts, shipowners, and leading suppliers to expand your career opportunities.
- Specialization: Master fleet management, luxury marketing, and optimizing the customer experience in the nautical sector.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized certificate that validates your skills and propels your career in cruise ship and yacht management. yachts.
- Boost your career in the nautical sector and become a leader in luxury experience management.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Cruise and yacht business ecosystem, operating models and maritime value chain
- Operating typologies: Ocean/Fluvial Cruises, Private Yachts, Charter and “Yacht Management” with differentiated roles
- Value Chain: Shipping Company/Shipowner, Operator, Agency, DMC, Ports, Marine, Shipyards and Critical Suppliers
- Income models: Passage, Onboard Revenue, Excursions, F&B, Retail, Premium Services and Charter Pricing
- Operational governance: command structure, departments, SOPS, SLA with suppliers and performance control
- Seasonal planning: itineraries, repositionings, weather windows and demand management
02
Navigation operations, itineraries, ports and logistics management of scales
- Itinerary design: commercial attraction, transit times, Draught restrictions and “go/no-go” criteria
- Coordination with ports and marinas: Slots, Pilotage, Trailer, Docking, Bunkering and Scale Services
- Boarding/unloading operations: flows, document control, accessibility and mitigation of bottlenecks
- Supply Logistics: Purchases, Inventories, Cold Chain, Consolidation, Last Mile and Control of Losses
- Excursions and Shore Operations: Security, Supplier Quality, Capacity, Routes, Insurance and Incident Management
03
Security, Emergencies, Compliance and Risk Management in Cruises and Yachts
- On-board safety framework: Roles, Drills, HSE culture, Incident management and traceable documentation
- Emergency management: fire, man overboard, waterway, evacuation, first aid and external coordination
- Passenger/Guest Safety: Crowd Management, Access Control, Disruptive Behaviours and Protection of Vulnerables
- Operational Compliance: Registrations, Internal Audits, Control of Non-Conformities and Continuous Improvement of SOPs
- Reputational risk and crisis communication: spokesperson, consistent messages, legal and post-mortem operational protection
04
Passenger and guest experience, premium hospitality and on-board service management
- Full Customer Journey: Pre-Trip, Boarding, Life on Board, Scale, Post-Travel and Recovery of Service
- Hospitality Standards: Service SOPS, Training, Supervision, Mystery Guest and Quality Control
- F&B & Hospitality: Menu Planning, Shopping, Hygiene, Allergens, Service Times and Peak Management
- Entertainment and Activities: Programming, Capacity, Audience Segmentation and Satisfaction Measurement
- Complaint management: listening, de-escalation, intelligent compensation and documented closure with learning
05
Sustainability, environmental management and final integrated cruise or yacht operation project
- On-board environmental management: waste, grey/black water, emissions, energy efficiency and good practices
- Responsible operation at destination: cargo capacity, visitor behaviour, sustainable excursions and impact control
- Purchasing and Responsible Supply Chain: Traceability, Suppliers, Reduction of Plastics and Circular Economy
- Performance Indicators: Operational KPIs, Security, Experience, Costs, Margin and Executive Reporting
- Continuous Improvement Plan: Audits, Lessons Learned, SOPS Update, and Recurring Training
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
Tourism and hospitality professionals who wish to specialize in the cruise and yacht sector, learning about management, operations, and high-end customer service.Entrepreneurs and event managers looking to organize exclusive onboard experiences, from weddings and celebrations to corporate trips and themed expeditions.Travel agents and tourism consultants who want to expand their offerings with
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
- 02Ensuring compliance with maritime safety and regulatory standards
- 03To efficiently supervise and coordinate crew operations
- 04Efficiently manage the vessel's financial and operational resources
- 05Develop effective marketing and sales strategies for customer acquisition and retention
- 06Implement and monitor preventive and corrective maintenance protocols to ensure the vessel's operability and value
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Cruise Reservations Agent: reservation management, customer service, and sale of vacation packages.
02Excursion Coordinator: tour design and management, supplier coordination, and passenger service.
03Customer Service Staff on Cruise Ships and Yachts: reception, information, incident resolution, and customer satisfaction.
04Onboard Event Organizer: planning and execution of entertainment activities, themed events, and celebrations.
05Yacht Fleet Manager: maintenance, logistics, staff recruitment, and charter management.
06Cruise Ship and Yacht Service Provider: catering, cleaning, provisioning, and technical maintenance.
07Luxury Travel Consultant: designing personalized itineraries, advising on and selling exclusive cruise and yacht experiences. yachts.
08Marketing and sales in cruise and yacht companies: promotion, advertising, public relations, and development of business strategies.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Size and passenger capacity. Cruise ships are much larger and carry thousands of passengers, while yachts are smaller and more private, accommodating a much smaller number of people.
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.
The main difference lies in the scale and purpose: cruise ships focus on mass tourism with numerous passengers and multiple onboard services, while yachts focus on private and personalized experiences for a small number of guests, prioritizing exclusivity and luxury.
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:Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in Tourism, Business Administration, or a related field; or demonstrable experience in the hospitality industry, event management, or maritime sector.Language Proficiency:Fluent in English (spoken and written). Other languages (French, German, Italian, etc.) will be considered an asset.Skills:Excellent interpersonal communication skills, leadership and team management skills, customer focus, and problem-solving abilities.Documentation:Updated CV, copies of relevant academic degrees and certifications, c
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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