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Cruise Ship Engine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Unlicensed

Toledo, OH · On-site

S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ... At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values- Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Winona, MN · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

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Cruise Ship Engine information

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How much do cruise ship engine jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ship engine in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cruise ship engine mechanics make?

Cruise ship engine mechanics typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the cruise line. They work in a maritime environment, often on rotating schedules, and require knowledge of marine propulsion systems and safety protocols.

What jobs are in demand on cruise ships?

On cruise ships, in-demand jobs include hospitality roles such as waitstaff, housekeepers, and bartenders, as well as technical positions like engine room technicians and electricians. Crew members often need relevant certifications, good customer service skills, and the ability to work in a team environment for extended periods.

What are some common challenges faced by Cruise Ship Engine Officers while working at sea?

Cruise Ship Engine Officers often work long shifts in rotating schedules and must be prepared to address unexpected technical issues in the engine room, sometimes in challenging environmental conditions. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols and constant vigilance for malfunctions to prevent disruptions or hazards. Officers also collaborate closely with other departments, like deck operations and hospitality, to coordinate maintenance without affecting guest experiences. The ability to quickly diagnose problems and implement effective solutions is essential for keeping the cruise ship running smoothly. Adapting to life at sea and working in close quarters with a multinational crew are also important aspects of the job.

Which job has the highest salary in a cruise ship?

The highest-paid position on a cruise ship is typically the captain or master, who oversees all ship operations and safety. Salaries for captains can exceed $150,000 annually, depending on experience and cruise line, and they often work long shifts with extensive certifications. Other high-paying roles include chief engineers and senior officers with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities.

How much do cruise ship engineers make?

Cruise ship engineers typically earn between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on experience, certifications, and the cruise line. Salaries can vary based on the size of the vessel and the engineer’s specific role, such as chief or auxiliary engineer, with many working on rotational schedules of several months at sea.

What is a Cruise Ship Engine job?

A Cruise Ship Engine job involves maintaining, operating, and repairing the ship's engines and other mechanical systems to ensure smooth sailing. Engineers and technicians in this role work in the engine room, monitoring fuel consumption, troubleshooting issues, and performing routine maintenance. These professionals play a crucial role in keeping the vessel safe, efficient, and compliant with maritime regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cruise Ship Engine position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cruise Ship Engine Officer (Marine Engineer), you need a solid background in marine engineering, mechanical systems, and troubleshooting, often supported by a maritime engineering degree and appropriate marine certifications (such as STCW). Familiarity with engine room monitoring systems, diagnostic tools, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations and emergency preparedness. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help ensure smooth collaboration with other ship departments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring the safety and reliability of the ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems.

More about Cruise Ship Engine jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Engine jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Engine jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Cruise Ship Engine jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cruise Ship Engine jobs are:
Cruise Ship Engine jobs near you
Assistant Port Engineer - Eastern Region

Assistant Port Engineer - Eastern Region

American Cruise Lines

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Assistant Port Engineer
The Assistant Port Engineer is responsible for determining the priorities for the vessels and creating a clear action plan to deliver on those priorities in ensuring the vessels are operated and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and customer expectations. The Assistant Port Engineer is responsible for diagnosing problems and facilitating the timely, efficient, and coordinated completion of repairs to any machinery or mechanical equipment on board American Cruise Lines' vessels and any ancillary equipment used to support those efforts. The Assistant Port Engineer must be familiar with all vessel machinery, equipment and systems. This individual is responsible for following established safety practices while performing assigned duties to protect self, workers, and the public from personal injury and to prevent damage to American Cruise Lines' property and the environment. This position reports directly to the Port Engineer.
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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Works with the Port Engineer and the Director of Engineering to establish off season repair and associated project management.
  • Works with the Port Engineer to schedule and oversee dry-dock events.
  • Responsible for the safe repair of all engines, auxiliary machinery and related systems on American Cruise Lines' motor vessels and related facilities.
  • Contributes to the safe operation of vessels and equipment.
  • Responds decisively and effectively to emergency situations.
  • Maintains familiarity with individual vessel characteristics.
  • Coordinates after hour repairs to vessels and related equipment.
  • Support the onboard engineers in conducting repairs to the vessels when there is a mechanical failure.
  • Oversee engineers and fleet technicians on the East Coast.
  • Oversees and executes annual and monthly preventative maintenance plans; directs seasonal facilities’ support activities, including offseason servicing of equipment, systems, and infrastructure.
  • Uses computer maintenance programs to monitor progress of and manage work orders.
  • Seek to balance quality and cost in all purchases required by the department; follow all American Cruise Lines' guidelines for purchase approvals, as well as scope development and solicitation of bids, and manages vendor relationships. according to American Cruise Lines' guidelines.
  • Ensures vessel fleet availability and reliability.
  • Visit each ship at least twice a month. One of these visits shall include a full ship condition inspection.
  • Prepare specifications and work orders for maintenance and repair items necessary to maintain the vessel and bring them into regulatory compliance.
  • Ensure the Planned Maintenance Program is maintained and followed by all personnel to include on-board engineers.
  • Maintains responsibility for record keeping; including machinery history, parts inventory and reporting data to the Port Engineer.
  • Responsible for assisting with the maintenance of vessel engines, auxiliary machinery and related systems when needed.
  • Helps diagnose malfunctions and provides recommendations for course of action to the Port Engineer.
  • Attends ship maintenance, repair, and assessment events to answer real-time questions surrounding logistics, maintenance scope, funding shortfalls, budgetary constraints and mission impacts.
  • Performs all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established company policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Leadership ability.
  • The ability to diagnose machinery malfunctions and recommend a course of corrective action.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and machinery systems' technical manuals.
  • The ability to work on various computer programs including Microsoft word, Excel and HelmConnect.
  • Ability to read and understand repair manuals.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
Typical Work Environments:
  • This position includes a high level of travel to Fleet Concentration Support areas.
  • Frequent underway time for sea trials, testing, inspections, ship checks, and other events as needed.
  • Attend ship deployments including port-to-port transfers, sea trials, mid-deployment ship checks and sister ship visits.
  • Maintenance shop, Paint shop, various buildings, and storage areas
  • Vessel engine room, bow thruster space and various void spaces throughout vessel
Licenses, Registrations, and/or Certifications:
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card).
Required Education and Experience:
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • High school diploma or equivalent or equivalent related experience.
Additional Requirements:
  • Subject to a background investigation.
  • Subject to a pre-employment physical.
  • The ability to frequently traverse stairs, fixed ladders and ladder-wells while walking ships on a daily basis.
  • Wherewithal to spend several consecutive days at sea while underway as needed.
  • Capable of sitting for long periods of time, standing, walking, crouching and kneeling.
  • Reaching, handling, using equipment, keyboards and mobile devices.
  • Lifting boxes (files and supplies) up to 20 lbs.
  • Must be located in the Eastern U.S. region.
  • This position requires 50-75% of travel to ships.
Why Join American Cruise Lines?
At American Cruise Lines, our people are the driving force behind our success. As the nation’s leader in U.S. river cruising, we’re experiencing rapid growth — and we're investing in top talent to grow with us. When you join our team, you’ll find a dynamic work environment that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence, with real opportunities to build your career and make an impact.
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.‎

*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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