BASEL OFFICE - Guest Port Services Manager

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• The Port Operations team (Ocean) oversees the planning and execution of our Ocean and Expedition fleets’ itineraries worldwide. The team works closely with ports, port agents, ground handlers and other partners across the world to give our ships and guests the best possible conditions whilst in port. Additionally the team supports the ships with in-port marine services as required to operate the ships efficiently.

• The Guest Port Services Manager is responsible for giving our guests the best possible and smoothest embarkation and disembarkation experience when they start or end a cruise. This entails overseeing and building good working relationships with Viking’s ground operators in ports worldwide; forward planning of embarkation day activities and guest logistics; budgeting and tracking all costs associated with guest logistics in the ports of embarkation and disembarkation

• Furthermore, the Guest Port Services Manager will be expected to work closely with the group’s Air and Product Development departments and the on-board teams on each ship in order to ensure the best possible experience on shore for our guests and will be expected to step in to support on-board operation if events require it.

• The role will require regular travel in order to support the fleet’s guest turn-around activities in the geographical area under their responsibility.

• You will report to the Senior Manager – Guest Port Services. This role is located in Basel, Switzerland.

• Please note that we can only accept candidates who are eligible to work in Switzerland or are in possession of a relevant work permit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and prepare guest operations and logistics for the company’s Ocean and Expedition turn-around ports in the assigned geographical area.

• Establish, maintain and develop business relationships with Ground Operators, Port agents, Ports and any other relevant stakeholder involved in Turnaround Operations.

• Ensure Viking’s service level expectations for ground operations are met by Ground Operators.

• Review and track guest experience in port and drive improvement of same over time.

• Liaise between on-board and on-shore stakeholders to ensure guest’s expectations are met throughout their journey to and from their cruise.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• You have previous 5 years’ experience with a cruise line or a ground operator in guest port services or related fields.

• You have a systematic attitude to performing assigned tasks and organizing your work.

• You see the value in planning ahead, but are comfortable with changing plans and adapting as required.

• You are comfortable and confident in both building new business relationships and maintaining day-to-day business contact with established partners in our ports of call worldwide.

• You are comfortable dealing with senior stakeholders and working autonomously.

• You have a can-do mindset and are excited about driving change in a fast-paced environment.

• You lead by example and you are team player.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

For more details about this position, contact us under +41 61 638 60 11

*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered*