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Cruise Ship Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

New York, NY · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Annapolis, MD · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Sandy, UT · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Rochester, NY · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Gulfport, MS

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Nantucket, MA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Belfast, ME

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Key West, FL

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 ...

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Cruise Ship Director information

What does a cruise ship director do?

A Cruise Ship Director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all entertainment, activities, and events on board a cruise ship. They plan daily schedules, manage teams of entertainers and activity staff, and ensure that passengers have a fun and memorable experience. The director acts as a master of ceremonies for many events and works closely with other departments to maintain high standards of guest satisfaction. Their role is crucial in creating a lively and engaging atmosphere throughout the cruise.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a cruise ship director?

To thrive as a Cruise Ship Director, you need strong organizational, leadership, and event planning skills, often supported by experience in hospitality or entertainment management. Familiarity with reservation systems, scheduling software, and safety regulations is typically required, along with certifications in crowd management or safety training (such as STCW). Exceptional communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities set top directors apart, as they manage diverse teams and guest expectations. These skills ensure smooth onboard operations, guest satisfaction, and a memorable cruise experience for all passengers.

What are common challenges faced by cruise ship directors when managing onboard entertainment and guest satisfaction?

Cruise Ship Directors often navigate the challenge of coordinating diverse entertainment programs that cater to guests from various backgrounds and age groups. Balancing the expectations of passengers, managing a multi-national entertainment staff, and adapting to last-minute schedule changes due to weather or operational needs are common hurdles. Additionally, Directors must ensure seamless communication with other departments, such as hospitality and operations, to provide a cohesive guest experience. Strong organizational skills and adaptability are crucial for overcoming these challenges and maintaining high guest satisfaction.

What is the difference between Cruise Ship Director vs Cruise Ship Entertainment Manager?

AspectCruise Ship DirectorCruise Ship Entertainment Manager
Primary RoleOversees all onboard entertainment, activities, and guest engagementManages entertainment staff and specific entertainment programs
CredentialsExperience in hospitality, entertainment, or hospitality managementBackground in entertainment, event planning, or hospitality
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, overseeing multiple departmentsOnboard cruise ships, focusing on entertainment staff and events
Industry UsageCommonly used in cruise line staffing and job searchesOften seen in cruise line entertainment departments

The Cruise Ship Director has a broader leadership role, overseeing all guest activities and entertainment, while the Cruise Ship Entertainment Manager focuses specifically on managing entertainment staff and programs. Both roles require experience in hospitality or entertainment and are essential for delivering a memorable cruise experience.

How much do cruise ship directors get paid?

Cruise ship directors typically earn between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on the cruise line, experience, and length of contract. They often receive additional benefits such as accommodations, meals, and gratuities, and must have strong leadership and entertainment skills to manage onboard activities and staff.

What qualifications do I need to be a cruise ship director?

To become a cruise ship director, candidates typically need extensive experience in entertainment, hospitality, or customer service, along with strong leadership and communication skills. A background in event management, public speaking, or performing arts is common, and certifications in safety and first aid may be required. Fluency in multiple languages can be an advantage, and prior experience working on ships or in the cruise industry is often preferred.
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Cruise Ship Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 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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