Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
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Oleksandra Balyi

Oleksandra Balyi

Kherson,Ukraine

Summary

Seasoned cruise industry professional with over 9 years of progressive onboard experience across guest-facing and digital leadership roles. Known for strong communication, cross-departmental coordination, and hands-on involvement in crew training and onboarding processes. Key contributor to high-profile launches including the Inaugural Team for the Sun Princess and the post-pandemic reopening of the Sapphire Princess. Passionate about people development, digital learning tools, and creating empowering learning environments. Currently seeking to leverage this extensive onboard expertise in a Learning and Development Manager role to support crew growth and operational excellence.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Navigator/Digital Communication Manager

Princess Cruises
01.2022 - 04.2024

Developed and implemented training programs for new hires and guest services teams.

Conducted monthly “Train the Trainer” sessions and ambassador briefings.

Delivered onboarding and Medallion Class Experience training to both crew and guests.

Coordinated with multiple departments to enhance service quality and digital transformation.

Contributed to the launch of Sun Princess as part of the Inaugural Team.

Created professional development programs tailored for onboard teams.

Retail Assistant

MSC cruises
04.2014 - 03.2018
  • Trained and helped less experienced staff manage workloads and assignments, facilitating fulfilment of organisational objectives.
  • Helped less experienced staff manage daily assignments.
  • Maintained positive, professional working environment to optimise staff and customer satisfaction.
  • Established monthly goals, communicating priorities to staff and closely tracking progress to achieve success.
  • Employed outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities to lead by example in providing first-class customer care.
  • Helped senior management plan and carry out daily operations and meet key objectives.
  • Drove sales to support revenue and profitability targets.
  • Supervised and delegated tasks to employees to meet key productivity targets.
  • Contributed ideas for improving guest experience and operational efficiency.
  • Handled multiple responsibilities including sales, inventory, and product placement with precision.

HR Assistant

Transcontract Ship Management
09.2013 - 03.2014
  • Trained and coached new employees when onboarding on matters such as company rules, regulations and safety standards.
  • Monitored office inventory supplies, promptly ordering new stock when required.
  • Managed company's hiring processes, assisting in tasks such as creating job descriptions and selecting candidates.
  • Managed employee requests regarding Human Resources issues, rules and regulations.
  • Responded to department emails, promptly following up and forwarding requests to relevant employees.
  • Communicated with employees on account updates, benefit and pension payments via email and phone.
  • Demonstrated initiative in querying anomalies or areas of concern within contracts before inputting into HR system.
  • Supported onboarding and induction programmes to keep training schedules progressing as planned.
  • Carried out complex administrative tasks by organising workloads and priorities between teams and responding to issues promptly.
  • Handled queries and managed support of service tickets via telephone, face-to-face meetings and emails.
  • Utilised company software to maintain HR and employee records accurately.
  • Liaised with employment agencies to arrange interviews and secure quality employees.
  • Verified proof of right to work, references and successful completion of probationary periods.

Education

Philology And Education

National University of Zaporizya
Zapotizya, Ukraine
2013

Skills

  • Learning Program Design & Delivery
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Blended Learning Initiatives
  • Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
  • MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), SharePoint
  • Multicultural Team Coordination

Accomplishments

    • Delivered comprehensive post-COVID onboarding and refresher trainings for all crew aboard Sapphire Princess, including both returning and newly hired team members.

    • Successfully introduced and trained crew on all core processes related to the MedallionClass® Experience, including app functionality and guest interaction.

    • Actively supported Brand Pilots in implementing MedallionClass® training initiatives across departments and provided regular feedback on guest engagement with the system.

    • Selected as a key candidate to support the launch of Sun Princess from shipyard operations in Monfalcone through to inaugural guest sailings.

    • Facilitated large-scale cross-departmental training sessions onboard Sun Princess, ensuring alignment of service standards and digital procedures across Guest Services, Retail, Housekeeping, and F&B.

    • Played a pivotal role in strengthening the onboard MedallionClass® Ambassador Program, conducting numerous “Train-the-Trainer” sessions alongside the onboard L&D Manager.

    • Provided ongoing mentorship and technical guidance to Ambassadors on all MedallionClass® updates and enhancements introduced on board.

    • Maintained regular collaboration with Shoreside Development Teams, providing structured feedback from frontline crew to support continuous product improvement.

    • Delivered daily training sessions, both in formal group formats and informal one-on-one settings, contributing to increased crew confidence and smoother guest experiences.

Hobbies and Interests

Creative writing & storytelling

Cultural exploration

Digital learning trends

Language learning

Event planning

Timeline

Lead Navigator/Digital Communication Manager

Princess Cruises
01.2022 - 04.2024

Retail Assistant

MSC cruises
04.2014 - 03.2018

HR Assistant

Transcontract Ship Management
09.2013 - 03.2014

Philology And Education

National University of Zaporizya