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Cruise Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hornblower Corp

$90 - $140/hr

Rotate as cruise captain on cruises and ensure adherence to procedures detailed in the Product Management Guide. This includes thorough pre-cruise preparation, adherence to cruise scripts ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$166 - $277/hr

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Moundsville, WV · On-site

$166 - $277/hr

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

The Dalles, OR · On-site

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$70 - $120/hr

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Belfast, ME · On-site

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Wheeling, WV · On-site

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Dover, TN · On-site

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL · On-site

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

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How much do cruise captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cruise captain do?

A Cruise Captain is responsible for commanding and overseeing the safe operation of a cruise ship. They navigate the vessel, ensure compliance with maritime laws, and manage the crew to provide a safe and pleasant experience for passengers. The Cruise Captain also coordinates with departments on board, handles emergencies, and represents the cruise line to guests and port authorities. Their leadership and expertise are crucial for the smooth running of all ship operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cruise captain?

To thrive as a Cruise Captain, you need advanced maritime navigation skills, a valid master mariner's license, and extensive experience at sea. Proficiency with modern navigation systems, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, efficient vessel operation, and positive guest experiences on board.

What are some common challenges faced by cruise captains, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cruise Captains often face challenges such as navigating changing weather conditions, maintaining passenger safety, and managing a diverse crew. Effective communication and strong leadership skills are essential for coordinating with officers, engineers, and hospitality staff to ensure smooth operations. Captains must also stay updated with maritime regulations and be prepared to make quick decisions in emergencies. Proactive planning and regular training help manage these complexities and contribute to a safe, enjoyable voyage for all onboard.

What is the difference between Cruise Captain vs Marine Pilot?

AspectCruise CaptainMarine Pilot
CertificationsCaptain's license, STCW certificationMarine pilot license, STCW certification
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, overseeing passenger safetyOnshore or onboard ships, guiding vessels through ports
Industry UsagePassenger cruise industryCommercial shipping, port navigation

Both Cruise Captains and Marine Pilots require similar certifications and work in maritime environments. However, Cruise Captains primarily oversee entire cruise ships and passenger safety onboard, while Marine Pilots specialize in navigating ships through ports and confined waters. Their roles complement each other within the maritime industry, with each focusing on different aspects of vessel operation and safety.

Are cruise ship captains in demand?

Cruise ship captains are in steady demand due to the ongoing growth of the cruise industry and the need for experienced maritime professionals. They typically require extensive maritime training, certifications, and leadership skills, and employment opportunities are influenced by industry health and travel trends.

How much do cruise captains get paid?

Cruise captains typically earn between $80,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, the size of the vessel, and the cruise line. Salaries often include benefits such as housing, travel allowances, and bonuses, and require certifications like a Master Mariner license. The position involves long hours and a high level of responsibility for passenger safety and vessel operation.

How to get a job as a cruise captain?

To become a cruise captain, candidates typically need extensive maritime experience, often starting as a deck officer and progressing through certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). A valid master mariner license is required, along with strong leadership skills and knowledge of navigation, safety procedures, and ship operations. Gaining experience on large vessels and completing specialized training programs are essential steps in qualifying for a cruise captain position.
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Cruise Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Captain FT | City Cruises Philadelphia

Hornblower

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines

Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
The successful Captain will greet all guests and ensure each guest is attended to in an appropriate manner ensuring consistently high levels of safety, quality, service, and guest satisfaction, while maintaining a high level of profitability.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Rotate as cruise captain on cruises and ensure adherence to procedures detailed in the Product Management Guide. This includes thorough pre-cruise preparation, adherence to cruise scripts, supervision of crew, proper piloting of vessel, adherence to all Coast Guard rules and regulations, and guest satisfaction.
  • Gather pertinent cruise event details from the other departments to ensure special guest requests are fulfilled thereby ensuring complete guest satisfaction.
  • Conduct pre-cruise meetings and communicate to crew all necessary information regarding the cruise (special needs, boarding procedures, etc.).
  • Ensure that staff and quests adhere to all safety standards and procedures.
  • Participate in the execution of the Safety Program, including emergency drills
  • Participate in the proper maintenance of all ship's systems and boarding facilities including but not limited to gangways, diesel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray), fire suppression, communications, and navigation.
  • Ensure adherence to Coast Guard rules and regulations, and other federal and local rules and regulations.
  • Ensure strict compliance to Emergency Response Plan.
  • Execute other projects as assigned by management.
  • Recruit non-exempt operations staff (crew) when necessary to fill vacant positions.
  • Deliver training to new crew.
  • Schedule crew according to staffing matrix.
  • Adhere to Company's performance management guidelines for all discipline and termination situations.
  • Recommend to Marine Management the promotion of crew to full-time annual positions.
  • Develop positive working relationships with city department heads and peers.
  • Develop strong teamwork within the staff.
  • Resolve guest problems in conjunction with the on-duty Restaurant Manager utilizing strong guest service skills and exercising effective communication skills in keeping with company objectives and guest retention.
  • Oversee the implementation and execution of safety programs in accordance with Coast Guard regulations and established Company policies
  • Complete all shift records: checklist, logbook, payroll, and documentation of safety training.
  • Ensure that incident reports are completed accurately and promptly.
  • Participate in administration of payroll system including scheduling, checking, transmitting, and processing.
  • Execute collateral duties as assigned by Marine Management: uniforms, crew training, safety training, recruiting, scheduling crew and routine vessel maintenance.
  • Schedule crew work periods to achieve maximum payroll efficiency.
  • Attend all scheduled meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Must currently possess 100-ton license with a satisfactory record.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of marine experience-preferably to include two (2) years as a captain with an outstanding record.
  • Detailed working knowledge of all ship's systems and their proper maintenance: gangways, diesel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray), fire suppression, communications, and navigation.
  • Must be able to operate vessel in accordance with all Coast Guard rules and procedures.
  • FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit.
  • Vessel handling and navigation knowledge required.
  • Able to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
  • Able to effectively deal with internal and external guests some of whom will require high levels of patience tact and diplomacy.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to analyze and solve problems.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks.
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (especially Word & Excel).
  • Per USCG regulations, must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to work onboard a moving vessel in varying weather and sea conditions, including maintaining balance and stability while underway.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently throughout a shift.
  • Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, narrow passageways, and confined spaces commonly found onboard vessels.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, and inventory weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and perform repetitive motions as required in food service and hospitality operations.
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively during normal operations, guest service situations, and emergency procedures.
  • Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to moving equipment, wet surfaces, temperature variations, and moderate noise levels.
  • Ability to visually inspect service areas, food presentation, cleanliness standards, and safety conditions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with guests, crew members, and management in person and via radio or other communication devices.
  • Successfully complete vessel-specific safety and emergency training.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Work Environment:
  • Work is performed primarily onboard a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, with duties split between dining, service, storage, galley-adjacent, and administrative areas.
  • Position requires regular movement throughout multiple decks and may involve occasional exposure to outdoor marine environments, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight.
  • Must be able to safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.

#CityCruisesUS
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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