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Cruise Ship Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cruise Ship Excursion Manager is ultimately responsible for daily operations of Cruise Ship ... Request updated manifests from shipboard Shorex teams and disseminate to captains via WhatsApp ...

$17/hr

The Cruise Ship Excursion Guide is ultimately responsible for guiding guests of Cruise Ship ... captains to verify totals are correct. * Facilitate invoice sign off from Shorex Team members ...

Cruise Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

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Cruise Ship Captain information

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$15

$26

$47

How much do cruise ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ship captain in the United States is $26.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cruise ship captain?

Cruise Ship Captains are highly trained maritime professionals responsible for commanding and overseeing the safe operation of a cruise ship. They ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew, navigate the vessel, and comply with international maritime regulations. Captains also manage staff, coordinate with port authorities, and make critical decisions during emergencies. To become a Cruise Ship Captain, one typically needs years of experience at sea and must hold advanced maritime certifications.

What does a cruise ship captain do?

A cruise ship captain oversees all onboard operations on a cruise ship. Your duties include ensuring the safety of passengers and crew during a voyage. You also navigate the vessel, make decisions about ship operations, and delegate tasks to other crew members. Your responsibilities include ensuring that crew members follow both technical procedures and meet the service needs of passengers. In some cases, a cruise ship captain also interacts with passengers and hosts social events during each voyage. You make all executive-level decisions about the ship, and you are in charge of the response in the event of an emergency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cruise ship captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cruise Ship Captain, you need a deep knowledge of maritime navigation, vessel operations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree from a maritime academy and an unlimited master’s license (STCW certification). Expertise in advanced navigation systems, radar, GPS, electronic chart display, and compliance with international maritime regulations is essential. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and exceptional communication skills are crucial for managing large crews and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are vital to guarantee safe, efficient voyages and uphold the cruise line’s reputation.

What are some common challenges faced by cruise ship captains during long voyages?

Cruise ship captains often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring passenger and crew safety, and coordinating with a diverse international team. They must make critical decisions quickly, especially during emergencies or unexpected events at sea. Navigating complex itineraries, adhering to maritime regulations, and maintaining clear communication with both onboard departments and shoreside operations are essential parts of their daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Cruise Ship Captain vs Marine Engineer?

AspectCruise Ship CaptainMarine Engineer
CredentialsSTCW Master’s License, maritime certificationsSTCW Engineer’s License, marine engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentBridge, ship’s deck, navigation areasEngine rooms, technical areas, machinery spaces
Industry UsageOversees ship operations, safety, navigationMaintains engines, propulsion systems, technical systems

The Cruise Ship Captain and Marine Engineer roles both require maritime certifications and work onboard ships, but they focus on different areas. The captain manages navigation and safety, while the marine engineer handles technical systems and machinery. Both are essential for smooth cruise operations and are highly sought after in the maritime industry.

Are cruise ship captains in demand?

Cruise ship captains are in steady demand due to the ongoing growth of the cruise industry and the need for experienced maritime professionals. The role requires extensive training, certifications, and leadership skills, and employment opportunities are influenced by industry health and travel trends.

How much money do cruise ship captains get paid?

Cruise ship captains typically earn between $100,000 and $250,000 annually, depending on the cruise line, experience, and the size of the vessel. Salaries often include benefits such as housing, travel, and health insurance, and captains usually work on contracts that last several months with time off between assignments.

What cities are hiring for Cruise Ship Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Cruise Ship Captain job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Captain jobs?

The most popular types of Cruise Ship Captain jobs are:

What states have the most Cruise Ship Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cruise Ship Captain jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,541 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

The Cruise Ship Excursion Manager is ultimately responsible for daily operations of Cruise Ship Excursions executed by RED Hospitality and Leisure. The scope of responsibility will include, but is not limited to the effective delivery of guests from the various cruise lines to charter catamarans and ferry vessels. This position will oversee a large revenue center for the business and must operate independently. Additionally this position will communicate with shipboard shore excursions teams and pass along information to captains and shoreside team members. 

OPERATIONAL DUTIES

  • Review FareHarbor for updated counts per tour prior dates

  • Liaise with revenue management colleagues to ensure accuracy of upcoming tour information in FareHarbor

  • Communicate with St. John vendors regarding tour counts and operational timelines via WhatsApp group

  • Prepare run-of-show plan for each call month and update it prior to the call

  • Request updated manifests from shipboard Shorex teams and disseminate to captains via WhatsApp group

  • Collect tickets from crew members and ferry guides, reconcile numbers against FareHarbor, and communicate final counts to captains to verify accuracy.

  • Facilitate invoice sign-off from Shorex Team members, including denoting empty seat rates and guaranteed minimums

  • Assist in facilitating Catamaran tours by liaising with captains and crew, stepping in to greet and guide guests in the event that catamarans are delayed.

  • Act as STJ Ferry Guide, escorting guests from pickup at the cruise ship dock in STT to STJ Trunk Bay (or other tours) ensuring guest satisfaction, safety, and adherence to the schedule.

  • Utilize P-card to submit payments for National Park entry and vendors, ensuring accurate billing by tracking adults vs. children and maintaining financial targets.

  • Reconcile STJ Vendors in daily vendor closeout sheet, including but not limited to taxis, national park concessioners, and third party tour guides.

  • Supervise Cruise Ship Excursion guides to ensure adherence to the expectations for exemplary guest service. 

  • Schedule self and team in alignment with labor budget goals.

  • Ensure that STJ day-of operations run smoothly, including direct communications with STJ taxi vendors.

  • In conjunction with the St. Thomas Charter Operations Manager, oversees guest service, retail, food and beverage, and cleanliness standards for the ferry. This includes scheduling and planning with the Lead Captain and first mate.

  • Maintain awareness of Coast Guard regulations related to receiving and organizing manifests for vessel captains executing excursions.

SAFETY OPERATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Obtain and maintain active CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications

  • Communicate any guest safety concerns or injuries to DSO

  • Accompany any injured guest, should they be transferred to a medical facility

TRAINING and RECRUITING

  • Recruit team members to uphold daily operations to the standards of the organization.

  • Create, maintain, and enforce daily duty sheets

  • Modify and consistently update training packets and check-off lists to team.

  • Train team members according to operational standards

  • Initiate training packets and sign-offs.

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • 5+  years of experience in customer service, hospitality, marine operations, or transportation logistics.

  • Strong understanding of business operations

  • Outgoing, clear, and fun personality

  • Approachable, helpful, and enthusiastic demeanor.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft business letters, develop reports, deliver presentations, create policies and procedures, and write repair specifications.

  • Understanding of individual roles, interactions, and responsibilities of employees, including knowledge of all aspects of performance management.

  • Strong technical abilities, with proficiency in both G-Suite and Microsoft Office.

  • Ability to prioritize, organize and follow up on a high volume of guest and management requests.

  • Ability to stand, kneel, and/or engage in physical activity for extended periods of time, including lifting moderate to heavy items.

  • Ability to operate a high-volume business independently while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. 

  • Be available to work any shift as needed by the demands of the cruise ship business, this includes but is not limited to nights, weekends, and early mornings.