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Cruise Director Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Program Director

Huntsville, AL

$92K - $166K/yr

... cruise missiles, and rockets. As we transition from development into full-rate production, Leidos continues to expand our Huntsville-based operations to ensure system performance, readiness, and ...

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Cruise Director information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$41.7K

$82.3K

$173K

How much do cruise director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for cruise director in Decatur, AL is $82,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a cruise director get paid per month?

A cruise director typically earns between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on the cruise line, experience, and the size of the ship. Compensation may also include tips, bonuses, and benefits, with some earning higher salaries based on seniority and performance.

What Does a Cruise Director Do?

A cruise director is an officer on a cruise ship who is in charge of organizing fun events and activities for the passengers. As a cruise director, you are often considered to be the face of the company. Your job duties are hospitality-focused and include all social events and entertainment on-board. You are responsible for a large number of different activities for many passengers, especially on larger cruise lines. This requires you to be capable of organizing and directing entertainment staff members to successfully hold the many events as scheduled.

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

To thrive as a Cruise Director, you need experience in hospitality, event planning, and guest services, often supported by a degree in hospitality management or related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, public address systems, and health and safety protocols is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, leadership, and adaptability enable effective guest engagement and team coordination. These abilities ensure smooth onboard operations, high guest satisfaction, and the successful delivery of entertainment programs.

How can I become a cruise director?

To become a cruise director, candidates typically need experience in hospitality, entertainment, or customer service, along with strong communication and leadership skills. Many cruise lines prefer applicants with a background in hospitality, tourism, or performing arts, and some require certifications such as first aid or safety training. Prior experience working on ships or in similar environments can also be beneficial.

What is the highest paid job on a cruise ship?

The highest paid job on a cruise ship is typically the captain or master, who oversees all ship operations and safety. Other high-paying roles include hotel directors and senior officers, with salaries influenced by experience, certifications, and the cruise line's policies.

What are some common challenges faced by Cruise Directors and how can they be managed?

Cruise Directors often encounter challenges such as coordinating diverse entertainment schedules, handling last-minute changes, and managing large, multicultural teams. Additionally, they must ensure guests remain satisfied while adapting quickly to unexpected situations like weather disruptions or technical issues. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication with both staff and guests. Building positive relationships with other departments, such as hospitality and operations, is crucial for seamless event execution and guest satisfaction.

What is the difference between Cruise Director vs Entertainment Manager?

AspectCruise DirectorEntertainment Manager
Primary RoleOversees all guest entertainment and activities onboardManages entertainment staff and specific events or shows
CredentialsExperience in hospitality, event planning, or entertainment; certifications varyBackground in entertainment, event management, or hospitality
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, interacting with guests and staffOnboard or ashore, focusing on entertainment operations
Industry UsageCommonly used in cruise lines for guest engagement rolesUsed in cruise lines for managing entertainment staff and programs

The Cruise Director and Entertainment Manager roles both focus on entertainment onboard, but the Cruise Director oversees all guest activities and overall entertainment experience, while the Entertainment Manager concentrates on managing entertainment staff and specific events. The Cruise Director has a broader, guest-facing role, whereas the Entertainment Manager handles operational details of entertainment programs.

Is cruise director a hard job?

A cruise director's job involves managing entertainment, activities, and guest relations on a cruise ship, which can be physically demanding and require strong communication and organizational skills. The role often involves long hours, irregular schedules, and working in a confined environment, making it a challenging position for many individuals.

What does a Cruise Director do?

A Cruise Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all entertainment, activities, and guest services on a cruise ship. They serve as the main point of contact between the passengers and the ship's crew for onboard events and ensure that guests have an enjoyable experience throughout their voyage. Cruise Directors also manage a team of staff, announce daily activities, and often host shows or special events. Their role is both administrative and highly interactive, requiring excellent communication and organizational skills.
More about Cruise Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Cruise jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Cruise Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Cruise Director job openings:
Cruise Director jobs near you
Cruise & Excursions Director

Cruise & Excursions Director

American Cruise Lines

Decatur, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Cruise & Excursions Director
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise & Excursions 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 & Excursions Director is a hybrid role responsible for engaging guests both on board and ashore. On board, the Cruise & Excursions Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere while always engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations, communications and socializing throughout the cruise. Ashore, the Cruise & Excursions Director engages guests in each destination through a series of shoreside excursions, explorations and adventures while managing all shore excursions and transfer operations, external vendor/operator communications, premium excursion upselling and inventory management.
This role has the highest level of guest interaction and can be very demanding, with long hours. The role requires an energetic and creative person with extraordinarily polished presentation skills, a collaborative team spirit and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise & Excursions Director reports to the Hotel General 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.
  • Create the Ship to Shore.
  • Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
  • Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
  • Confirm and adjust, as necessary, all shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
  • Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
  • Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
  • Coordinate, communicate and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators and entertainers to ensure timely and smooth service.
  • Accommodate guest requests, including highly personalized ones such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation arrangements.
  • Socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour.
  • Make daily midday announcement/update; make every effort to make all PA announcements as the "voice" of the cruise.
  • Present a detailed Officer's Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
  • Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
  • Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, stage set-up, background music, A/V requirements, etc.).
  • Meet and greet step-on entertainers when they join the ship; conduct sound check and inspect stage set-up.
  • Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system; be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware.
  • Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
  • Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
  • Oversee, manage inventory and display port information collateral for guests; coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures and other port-/region-specific materials of interest to guests.
  • Ensure that approved background music is playing in lounges before and after each activity, presentation and show.
  • Create and update bulletin board daily.
  • Coordinate weekly office inventory.
  • Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
  • Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, motor coaches, entertainers and guest speakers, providing immediate course corrections when necessary.
  • Oversee company representation at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day (when applicable).
  • Meet with Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
  • Promote on board sales and brand loyalty program.
  • Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, excursion counts, guest issues and recovery, entertainment, enrichment and activities.
  • Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
  • Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can-do attitude.
  • Strong public speaking skills.
  • Strong social skills.
  • Strong critical thinking skills.
  • Strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. Geography preferred.
  • 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 work outside during inclement weather, staying agile, and maintaining balance over wet terrain.
  • Ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure.
  • 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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