Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Languages
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
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Valbona Tahiri

Tirana,Albania

Summary

Driven Program Coordinator with strong background in managing and overseeing various projects from initiation to completion. Skills include strategic planning, collaboration, problem-solving, and effective communication. Noted for improving operational efficiency and contributing towards positive organizational impact by aligning program goals with business objectives. Successful in fostering relationships across departments and implementing innovative solutions that drive success.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Expedition Program Coordinator

Viking Expedition
08.2022 - Current
  • Working very closely with the Expedition Leader and the Bridge team especially with the Captain and Staff Captain, I am responsible for meticulously preparing the daily guest program activities on board and ashore
  • I maintain close coordination with all teams, particularly the Submarine Pilots, to ensure a seamless and professional operation
  • I also help the Science team on their activities such as the Weather Balloon Launch, Lab tours and Science zodiac cruises to enhance guests experience
  • As the individual in charge of dispatch, I make prompt decisions as necessary for the overall success of the operation especially during expedition days, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving
  • My role also involves daily interaction with guests to ensure their satisfaction and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Additionally, I take on the responsibility of administering shore excursion budgets and meticulously prepare comprehensive end-of-cruise financial invoices, forwarding them to the company's head office
  • Following each expedition, I diligently compile a detailed end-of-voyage report, highlighting restrictions and offering valuable recommendations for future calls
  • As a head of department, I lead a substantial team, actively striving to cultivate and maintain an optimal work environment.
  • I am also in charge of the inventory control of all equipment of the expedition team

Senior Shore Excursions Staff/Ocean & Expedition

Viking Ocean Cruises
05.2019 - 06.2022
  • As an integral part of the emergency response organization, I focused on continual improvement in safety for guests, crew, and the vessel
  • Overseeing all aspects of shore excursions, including sales, communication with tour operators, and dispatching tenders
  • Readily available to address guest queries or complaints at any time
  • I managed the disembarkation process, coordinating with tour operators and sending confirmation letters to guests
  • As part of my responsibilities, I supervised the Shore Excursions and Guest Services staff and worked closely with the Expedition team and the Bridge team
  • Provided support to management in areas such as recruitment, training, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions
  • Coordinated employee schedules and maintained accurate timekeeping records
  • Communicated effectively with customers regarding their inquiries or complaints

Shore Excursion Staff

Viking Ocean Cruises
07.2017 - 05.2018
  • Actively contributing to the emergency response organization, I consistently pursued enhancements in safety measures for guests, crew, and the vessel
  • Responsible for dispatching shore excursions and tenders, I meticulously assigned escorts to ensure quality management
  • Available at the Shore Excursions Desk during scheduled hours, I facilitated bookings or cancellations and coordinated all excursions, managing audio equipment logistics
  • Leveraging in-depth knowledge of ports of call and excursions, I performed concierge duties, including restaurant and activity bookings ashore
  • Regularly accompanying shore excursions, I ensured comprehensive product and port knowledge while monitoring tour quality.
  • Communicated effectively with customers regarding their inquiries or complaints.
  • Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and transactions.

Restaurant Waitress

Norwegian Cruise Line
05.2016 - 04.2017
  • In my role, I was overseeing all food and service matters within my assigned work station, adhering to the cruise line's highest standards
  • Answered questions about menu items in detail, providing accurate information regarding ingredients used.
  • Performed opening and closing duties such as restocking supplies and cleaning work areas prior to leaving shift.
  • Ensured compliance with health department regulations by properly storing foods according to temperature guidelines.
  • I was engaging with passengers, escort them to their tables, present menus, offer recommendations, and address inquiries with courtesy
  • Additionally, I efficiently relayed orders to the galley, ensuring each course is impeccably presented and properly garnished
  • My responsibilities extend to setting tables, arranging linen, silverware, china, and glassware
  • I also contributed to the seamless execution of special events and functions as directed by the ship's management.

Inbound Agent - Vodafone Italy

Albacall Sh.A
Tirana
09.2013 - 04.2016
  • Managed large amounts of inbound and outbound calls in a timely manner
  • Followed communication 'scripts' when handling different topics
  • Build sustainable relationships and engage customers by taking the extra mile
  • Met personal/team qualitative and quantitative targets
  • Monitored incoming emails and responded promptly to customer queries.
  • Handled escalated calls from dissatisfied customers calmly and professionally.
  • Investigated customer complaints and provided solutions.
  • Provided customer service through phone, email, and live chat support.

Education

Classical piano

University of Arts, Tirana
07.2015

Skills

  • Multitasking
  • Management & Organization
  • Teamwork & Problem Solving
  • Leadership & Public Speaking
  • Working under pressure
  • Fast Learner
  • Financial Administration
  • Knowledge of USPH regulations

Personal Information

  • Place of Birth: Durres
  • Date of Birth: 06/22/1992
  • Gender: Female
  • Nationality: Albania
  • Marital Status: Single

Languages

  • English
  • Italian
  • Spanish

Hobbies and Interests

  • Gym/outdoor Activities
  • Learning New Skills
  • New Challenges

Timeline

Expedition Program Coordinator

Viking Expedition
08.2022 - Current

Senior Shore Excursions Staff/Ocean & Expedition

Viking Ocean Cruises
05.2019 - 06.2022

Shore Excursion Staff

Viking Ocean Cruises
07.2017 - 05.2018

Restaurant Waitress

Norwegian Cruise Line
05.2016 - 04.2017

Inbound Agent - Vodafone Italy

Albacall Sh.A
09.2013 - 04.2016

Classical piano

University of Arts, Tirana
Valbona Tahiri