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Lindblad Expeditions, a pioneer in expedition travel since 1966, is seeking an Onboard Sales Specialist to join the crew of its National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions US fleet. This role combines sales, guest engagement, and operational support onboard expedition ships traveling to remote and pristine locations worldwide.
You will be the primary sales ambassador onboard, actively promoting and selling future expeditions to guests during their voyage. Key responsibilities include:
**Sales & Guest Engagement:** Actively promote upcoming trips through personal engagement, leveraging knowledge of expeditions, promotional offers, and the unique experiences offered. Engage guests through dining, shore excursions, and one-on-one consultations. Conduct informative presentations and workshops to inspire future bookings.
**Product Knowledge & Marketing:** Stay informed about upcoming itineraries, special offers, and destinations. Serve as a knowledgeable ambassador for all National Geographic-Lindblad offerings. Coordinate with shoreside marketing teams to manage onboard promotional efforts and merchandising.
**Bookings & Operations:** Maintain dedicated desk hours for guest consultations and direct bookings. Handle smooth coordination with reservations and sales teams ashore. Follow up on leads with excellent customer service. Track sales metrics and provide regular updates on guest interest, conversions, and feedback.
**Shipboard Duties:** Support embarkation and disembarkation processes, including guest check-in, cabin upgrades, and collateral distribution. Assist with base camp operations, biosecurity, and mandatory safety drills. Gather guest feedback to inform future offerings and itinerary development. Complete voyage recap reports analyzing bookings, data, and revenue trends.
**Collaboration:** Work closely with the Expedition Leader, Hotel Director, and shoreside teams to ensure seamless coordination of sales and guest engagement throughout voyages.
**Work Schedule:** Rotational schedule of 6 weeks onboard and 6 weeks off. Shifts average 12 hours per day over a 7-day work week. You will live onboard in shared crew quarters with minimal personal space. The role requires 8 months of onboard work annually.
**Physical Demands:** Ability to stand for extended periods, move between decks, and participate in field excursions. Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, write, and type. Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach.
**Requirements:**
- 4-year college degree or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of sales experience with proven success in customer-facing sales roles, preferably in travel, tourism, or adventure sectors
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English with ability to inspire and engage diverse guests
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks
- Service-oriented mindset with ability to tailor conversations to individual guest interests
- Ability to work independently, meet sales targets, and maintain professionalism in dynamic environments
- Comfortable living onboard ships for extended periods in close-knit team environments
- Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Knowledge of Seaware (cruise reservations system) and Salesforce (CRM) highly preferred
- Deep enthusiasm for expedition-style travel and genuine passion for National Geographic-Lindblad destinations
- US Passport or US Permanent Resident Card with valid passport
- USCG Medical Certificate (required)
- Maritime Security Awareness certification (required)
- Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) (required)
**Preferred Qualifications:** Previous onboard ship experience, familiarity with National Geographic-Lindblad offerings, prior experience with the company, or public speaking/presentation experience.
**Employment Contingencies:** Post-offer drug testing, pre-offer background check, post-offer physical examination for sea duty fitness, and compliance with US Coast Guard regulations. Vaccination compliance with country-specific requirements.
