Manager, Cruise Development and Execution

About the role

MSC Cruises is looking for a Manager, Cruise Development and Execution to turn approved deployment plans into commercially ready cruise itineraries. The role draws on the candidate's seagoing experience as a Chief Officer and their knowledge of the ships and ports, building detailed cruise schedules and making sure they are set up accurately in planning, commercial and booking systems.

Key responsibilities

• Match MSC ships to suitable ports, considering vessel characteristics, nautical restrictions, port infrastructure and operational requirements.
• Build feasible cruise schedules, including arrival and departure times, turnaround requirements and time available for shore experiences.
• Create and maintain itineraries in commercial and booking systems, with accurate ship assignments, port sequences, dates and timings.
• Translate confirmed port information and operational constraints into itinerary updates, coordinating changes with the relevant teams.
• Work with Planning, Ports, Maritime, Revenue, Commercial, Marketing, Shore Excursions and IT to make sure itineraries are correctly configured and ready for sale.
• Track outstanding information, approvals and system dependencies, escalate feasibility issues and follow corrective actions through to resolution.
• Prepare accurate itinerary documentation and support operational handover, then review performance and feedback to improve future schedules.

Required profile

• Previous seagoing experience as a Chief Officer is mandatory.
• Strong practical knowledge of cruise itinerary planning, port operations and vessel operating requirements.
• Knowledge of MSC ships and itineraries, including which vessels suit specific ports.
• Experience turning nautical and operational constraints into feasible voyage schedules and coordinating implementation across functions.
• Qualification in Maritime Studies, Nautical Science or a related discipline.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Required skills

• Proficiency in itinerary planning and commercial or booking systems; familiarity with DTS is an advantage.
• Ability to assess ship-port compatibility, sailing-time feasibility and port-call requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, coordination, problem-solving and organisational skills, with the ability to manage deadlines.