How to Be Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 4, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cruising is an increasingly popular way to explore the world and its many wonders. As a result, cruise ship tour guides/escorts are in high demand. Tour guides/escorts provide passengers with information about the ports of call, excursions, onboard activities, and more.

They also ensure that passengers are safe and comfortable during the voyage by providing assistance, advice, and guidance. In addition, they help create a sense of camaraderie among fellow passengers and help ensure that their cruise experience is as enjoyable as possible. As a result, cruise ship tour guides/escorts are an integral part of the cruising experience, and their role is essential in making sure that passengers have an unforgettable trip.

Steps How to Become

Research cruise ships and cruise lines to determine which type of cruise experience you'd like to work with. Look into the types of tours they offer, the amenities they provide, and the cost of the cruises.
Apply for a job as a cruise ship tour guide or escort with the cruise line of your choice. Make sure to include pertinent information in your resume, such as any previous experience working with tourists or in customer service.
If your application is accepted, you may be asked to attend an interview with a representative from the cruise line. During the interview, you'll be asked questions about your qualifications and ability to provide a quality tour experience.
After the interview, you may be asked to submit a written report detailing how you would give a tour of the ship as well as how you would handle any potential problems that may arise during the tour.
Upon receiving approval from the cruise line, you'll need to complete any necessary training courses and obtain any necessary certification before you can begin working as a tour guide or escort.
Once certified, you can begin working as a tour guide or escort on board a cruise ship. You'll be responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable tour experience to all guests, as well as ensuring that all safety protocols are followed.

Cruise ship tour guides and escorts need to stay informed and competent in order to provide their passengers with a safe and enjoyable experience. To stay updated, tour guides and escorts should stay up to date on the latest cruise industry news and trends, research popular cruise destinations, and attend training courses or seminars. Additionally, they should practice their customer service skills, familiarize themselves with local customs and laws, and be aware of any potential safety risks. By staying informed and competent, cruise ship tour guides and escorts can ensure their passengers have an enjoyable and safe experience during their cruise.

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Job Description

Cruise Ship Tour Guide: Responsible for providing entertaining, informative and educational tours of cruise ship destinations. Must have a good knowledge of the area, its history, and cultural attractions.
Cruise Ship Excursion Coordinator: Responsible for coordinating and organizing shore excursions for passengers. Must have excellent customer service skills and be able to handle the logistics of organizing trips.
Cruise Ship Activity Director: Responsible for planning and overseeing the entertainment and activities onboard the cruise ship. Must be able to create engaging activities for all ages and lead groups of passengers.
Cruise Ship Escort: Responsible for guiding passengers around the ship and ensuring their safety. Must be able to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency situation.
Cruise Ship Hospitality Manager: Responsible for overseeing the hospitality services on board the cruise ship. Must have excellent customer service skills and be able to handle the logistics of organizing meals, activities, and events.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cruise ship operations, itineraries, and destinations.
Ability to provide engaging and informative tours and activities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work with diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds.
A friendly and professional demeanor.
Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to multitask and prioritize duties.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of safety regulations and emergency protocols.
Familiarity with local attractions, landmarks, and points of interest.

Being an effective cruise ship tour guide/escort requires a variety of skills. The most important skill to have is the ability to communicate effectively with customers. Tour guides must be able to explain the details of each destination in a clear and concise manner, while also being friendly and engaging with their customers.

tour guides must possess excellent organizational skills in order to manage the tour schedules and ensure that the tour is running smoothly. It is also important for tour guides to possess knowledge of the area, its history, and any notable attractions. Having this knowledge allows for a more enjoyable experience for the guests, as tour guides can provide interesting facts and stories about the destinations they are visiting.

Lastly, having strong interpersonal skills is essential for tour guides, as they are responsible for providing a positive experience for their customers. By having these skills, tour guides can ensure that their customers vacation is a memorable one.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What prior experience do you have working in customer service?
What personal qualities do you possess that make you well-suited for this job?
Describe a recent tour you took part in and how you contributed to its success.
How would you handle a guest who was unhappy with the tour?
What strategies do you use to ensure guests are engaged during the tour?
How do you stay organized when leading a large group?
How would you handle a group of guests who were running late to their next destination?
What knowledge do you have of the local culture and history of the areas visited on the tour?
How would you ensure safety and security of guests while on tour?
Describe your approach to promoting the cruise line and its services during a tour.

Common Tools in Industry

Tour Information Database. A database of information about the cruise ship and its destinations, including maps, attractions, and local culture. (eg: SeaView Cruise Line Tour Database)
Communication Devices. Devices such as two-way radios, intercoms, and mobiles phones used to communicate with other tour guides, escorts, and staff. (eg: Motorola Two-Way Radios)
Emergency Kits. Kits containing first-aid supplies, safety equipment, and protocols to help tour guides respond to emergencies. (eg: Emergency Response Kit)
Safety Resources. Resources such as evacuation plans, safety protocols, and safety equipment to help tour guides ensure the safety of their passengers. (eg: Life Boat Safety Protocols)
Tour Guides Handbook. A comprehensive guide outlining the role and responsibilities of a tour guide/escort on a cruise ship. (eg: SeaView Cruise Line Tour Guide Manual)
Language Resources. Resources such as phrasebooks, dictionaries, and language tutoring materials to help tour guides communicate with passengers speaking different languages. (eg: Multilingual Phrasebooks)

Professional Organizations to Know

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
International Association of Tour Managers and Guides (IATG)
International Tour Management Institute (ITMI)
Society of Tourist Guides and Escorts (STGE)
Cruise Industry Professionals Association (CIPA)
International Cruise Council (ICC)
International Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (IFTGA)
World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA)
Association of Professional Cruise Guides (APCG)
Association of British Professional Tourist Guides (ABPTG)

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Common Important Terms

Shore Excursion. A tour of a port city or local area that passengers take while the ship is docked.
Port of Call. The destination of a cruise, usually a city or town with a harbor.
Cruise Director. The main point of contact for passengers on board the ship, responsible for planning and organizing activities and events.
Cruise Staff. Employees of the cruise line who provide customer service and entertainment to passengers throughout the voyage.
Itinerary. The schedule of activities and ports of call for a particular cruise.
Embarkation/Debarkation. The process of getting on or off the cruise ship at the beginning or end of the voyage.
Crew Member. Employees of the cruise line who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the ship, including housekeeping and food service.
Safety Drill. A procedure that passengers must go through prior to departure to become familiar with safety protocols for the cruise.
Passenger Manifest. A list of all passengers on board the ship, including their names, cabin numbers, and other information.
Obligation Point. The point at which the cruise line is obligated to complete the voyage, even if inclement weather or other issues cause delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort?

To become a Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of customer service experience. They should also possess strong communication and organizational skills.

What are the primary duties of a Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort?

The primary duties of a Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort include welcoming guests, providing information about destinations and attractions, leading shore excursions and sightseeing tours, and ensuring the safety and well-being of guests throughout the cruise.

How much do Cruise Ship Tour Guides/Escorts typically earn?

Cruise Ship Tour Guides/Escorts typically earn between $10 and $12 per hour plus tips.

What is the typical work environment for a Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort?

Cruise Ship Tour Guides/Escorts work in a fast-paced environment, often outdoors in varying weather conditions. They must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy luggage.

What are the benefits of working as a Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort?

Benefits of working as a Cruise Ship Tour Guide/Escort include travel to exciting destinations, the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world, and discounted or free meals, lodging, and transportation while on board.

Web Resources

Example Career: Tour Guides and Escorts - West Virginia University www.wvu.edu
Tour Guides and Escorts - Majors at Mizzou // University of Missouri majors.missouri.edu
Ship Cruise Planning - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution www.whoi.edu