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Cruise Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Belfast, ME · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Charleston, SC · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Old Saybrook, CT

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Guilford, CT · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Providence, RI · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Rockland, ME · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Belfast, ME

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Camden, ME · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bucksport, ME · On-site

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Pittsburgh, PA

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Savannah, GA

Captain 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portland, ME · On-site

Captain 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 ...

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Cruise Captain information

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How much do cruise captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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, 82% Full Time, 15% 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

Belfast, ME • On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Cruise Linesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Captain
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, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
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:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • 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.

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