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Cruise Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

The Dalles, OR · 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

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

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

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

Alpena, MI · 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

Alton, IL · 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

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

Astoria, OR · 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

Wheeling, WV

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 · 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

Key West, FL · 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 ...

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All JobsCruise Ship Jobs

Cruise Ship information

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How much do cruise ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ship in the United States is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cruise ship jobs?

Cruise ship jobs are positions available on cruise liners that range from hospitality and entertainment roles to technical and maritime positions. Employees may work in areas such as food and beverage service, housekeeping, guest relations, entertainment, navigation, or engineering. These jobs often require staff to live and work on the ship for extended periods, interacting with guests from around the world. Cruise ship employees typically work long hours but have the unique opportunity to travel to different destinations while working. Employment on cruise ships can be demanding but is often seen as rewarding for those who enjoy travel and meeting new people.

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

To thrive as a Cruise Ship Crew Member, you need customer service expertise, hospitality or maritime experience, and relevant certifications such as STCW for safety training. Familiarity with onboard management systems, reservation software, and safety protocols is often required. Strong teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills help you deliver exceptional guest experiences and adapt to life at sea. These abilities are crucial for ensuring passenger satisfaction, maintaining safety, and contributing to smooth cruise operations.

What are some unique challenges of working on a cruise ship, and how do crew members typically adapt?

Working on a cruise ship often means living and working in close quarters with colleagues from around the world, leading to a fast-paced and multicultural environment. Crew members may face long working hours, time away from family, and the need to quickly adjust to ever-changing itineraries. However, most cruise lines provide extensive onboarding and training to help new staff adjust, and there are strong support networks among crew. Building good communication skills and maintaining a positive attitude are key to thriving in this unique work setting.

What is the difference between Cruise Ship vs Cruise Ship Staff?

AspectCruise ShipCruise Ship Staff
RoleVessel operating and managing the entire cruise experienceSpecific job functions like hospitality, entertainment, or technical support onboard
CredentialsVaries by position, often includes maritime certificationsCustomer service, hospitality, or technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard the cruise ship, traveling between portsOnboard the cruise ship, performing specific duties
EmployerCruise lines or shipping companiesCruise line employers hiring staff for various roles

In summary, a cruise ship refers to the vessel itself, while cruise ship staff are the individuals working onboard in various roles. The ship is the platform, and staff are the personnel delivering services and operations.

Is it hard to get a cruise ship job?

Getting a cruise ship job can be competitive, as many applicants seek employment on ships. Candidates often need relevant experience, certifications such as STCW, and good interpersonal skills, with the hiring process involving interviews and background checks.
More about Cruise Ship jobs

What cities are hiring for Cruise Ship jobs?

Cities with the most Cruise Ship job openings:

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

The most popular types of Cruise Ship jobs are:

What states have the most Cruise Ship jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Cruise Ship jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Ship jobs are:

Cruise Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,272 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Cruise Director

The Dalles, OR • On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Cruise Linesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 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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