Apprentice Purser
Position Summary
This is an entry level position in the Pursers Department, responsible for assisting the following positions:
- Celebrity Family Purser
- Administration Purser - Documentation
- Administration Purser - Payroll and T&A
- Administration Purser - Guest Accounts
- Night Auditor
In this position the employee will acquire the necessary knowledge and exposure of the Pursers Department duties and responsibilities, as well as its related positions, in order to be able to achieve a promotion to one of the positions listed above.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
To support Celebrity Cruises' mission of sustaining "the world's ultimate premium cruise line with a taste of luxury," all duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with Celebrity Cruises' Pillars of Safety, Service and Style, ISM/ISO standards, USPH guidelines, and environmental regulations.
Each shipboard employee may be required to perform all functions in various service venues and throughout the ship.
- In accordance with Celebrity Cruises' Pillars of Safety, Service and Style, as well as through Celebrity Connections, each employee conducts oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times. This consists of physical and verbal interactions with guests or fellow shipboard employees and/or in the presence of guest contact and Celebrity Family Member (CFM) areas.
- Responsible for assisting the Celebrity Family Purser with the Sign-ON/OFF process in the property management system.
- Reconciles the active CFM list "Sign-ONS" to ensure the number of CFMs in the property management system matches the number of passports collected.
- Assists the Celebrity Family Purser with issuing and replacing CFM ID cards through the automated "Sea-Pass" security system.
- Maintains and replenishes the office inventory of the "Sea-Pass" equipment supplies, such as printer ribbons, CFM ID cards and card rollers.
- Assists the Celebrity Family Purser with the sale of money orders.
- Assists the Celebrity Family Purser in replenishing and collecting cash from the "Crew Calling Card" machine.
- Prepares the outgoing mail.
- Assists the Celebrity Family Purser with mail, and e-mail.
- Assists the Celebrity Family Purser with collecting CFM accounts and distribution of CFM documentation.
- Assists the CFMs with questions regarding transportation and visa requirements among other things.
- Handles and maintains office equipment. Performs clerical work such as filing and photocopying. Assists with general office work and duties.
- Assists the Administration Purser - Documentation with the entry of guest passport and other related information in the property management system.
- Assists the Administration Purser - Documentation and pier staff with the "Embarkation and Disembarkation" process.
- Assists the Financial Controller with exchanging foreign currency, travelers checks, and collection of payment on guest accounts.
- Performs Bank duties on a regular basis. Responsible for the "Bank" cash float and balancing of the float on a daily basis.
- Assists the Pursers Department as determined by the Financial Controller.
- Understands the Safety & Quality Management Program, and his/her responsibilities in the Safety Organization according to the Emergency plan and Station Bill. Must be available, capable and ready to act in the event of an emergency.
- Is aware of, and/or acquires the necessary knowledge to comply with the ship's standard operation, in order to assist guests and CFMs with inquiries.
- Attends meetings, training activities, courses and all other work-related activities as required.
- Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the shipboard employee occupying this position. Shipboard employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.
Financial Responsibilities
Financial responsibilities for budget, expenses and/or achievement of revenue targets.
- This position is responsible for direct and indirect cost containment through the proper use, handling and maintenance of records, reports, documents and equipment.
Motivational Responsibilities
People management responsibilities to ensure optimal performance of the function.
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Minimum hiring, language and physical requirements to perform the job.
Hiring Requirements:
- Minimum of one year experience in an upscale hotel, resort or cruise ship
- Superior customer service, teambuilding and conflict resolution skills.
- Very strong communication, problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal skills.
- Basic computer software skills required.
- Possess an understanding of basic accounting principles such as "Debits/Credits", adjusting entries and corrections.
- Completion of high school or basic education equivalency required.
Internal Candidate Requirements:
In addition to the stated hiring requirements, internal candidates are required to fulfill the following:
- Completion of one contracts with a performance rating of satisfactory or above along with demonstrated leadership skills.
Language Requirements:
- Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly and cordially with guests.
Ability to read and write English in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors and co-workers. - Ability to speak additional languages such as Spanish, French or German preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- All shipboard employees must be physically able to participate in emergency life saving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of lifeboats. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
