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Cruise Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Wheeling, WV · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

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 ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Dover, TN · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Clarksville, TN · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Boston, MA

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Annapolis, MD

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Wheeling, WV

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Farmington, UT

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Belfast, ME

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

New York, NY · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Alton, IL · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Astoria, OR

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

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 ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Alpena, MI · On-site

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is ... Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests. * Positive attitude and receptive to ...

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Cruise Crew information

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How much do cruise crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise crew in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges cruise crew members face while working at sea, and how can they prepare for them?

Cruise crew members often work long hours in a fast-paced, multicultural environment while living onboard for extended periods. Adapting to shared living spaces, managing seasickness, and maintaining excellent customer service despite being far from home are common challenges. To prepare, candidates should develop strong interpersonal skills, practice flexibility, and be ready for a structured, team-oriented routine. Prior experience in hospitality or travel can also be helpful in adjusting to the dynamic cruise ship lifestyle.

What is the difference between Cruise Crew vs Cruise Staff?

AspectCruise CrewCruise Staff
CredentialsBasic certifications, such as STCWSimilar certifications, often including hospitality or customer service training
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, working in various departmentsOnboard cruise ships, focusing on guest services and entertainment
Employer & IndustryCruise lines, hospitality industryCruise lines, hospitality and entertainment sectors

Both Cruise Crew and Cruise Staff work onboard cruise ships, often requiring similar certifications like STCW. Cruise Crew typically includes roles in various operational departments, while Cruise Staff focuses more on guest services and entertainment. Both roles are essential for a smooth cruise experience and are commonly searched together by job seekers interested in maritime hospitality careers.

Can I work on a cruise with no experience?

Cruise crew positions often do not require prior experience, as training is typically provided onboard. However, relevant skills such as customer service, communication, and adaptability can improve chances of hiring. Some roles may have minimum age or health requirements, but many entry-level positions are accessible to newcomers.

How much do cruise ship attendants get paid?

Cruise ship attendants typically earn between $1,200 and $2,500 per month, depending on experience, the cruise line, and the specific role. They often receive additional benefits such as tips, accommodations, and meals while working onboard, with schedules usually involving several months at sea followed by time off.

What are cruise crew?

Cruise crew are the team of professionals who work on board a cruise ship to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of passengers. They perform a variety of roles, including hospitality, housekeeping, entertainment, maintenance, and navigation. Cruise crew members may include waitstaff, chefs, entertainers, engineers, officers, and more. Their responsibilities vary depending on their specific job, but all contribute to the smooth operation of the ship and the overall guest experience.

How much do cruise ship crew get paid?

Cruise ship crew members typically earn between $1,200 and $3,000 per month, depending on the position, experience, and cruise line. Salaries can vary for roles such as hospitality staff, entertainers, or technical crew, and often include benefits like free accommodation and meals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cruise Crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cruise Crew member, you need strong customer service skills, safety awareness, and hospitality experience, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant training. Familiarity with ship safety protocols, basic first aid certifications, and point-of-sale or reservation systems is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help crew members deliver memorable guest experiences and handle diverse passenger needs. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring guest satisfaction, and supporting smooth cruise operations in an international and dynamic environment.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the cruise industry, high-paying roles such as senior officers, hotel directors, or specialized entertainment managers can earn around $2,000 or more per day, especially on luxury or large cruise ships. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications, and often involve long hours onboard. Such roles are highly competitive and usually come with additional benefits and bonuses.
More about Cruise Crew jobs
What cities are hiring for Cruise Crew jobs? Cities with the most Cruise Crew job openings:
What states have the most Cruise Crew jobs? States with the most job openings for Cruise Crew jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cruise Crew jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cruise Crew jobs are:
Cruise Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Crew job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,575 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Cruise Director

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Wheeling, WV • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 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:
  • 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.

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