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Cruise Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

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 ...

The Cruise Web

Cruise Sales Consultant

Vienna, VA · Remote

Why You'll Love Working at The Cruise Web * Uncapped Commission - Earn what you're worth with no income ceiling. * Paid Training * Dedicated Sales Support Desk - Focus on selling and while our ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Petersburg, VA

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Norfolk, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Petersburg, VA

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia amp; Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and ...

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All JobsCruise JobsCruise Jobs in Virginia

Cruise information

See Virginia salary details

$31.7K

$78.6K

$113K

How much do cruise jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for cruise in Virginia is $78,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $90,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cruise?

Cruise jobs refer to a wide range of employment opportunities available on cruise ships, including positions in hospitality, entertainment, maintenance, healthcare, and deck or engine operations. Employees work aboard ships that travel to various destinations, providing services and experiences to passengers. These jobs often require long periods at sea, but offer the chance to travel, meet new people, and gain unique work experiences. Applicants typically need relevant qualifications and must pass background checks and medical exams.

What are the typical responsibilities and collaborative aspects of working in a cruise director role?

As a Cruise Director, your day-to-day responsibilities involve planning, coordinating, and hosting onboard entertainment and activities for guests. You'll frequently collaborate with entertainment staff, hospitality teams, and ship officers to ensure smooth execution of events and a positive guest experience. This role requires excellent organizational and communication skills as you'll be managing schedules, resolving guest concerns, and adapting to changes quickly. Building strong relationships with colleagues and maintaining high energy throughout the voyage are key to success in this dynamic environment.

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 knowledge, and relevant experience or certifications in areas like food service, housekeeping, or entertainment. Familiarity with ship safety protocols, point-of-sale systems, and possibly STCW certification is often required. Flexibility, teamwork, and strong communication skills help crew members excel in diverse, multicultural environments. These skills ensure efficient operations, guest satisfaction, and smooth handling of unique challenges at sea.

What is the difference between Cruise vs Delivery Driver?

AspectCruiseDelivery Driver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, background checkDriver's license, vehicle insurance
Work EnvironmentAutonomous vehicle operation, technology-focusedOn-road, customer interaction, delivery routes
Employer & IndustryTech companies, autonomous vehicle industryFood, retail, logistics companies

Both Cruise and delivery drivers require a valid driver's license and background checks. Cruise focuses on operating autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles within the tech and transportation industry, often involving technology management. Delivery drivers typically work in logistics or retail, focusing on delivering goods directly to customers. While their work environments differ—technology-driven vs. customer-facing—they share core driving credentials and industry overlap.

Can I work on a cruise with no experience?

Cruise ship jobs often do not require prior experience, especially for entry-level positions such as hospitality staff, housekeeping, or food service. However, some roles may require specific skills or certifications, and training is usually provided onboard or before employment. Basic customer service skills and a willingness to work in a team environment are beneficial for starting a cruise job without experience.

How can I get a job in a cruise ship?

To get a job on a cruise ship, applicants should research cruise line employment opportunities, prepare a resume highlighting relevant skills such as customer service or hospitality, and meet requirements like age, health, and language proficiency. Many positions require prior experience or certifications, and applying through the cruise line's official careers page or recruitment events is common.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cruise jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Cruise jobs in Virginia?

For Cruise jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cruise jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cruise jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cruise job openings:

Cruise jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,628 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 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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