Resident Entertainer

American Cruise Lines • New London, CT

6d

About The Position

American Cruise Lines is seeking talented solo piano-vocalists to perform aboard its fleet of ships cruising America’s rivers and coastal waterways. Resident Entertainers provide instrumental cocktail music and engaging evening shows while serving as a welcoming, highly visible part of the onboard guest experience. They work and live aboard the vessel for the full duration of each assignment, with responsibilities seven days per week. Assignment lengths depend on availability and fleet needs.

Before their first onboard assignment, entertainers complete a paid training program at home with the Entertainment Producer, preparing four to five curated mainstage shows from American Cruise Lines’ established repertoire. This onboard working position involves preparation, performances, and regular interaction with guests throughout the cruise.

Requirements

• Strong vocal ability, confident stage presence, and strong piano technique.
• An extensive repertoire suited to a broad audience, including music for listening and dancing.
• Ability to perform varied themed shows featuring familiar music from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Motown, the British Invasion, country, and other popular styles.
• Ability to perform instrumental cocktail music independently and sustain varied programming throughout an assignment.
• An outgoing, personable manner and a natural ability to connect with guests.
• Creativity, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to follow performance direction and respond to feedback.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, and familiarity with basic audio equipment.
• Willingness to work and live aboard a vessel for the full duration of each assignment, with responsibilities seven days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a shipboard piano-bar performer or production vocalist.

Responsibilities

• Perform approximately one hour of instrumental cocktail piano music on most evenings, typically six nights during a seven-night cruise, with varied selections and minimal repetition.
• Present scheduled 60-minute mainstage shows, generally two to four per cruise, depending on the itinerary and cruise length.
• Prepare and perform themed programs from American Cruise Lines’ established repertoire, following direction from the Entertainment Producer.
• Connect with guests both on and off stage, creating a friendly atmosphere and participating in the social life of the ship.
• Coordinate with the Cruise Director and onboard team, adapting to itinerary changes and the daily program.
• Maintain professional standards in performance, appearance, punctuality, and interactions with guests and crew.

Benefits

• Paid training with the Entertainment Producer.
• Competitive compensation while working onboard.
• The opportunity to perform for engaged audiences while traveling America’s waterways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed