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Cruise Ships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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

Florence, AL

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

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

Dover, TN · 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 · 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 · 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

Florence, AL · 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 ...

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Cruise Ships information

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How much do cruise ships jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ships in the United States is $33.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $51.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a cruise ship crew member, you need hospitality skills, customer service experience, and relevant qualifications in fields such as hospitality, culinary, housekeeping, or entertainment. Familiarity with onboard management systems, safety regulations, and certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, adaptability, and multilingual abilities help set individuals apart. These qualities ensure safety, high guest satisfaction, and efficient operations in the dynamic, multicultural environment of a cruise ship.

What is the typical work schedule and environment like for cruise ship employees?

Cruise ship employees generally work long hours, often on a rotational schedule that may include 6-8 weeks on the ship followed by several weeks off. The environment is fast-paced and service-oriented, with staff living and working closely with an international team. Crew members are provided with onboard accommodations and meals, and some positions offer access to crew-only recreational facilities. Working on a cruise ship offers the unique opportunity to travel to various destinations while building strong camaraderie with colleagues. However, adaptability and resilience are important, as employees must adjust to life at sea and maintain high guest service standards throughout their contract.

What is a cruise ship?

A cruise ship job refers to employment on a cruise vessel, offering various roles in hospitality, entertainment, customer service, marine operations, and more. Employees work while traveling to different destinations, typically on contracts lasting several months. Positions range from housekeeping and food service to deck officers and performers. Workers often receive accommodations, meals, and the opportunity to explore different locations during port stops.

More about Cruise Ships jobs
What cities are hiring for Cruise Ships jobs? Cities with the most Cruise Ships job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ships jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ships jobs are:
What states have the most Cruise Ships jobs? States with the most job openings for Cruise Ships jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cruise Ships jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cruise Ships jobs are:
Cruise Ships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ships job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,001 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Sandy, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 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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