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Cruise Line Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Belfast, ME · 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

Wheeling, WV · 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

Dover, TN · 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

Clarksville, TN · 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

Florence, AL · 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

Farmington, UT

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

Florence, AL

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

Fort Madison, IA · 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

New York, NY · 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

Belfast, ME

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

Astoria, OR

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

Alpena, MI · 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

Nantucket, MA · 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 ...

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How much do cruise line jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise line in the United States is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cruise ship workers get paid?

Cruise line workers' salaries vary by position, experience, and contract terms, but generally range from around $1,200 to $3,000 per month. Entry-level roles such as hospitality staff or entertainment crew typically earn lower wages, while officers and specialized positions earn higher salaries. Many positions also include benefits like room and board, and tips can supplement income.

How to get hired by a cruise line?

To get hired by a cruise line, candidates should review job postings on the company's careers page or major job boards, prepare a resume highlighting relevant experience such as customer service or hospitality skills, and demonstrate flexibility for travel and irregular hours. Many positions require background checks, medical exams, and certifications like STCW for safety training. Applying directly online and attending recruitment events can also improve chances of employment.

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.

How can I get a job in a cruise ship?

To get a job on a cruise ship, applicants should research cruise line employment opportunities, prepare a resume highlighting relevant skills such as customer service or hospitality experience, and apply through the cruise line's official careers website or recruitment events. Many positions require certifications like STCW and a valid passport, and candidates should be prepared for a background check and interview process. Availability for extended periods at sea and flexibility with schedules are also important factors.

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 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 jobs are in demand on cruise ships?

Jobs in demand on cruise ships include hospitality roles such as waitstaff, bartenders, and housekeeping staff, as well as entertainment positions like performers and activity coordinators. Additionally, positions in healthcare, technical maintenance, and security are consistently sought after, often requiring relevant certifications and customer service skills. These roles are essential for guest experience and safety onboard.
More about Cruise Line jobs
What cities are hiring for Cruise Line jobs? Cities with the most Cruise Line job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Line jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Line jobs are:
What states have the most Cruise Line jobs? States with the most job openings for Cruise Line jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cruise Line jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cruise Line jobs are:
Cruise Line jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Line job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 28% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,071 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Cruise Director

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Belfast, ME • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 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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