Historian & Destination Speaker
About The Position
American Cruise Lines seeks knowledgeable, engaging Historians & Destination Speakers to enrich the guest experience aboard its small ships. The role helps guests understand the history, culture, and natural surroundings of destinations through presentations, port previews, underway commentary, shore excursions, and conversation. Assignments are matched to the candidate’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 onboard and remain aboard for the full duration of each assignment. Assignment lengths vary according to candidate availability and regional needs. American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from the assigned vessel, along with 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.
- Ability to work seven days per week while onboard and remain aboard for the full duration of each assignment.
- Passion for building relationships and speaking about American history.
- Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
- Sense of urgency in responding to guest, crew, and home office requests.
- Positive attitude and receptiveness to continuous performance feedback.
- Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.
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 several 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.
Benefits
- Travel to and from the assigned vessel is provided.
- Room and board are provided.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
