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Cruise Ship Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Hospitality & Leisure

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Rochester, NY · On-site

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

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Annapolis, MD · On-site

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

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Sandy, UT · On-site

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

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Wheeling, WV · On-site

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

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Belfast, ME · On-site

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

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL · On-site

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

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Dover, TN · On-site

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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How much do cruise ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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 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.

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 do you become a cruise ship captain?

To become a cruise ship captain, you typically need extensive maritime experience, starting as a deck officer and progressing through ranks by gaining certifications such as a Master Mariner license. Candidates must also complete specialized training, demonstrate leadership skills, and accumulate several years of experience at sea before qualifying for a captaincy. Continuous education and adherence to safety regulations are essential in this role.

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.

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 vessel size. They often work long hours on a schedule that includes weeks at sea followed by time off on land, and must hold advanced certifications such as a Master Mariner license.

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.

How hard is it to get hired on a cruise ship captain?

Becoming a cruise ship captain requires extensive maritime experience, typically including years of service as a deck officer and relevant certifications such as a Master Mariner license. Employers seek candidates with strong leadership skills, navigation expertise, and a proven safety record, making the hiring process competitive and demanding significant qualifications. The process often involves rigorous training, assessments, and adherence to maritime regulations.
More about Cruise Ship Captain jobs
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Cruise Ship Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% 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.

Cruise Ship Excursion Guide

Red Hospitality & Leisure

On-site

$17/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Cruise Ship Excursion Guide is ultimately responsible for guiding guests 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, Facilitate the experience aboard the ferry, and execute guided tours.  

OPERATIONAL DUTIES

  • Review fareharbor and Run of Show for updated counts per tour prior dates
  • Greet guests on the cruise ship pier
  • Collect Tickets from crew members and ferry guides, reconciling numbers against fareharbor, communicating final counts to captains to verify totals are correct.
  • Facilitate invoice sign off from Shorex Team members. 
  • Assist in facilitating catamaran tours by liaising with Catamaran captains and crew, stepping in to greet and guide guests in the event that Catamarans are delayed.
  • Guide guests from pickup at cruise ship dock in STT to STJ Trunk Bay (or Other Tours) successfully ensuring guest satisfaction, safety, and adherence to the schedule.
  • Utilize P-card to submit payments for National Park Entry and Vendors, ensuring that the proper number of Adults vs Childrens entries are recognized  for accurate billing and maintaining financial targets.
  • Reconcile STJ Vendors in daily vendor closeout sheet. Including but not limited to Taxi’s, National Park Concessioners, and third party tour guides.

SAFETY OPERATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Obtain and maintain active CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications
  • Communicate any guest safety concerns or injuries to CSM
  • Accompany any injured guest, should they be transferred to a medical facility
  • High School diploma, or equivalent.
  • 1+  years of experience in customer service, hospitality, marine operations, or transportation logistics.
  • Basic understanding of business operations
  • Strong written and oral communicative skills to draft business letters, develop reports, present oral presentations, create policies and procedures, and write repair specifications.
  • Understanding of individual roles, interactions, and responsibilities of employees, including a knowledge of all aspects of performance management.
  • Ability to prioritize, organize and follow-up to a high volume of guest and management requests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Must be able to walk on various types of surfaces including rough terrain, sitting, standing, maintaining balance, on the beach, and in the water, and working alone.
  • Must be able to work various work settings such as exposure to sunlight and outside temperature.  
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all persons contacted during the work day
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply regulations and safe practices. 
  • Ability to operate assigned equipment, read and interpret documents. 
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
  • Must be able to operate with little or no supervision.  
  • Must be willing to work holidays, nights, and weekends. 
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude. 
  • Team player, positive and enthusiastic attitude. 
  • Ability to be flexible with schedule

Apply