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Cruise Ship Activity Directors Jobs in Reston, VA

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

... Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC

... Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

... Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Washington, DC

... Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season ... Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity levels. * Create ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Washington, DC · On-site

... Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season ... Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity levels. * Create ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

... Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season ... Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity levels. * Create ...

The St. James

Line Cook (4607)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Other duties as required by the Food & Beverage Director, and/or the Leadership teams of The St ... A high school diploma and at least two years of experience cooking in a hotel, cruise ship, or ...

The St. James

Line Cook (4607)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Other duties as required by the Food & Beverage Director, and/or the Leadership teams of The St ... A high school diploma and at least two years of experience cooking in a hotel, cruise ship, or ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Naval Architect, Staff

Washington, DC

$85K - $105K/yr

Evaluates operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises. * Analyzes ... Performs monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and ...

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Cruise Ship Activity Directors information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$24

$43

How much do cruise ship activity directors jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ship activity directors in Reston, VA is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cruise Ship Activity Directors vs Cruise Ship Entertainment Coordinators?

AspectCruise Ship Activity DirectorsCruise Ship Entertainment Coordinators
CredentialsRelevant certifications in recreation or hospitality, experience in activity planningSimilar certifications, often with a focus on entertainment or event management
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, organizing activities and events for passengersOnboard cruise ships, supporting entertainment programs and coordinating performers
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by cruise lines to enhance passenger experienceOften work alongside activity directors, focusing on entertainment aspects
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles related to passenger activities and engagementIndividuals interested in entertainment roles aboard ships

While both roles are vital onboard, Cruise Ship Activity Directors primarily plan and oversee passenger activities, whereas Cruise Ship Entertainment Coordinators focus on supporting entertainment programs and performers. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How much do cruise ship activity directors make?

Cruise ship activity directors typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, cruise line, and itinerary. They often receive additional benefits such as room and board, and may earn tips from passengers. Salaries can vary based on the size of the cruise line and the length of contracts, which usually last several months.

What job categories do people searching Cruise Ship Activity Directors jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Ship Activity Directors jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cruise Ship Activity Directors jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cruise Ship Activity Directors job openings:

Cruise Ship Activity Directors jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Activity Directors job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,050 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 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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