Executive Housekeeper

About the role

The Executive Housekeeper is a senior member of the shipboard management team, responsible for overseeing all housekeeping operations and leading the housekeeping crew to deliver the highest standards of cleanliness and guest service aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise vessel.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain brand‑standard cleanliness and presentation across guest staterooms, balconies, corridors, officer cabins, laundry facilities, lockers and storage areas.
• Report to the Hotel Director and collaborate with other hotel division heads to ensure consistent service quality.
• Lead, motivate and coach a diverse team, handling guest feedback and requests efficiently.
• Develop and deliver both classroom‑style and on‑the‑job training programs for staff development and succession planning.
• Coordinate the housekeeping schedule with shoreside support, monitoring staffing needs and adjustments.
• Oversee laundry operations, ensuring the Laundry Master has the resources and training needed for flawless service.
• Manage annual budgets for housekeeping and laundry cost centres, monitoring consumables, revenue streams such as laundry, floral cart and tuxedo programs.
• Drive performance against quantitative and qualitative targets, including guest satisfaction scores, quality reviews, employee satisfaction and health inspections.
• Stay informed of shipboard events and special functions to provide accurate information to guests and staff.
• Ensure cleaning equipment and supplies are maintained and that staff are trained in proper usage.

Required profile

• Professional and courteous demeanor aligned with Royal Caribbean’s “Anchored in Excellence” philosophy.
• Proven leadership experience in a large‑scale housekeeping environment, preferably on a cruise ship or hotel.
• Strong budgeting, scheduling and operational planning abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for training, meetings and cross‑department collaboration.
• Ability to mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Required skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of cleaning practices, procedures, equipment and materials.
• Experience managing laundry operations and related revenue streams.
• Proficiency in budget management and cost‑control for housekeeping departments.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed handover notes and operational documentation.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work and travel aboard a world‑class cruise ship.
• Professional development and training in a global hospitality brand.
• Dynamic, multicultural work environment.