Historian & Destination Speaker

American Cruise Lines•Sitka, AK

About The Position

American Cruise Lines seeks knowledgeable, engaging Historians & Destination Speakers to enrich the guest experience aboard its small ships. Through presentations, port previews, underway commentary, shore excursions, and conversation, the speaker helps guests understand the history, culture, and natural surroundings of the destinations they visit. Assignments are matched to the speaker’s expertise and itinerary needs; candidates may specialize in a region and are not expected to know every region. Relevant backgrounds include history, geography, ecology, maritime heritage, literature, music, and other destination-focused subjects. This onboard working position combines scheduled programming, preparation, and regular interaction with guests. Historians work seven days per week while aboard and remain on the vessel for the full duration of each assignment. Assignment lengths depend on candidate availability and regional needs. American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from the assigned vessel, as well as room and board. Job sites are across the nation.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in subjects directly relevant to the assigned itinerary.
Polished public speaking skills and the ability to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for a general audience.
Sufficient presentation material to provide varied programming throughout an entire cruise without excessive repetition.
Strong research skills, sound factual accuracy, and the ability to prepare useful port-specific information.
Strong interpersonal skills, a friendly and confident manner, and a commitment to guest service.
Excellent time management, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of PowerPoint and audio/visual equipment.
A collaborative approach and willingness to respond to direction and performance feedback.
Substantial knowledge of the proposed region, with relevant topics varying by region and potentially including regional history, culture, geography, ecology, maritime heritage, literature, music, and local industries.

Responsibilities

Deliver engaging 45- to 60-minute enrichment presentations, generally one per day as scheduled, supported by clear, relevant PowerPoint visuals.
Research each port and present daily 15- to 20-minute Port Previews, including time for questions, covering the destination and what guests can expect ashore.
Provide brief periods of live underway commentary during daylight hours, as appropriate to the itinerary, highlighting relevant landmarks, scenery, history, and points of interest over the ship’s public address system; coordinate timing with the onboard team.
Participate in select shore excursions when requested, providing coach commentary or additional destination context as appropriate.
Dine with guests each evening and contribute to welcoming, engaging conversation.
Be available for informal discussions and questions throughout the day and evening.
Coordinate programming with the Cruise Director and onboard team, adapting to sailing schedules and itinerary changes.