Chief Housekeeper for ORIENT EXPRESS SAILING YACHTS

• Job ID: 47566
• Rank: Chief House Keeper
• Employment Type: Contract
• Joining Date: Dec 1, 2025
• Type of Vessel: Passenger Ship
• Engine Details: Wartsila 25DF
• DWT / GRT: 16200

For the past 140 years, Orient Express has been sublimating the Art of Travel with luxury trains, unique experiences and collections of rare objects. And soon the heritage of this legendary train will be transported to a collection of hotels and sailing yachts around the world. Introducing a new art de vivre, a different kind of journey that promises unforgettable moments along the way and the same destination since the beginning: to make dreams come true.

V.Ships Leisure are the exclusive hiring partner for Orient Express and are now recruiting for roles for the new build team, based in the shipyard before sailing with the vessel. 

We are looking for an experienced Chief Housekeeper ready to join the vessel in December 2025

Position Summary 

The Chief Housekeeper is responsible for supervising the cleanliness of all guest suites and corridors, stairways, all offices and crew cabins, their recreation areas and corridors, all public areas including lounges, stairs etc. (excluding restaurants, bars and crew mess). 

The Chief Housekeeper also supervises the laundry (Guests and Crew), handling of linen and uniforms for crew. 

Required Responsibilities 

• Responsible for the co-ordination of the Housekeeping Department to maximize efficiency. 

• Establishes work routines and work schedules for all housekeeping staff, so that a high standard of cleanliness and service can be maintained. 

• Conducts daily staff briefings to review day’s work, special projects, Guest feedback or general information. 

• Conducts regular checks guest cabins inspections to ensure cleanliness according to standards and all items are in the proper place. 

• Establishes a training program within the Department and holds daily training sessions where he/she demonstrates the standard of performance expected by Guests and Orient Express. 

• Responsible (by communicating with chief purser) for the purchasing and handling of flowers and plants on the vessel. 

• Handles, distributes and controls all deliveries of consumables, amenities and sundries related to the Department. 

• Responsible for keeping inventories on linen, cleaning material, cleaning chemicals, uniforms and all other housekeeping supplies. Conducts required monthly inventories for the department and reports to the Inventory Manager accordingly. 

• Responsible for the ordering and storing of consumables and sundries (linen, towels, cleaning material, etc.) and for the uniforms of all crew members. 

• Keeps her/his Superior continuously informed about any complaints from passengers and solves them immediately, whenever possible. 

• Keeps a log book for the Housekeeping Department.
Inspects and controls the standard of maintenance and instructs her staff to report repair requests immediately as well as establishes follow-up procedures. 

• Schedules special cleaning projects with her team as needed. 

• Ensures a consistent updated USPH standard and conducts routine self and formal USPH inspections and writes relevant reports for management. 

• Ensures compliance with OPRP protocols and records. 

• Communicates with his/her superior routinely and participates to meetings as directed. 

• Responsible for the management, update and communication of the rotation plan for crew members in collaboration with the hotel director and assistant purser. 

• Conducts staff’ orientation and mid/end contract performance evaluations and makes recommendations for promotion. Introduces new crew members to their working areas and to the rules and regulations on board. 

• Prepares a voyages report in the end of each cruise. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)

 • Attain target KPI’s, any deviation of target is required to have an explanation with plan to reach goal 

• KPI’s will be measured on Onboard Costs and Guest Satisfaction; goals and expectations will be defined by Orient Express shore management 

• KPI’s are used as a measure for performance 

Key Behavioral Indicators (KBI’s)

 • All KBI targets are expected to be attained 

• What gets measured, gets managed – daily assessment of costs, guest engagement is required with adjustments made when targets are not reached 

• You must inspect what you expect – validating Housekeeping Department performance and standards 

• Feedback – Consistent review of feedback from management, modify any behaviors or practices  

as needed and address any challenges with the assistance of shoreside management
Management by Walking Around – Visibility is essential, communicate with crew and guests 

• In the Absence of facts, perception becomes reality – Follow Orient Express’s SOPs to ensure you have an objective view of standards. Manage perception by managing standards. 

• Adheres to perfect grooming and uniform standards consistently (shaving, body odor, appropriate hair style with no non-natural color, no excessive jewelry, clean hands, clean/pressed uniform as per standard) 

• Lead by example: The executive housekeeper is an ambassador of Orient Express’ work philosophy and demonstrates a congenial yet effective management style, treating crew members with respect and fairness at all times 

Qualifications and Experience required 

• Languages: Fluent English required. One additional International language preferred. 

• Education: A high-school degree or equivalent in Hospitality or related field 

• Previous professional experience: 2-3 years’ experience as Executive Housekeeper in an ultraluxury cruise or hotel environment. 

• Shipboard experience: Yes  

Certification required

 • Valid STCW certificates 

• Valid Pre-Employment Medical

 • C1D visa mandatory for all positions 

General requirements 

• Must be at least 21 years of age 

• Be physically fit to stand for at least 10 hours per day and be able to lift at least 50 lbs (~22 kgs) without assistance 

• Male candidates must be at least 5’1” (156 cm) tall. Females must be at least 4’9” (150 cm) tall 

• Ability to speak, understand and comprehend English at an acceptable level. 

• Ability to work and live in a structured yet multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment
Ability to apply common sense and to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form 

• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, crawl and balance 

• No visible tattoos when wearing short sleeved, shorts or skirts