Destination Services Manager

The World, Residences at Sea, is the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth. Employees of The World strive for excellence in everything we do. We live and work on a one-of-a-kind luxury yacht that sails continuously around the world. Every few days you will wake to an exciting new port of call. It’s the ultimate way to work and travel all in one.

OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced, culturally curious, and detail-oriented Destination Planning Manager to curate, manage, and execute immersive, high-quality travel experiences across global destinations. This role is responsible for developing and delivering innovative Destination Experiences (DXs) that provide our Residents with unparalleled cultural engagement, behind-the-scenes access, and seamless logistics.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Destination Experience Curation & Development

• Design a minimum of 25 immersive and culturally authentic experiences annually across multiple ports.
• Ensure all experiences align with our brand values of quality, exclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
• Conduct deep research on each destination’s history, cuisine, arts, and culture.
• Engage local experts, artisans, and historians to offer unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
• Monitor travel trends and adapt programs based on evolving preferences.

Vendor Management & Contracting

• Manage multiple suppliers to ensure consistency, service quality, and integration across experiences.
• Lead RFPs, contract negotiations, and secure value-added benefits.
• Ensure all contracts comply with internal financial policies, insurance, and service standards.

Itinerary & Logistics Management

• Create well-structured itineraries with optimized scheduling and expert guides.
• Coordinate with onboard teams and key internal stakeholders to ensure flawless shoreside execution.
• Maintain program details in internal systems (Tapestry, CMS) in real-time.
• Oversee all transportation logistics (private vehicles, shuttles, airport transfers).
• Collaborate on in-port shuttle services and secure high-quality port lecturers and hospitality reps.
• Strong global travel network, including boutique operators and luxury experience providers.
• Prior experience in high-end travel, cruise lines, or destination management.
• Active participation in industry trade shows and events.
• Ability to foster strategic partnerships that add exclusivity to our offerings.
• Strong administrative and technical proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint, CMS tools).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality, International Relations, or related field (preferred).
• 5 years in destination planning, luxury travel, or similar roles.
• Experience managing international vendors and contract negotiations.
• Excellent communication skills and cross-cultural awareness.
• Willingness to travel as needed for destination scouting or execution.

Along with worldwide travel opportunities, The World offers many other benefits. Our team members are afforded comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, facilities including a fitness center, state- of- the- art bicycles, crew bar, outside sun / seating deck, and a variety of crew enrichment activities. In addition, we have the most generous Tuition Reimbursement Program in the industry.

At The World we are one team, always passionate and caring and supporting one another in mutual respect. We have a unified, empowered, and strong team culture that values diversity and recognizes, develops and retains talent.