Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Luxury and Charter Cruises
Immerse yourself in a booming market, providing you with the key tools to stand out. Learn about the planning and management of exclusive experiences, from selecting unique itineraries to personalizing onboard service. Master…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Luxury and Charter Cruises?
The Diploma in Luxury Cruises and Charters
Immerse yourself in a booming market, providing you with the key tools to stand out. Learn about the planning and management of exclusive experiences, from selecting unique itineraries to personalizing onboard service. Master high-level marketing and sales strategies, managing specialized crews, and the specific legal and regulatory aspects of the sector. This program positions you as an expert in a niche market with high demand and growth potential.
Differentiating Advantages
- Immersive Experience: Analysis of real-world case studies and simulations of cruise and charter management.
- High-Level Networking: Connection with leading professionals and key companies in the sector.
- Skills Development: In VIP client management, protocol, and etiquette in luxury environments.
- Specialized Knowledge: Legal framework, insurance, and regulations applicable to luxury cruises and charters.
- Flexibility: Online format with access to exclusive resources and personalized tutoring.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Exclusive Experience: Master the art of managing luxury cruises and charters, attracting high-profile clients.
- Premium Networking: Connect with industry leaders, opening doors to career opportunities and strategic collaborations.
- Comprehensive Management: Learn to optimize profitability, plan innovative itineraries, and guarantee unforgettable experiences.
- Elite Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that will position you as an expert in the competitive world of luxury cruises.
- Market Trends: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulations.
- Boost your career to success in the fascinating world of luxury cruises and charters.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of the luxury cruise and charter industry of mega-yachts
- History and evolution: Segmentation of the ultra-luxury maritime market, boutique boats, expedition and megayachts
- Business models: commercial charter, private charter, cabin rental and maritime leasing
- UHNWI Customer Profile: Service Expectations, Consumption Habits and International Standards of Care
- International destinations: design of emblematic routes in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Polynesia and polar expeditions
- Maritime Governance: Geopolitics, Coastal Access Regulations and Navigation Permits in Territorial Waters
- Organisational Structure: Hierarchy and Operational Functions of Bridge, Machinery and Hospitality Staff
- Innovation and Sustainability: Ecological Trends, Low Emission Technologies and Environmental Impact on Cruises
- Superyachts and Expedition Cruises Market
02
Legal framework, nautical contracts and international maritime regulations
- Nautical charter contracts: standard MyBA models, AYCA and bare-hull navigation agreements (Bareboat)
- Financial Clauses: Management of the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance), Deposits and Commissions
- Maritime Insurance: P&I (Protection and Indemnity) Coverage for Passengers, Crew, Hull and Machinery
- Applicable IMO Conventions: Strict Compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC 2006 and IPS/PBIP Code
- Immigration Procedures: Customs, Migration and Ship Clearance Procedures (Clearance)
- Civil liability: management of on-board claims, nautical arbitration and protocols before cancellations
- Nautical taxation: cross-border VAT application, fuel tax exemptions and convenience flags
- MYBA contracts and charter conditions
03
Port Operations, Supply Logistics and Management (Yacht Agency)
- Maritime Agency: Role of Yacht Agencies in Port Coordination and VIP Care Services
- Moorings Management: Reservation of berths for mega-yachts and logistics in exclusive marinas in high season
- Luxury provisioning - fine food supply chain, exclusive beverages and supplies in remote areas
- Food safety: traceability of inputs, cold chain and hygiene regulations on board
- Fuel Logistics: Insurance Bunkering Operations in Port, Marinas and Anchorages
- Executive Transfers: Coordination of Heliports, Private Aviation, Limousines and Auxiliary Boats (Tenders)
- Port environmental management: grey and black water discharge, waste management and regulations MARPOL
- Management of the APA and Charter Expenses
04
High-level hospitality, stewardship and food & beverage service
- Ultra-Luxury Hospitality: International Standards of Service and Quality on Board (LQA Standards)
- Stewardship Service (Butler Service): Personalized attention in suites and high-end staterooms
- Haute maritime gastronomy (Fine dining): personalised menus, gala dinners and international author cuisine
- Sommelerie and cocktails: selection and pairing of high-end wines, care of wineries on board and mixology
- International protocol: etiquette, diplomacy and effective communication with VIP and multicultural clients
- Attention to Special Requirements: Logistics for Exclusive Diets, Private Events and Celebrity Privacy
- Banquets and Events: Organisation of Receptions, Theme Parties and Celebrations in Deck
- Stewardship and etiquette service
05
Entertainment, luxury tours and recreational water activities
- Exclusive Ground Excursions (VIP Shhorex): Private access to monuments, exclusive tastings and custom tours
- Water Toys Management (Water Toys): Safe Operation of Seabobs, Jet Skis, E-Foils and Floating Platforms
- Tender operation: manoeuvres with high-speed auxiliary boats for the transfer of passengers
- Underwater Exploration: Compact Private Submersibles and Scan Robotics
- Guided water sports: certification and logistics for diving, luxury snorkeling, sport fishing and paddleboarding
- On-board wellness: management of marine spas, personal trainers, therapists and relaxation areas
- Onboard Entertainment: Night Shows, Outdoor Cinema in Deck and Live Music
- Water activities and nautical toys
06
Maritime safety, emergency management and health protocols on board
- Security Management - Implementation and Auditing of the International Security Management Code (ISM Code)
- Passenger Briefing: Mandatory safety induction and adaptation of drills for VIP guests
- Zafaranchos and Emergencies: Procedures before Man overboard (MOB), fires, waterways and abandonment
- On-board medical care - equipment of the on-board hospital, telemedicine and aeromedical evacuation (Medevac)
- Public health and sanitization: control of viral outbreaks, disinfection of common areas and quality of drinking water
- Physical protection: anti-piracy measures, access control on board and compliance with the PBIP/ISPS code
- Crisis Management: Panic Psychology, Passenger Containment and Communication in Emergency Situations
- Sanitary protocols on board
07
Marketing, Sales, Revenue Management and Distribution in Nautical Charter
- Brand Strategy: Commercial Positioning for Shipowners, Boutique Cruise Fleets and Charter Companies
- Commercial Intermediation: Role of the Yacht Broker, Tariff Negotiations and Property Representation
- Fee structure: pricing for high/low season, repositioning trips and extras
- Nautical Revenue Management: Suite Occupation Optimisation, Dynamic Rates and Cross-Selling
- VIP Digital Marketing: High-impact audiovisual production and campaigns aimed at high purchasing power customers
- International Trade Shows: Strategic Presence at Events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
- Customer loyalty: programmes for shipowners, recurring customer retention and reputation management
- Management of agencies and brokers
08
Capstone Project for Luxury Cruise or Charter Cruise Management and Operation
- Conceptualization of the project: comprehensive design of a boutique cruise itinerary or megayacht charter route
- Fleet and crew planning: boat selection, space distribution and organisation chart
- Technical Navigation Plan: Route tracing, Scale Port Selection, Anchorages, and Mileage Calculation
- Design of the experience on board: gastronomic proposal, catalogue of excursions and recreational activities
- Security and Compliance Matrix: Risk Management Plan, Emergency Protocols and Legal Permits
- Financial Modelling: Operating Budget (OPEX), APA Deposit Calculation, Income Projection and Break-Even Point
- Presentation of the project
- Final presentation: Defence of the operational and commercial project before a court of nautical specialists
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Travel agents and tour operators looking to specialize in the luxury cruise and charter sector, expanding their offerings and attracting high-spending clients.Hospitality and tourism professionals who want to advance their careers within the cruise industry, acquiring specialized knowledge and management skills.Entrepreneurs who aspire to create or manage their own luxury charter business, wit
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
- 01Manage high-end onboard services
- 02Mastering the operations and regulations of the cruise industry
- 03Understanding and applying effective sales strategies
- 04Coordinate and supervise the logistics of exclusive events
- 05Evaluate and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers
- 06Optimize the customer experience through personalized service
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Specialized Reservations Agent: Management of luxury cruise and charter bookings, personalized advice.
02Onboard Concierge: High-level customer service, management of exclusive requests, organization of personalized experiences.
03Onboard Events and Excursions Planner: Design and coordination of themed events, management of exclusive excursions in luxury destinations.
04Luxury Cruise Marketing and Sales Specialist: Promotion of luxury cruises and charters, development of sales strategies, management of VIP client relationships.
05Luxury Cruise Public Relations Manager: Brand image management, relations with the specialized press, organization of promotional events.
06Luxury Yacht Crew: Butler, private chef, sailor with specialized skills in high-level customer service.
07Specialized tour operator for luxury cruises and charters: design and marketing of exclusive tour packages, management of high-end travel logistics.
08Consultant in the luxury cruise and charter industry: advising companies in the sector, market analysis, development of new products and services.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
Luxury cruises and charter yachts.
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.
Luxury cruises and charter yachts.
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, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field; or demonstrable professional experience in the cruise or luxury tourism sector.Language Proficiency:Fluent in Spanish (native or equivalent) and advanced level of English (B2 or higher) for effective communication with international clients and onboard staff. Knowledge of other languages is a plus.Skills and Abilities:Excellent interpersonal communication skills, customer service orientation, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.