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Cruise Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications on board. This leadership role requires an energetic, creative, talented individual with previous ...

The Cruise Web

Cruise Sales Consultant

Vienna, VA · Remote

Salesforce CRM - Best-in-class tools for managing sales, tasks, and client communication (phone, email, text, WhatsApp). * Career Growth - We offer clear paths for advancement within the company for ...

The Cruise Web, Inc.

Cruise Sales Consultant

VA · On-site

$40K - $200K/yr

Salesforce CRM - Best-in-class tools for managing sales, tasks, and client communication (phone, email, text, WhatsApp). * Career Growth - We offer clear paths for advancement within the company for ...

American Cruise Lines

Excursions Director

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$65 - $101/hr

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ... Our Mates are skilled team and time managers, supervising daily deck teams while also developing ...

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Cruise Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$18.5K

$69K

$146.9K

How much do cruise manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for cruise manager in Virginia is $69,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,928.00 and $90,931.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cruise manager?

A Cruise Manager oversees the daily operations and guest experience on a cruise ship or river cruise. They coordinate with various departments, manage staff, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. Their responsibilities include organizing excursions, handling guest concerns, and ensuring smooth logistics throughout the journey. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and hospitality skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cruise manager?

To thrive as a Cruise Manager, you need experience in hospitality management, excellent organizational skills, and a strong understanding of guest services, often supported by a degree or relevant background in tourism or hospitality. Familiarity with cruise management software, reservation systems, and safety protocols such as STCW certification is typically expected. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving abilities, and proactive communication help a Cruise Manager lead teams and ensure seamless guest experiences. These skills ensure smooth operations, high guest satisfaction, and compliance with maritime regulations in a dynamic, travel-focused environment.

What are some of the main challenges a cruise manager may face on the job?

Cruise Managers often encounter unique challenges such as coordinating complex logistics for shore excursions, handling unexpected guest issues, and managing large, multicultural teams on board. The role requires quick decision-making and adaptability, especially when dealing with last-minute itinerary changes due to weather or port restrictions. Additionally, maintaining high service standards across multiple departments can be demanding, but it offers opportunities to build valuable leadership and crisis-management skills. These challenges make the role both dynamic and highly rewarding for professionals who enjoy problem solving and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

How much does a cruise manager make?

A cruise manager typically earns between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, cruise line, and location. They oversee guest services, staff, and operations on cruise ships, often working long shifts in a dynamic environment.

How to become a cruise manager?

To become a cruise manager, candidates typically need a background in hospitality, tourism, or management, along with experience in customer service or cruise ship operations. Relevant skills include leadership, communication, and problem-solving, and certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) may be required. Gaining experience in the cruise or hospitality industry and demonstrating strong organizational skills are key steps toward this role.

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

The most popular types of Cruise jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cruise Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cruise Manager job openings:

Cruise Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,001 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

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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