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Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Previous entertainment or guest activities experience in a four- or five-star cruise ship, hotel, resort, restaurant, or lounge is required to join this team. Department: Recreation & Leisure ...

Previous entertainment or guest activities experience in a four- or five-star cruise ship, hotel, resort, restaurant, or lounge is required to join this team. Department: Recreation & Leisure ...

The Cruise Ship Excursion Manager is ultimately responsible for daily operations of Cruise Ship Excursions executed by RED Hospitality and Leisure. The scope of responsibility will include, but is ...

Cruise Director

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$70 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Sandy, UT ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Fort Madison, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Washington, DC ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Fort Madison, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

New York, NY ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Bar Harbor, ME

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Washington, DC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Saint Francisville, LA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

The Dalles, OR ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

Cruise Director

Nantucket, MA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United ... The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications ...

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Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship information

See salary details

$23K

$61.4K

$102.5K

How much do entertainment manager cruise ship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entertainment manager cruise ship in the United States is $61,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entertainment manager do on a cruise ship?

An Entertainment Manager on a cruise ship is responsible for overseeing all entertainment activities and programs on board. This includes planning, scheduling, and coordinating performances, events, and recreational activities for guests of all ages. They manage entertainment staff, work with performers and production teams, and ensure that all events run smoothly and meet guest expectations. Their goal is to create a fun and engaging atmosphere throughout the cruise. The role requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entertainment manager on a cruise ship?

To excel as an Entertainment Manager on a cruise ship, you need experience in event planning, performance coordination, and hospitality management, often supported by a relevant degree or background in entertainment or tourism. Familiarity with audio-visual equipment, scheduling software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal skills help you engage diverse guests and manage a multicultural team. These competencies ensure smooth operations, high guest satisfaction, and memorable onboard experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by entertainment managers on cruise ships, and how can they be addressed?

Entertainment Managers on cruise ships often juggle a fast-paced schedule, coordinating diverse activities and performances while adapting to changing itineraries and guest preferences. Challenges can include managing last-minute changes to the entertainment lineup, ensuring smooth communication between international staff, and maintaining high energy throughout long voyages. Success in this role often relies on strong organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to foster a positive team environment to keep both staff and guests engaged. Regular feedback, ongoing training, and open communication with both crew and guests can help address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship vs Cruise Director?

AspectEntertainment Manager Cruise ShipCruise Director
Primary RoleOversees entertainment programs, manages entertainment staff, and coordinates activities onboard.Manages overall guest entertainment, hosts events, and ensures guest satisfaction with onboard activities.
CredentialsExperience in entertainment management, hospitality, or event planning; relevant certifications may include hospitality or entertainment-related qualifications.Background in hospitality, event hosting, or entertainment; often requires hospitality or tourism certifications.
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, working closely with entertainment staff and crew.Onboard cruise ships, interacting directly with guests and coordinating entertainment activities.

While both roles operate onboard cruise ships and require hospitality or entertainment experience, the Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship focuses on managing entertainment staff and programs, whereas the Cruise Director handles guest interactions and overall entertainment experiences. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path in the cruise industry.

More about Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship jobs

What cities are hiring for Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship jobs?

Cities with the most Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship job openings:

What states have the most Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Entertainment Manager Cruise Ship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,351 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Assistant Cruise Director: Onboard Entertainment Lead

RWS Entertainment Group

Cincinnati, IA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

The Assistant Cruise Director is required to assist the Cruise Director in managing the Entertainment Department onboard a specified Marella Cruise Ship. The department consists of a team of Entertainment Hosts, Production Cast Members, a Technical Manager and team of Technicians, a Childrenโ€™s Host Team, as well as a Musical Director and team of Resident Musicians.

In addition to all resident Crew/Officers within the Entertainment Department, fly on/off Guest Entertainers will also join the departmentโ€™s complement each week.

As the Assistant Cruise Director and a member of the Entertainment Team, you must make your presence known to the guests and Entertainment Department team members as much as possible. Daily appearances around the ship and hosting of events must be undertaken in order to maximize the Entertainment Teamโ€™s profile.

Working alongside the Cruise Director who is overall responsible for the scheduling and programming of events, activities and shows, you must ensure that all guests experience a modern, full and varied entertainment offering. Supporting other departments with revenue generation, assisted by the daily programme and regular advertising is also a vital part of your role.

As Assistant Cruise Director, a large aspect of your role is to input the entertainment programme into the daily Cruise and Entertainment Layouts and โ€˜Cruise Newsโ€™ template, ensuring that this programme is made available to the relevant person on board in a timely manner, in order for them to input it into the daily โ€˜Cruise Newsโ€™.

Responsibilities
  • To deliver and promote the entertainment package to an exceptionally high standard.
  • To deputies for the Cruise Director and act as a โ€˜second pair of eyesโ€™ for him/her around the ship.
  • To host a selected number of daily events and activities, including participation in Sail Away and Deck Parties.
  • To develop new skills.
  • Line management and organization of the Senior Entertainment Host and M-Club Manager their Host Teams, and the visiting Guest Entertainers.
  • Admin duties include; regular checking of and responding to emails, relevant and appropriate amendments to the entertainment scheduling in response to changing demographics on board, appraisals of the Senior Hosts, and assisting the Cruise Director with investigation/disciplinary paperwork where required. Other admin duties as required by the Cruise Director.
  • To create and enhance the guest experience on board.
  • To assist the Cruise Director and oversee all members of the shipโ€™s Entertainment Department.
  • To uphold and exceed venue expectations.
  • To ensure standards, product and the professional behavior of the team are at the highest level of the company.
  • Ensure the updated entertainment programme for each day is completed and issued to the relevant department responsible for the daily โ€˜Cruise Newsโ€™ within given deadlines.
  • To make regular revenue announcements when hosting events around the ship (ie; advertising last minute availability on tours/Shop promotions/Cruise Holiday Store etc) and also encourage the Entertainment Team to do the same.
  • Assisting the DCM with inputting the programme into the Cruise Layout, give priority to and protect certain Destination Services events, such as Port Showcases and Cruise Holiday Store/Future Cruise presentations within the Cruise Layout, ensuring there is no conflict with light entertainment events.
  • Personally, and alongside members of the Entertainment Team, assist the hotel operation on challenging days; with gangway assistance and crowd control (ad hoc).
  • To deliver feedback to the Senior Entertainment Host and support him/her in doing the same with the Entertainment Hosts.
  • To ensure appearance and grooming guidelines are maintained by all members of the Entertainment Department, at all times.
  • Interface with the shipโ€™s Management Team.
  • To uphold the standards set out in your training.
  • Senior Host development to include: monthly 1-2-1โ€™s, appraisals and development plans.
  • A position of onboard responsibility will be held with regards to emergency procedures, guest mustering and drills (full training received on board).
Experience & Skillset

The Assistant Cruise Director should have at least 2 yearsโ€™ experience in working with diverse and varied entertainment programmes, ideally within a โ€˜family audienceโ€™ cruise ship environment.

Experience managing a team of individuals.

Professional microphone/hosting experience.

A strong knowledge of stage performance.

Experience of revenue promotion through an entertainment product.

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