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Cruise Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC

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 ...

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 looking to add Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Washington, DC

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Baltimore, MD

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

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All JobsCruise JobsCruise Director JobsCruise Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Cruise Director information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$46K

$90.7K

$190.7K

How much do cruise director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for cruise director in Silver Spring, MD is $90,703.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $112,200.00 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Cruise jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Cruise Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Cruise Director jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Cruise Director job openings:

Cruise Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Director job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,771 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 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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