The research aims to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and staff job performance on navigable cruise ships in the Santa Cruz canton, Galapagos. A non-experimental, mixed-method, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used, surveying 640 crew members with the Wong-Law Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Portorraro and Sánchez Job Performance Scale. Non-linear principal component analysis revealed an average emotional intelligence index of 69.20/100, with strengths in self-evaluation and emotion usage but areas for improvement in evaluating others’ emotions and emotional regulation. Job performance scored 72.97, excelling in functions and responsibilities but with room for improvement in competence and working conditions. A moderate-high positive relationship was found between emotional intelligence and job performance (r = 0.698, p < 0.05). Training programs in emotional intelligence, effective communication, stress management, role clarification, and recognition programs are recommended to enhance crew well-being and passenger experience quality.