Human Resources isn’t what most people think it is, especially aboard Disney Cruise Line. Zdeni, a Human Resources Manager on the Disney Dream, knows this all too well.
“A common misconception is that shipboard HR is only responsible for hiring and firing crew members,” she explains, “A lot of guests have asked me about that, and they’re surprised when I share the full scope of my role.”
In reality, the role of a Human Resources Manager is complex and strategic, requiring a balance of crew experience, leadership support, operational goals and organizational development, often across multiple departments. On any given day, Zdeni can be acting as a resource to crew members, serving as a strategic partner to shipboard leadership or supporting projects from an HR lens. No day is the same as the one before.
HR as a Business Partner
As a Human Resources Manager, Zdeni has the opportunity to partner with all lines of business, with her assigned area varying from contract to contract. She was recently assigned to Hotel Operations and had the opportunity to support the dining room team in elevating the guest experience. Zdeni worked with leadership on additional trainings and role plays to help the team improve. By combining guest feedback insights with targeted training, she helped support both crew development and the guest experience.
“I am always partnering with the lines of business when rolling out any policy update and will always welcome more opportunities to be part of a cross departmental project,” she says.
Zdeni also takes the time to analyze crew data within her line of business. She noticed an increased number of participants in Emerging Leaders, a program that prepares crew members to transition into leadership roles. With many crew members completing the program and getting promoted, she saw an opportunity for an improved transition process. “I offered a dedicated approach to their onboarding journey and training needs,” she explains. Her strategic and proactive thinking ultimately led to a smoother internal mobility experience for crew members.
“I am always partnering with the lines of business when rolling out any policy update and will always welcome more opportunities to be part of a cross departmental project."
Zdeni, Human Resources Manager
Building a Community at Sea
A ship is more than just a workplace. For the crew members onboard, it’s their home. That makes cultivating an inclusive, supportive environment especially important, as crew members live and work together for months at a time. The shipboard HR team is in a unique position to both shape the culture of Disney Cruise Line and participate in it.
“The culture is very diverse as we do have about 60 nationalities onboard,” Zdeni explains, “It is like a micro-society, and everyone has a part to play whether at work or during free time.”
With multiple contracts under her belt now, Zdeni feels the positive impact she is making on her crew. Sometimes that impact is felt across an entire department. Other times, it comes from helping one crew member change the course of their career.
“One of my favorite memories was being welcomed back from vacation by many crew members for two or three weeks straight,” she recalls, “It warmed my heart as the nature of the HR job onboard is, at times, vastly focused on case work, investigation and ‘less fun stuff.’ It felt really great to see genuine, happy faces greeting me back onboard and made me realize just how many people we do interact with and influence – almost everyone in all departments.”
The Full Impact of Shipboard HR
Behind every successful crew experience is an HR team helping people grow, connect and succeed.
Zdeni recalls a time when a crew member was about to lose their job. “After an honest conversation, their perception changed and it finally sunk in, what it would mean and that the door to Disney would be permanently closed. That crew member had a last-minute change of attitude and the courage to express it at the right place and at the right time. They got a second chance and are still working here many months later.”
And that’s just one example of how she’s helped a crew member succeed. “It warms my heart when we make a difference in someone’s life and help them grow.”
While many people assume Human Resources is focused solely on hiring, firing or policy enforcement, shipboard HR is ultimately about people. Whether developing future leaders, partnering with operational teams or helping a crew member reach their full potential, professionals like Zdeni help create the supportive culture that powers the Disney Cruise Line experience.
Ready to bring your strategic HR skillset to life at sea?
Learn more about Human Resources with Disney Cruise Line and apply at DCLJobs.com.
