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 International Cruise Management
This program provides you with the essential skills and knowledge to successfully lead and manage in the cruise industry. Immerse yourself in the end operation of cruise ships, from strategic planning and financial management to…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in International Cruise Management?
The Master in International Cruise Management
This program provides you with the essential skills and knowledge to successfully lead and manage in the cruise industry. Immerse yourself in the end operation of cruise ships, from strategic planning and financial management to optimizing the passenger experience and managing a multicultural crew. Master the latest trends in cruise tourism, including sustainability, technological innovation, and emerging markets. This program prepares you to assume leadership roles in shipping companies, specialist travel agencies, and onboard service providers.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: real-world case studies, management simulations, and applied projects.
- Networking: expert industry professors and networking opportunities with sector professionals.
- Leadership Development: communication, negotiation, and global team management skills.
- Global Perspective: analysis of international markets and expansion strategies.
- Flexibility: online learning option with interactive resources and personalized tutoring.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
06-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Strategic Management: Master the keys to profitability and positioning in the global cruise market.
- Maritime Operations: Delve into safety, logistics, and operational efficiency onboard and ashore.
- Customer Experience: Learn to design innovative and personalized experiences that exceed the expectations of the modern traveler.
- Sustainability and CSR: Integrate responsible and sustainable practices into cruise management, contributing to a greener future.
- Leadership and Negotiation: Develop your leadership and negotiation skills to manage multicultural teams and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
- Prepare to lead the cruise industry of the future with a global, innovative, and sustainable vision.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Strategic Leadership and Corporate Governance Shipping
- On-board command structure: the Cruise Director figure and the interface with the Captain/Master
- Corporate governance in international maritime companies and high seas decision making
- Multicultural leadership and management of high-performance teams in operational confinement
- Management of change, adaptation to new technologies and organisational culture on board
- Strategic Planning of Global Routes and International Fleet Coordination
- Corporate reputation management and institutional representation protocol of the ship
- Corporate ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and anti-corruption regulations
- Crisis Management, Emergency Communication and Stakeholder Management
- Development of on-board talent: Evaluation of performance, retention and career plans
- Steering control panel (Key Performance Indicators) for senior cruise direction
02
Passenger Experience Address (Guest Experience & Entertainment)
- Conceptual design of the Daily Programme (Daily Program)
- Direction of large format shows, theater production and technical coordination
- Management and supervision of the animation team, DJs, musicians and international artists
- Strategies for customising services according to sociodemographic profiles and segments
- Specific programmes for families, children (Youth Staff) and exclusive areas for adults
- Loyalty club management, VIP passenger service and high-level suites
- Measurement of guest satisfaction (Net Promoter Score) and complaint resolution protocols
- Integration of interactive technologies and mobile apps for on-board entertainment
- Organisation of thematic events, special cruises and official ceremonies on board
- Global trends in the creation of immersive and exclusive experiences for cruise passengers
03
Operational management hotel and services on board (Cruise Hotel Management)
- General Directorate of the Hotel Department (Hotel Director Operations) on board
- Quality standards in cabin service, housekeeping and industrial laundry
- Food and Beverage Directorate (F&B Management): Main and specialty restaurants
- Massive provisioning logistics, control of losses and storage on the high seas
- Managing commercial concessions on board: Duty-Free boutiques, casinos and spas
- Sanitary control and food security: implementation of HACCP systems and USPH standards
- Management of the reception department (front office), information and general services
- Hotel quality internal audit, routine inspections and cost control
- Optimisation of passenger flows in common areas, restaurants and main decks
- Design and renovation of interior spaces to maximise guest comfort
04
Shore Excursion Operations and Destination Experience (Shorex)
- Planning, design and marketing of shore excursions (Shore Excursions)
- Recruitment and supervision of local responsive operators (DMC - Destination Management Companies)
- Mass landing logistics in ports of call through tenders and walkways
- Quality control, safety and risk assessment in tourist excursions
- Creating exclusive experiences and personalised off-route itineraries
- Coordination of tour guides, land transport and accessibility in scale
- Maximization of income from the sale of excursions and early booking programmes
- Mitigation of the impact of mass tourism in vulnerable destinations or cultural heritage
- Contingency plans against delays in excursions and loss of scale protocols
- Integration of the local culture in the gastronomic and entertainment offer on board
05
International marketing, branding and cruise marketing
- Brand positioning strategies in the luxury and contemporary cruise industry
- Analysis of the purchase behaviour of the international cruise passenger and consumer trends
- Multi-channel distribution strategy: direct sales, traditional agencies and OTA agencies
- Trade Marketing and Strategic Relations with Tourist Consortiums and Large Networks
- Digital marketing campaigns, programmatic advertising and social networks in nautical tourism
- Sales strategy for the MICE segment (meetings, incentives, congresses and events)
- Strategic Alliances, Sponsorships and Cobranding with International Luxury Brands
- Corporate communication, public relations and specialised press management
- Design of international catalogues, interactive sales tools and virtual reality
- Launch of new ships (Inaugural Season) and sponsorship events
06
Revenue Management, Operational Finance and Onboard Marketing
- Application of Revenue Management in the fixed capacity of passenger ships
- Dynamic pricing algorithms and rate optimisation by category
- Key Financial Metrics: RevPab, APD, Net Yield and Operating Margin per stateroom
- Strategies to maximise spending onboard (Onboard Revenue): Beverages, photos, Wi-Fi and Spa
- Operational Budget Management (OPEX), Fixed and Variable Cost Control
- Key Cost Financial Coverage: Fuel Volatility and Currency Fluctuation
- Administration of on-board payment systems (magnetic cards / RFID bands) and general box
- Financial audit of on-board revenue and loss prevention in concessions
- Dynamic package of supplementary services before boarding (Pre-Cruise Sales)
- Analysis of profitability by itinerary, season and nationality of the ticket
07
Port Operations, Turnaround Logistics and Institutional Relations
- Strategic base port selection (homeports) and maritime terminal evaluation
- Rotation Day Operational Planning and Direction (Turnaround Day)
- Baggage logistics: check-in, scanning, sorting and delivery in cabins
- Coordination of the ship-port interface: Consignees, Immigration and Customs authorities
- Feedback operations, fuel refuelling (bunkering) and drinking water management
- Security control in maritime terminals and application of the PBIP code (ISPS Code)
- Management of land transport links, transfers from airports and trains
- Negotiation of port fees, docking fees and towing service contracts
- Port incident management: Strikes, adverse weather conditions and closures
- Development of exclusive terminals and private port concessions by the shipping companies
08
International maritime law, IMO regulations and work on board
- International Regulatory Framework of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO/IMO)
- Fundamental Safety and Environmental Protection Agreements: SOLAS and MARPOL
- Maritime Labour Convention (ILO 2006 MLC): Rights and working conditions
- International crew hiring, placement agencies and visas
- Management of ticket contracts, general ticket conditions and civil liability
- International Maritime Health Protocols and Disease Control Centres (CDC/VSP)
- Convenience flag regimens, naval records and jurisdiction on board
- Resolution of international labour conflicts and relationship with the ITF Union
- Passenger Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Confidentiality
- Maritime Insurance, P&I Clubs for Passenger and Boarding Liability
09
Sustainability, technological innovation and floating decarbonization
- Environmental sustainability strategies in the cruise industry (IMO objectives 2030/2050)
- Energy transition on ships: LNG propulsion, green methanol and fuel cells
- Connection to the terrestrial power grid in port (Cold Ironing / Onshore Power)
- Advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWT) and ballast water management
- On-board waste management, eradication of single-use plastics and massive recycling
- Energy efficiency in navigation, climate control (HVAC) and LED lighting
- Responsible tourism in high sensitivity destinations (Arctic, Antarctica, Galapagos Islands)
- ESG Strategies and Preparation of Sustainability Reports for Shipping Groups
- Artificial intelligence and big data application in route optimisation and fuel consumption
- On-board process automation and robotics applied to restoration and logistics services
10
Human Resources Management, Security and Cruise Crisis Management
- Human Resources Strategy in Shipping Companies
- International crew hiring
- Training and development of talent
- crew welfare
- Security and emergency management
- public health on board
- Crisis management and reputation
- Corporate communication
- Relations with authorities
- Crisis Management Plan
11
Master’s Final Project in International Cruise Management
- Definition of the operating concept, market positioning and passage profile
- Comprehensive design of the programme of experiences, entertainment and services on board
- Strategic itinerary planning, base port selection and scale analysis
- Organisational Structure of the Hotel Department and Human Resources Management Plan
- International marketing plan, sales channels and commercial strategy of the route
- Financial and Revenue Management model: revenue projection, OPEX and budget
- Port Operations Plan, Turnaround Logistics and Scale Provisioning
- Sustainability strategy, environmental management and international regulatory compliance
- Operational risk analysis, crisis management plan and security protocols
- Drafting of the executive report, preparation of the presentation and oral defence before the Court
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
Tourism, hospitality, and event management professionals who aspire to lead the cruise industry.Graduates in Tourism, Business Administration, or related fields seeking high-level specialization and international exposure.Executives and middle managers who wish to update their knowledge and acquire new skills in cruise management.Entrepreneurs seeking to develop innovative projects in the cr
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
- 01Efficiently manage hotel operations on board
- 02Leading multicultural and multidisciplinary teams on board
- 03Maximize profitability and customer satisfaction
- 04Master maritime regulations and international safety standards
- 05Develop innovative marketing and sales strategies for cruise ships
- 06Designing unique and memorable cruise experiences
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Cruise Director: Strategic planning, budget management, staff supervision, and onboard operations.
03Cruise Operations Manager: Logistics coordination, supplier management, itinerary optimization, and regulatory compliance.
04Entertainment Director: Design and supervision of entertainment programs, artist management, and creation of memorable passenger experiences.
05Food and Beverage Manager: Management of onboard restaurants, bars, and kitchens; quality control; cost optimization; and customer satisfaction.
06Human Resources Director: Recruitment, selection, training, and management of onboard staff; resolution of labor disputes; and compliance with company policies.
07Shore Excursions Manager: Design and marketing of shore excursions, coordination of local suppliers, and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the Passengers.
08Marketing and Sales Director: Development of marketing strategies, cruise promotion, sales channel management, and customer loyalty.
09Cruise Industry Consultant: Strategic advice, market analysis, and development of new products and services for cruise companies.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Management and direction of international cruises.
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.
In the strategic management of a cruise company.
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, Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality or related field; or accredited professional experience in the tourism, hotel or cruise sector.Language Proficiency:Proficiency in English (minimum level B2). Other languages such as German, French, or Italian will be considered an asset.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, language certificate (if applicable), ID/Passport, letter of motivation.Technical Requirements (for online, if applicable):Computer with camera/microphone, stable int
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