This paper analyzes the modern cruise industry and the role of all management functions within this context. Due to the diversity and complexity of the business environment in the cruise sector, this industry stands out for its multidisciplinary nature. For this reason, cruise tourism represents a unique branch that requires a synergy of management skills from both the tourism and maritime sectors. Passenger ships are vessels designed for the transport of passengers across seas, oceans, rivers, or lakes. Management is a discipline that focuses on the organization, leadership, planning, and oversight of resources, people, and operations within organizations to achieve goals as efficiently as possible. Effective management involves utilizing various skills and knowledge to optimize productivity and achieve success. Shipping companies could not function long-term without quality management, as they face numerous challenges in operating on the global market. A competent management team is essential for adapting to the ever-changing business conditions in which they operate. One of the key tasks of a modern manager is motivating employees, which largely depends on personal charisma and individual traits. Shipboard management plays a vital role in achieving the goals of shipping companies. Ship management is unique due to its significance and position within the management system of shipping companies, and it belongs to the operational level of management within these organizations. From the perspective of the management structure of a shipping company, the majority of time is dedicated to leadership, or the application of the management function of leading. Additionally, in order to achieve operational goals, a portion of time is invested in the application of other management functions such as human resource planning and controlling.