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Cruise Ship Excursion Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cruise Ship Excursion information

What is a cruise ship excursion?

A Cruise Ship Excursion job involves organizing and overseeing activities and tours for passengers at various ports of call. Responsibilities include coordinating with local tour operators, ensuring guest safety, and providing information about destinations. Excursion staff may also lead groups, handle logistics, and resolve any issues that arise during trips. This role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and a passion for travel.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in a cruise ship excursion position?

A typical day in a Cruise Ship Excursion role involves preparing for and leading guest excursions, coordinating with local tour vendors, answering guest questions, and managing logistics such as transportation and tickets. You’ll frequently brief passengers, handle last-minute changes or emergencies, and ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment throughout the excursions. Collaboration with other cruise staff, including the guest services and safety teams, is common to deliver a seamless guest experience. Shifts can vary based on the ship’s itinerary, and you may need to adapt to changing schedules and weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the cruise ship excursion position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Cruise Ship Excursion role, you need strong customer service skills, knowledge of local attractions, and the ability to organize and lead group activities, often supported by a background in hospitality or tourism. Familiarity with tour management software, reservation systems, and relevant certifications such as first aid or CPR is highly valuable. Outstanding soft skills include adaptability, multilingual communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while ensuring guest safety and satisfaction. These skills are critical for creating enjoyable, safe, and memorable experiences for cruise guests and ensuring excursions run smoothly.

What are popular job titles related to Cruise Ship Excursion jobs in California?

For Cruise Ship Excursion jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Excursion job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Shore Excursion Staff - San Francisco

Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services

San Francisco, CA

$20/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Join the Intercruises Shoreside amp; Port Services team as a Shore Excursion staff member where you will be the main point of contact for the Cruise Line for Shore Excursions.. You will be part of the team responsible for the preparation of the operation and the staff involved ensuring high standard quality of services in order to achieve development of the business and client satisfaction.
About the Job:
  • Responsible for the smooth operation from start to end
  • Be at the port for the arrival of the cruise ship passengers.
  • Ensure that all buses are ready, lined up and in the correct place and arrange all signage according and corresponding to the dispatch sheet.
  • Brief all drivers/guides to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the tour .
  • Prepare the office space, complete vouchers and prepare any additional forms that the drivers must take when they depart.
  • Inform all drivers of their headcounts and help to welcome guests to the city while guiding them to the buses.
  • Assist to load the buses, count tickets and ensure a smooth and efficient dispatch.
  • Once the buses have dispatched, complete all necessary paperwork and record the passenger counts.
  • Once the busses depart pick up all the signage and store accordingly
  • Settle and agree on the tour participation with the ship
  • Prepare for the tours to return and greet each bus upon their arrival back at the pier.
  • Communicate with the ship staff on the status of the tours as they return.
  • When all busses have returned advise the Cruise designated person that all passengers have returned and close up the office.
What we provide:
  • $20.00 hourly pay
  • Referral bonus
  • Paid training
  • Weekly pay
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Employee discounts on travel and entertainment.
About You:
  • Able to multitask and work a flexible schedule including weekends and Holidays
  • Ideally, have knowledge and understanding of daily planning and Operation in a holiday destination/cruise business.
  • You are able to meet daily deadlines, efficiently and precisely.
  • Work well under especially under pressure and able to make decisions to benefit the company and passengers. .
  • Excellent communication skills in English including verbal and written, Additional language a plus
  • You have a pro-active guest service mind-set with a clear focus on quality and efficiency.
  • Driver’s license is a plus​​​
Intercruises Shoreside amp; Port Services is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.