What Is a Purser on a Cruise Ship?

By Robert Palmer

A Purser is an essential role on a Cruise Ship, and is the person responsible for managing all financial transactions onboard. The Purser is also in charge of handling all passenger questions and concerns related to money, as well as overseeing the ship’s currency exchange services, credit card processing, and onboard banking services. The Purser’s office is usually located near the Front Desk of the ship.

The primary duty of a Purser is to ensure that passenger accounts are kept up to date at all times. This includes keeping track of all payments made by passengers and ensuring that any discrepancies are rectified quickly.

The Purser also keeps accurate records of all financial transactions on board, including purchases made at onboard shops or restaurants. In addition, the Purser ensures that any cash collected from passengers is securely stored in a safe place until it can be deposited in the ship’s bank account.

The Purser also serves as a liaison between passengers and other staff members on board. They often have to handle complaints from passengers about services or amenities not being provided up to their standards. It’s important for the Purser to be able to resolve such issues quickly and effectively so that passengers feel heard and taken care of during their trip.

In addition to managing onboard finances, some cruise lines may require their Pursers to act as liaisons with local officials while docked at ports around the world. This often includes dealing with customs agents, immigration officers, port authorities, and other government personnel who may need information about passengers or crew members on board the ship.

A good Purser needs excellent organizational skills as well as an eye for detail when handling financial records. They must possess strong communication skills since they often need to interact with both crew members and passengers alike throughout their shifts. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable about banking regulations in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws when handling money.

Conclusion:

In short, a Purser plays an essential role on a Cruise Ship by managing all financial transactions onboard while ensuring passenger satisfaction through effective communication and problem resolution. A good Purser must possess excellent organizational skills while being extremely detail-oriented in order to handle all aspects of money management confidently and accurately.