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Cruise Line Jobs in Virginia (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

Line Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports ...

American Cruise Lines

Deckhand

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

The talent and dedication of American Cruise Lines' employees have made us America's Leading Small Ship Cruise Line. Work Schedule: * 7 days per week while onboard the ship, for up to 28 weeks.

American Cruise Lines

Deckhand

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

The talent and dedication of American Cruise Lines' employees have made us America's Leading Small Ship Cruise Line. Work Schedule: * 7 days per week while onboard the ship, for up to 28 weeks.

American Cruise Lines

Waiter

Norfolk, VA

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

The talent and dedication of American Cruise Lines' employees have made us America's Leading Small Ship Cruise Line. Work Schedule: * 7 days per week while onboard the ship, for up to 28 weeks.

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How much do cruise line jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise line in Virginia is $20.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cruise line jobs?

Cruise line jobs refer to a wide range of positions available on a cruise ship or with cruise companies, including roles in hospitality, entertainment, navigation, engineering, guest services, and more. Employees may work as chefs, waitstaff, cabin stewards, entertainers, deck officers, or in other specialized roles to ensure the smooth operation of the ship and a positive experience for guests. These jobs often require working and living onboard for extended periods, offering travel opportunities and unique work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working on a cruise line, and how can they be managed?

Staff working on a cruise line often face unique challenges such as adjusting to long periods away from home, adapting to living and working in close quarters with colleagues, and maintaining high levels of customer service for diverse guests. Managing these challenges typically involves effective communication, building strong team relationships, and practicing self-care to maintain physical and mental well-being. Many cruise lines offer support resources, structured schedules, and recreational activities for crew members to help create a positive work environment and foster team spirit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cruise line crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cruise Line Crew Member, you need excellent customer service skills, hospitality experience, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, safety procedures, and STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certification is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help crew members stand out in the dynamic, multicultural environment onboard. These skills are vital to ensure smooth operations, guest satisfaction, and safety on a cruise ship.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Line jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cruise Line jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Cruise Line jobs in Virginia?

For Cruise Line jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cruise Line jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Line jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cruise Line jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cruise Line job openings:

Cruise Line jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Line job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,702 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Cruise Director

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Cruise Linesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 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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