ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cruise Hostess Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Belfast, ME · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Port Canaveral, FL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Wheeling, WV · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Grand Rivers, KY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Manhattan, NY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Nantucket, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Dover, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Clarksville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

The Dalles, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Providence, RI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Rochester, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Sandy, UT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Annapolis, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

The Dalles, OR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing ... Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCruise Hostess Jobs

Cruise Hostess information

See salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cruise hostess jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise hostess in the United States is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a cruise hostess?

To become a cruise hostess, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience in hospitality or customer service is beneficial, and some positions may require certifications such as first aid or safety training. Fluency in multiple languages can also be an advantage.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a cruise hostess?

To thrive as a Cruise Hostess, you need strong customer service abilities, event coordination experience, and multilingual communication skills, often supported by a background in hospitality or tourism. Familiarity with booking and reservation systems, public address equipment, and safety protocols is frequently required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you excel in this position. These qualities ensure that guests have a memorable experience while maintaining smooth shipboard operations and guest satisfaction.

What is a cruise hostess?

A Cruise Hostess is responsible for welcoming and assisting guests onboard a cruise ship, ensuring they have an enjoyable experience. Duties include hosting events, providing information about ship facilities and excursions, and addressing guest inquiries. They work closely with the hospitality and entertainment teams to create a pleasant atmosphere. Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills are essential for this role.

What does a cruise hostess do?

A Cruise Hostess typically works long shifts spread across morning, afternoon, and evening hours, often including weekends and holidays, to accommodate guest activities throughout the voyage. Responsibilities range from greeting passengers and organizing onboard events to assisting with excursions and addressing guest inquiries or concerns. The work environment is highly social and collaborative, as you’ll coordinate with entertainment teams, dining staff, and guest services to facilitate seamless experiences. While the schedule can be demanding and requires time at sea away from home, it offers a dynamic atmosphere with opportunities for travel and professional growth within the hospitality industry.

More about Cruise Hostess jobs

What cities are hiring for Cruise Hostess jobs?

Cities with the most Cruise Hostess job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Hostess jobs?

The most popular types of Cruise Hostess jobs are:

What states have the most Cruise Hostess jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cruise Hostess jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Cruise Hostess jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Hostess jobs are:

Cruise Hostess jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Hostess job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,586 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Belfast, ME • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 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.

Apply