Executive Housekeeper

About the role

The Executive Housekeeper is a senior member of the shipboard management team, responsible for overseeing all housekeeping operations on a Royal Caribbean cruise vessel. Reporting to the Hotel Director, the role ensures that guest areas, crew spaces and laundry services meet the brand’s standards of cleanliness and presentation.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure cleanliness, maintenance and presentation standards across all guest and crew areas, including staterooms, balconies, corridors, officer cabins, laundry, lockers and storage.
• Lead, motivate and coach the housekeeping team, handling guest feedback and requests efficiently.
• Provide classroom‑style and on‑the‑job training, mentor staff and support succession planning.
• Coordinate the division schedule with shoreside support, monitoring staffing needs.
• Oversee laundry operations, ensuring the Laundry Master has the tools, training and information required.
• Manage yearly budgets for housekeeping and laundry cost centres, monitoring consumables and revenue streams such as laundry, floral cart and tuxedo program.
• Drive performance against guest‑satisfaction scores, quality reviews, health inspections and operational audits.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of ship events and special functions to inform the team.
• Ensure cleaning equipment and supplies are maintained and that staff are trained in proper use.
• Conduct regular departmental meetings, handover notes and communication to avoid mis‑communication.

Required profile

• Professional and courteous demeanor aligned with Royal Caribbean’s “Anchored in Excellence” philosophy.
• Proven leadership experience in a large‑scale housekeeping environment.
• Ability to mentor, train and develop team members.
• Strong budgeting and cost‑control skills.
• Excellent organizational and scheduling abilities.
• Knowledge of health, safety and public health inspection requirements.
• Effective communication skills for cross‑departmental collaboration.

Required skills

• Knowledge of cleaning practices, procedures, equipment and materials.
• Experience with housekeeping scheduling and staff rostering.
• Familiarity with laundry operations management.
• Ability to manage budgets and monitor expenses.