Cruise Director - 2027

American Cruise Lines

5d•Onsite

About The Position

American Cruise Lines is hiring Cruise Directors for its 2027 season. The company operates small, U.S.-flagged vessels with no more than 200 passengers. The Cruise Director is the most visible advocate for guests and leads onboard entertainment, presentations, activities, events, and communications, creating an engaging atmosphere and supporting guest satisfaction. This leadership role calls for an energetic, creative, collaborative person with polished presentation skills and a strong focus on service. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel Manager. The position is full-time and exempt. While onboard, the schedule is seven days per week, typically for six to eight consecutive weeks, followed by one to two weeks off. The role involves living and working aboard a vessel, working around 12 hours per day, and performing duties in an environment subject to constant ship motion. American Cruise Lines describes its values as Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. Compensation includes a competitive daily rate. The company provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Requirements

Cruise ship experience is preferred; candidates with upscale hotel or resort experience will also be considered.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications.
Extremely polished speaking and presentation skills.
Strong interpersonal and social skills.
Strong critical-thinking skills.
A strong sense of production and presentation.
Basic knowledge of audiovisual equipment.
Enthusiastic, outgoing, and confident manner, with a can-do attitude.
Excellent time management and attention to detail.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without accommodation.
Ability to work seven days per week while onboard, typically for six to eight weeks at a time, followed by one to two weeks off.
Ability to work around 12 hours per day and live and work aboard a vessel for extended periods in an environment subject to constant motion.
Ability to assist in an onboard emergency by quickly climbing a ladder and opening and passing through a 20-inch-diameter hatch.
Ability to stand for an entire shift; frequently lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; frequently bend, squat, and reach; and use stairs frequently.
Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise, manage and solve problems, respond urgently to guest, crew, and Home Office requests, and maintain a positive attitude while receiving continuous performance feedback.

Nice To Haves

Cruise ship experience.
Upscale hotel or resort experience.

Responsibilities

Schedule and deliver entertainment, enrichment, and activity programs that enhance the guest experience.
Communicate with guests through the daily shipboard program, television, stage, public-address system, and one-on-one interactions.
Socialize with guests, including during meals and cocktail hour.
Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
Make the daily noon announcement and, whenever possible, make all public-address announcements as the cruise’s “voice.”
Meet with the Excursions Director, guest speakers, guest instructors, and resident entertainers at the start of each cruise to review scheduling.
Create the daily Ship to Shore.
Host the Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing.
Assist the Captain in delivering the Safety Briefing.
Prepare lounges for activities, events, presentations, and shows, including room configuration and audiovisual requirements.
Confirm entertainers 48 hours in advance and assist entertainers and onboard speakers with audiovisual needs.
Create and update the bulletin board daily.
Work with the Excursions Director to prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
Represent the company at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day.
Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty by hosting re-booking events.
Oversee proper VIP guest service delivery.
Regularly report to the Home Office about cruise status, guest issues and recovery, and evaluations of guest speakers, instructors, and entertainers.
Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.