American Cruise Lines
Cruise Director
role at
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA‑flagged cruise line, is looking to add Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for the 2026 season. Our fleet of up to 200 passenger vessels offers a one‑of‑a‑kind small‑ship experience across the United States.
The Cruise Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere onboard while engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations, and socializing throughout the cruise. The role requires an energetic, creative, and talented individual with previous cruise or resort experience, polished presentation skills, collaborative teamwork, and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel Manager.
Responsibilities
Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment, and activity programs that enhance and elevate the guest experience.
Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, PA system, and one‑on‑one interaction.
Socialize with guests at every opportunity, including mealtimes and cocktail hour.
Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
Make daily noon announcement/up‑date and serve as the “voice” of the cruise on all PA announcements.
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 brief.
Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing.
Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations, and shows (including lounge configuration and AV requirements).
Confirm entertainers 48‑hours in advance; assist entertainers and onsite speakers with AV needs.
Create and update bulletin board daily.
Work with the Excursions Director to prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
Act as company representative at pre‑cruise hotels on turnaround day.
Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty by hosting re‑booking events.
Oversee proper VIP guest service delivery.
Communicate and report regularly to the home office regarding the status of the cruise, guest issues, recovery, and evaluations of Guest Speakers, Instructors, and Entertainers.
Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications
Cruise ship experience preferred; upscale hotel/resort experience also considered.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Extremely polished speaking and presentation skills required.
Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
Strong critical thinking skills required.
Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
Enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, and always adopting a can‑do attitude.
Excellent time management and attention to detail.
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 with all guest, crew, and home office requests.
Positive attitude and receptiveness to continuous feedback.
Work Schedule
7 days per week while onboard the ship.
6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard.
1 to 2 weeks of shore leave vacation.
Accommodations and meals provided onboard.
Perks
Medical, dental, and matching 401(k) benefits package.
Complimentary travel accommodations.
No living expenses aboard the ship (room and board included).
Training programs to support professional growth.
Continuous advancement within the company.
Covered expenses for travel to and from assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training from industry experts.
Job sites across the nation*.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Manufacturing
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role at
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA‑flagged cruise line, is looking to add Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for the 2026 season. Our fleet of up to 200 passenger vessels offers a one‑of‑a‑kind small‑ship experience across the United States.
The Cruise Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere onboard while engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations, and socializing throughout the cruise. The role requires an energetic, creative, and talented individual with previous cruise or resort experience, polished presentation skills, collaborative teamwork, and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel Manager.
Responsibilities
Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment, and activity programs that enhance and elevate the guest experience.
Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, PA system, and one‑on‑one interaction.
Socialize with guests at every opportunity, including mealtimes and cocktail hour.
Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
Make daily noon announcement/up‑date and serve as the “voice” of the cruise on all PA announcements.
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 brief.
Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing.
Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations, and shows (including lounge configuration and AV requirements).
Confirm entertainers 48‑hours in advance; assist entertainers and onsite speakers with AV needs.
Create and update bulletin board daily.
Work with the Excursions Director to prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
Act as company representative at pre‑cruise hotels on turnaround day.
Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty by hosting re‑booking events.
Oversee proper VIP guest service delivery.
Communicate and report regularly to the home office regarding the status of the cruise, guest issues, recovery, and evaluations of Guest Speakers, Instructors, and Entertainers.
Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications
Cruise ship experience preferred; upscale hotel/resort experience also considered.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Extremely polished speaking and presentation skills required.
Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
Strong critical thinking skills required.
Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
Enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, and always adopting a can‑do attitude.
Excellent time management and attention to detail.
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 with all guest, crew, and home office requests.
Positive attitude and receptiveness to continuous feedback.
Work Schedule
7 days per week while onboard the ship.
6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard.
1 to 2 weeks of shore leave vacation.
Accommodations and meals provided onboard.
Perks
Medical, dental, and matching 401(k) benefits package.
Complimentary travel accommodations.
No living expenses aboard the ship (room and board included).
Training programs to support professional growth.
Continuous advancement within the company.
Covered expenses for travel to and from assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training from industry experts.
Job sites across the nation*.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr