This textbook is directed at those who wish to study hotel operations management on cruise ships. There is a dearth of literature focusing on contextualized operational management on board cruise ships. In part this is because the industry has undergone a quiet renaissance over the last two decades, steadily increasing in scale and scope without the fanfare and academic attention that accompanies land-based tourist activities. The unique characteristics of the industry are such that a customized book is essential for those seeking to study the industry, whether for academic or vocational reasons. It is suggested that this text will also support students involved in postgraduate degree work.

This book is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of hotel services for the cruise industry. Using examples from cruise operations, the reader will be in a position to consider those aspects of this industry that are unique and to draw on the information provided to create a clear understanding about managing operations on board.

As well as presenting a range of contextualized facts, the book includes a number of case studies that encourage the reader to examine the often complex circumstances that surround problems or events associated with cruise operations. The case studies are reflections of reality on board cruise ships, constructed by using a combination of interviews and observations. This research was undertaken with the support of a number of cruise companies.

These cases include an example of food and drink operations on board a large cruise ship that caters predominantly...