Cruise Director
Fort Madison, IA · 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.
Cruise Director
Fort Madison, IA · 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cruise Director
Grand Rivers, KY · 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.
Cruise Director
Grand Rivers, KY · 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.
Cruise Director
Friday Harbor, WA · 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.
Cruise Director
Friday Harbor, WA · 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.
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.
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.
Cruise Director
Bar Harbor, 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.
Cruise Director
Bar Harbor, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cruise Director
Alpena, MI · 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.
Cruise Director
Alpena, MI · 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cruise Director
Alton, IL · 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.
Cruise Director
Alton, IL · 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Assistant Cruise Director information
See salary details
$25K - $36.1K
10% of jobs
$44.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$36.1K - $47.2K
21% of jobs
$47.2K - $58.3K
18% of jobs
The median wage is $59.1K / yr.
$58.3K - $69.4K
14% of jobs
$69.4K - $80.5K
12% of jobs
$81.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$80.5K - $91.5K
7% of jobs
$91.5K - $102.6K
5% of jobs
$102.6K - $113.7K
4% of jobs
$113.7K - $124.8K
3% of jobs
$124.8K - $135.9K
3% of jobs
$135.9K - $147K
2% of jobs
$25K
$72K
$147K
How much do assistant cruise director jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 4, 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 the highest paying job on a cruise?
The highest paying jobs on a cruise ship are typically senior management roles such as the Hotel Director or Cruise Director, with salaries reaching over $10,000 per month. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing multiple departments and guest services.
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 does an assistant cruise director do?
An assistant cruise director supports the cruise director in managing entertainment, activities, and guest engagement onboard a cruise ship. They help coordinate events, supervise staff, and ensure passengers have a positive experience, often requiring strong communication and organizational skills. The role typically involves working in a team environment and may require relevant certifications or experience in hospitality or entertainment.
What are Assistant Cruise Directors?
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, and why are they important?
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 is the difference between Assistant Cruise Director vs Cruise Director?
| Aspect | Assistant Cruise Director | Cruise Director |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Supports the cruise director, manages guest activities, assists with entertainment | Oversees all entertainment, activities, and guest engagement on the ship |
| Qualifications | Experience in hospitality or entertainment, certifications in first aid or hospitality | Extensive experience in entertainment or hospitality, leadership skills |
| Work Environment | Onboard cruise ships, assisting the cruise director | Onboard 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 much does a typical cruise director make?
A cruise director typically earns between $2,500 and $5,000 per month, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000. Compensation varies based on experience, cruise line, and the size of the ship, and the role often requires strong communication and organizational skills.
More about Assistant Cruise Director jobs
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Who are the top companies hiring for Assistant Cruise Director jobs? The top employers for Assistant Cruise Director jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Cruise Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Cruise Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Cruise Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Cruise Director jobs are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Posted 28 days ago
Job description
Cruise Director
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United States and has no more than 200 passenger vessels that create a one-of-a-kind small ship experience. With newly constructed vessels being added to our fleet, it is a great opportunity to join our shipboard management team.
The Cruise Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere onboard while always engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations and socializing throughout the cruise. The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications on board. This leadership role requires an energetic, creative, talented individual with previous cruise/resort experience, extraordinarily polished presentation skills, collaborative approach, team spirit, and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel Manager.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Attributes for Success:
Work Schedule:
Essential Functions:
Compensation and Benefits:
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United States and has no more than 200 passenger vessels that create a one-of-a-kind small ship experience. With newly constructed vessels being added to our fleet, it is a great opportunity to join our shipboard management team.
The Cruise Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere onboard while always engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations and socializing throughout the cruise. The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications on board. This leadership role requires an energetic, creative, talented individual with previous cruise/resort experience, extraordinarily polished presentation skills, collaborative approach, team spirit, and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel Manager.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
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, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
- Socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour.
- Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
- Make daily Noon announcement/update; make every effort to make all PA announcements as the "voice" of the cruise.
- Meet with Excursions Director, Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
- Create the daily Ship to Shore.
- 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 (lounge configuration, A/V requirements, etc.).
- Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.
- Create and update bulletin board daily.
- Work with 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 as to the status of the cruise, guest issues and recovery, and the evaluations of Guest Speakers, Instructors and Entertainers.
- Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications:
- Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be considered.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
- Extremely polished speaking/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.
- Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, and always have a can-do attitude.
- Excellent time management and attention to detail.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
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 receptive 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 off.
- This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
- Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
- Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
- Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
- Ability to stand for your entire shift.
- Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
- Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
- Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive daily rate.
- Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
- Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.
About American Cruise Lines
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Travel arrangement services
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
Guilford, CT, US
Year founded
1991