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Assistant Cruise Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pocruises

Cruise Director - Dutch Speaking

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

They motivate and support the Assistant Cruise Director, Activities Crew, and Youth Host, building a culture of teamwork, accountability, and guest focus. Through strong leadership and visible ...

New

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Gulfport, MS · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Nantucket, MA · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Muskegon, MI

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Boston, MA · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Belfast, ME · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Key West, FL

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.

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How much do assistant cruise director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant cruise director in the United States is $71,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant cruise director?

Assistant Cruise Directors are key members of a cruise ship's entertainment management team. They support the Cruise Director by helping organize, coordinate, and host onboard activities and events for passengers. Their role includes making announcements, leading games or shows, and ensuring guests enjoy an engaging and fun experience throughout the voyage. Assistant Cruise Directors also help resolve guest concerns related to entertainment and often act as a liaison between passengers and the entertainment staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant cruise director?

To thrive as an Assistant Cruise Director, you need experience in hospitality or entertainment, strong organizational abilities, and often a background in event planning or guest services. Familiarity with scheduling software, microphone and audio-visual equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills help you engage guests and coordinate with diverse teams. These skills ensure a seamless onboard experience, guest satisfaction, and efficient execution of shipboard activities.

What are some typical challenges an assistant cruise director may face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Cruise Directors often encounter challenges such as adapting to last-minute schedule changes, addressing diverse guest needs, and ensuring smooth communication between departments. Successfully managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, flexibility, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building positive relationships with both guests and crew members, as well as maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure, can greatly enhance performance and contribute to a positive onboard experience.

What is the difference between Assistant Cruise Director vs Cruise Director?

AspectAssistant Cruise DirectorCruise Director
ResponsibilitiesSupports the cruise director, manages guest activities, assists with entertainmentOversees all entertainment, activities, and guest engagement on the ship
QualificationsExperience in hospitality or entertainment, certifications in first aid or hospitalityExtensive experience in entertainment or hospitality, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, assisting the cruise directorOnboard cruise ships, leading the entertainment team

The Assistant Cruise Director supports the Cruise Director in managing guest activities and entertainment. While the Assistant handles specific tasks, the Cruise Director oversees all entertainment operations and guest engagement, making the Cruise Director the primary leader in this role.

How to become an assistant cruise director?

To become an assistant cruise director, candidates typically need experience in hospitality, entertainment, or customer service, along with strong communication and organizational skills. Relevant qualifications include a degree in hospitality or tourism, and some roles may require certifications in first aid or safety procedures. Gaining experience on cruise ships or in related entertainment roles can improve chances of advancement to this position.
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Assistant Cruise Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Cruise Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,970 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Assistant Cruise Director - Marella Cruises

RWS Entertainment Group

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

The Assistant Cruise Director is required to assist the Cruise Director in managing the Entertainment Department onboard a specified Marella Cruise Ship. The department consists of a team of Entertainment Hosts, Production Cast Members, a Technical Manager and team of Technicians, a Children’s Host Team, as well as a Musical Director and team of Resident Musicians.

In addition to all resident Crew/Officers within the Entertainment Department, fly on/off Guest Entertainers will also join the department’s complement each week.

As the Assistant Cruise Director and a member of the Entertainment Team, you must make your presence known to the guests and Entertainment Department team members as much as possible. Daily appearances around the ship and hosting of events must be undertaken in order to maximize the Entertainment Team’s profile.

Working alongside the Cruise Director who is overall responsible for the scheduling and programming of events, activities and shows, you must ensure that all guests experience a modern, full and varied entertainment offering. Supporting other departments with revenue generation, assisted by the daily programme and regular advertising is also a vital part of your role.

As Assistant Cruise Director, a large aspect of your role is to input the entertainment programme into the daily Cruise and Entertainment Layouts and ‘Cruise News’ template, ensuring that this programme is made available to the relevant person on board in a timely manner, in order for them to input it into the daily ‘Cruise News’.

Responsibilities
  • To deliver and promote the entertainment package to an exceptionally high standard.
  • To deputies for the Cruise Director and act as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for him/her around the ship.
  • To host a selected number of daily events and activities, including participation in Sail Away and Deck Parties.
  • To develop new skills.
  • Line management and organization of the Senior Entertainment Host and M-Club Manager their Host Teams, and the visiting Guest Entertainers.
  • Admin duties include; regular checking of and responding to emails, relevant and appropriate amendments to the entertainment scheduling in response to changing demographics on board, appraisals of the Senior Hosts, and assisting the Cruise Director with investigation/disciplinary paperwork where required. Other admin duties as required by the Cruise Director.
  • To create and enhance the guest experience on board.
  • To assist the Cruise Director and oversee all members of the ship’s Entertainment Department.
  • To uphold and exceed venue expectations.
  • To ensure standards, product and the professional behavior of the team are at the highest level of the company.
  • Ensure the updated entertainment programme for each day is completed and issued to the relevant department responsible for the daily ‘Cruise News’ within given deadlines.
  • To make regular revenue announcements when hosting events around the ship (ie; advertising last minute availability on tours/Shop promotions/Cruise Holiday Store etc) and also encourage the Entertainment Team to do the same.
  • Assisting the DCM with inputting the programme into the Cruise Layout, give priority to and protect certain Destination Services events, such as Port Showcases and Cruise Holiday Store/Future Cruise presentations within the Cruise Layout, ensuring there is no conflict with light entertainment events.
  • Personally, and alongside members of the Entertainment Team, assist the hotel operation on challenging days; with gangway assistance and crowd control (ad hoc).
  • To deliver feedback to the Senior Entertainment Host and support him/her in doing the same with the Entertainment Hosts.
  • To ensure appearance and grooming guidelines are maintained by all members of the Entertainment Department, at all times.
  • Interface with the ship’s Management Team.
  • To uphold the standards set out in your training.
  • Senior Host development to include: monthly 1-2-1’s, appraisals and development plans.
  • A position of onboard responsibility will be held with regards to emergency procedures, guest mustering and drills (full training received on board).
Experience & Skillset

The Assistant Cruise Director should have at least 2 years’ experience in working with diverse and varied entertainment programmes, ideally within a ‘family audience’ cruise ship environment.

Experience managing a team of individuals.

Professional microphone/hosting experience.

A strong knowledge of stage performance.

Experience of revenue promotion through an entertainment product.

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