Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Port Day • Stateroom • Bow

Shore Excursion

Term from Cruise Lines industry explained for recruiters

A Shore Excursion is an organized activity or tour that cruise passengers can take while their ship is docked at a port. These can range from city tours to adventure activities to cultural experiences. When you see this term on a resume, it typically refers to experience in planning, managing, selling, or guiding these activities for cruise line guests. This role is crucial in the cruise industry as shore excursions are a significant source of revenue and greatly impact guest satisfaction. Similar terms include "Port Activities," "Land Tours," or "Port Adventures" (used by Disney Cruise Line).

Examples in Resumes

Managed team of 5 staff members in Shore Excursion department serving 2,000+ guests weekly

Generated $1.2M in annual revenue through Shore Excursion sales and bookings

Coordinated with local tour operators to develop new Shore Excursions and Port Activities

Led Shore Excursion safety briefings and guest orientations for groups of up to 200 passengers

Typical job title: "Shore Excursion Managers"

Also try searching for:

Shore Excursion Coordinator Port and Shore Excursion Manager Shore Tours Manager Shore Experience Manager Port Activities Coordinator Shore Excursion Sales Representative Shore Operations Manager

Where to Find Shore Excursion Managers

Professional Networks

Job Boards

Industry Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple shore excursions are cancelled due to bad weather?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should include: creating contingency plans, managing guest communications and expectations, arranging refunds or alternative activities, coordinating with ship departments and local operators, and ensuring guest satisfaction while maintaining profitability.

Q: What strategies have you used to increase shore excursion revenue?

Expected Answer: Look for experience in: pre-cruise marketing, onboard sales techniques, training staff, analyzing customer feedback, developing new tour products, pricing strategies, and building relationships with local tour operators.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure quality control of shore excursions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss: regular tour operator evaluations, guest feedback analysis, safety audits, proper documentation, staff training, and maintaining communication with local partners.

Q: Describe your experience in handling customer complaints about shore excursions.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of: complaint resolution processes, refund policies, documentation procedures, guest relation skills, and ability to maintain positive relationships with both guests and tour operators.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What information is essential to provide guests before a shore excursion?

Expected Answer: Should mention: activity level requirements, duration, what to bring, meeting points and times, safety information, dress code, meal arrangements, and potential weather impacts.

Q: How would you sell a shore excursion to an undecided guest?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate: knowledge of the product, ability to match guest interests with appropriate tours, understanding of basic sales techniques, and enthusiasm for the destination.