American Queen Steamboat Co.
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise & Excursions Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. As a small ship experience with newly constructed vessels, this role offers a unique opportunity to join our shipboard management team.
Overview The Cruise & Excursions Director is a hybrid role responsible for engaging guests both on board and ashore. On board, the Director advocates for guests through entertainment, events, shows, and social interaction. Ashore, the Director manages shore excursions, transfer operations, vendor communications, premium upselling, and inventory management. The Director reports to the Hotel General Manager and embodies our company values of
Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism,
and
Merit.
We share America’s story on the finest American ships.
Responsibilities
Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment, and activity programs that enhance the guest experience.
Create the Ship to Shore.
Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, public address system, and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call, and excursions offered.
Confirm and adjust, as necessary, all shore excursions, explorations, adventures, and transfers.
Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
Coordinate, communicate, and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, and entertainers to ensure timely and smooth service.
Accommodate guest requests, including highly personalized ones such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation arrangements.
Socialize with guests at every opportunity, including mealtimes and cocktail hour.
Make daily midday announcements and all PA announcements as the “voice” of the cruise.
Present a detailed Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations, and shows, with stage set-up and background music.
Meet and greet entertainers when they join the ship; conduct sound checks and inspect stage set-up.
Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system; be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware.
Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
Oversee, manage, and display port information collateral for guests; coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures, and other region-specific materials.
Ensure that approved background music is playing in lounges before and after each activity, presentation, and show.
Create and update bulletin board daily.
Coordinate weekly office inventory.
Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, motor coaches, entertainers and guest speakers, providing immediate course corrections when necessary.
Oversee company representation at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day (when applicable).
Meet with Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
Promote on board sales and brand loyalty program.
Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, excursion counts, guest issues and recovery, entertainment, enrichment and activities.
Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can‑do attitude.
Strong public speaking and social skills.
Strong critical thinking and production/presentation skills.
Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.
Excellent time management and attention to detail.
Strong knowledge of U.S. geography preferred.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Attributes for Success
Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
Superior time management.
Ability to manage and solve problems.
Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
Positive attitude and receptivity to continuous performance feedback.
Work Schedule
7 days per week while onboard the ship.
6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship.
1 to 2 weeks shore leave vacation.
Accommodations and meals are provided onboard.
Perks
Benefits package including medical, dental, and matching 401(k).
Complimentary travel accommodations.
No living expenses aboard the ship (room and board are included).
Training programs to support you.
Continuous growth in the company.
Covered expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training from industry experts.
Job sites across the nation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Overview The Cruise & Excursions Director is a hybrid role responsible for engaging guests both on board and ashore. On board, the Director advocates for guests through entertainment, events, shows, and social interaction. Ashore, the Director manages shore excursions, transfer operations, vendor communications, premium upselling, and inventory management. The Director reports to the Hotel General Manager and embodies our company values of
Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism,
and
Merit.
We share America’s story on the finest American ships.
Responsibilities
Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment, and activity programs that enhance the guest experience.
Create the Ship to Shore.
Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, public address system, and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call, and excursions offered.
Confirm and adjust, as necessary, all shore excursions, explorations, adventures, and transfers.
Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
Coordinate, communicate, and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, and entertainers to ensure timely and smooth service.
Accommodate guest requests, including highly personalized ones such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation arrangements.
Socialize with guests at every opportunity, including mealtimes and cocktail hour.
Make daily midday announcements and all PA announcements as the “voice” of the cruise.
Present a detailed Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations, and shows, with stage set-up and background music.
Meet and greet entertainers when they join the ship; conduct sound checks and inspect stage set-up.
Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system; be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware.
Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
Oversee, manage, and display port information collateral for guests; coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures, and other region-specific materials.
Ensure that approved background music is playing in lounges before and after each activity, presentation, and show.
Create and update bulletin board daily.
Coordinate weekly office inventory.
Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, motor coaches, entertainers and guest speakers, providing immediate course corrections when necessary.
Oversee company representation at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day (when applicable).
Meet with Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
Promote on board sales and brand loyalty program.
Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, excursion counts, guest issues and recovery, entertainment, enrichment and activities.
Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can‑do attitude.
Strong public speaking and social skills.
Strong critical thinking and production/presentation skills.
Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.
Excellent time management and attention to detail.
Strong knowledge of U.S. geography preferred.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Attributes for Success
Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
Superior time management.
Ability to manage and solve problems.
Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
Positive attitude and receptivity to continuous performance feedback.
Work Schedule
7 days per week while onboard the ship.
6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship.
1 to 2 weeks shore leave vacation.
Accommodations and meals are provided onboard.
Perks
Benefits package including medical, dental, and matching 401(k).
Complimentary travel accommodations.
No living expenses aboard the ship (room and board are included).
Training programs to support you.
Continuous growth in the company.
Covered expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training from industry experts.
Job sites across the nation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr