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Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Silversea Cruises - the most innovative fleet and private destinations, and the best people ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited college or university or the ...

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Marine Engineering Coordinator American Cruise Lines is seeking shoreside Coordinators/Watch Standers for our Fleet Operations Center to support our growing fleet of small cruise ships sailing unique ...

... Silversea Cruises - the most innovative fleet and private destinations, and the best people ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited college or university or the ...

Captain American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American ... Oversee Shipboard Engineer. * Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support ...

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Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer information

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$94.5K

$130.5K

How much do entry level cruise ship engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cruise ship engineer in the United States is $128,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level cruise ship engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level cruise ship engineers often face challenges such as adapting to long periods at sea, working in a multicultural team, and responding to technical issues in a fast-paced environment. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong communication skills, being open to learning from more experienced colleagues, and maintaining a flexible and solution-oriented mindset. Taking advantage of onboard training programs and proactively seeking mentorship can also help new engineers build confidence and advance in their careers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer vs Entry Level Marine Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Cruise Ship EngineerEntry Level Marine Engineer
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Engine Room CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Marine Engineering Certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, confined engine rooms, passenger areasOnboard ships, engine rooms, port facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in cruise line industryCommercial shipping, cargo, and passenger vessels

Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineers focus on maintaining and repairing ship engines in the cruise industry, often working in passenger-rich environments. Entry Level Marine Engineers have similar certifications and work in various maritime sectors, including cargo and commercial vessels. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, cruise ship engineers specialize in passenger cruise ships, whereas marine engineers may work across different vessel types.

What does an entry level cruise ship engineer do?

An entry level cruise ship engineer assists in the maintenance and operation of the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems. Their duties often include routine inspections, troubleshooting minor technical issues, and supporting senior engineers with repairs and daily checks. They help ensure the ship runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently while learning the skills needed for advancement. This role is hands-on and may involve working in shifts, including nights and weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer, you need foundational knowledge in marine engineering, mechanical systems, and safety procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or technical training. Familiarity with marine engine diagnostics, maintenance tools, and certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you adapt to onboard challenges and collaborate with the crew. These abilities are essential to maintain ship safety, ensure efficient operations, and uphold regulatory standards at sea.
More about Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cruise Ship Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,141 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

$4.1K - $4.5K/mo

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Cruise Operations Manager
Salary: $4100- $4500 monthly DOE
Timeframe: Full time, expected 40-50 hours/week
Location: Present in Skagway, Alaska to prepare for season set-up through completion of shutdown. Typically, this occurs between mid-March through mid-October. Remote work possible outside of these months.
Winter role vs. summer role varies considerably in terms of time, projects, and general business of the Haines office.
Overview:
Alaska Mountain Guides operates a variety of tours for guests visiting Southeast Alaska. Our primary clientele involves cruise ships, though independent travelers are also welcome. The main responsibility of the Haines Cruise Operations Manager is to oversee each of the tour sites and their corresponding site managers as well as assist in a variety of day-to-day operations of the company through a combination of field and office work.
Job Qualifications:
  • Must be 21 years old
  • Prior experience in cruise industry/tourism is preferred
  • Excellent organizational and management skills
  • Strong computer and database skills (Microsoft Excel and Word, Adobe, etc)
  • Some experience in the outdoors is preferred.

Reporting:
  • Report directly to the Skagway program manager. Help facilitate generation of Skagway weekly reports to Skagway Program manager and owners.

General Duties:
  • Responsible for oversight of operations for Alaska Mountain Guides and Chilkat Guides cruise ship programs in Skagway.
  • Coordinate with Haines office for Cruise ship programming
  • Help support long trip operations based out of Skagway

Guide Management:
  • Shared management of guides, dock staff and site managers
  • Time sheets and payroll - manage overall guide hours and overtime
    • Timesheet review prior to each payroll
  • Oversee overall scheduling
  • Coordinate with site specific managers to help facilitate weekly guide meetings
  • Guide appreciation; organize dinners and activities, etc.

Office Management & Office Tasks:
  • Ship correspondence - email and telephone
  • Scheduling - manage overall scheduling with office staff.
  • Dock repping and settlement - as needed - shared with office and dock managers
  • Shared management of Dock Manager - Organize and manage dock transfers - work closely with Dock Manager to ensure that Dock transfers happen appropriately.
  • Active presence at site and on pier
  • Daily Summaries - emailed to all ships at the end of the day
  • Waivers and guide paperwork - Organize and verify completion throughout day and at end
  • Manage Skagway Office Petty Cash in coordination with Skagway Program manager
  • Organize weekly office meetings
  • Ship Settlement and Sending Settlement Sheets & Dock transfers
  • Maintain Outlook Skagway Calendar
  • Learn database and scheduling software and coordinate database efforts within the Skagway office and between the Haines Office.
  • Help structure and build allocations and proposals for each season working closely with Skagway and Haines program managers.
  • Manage adjustments to allocations and space requests with the cruise lines on an ongoing basis.

Marketing:
  • This would primarily be the Marketing Manager's role, however, the Operations Manager may play a part in these marketing efforts. This may include Familiarization (FAM) trips with Shore Excursion staff, presence and enthusiasm at the dock, or other lateral marketing efforts.
  • Be a part of, and support, early season FAM trips.

Skagway Infrastructure :
  • Houses - make notes in weekly report of repairs needed.
  • Coordinate with maintenance staff to prioritize repairs.
  • Coordinate employees and house "moms" to ensure that properties are adequately taken care of.

Program Site Management:
  • Shared management with Site Specific Managers
  • Site specific managers manage specific programs/locations, and are key assets in ability to manage operations.
  • Rock/Zip site managers, Canoe program manager, Hike & Float Manager, Dock Manager, and "new program" manager
  • Make sure they are providing regular reports, and have what they need.
  • Delegate specific tasks appropriately for efficient management.

Guide and Drive as needed
Other duties as dictated by daily needs
Support of new projects and initiatives as needed
Winter Season
  • Primary functions include but not limited to:
    • Hiring for summer season
    • Creation and management of cruise allocations
    • Expedition sales (see above)
    • Helping all departments as needed
  • Remote work possible in winter
    • Remote work is a privilege based on performance and is not guaranteed
  • Must be present in Skagway office a minimum of two weeks prior to first guide arrivals in Skagway and through season shut-down (typically mid-March through mid-October)