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Cruise Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Calyx Living

Cruise Director

Raleigh, NC

Calyx Living is actively seeking an energetic and creative "Cruise Director" to lead the Activity Program for our contemporary senior living community, Calyx Living of Wakefield ! We are located in ...

Calyx Living

Cruise Director

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Calyx Living is actively seeking an energetic and creative "Cruise Director" to lead the Activity Program for our contemporary senior living community, Calyx Living of Wakefield! We are located in ...

Calyx Living

Cruise Director

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Calyx Living is actively seeking an energetic and creative "Cruise Director" to lead the Activity Program for our contemporary senior living community, Calyx Living of Wakefield ! We are located in ...

Infojini Inc

Sr. .Net Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$53 - $70/hr

Raleigh, NC 27604 Duration: 6+ months Client: (Direct Client) Skills:- Microsoft .NET, ASP.NET, SQL ... nant, Cruise Control), bug/enhancement tracking, test driven development, and related best ...

All JobsCruise JobsCruise Director JobsCruise Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Cruise Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$43.3K

$85.3K

$179.3K

How much do cruise director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cruise director in Raleigh, NC is $85,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,900.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

How much money do cruise directors make?

Cruise directors typically earn between $2,000 and $5,000 per month, depending on experience, cruise line, and itinerary. They often receive additional benefits such as accommodations, meals, and tips, with some earning bonuses based on performance and guest satisfaction.

Is a cruise director a hard job?

A cruise director's job can be demanding, as it involves managing entertainment, activities, and guest interactions on a ship, often requiring long hours and adaptability. Strong communication skills, multitasking, and the ability to handle stressful situations are essential for success in this role.

What qualifications are needed to be a cruise director?

To become a cruise director, candidates typically need a background in hospitality, entertainment, or customer service, along with strong communication and leadership skills. Previous experience in the cruise or hospitality industry, along with certifications such as first aid or safety training, can be beneficial. Fluency in multiple languages is often preferred due to the diverse passenger demographic.
More about Cruise Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Cruise jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Cruise Director jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Cruise Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cruise Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cruise Director jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cruise Director job openings:

Cruise Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,285 per year, or $41 per hour.

Cruise Director

Calyx Living

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Calyx Living is actively seeking an energetic and creative "Cruise Director" to lead the Activity Program for our contemporary senior living community, Calyx Living of Wakefield! We are located in beautiful Wakefield, just off Capital Boulevard in North Raleigh.

Calyx is looking to hire NOW a "Cruise Director" who will be responsible for the development and implementation of a vibrant, holistic and varied recreational activity program at our Assisted Living community. Along with planning and organizing activities that keep our residents active and energized, the "Cruise Director" also coordinates our group of engaged and passionate instructors, ensuring a robust schedule of classes in areas like the arts, yoga, gardening and exercise.

"Cruise Director" Qualifications:

  • An outgoing warm personality along with a passion to work with seniors
  • Strong planning and organizational skills
  • A current driver's license in good standing in NC
  • Ideally has one year of planning and executing exciting and engaging events.
  • Has already or must be willing to complete the required State Activity Course

If you have strong people and organizational skills, and are interested in spearheading a vibrant, holistic engagement program for our seniors, please apply here.

Apply