Golf Cruise Program Manager – Luxury Cruising & Golf

About the position Premier Golf is launching a dedicated golf cruise program in partnership with Azamara Cruises, offering world-class golf experiences on 20-30 global itineraries. This newly created, high-impact role is responsible for building this program from the ground up. The initial focus will be on developing, launching, and operating 3-5 inaugural golf cruises within the first year, with a plan to scale to full program delivery in the second year. This position requires a hands-on individual who is comfortable with both strategic planning and detailed operational execution, including developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and managing all aspects of the program to ensure a solid foundation. It's an opportunity for an entrepreneurial professional with a passion for golf and luxury travel to create a distinctive offering in the cruise market. Responsibilities Lead all aspects of designing and launching Premier Golf's cruise program in partnership with Azamara.Define the end-to-end guest experience across 3–5 pilot cruises in Year 1, scaling to the full 20–30 itinerary suite in Year 2.Develop a scalable program framework, pricing strategy, and packaging model in collaboration with the Product and Sales teams.Manage the program roadmap, timelines, and delivery milestones, reporting progress to PG’s ELT.Curate premium golf experiences within each cruise itinerary, including port-side rounds at marquee courses.Design and manage pre- and post-cruise golf extensions, including accommodation, transfers, course bookings, and ancillary experiences.Ensure all golf elements reflect Premier Golf's luxury positioning and deliver exceptional guest satisfaction.Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with golf courses, pro shops, and local operators across all cruise destinations.Work closely with the Product team to identify and establish supplier relationships in new golf markets served by Azamara's itineraries where Premier Golf does not yet operate.Conduct destination research and, where required, familiarization trips to assess course quality, logistics, and guest suitability.Build a preferred supplier network across key cruise ports — including Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Caribbean.Develop and implement comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of the cruise golf program — from pre-departure communication to on-board coordination and post-trip follow-up.Create operational playbooks covering passenger logistics, tee time management, equipment handling, ground transfers, and contingency planning.Establish quality control and guest feedback processes to drive continuous improvement.Recruit, hire, and manage a team of Golf Hosts / Cruise Escorts to accompany trips and deliver an exceptional on-the-ground experience.Define staffing requirements per sailing and build a flexible roster of qualified trip staff.Train and develop trip staff to represent Premier Golf's brand standards and deliver consistent service excellence.Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with Azamara's partnership and operations teams.Coordinate with Azamara on port scheduling, shore excursion logistics, guest communications, and on-board programming.Identify opportunities to deepen the partnership and expand the program over time.Design and manage a curated program of premium activities specifically for non-golfing guests traveling alongside golfers.Ensure that partners, spouses, and companions have a rich menu of choices — including cultural tours, culinary experiences, wellness activities, and local adventures — that match the luxury standard of the overall program.Work alongside Azamara to coordinate non-golfer programming with golf schedules so both groups can enjoy their days and reunite seamlessly.When needed source and vet local operators, guides, and experience providers across all cruise ports to deliver consistent, high-quality non-golf options.Incorporate non-golfer feedback into ongoing program refinement, ensuring the experience is compelling for the full travel party.Oversee pre-cruise communication for the full travel party — including golf briefings, non-golfer activity previews, itinerary details, and expectations-setting.Manage passenger rosters, pairing coordination, activity bookings, and any special requirements for all guests.Resolve escalations and ensure that every guest interaction reflects Premier Golf's commitment to world-class service.Requirements Deep passion for golf and first-hand knowledge of international golf destinations, combined with meaningful experience in the luxury cruise industry.10+ years of experience in golf travel, luxury cruise operations, or a senior role spanning both — with a demonstrated track record of building or scaling premium travel programs.Strong project management skills with the ability to build programs, processes, and teams from scratch.Experience managing supplier and partner relationships, ideally across multiple international markets.A genuine appreciation for the full travel party — including the ability to curate exceptional experiences for non-golfing guests traveling alongside golfers.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and representing the brand externally.Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset; thrives in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% of the time, including accompanying cruise sailings.Nice-to-haves Existing relationships with luxury cruise lines (Azamara, Silversea, Seabourn, Regent, or similar) and an understanding of their operations and guest experience standards.Existing network of golf supplier contacts across Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, or other Azamara destinations.Previous experience hiring and managing a remote or travel-based team.Familiarity with golf operations including equipment logistics and on-course event management.Benefits Competitive salary, commensurate with experienceAnnual EBITDA-based bonusExclusive travel discountsComprehensive health benefitsPaid Time Off (PTO)Paid holidaysRetirement fundPersonalised professional development plans