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Full Time Cruise Ship Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cruise Ship Excursion Manager is ultimately responsible for daily operations of Cruise Ship ... Request updated manifests from shipboard Shorex teams and disseminate to captains via WhatsApp ...

$17/hr

The Cruise Ship Excursion Guide is ultimately responsible for guiding guests of Cruise Ship ... captains to verify totals are correct. * Facilitate invoice sign off from Shorex Team members ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Essential Functions: * Ships experience forces from wind ...

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Full Time Cruise Ship Captain information

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$47

How much do full time cruise ship captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time cruise ship captain in the United States is $26.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time cruise ship captain?

Full Time Cruise Ship Captains are highly trained maritime professionals responsible for commanding and overseeing the operations of a cruise ship. They ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the vessel itself while navigating international waters and making port calls. Captains manage navigation, compliance with maritime laws, crew supervision, and communication with authorities. Their role also includes handling emergencies and representing the cruise line to passengers and external stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time cruise ship captain?

To thrive as a Full Time Cruise Ship Captain, you need extensive maritime knowledge, leadership experience, and a valid Master's license such as the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certification. Familiarity with advanced navigation systems, radar, GPS, and safety management systems is crucial. Strong decision-making, crisis management, and interpersonal communication skills set exceptional captains apart. These abilities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, efficient ship operations, and effective leadership of a diverse crew.

What are some common challenges faced by full time cruise ship captains, and how are they managed?

Full-time cruise ship captains frequently encounter challenges such as navigating unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and crew, and maintaining compliance with international maritime regulations. Additionally, captains manage diverse teams and coordinate closely with various departments, such as hospitality and engineering, to provide a seamless guest experience. Effective communication, decision-making under pressure, and strong leadership skills are essential for managing these challenges and ensuring smooth operations throughout each voyage.

What is the difference between Full Time Cruise Ship Captain vs Marine Engineer?

AspectFull Time Cruise Ship CaptainMarine Engineer
CredentialsSTCW certification, Master Mariner licenseSTCW certification, Marine Engineer license
Work EnvironmentBridge of cruise ships, onboard navigation and leadershipEngine rooms, ship machinery, technical maintenance
Employer & IndustryCruise lines, passenger shipping industryShip operators, maritime industry

While both roles require maritime certifications and work onboard ships, the Full Time Cruise Ship Captain primarily oversees navigation and passenger safety, whereas the Marine Engineer focuses on maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and technical systems. Both are essential for ship operation but differ in daily responsibilities and expertise areas.

Are full time cruise ship captains in demand?

Full time cruise ship captains are in demand due to the ongoing growth of the cruise industry and the need for experienced maritime professionals. They require extensive certifications, leadership skills, and experience navigating large vessels, which contribute to steady employment opportunities in the maritime and hospitality sectors.

How much do full time cruise ship captains make?

Full-time cruise ship captains typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on the cruise line, experience, and vessel size. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and crew management, often working long shifts onboard for extended periods.

How to get a job as a full time cruise ship captain?

To become a full-time cruise ship captain, candidates typically need extensive maritime experience, often starting as a deck officer and progressing through ranks. They must hold relevant certifications such as a Master Mariner license, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and have experience navigating large vessels in various conditions. Additionally, employers value safety records, communication skills, and familiarity with maritime regulations.
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What cities are hiring for Full Time Cruise Ship Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Cruise Ship Captain job openings:

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

The most popular types of Cruise Ship Captain jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Cruise Ship Captain jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Full Time Cruise Ship Captain jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Cruise Ship Captain 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 $54,541 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

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 not limited to the effective delivery of guests from the various cruise lines to charter catamarans and ferry vessels. This position will oversee a large revenue center for the business and must operate independently. Additionally this position will communicate with shipboard shore excursions teams and pass along information to captains and shoreside team members. 

OPERATIONAL DUTIES

  • Review FareHarbor for updated counts per tour prior dates

  • Liaise with revenue management colleagues to ensure accuracy of upcoming tour information in FareHarbor

  • Communicate with St. John vendors regarding tour counts and operational timelines via WhatsApp group

  • Prepare run-of-show plan for each call month and update it prior to the call

  • Request updated manifests from shipboard Shorex teams and disseminate to captains via WhatsApp group

  • Collect tickets from crew members and ferry guides, reconcile numbers against FareHarbor, and communicate final counts to captains to verify accuracy.

  • Facilitate invoice sign-off from Shorex Team members, including denoting empty seat rates and guaranteed minimums

  • Assist in facilitating Catamaran tours by liaising with captains and crew, stepping in to greet and guide guests in the event that catamarans are delayed.

  • Act as STJ Ferry Guide, escorting guests from pickup at the cruise ship dock in STT to STJ Trunk Bay (or other tours) ensuring guest satisfaction, safety, and adherence to the schedule.

  • Utilize P-card to submit payments for National Park entry and vendors, ensuring accurate billing by tracking adults vs. children and maintaining financial targets.

  • Reconcile STJ Vendors in daily vendor closeout sheet, including but not limited to taxis, national park concessioners, and third party tour guides.

  • Supervise Cruise Ship Excursion guides to ensure adherence to the expectations for exemplary guest service. 

  • Schedule self and team in alignment with labor budget goals.

  • Ensure that STJ day-of operations run smoothly, including direct communications with STJ taxi vendors.

  • In conjunction with the St. Thomas Charter Operations Manager, oversees guest service, retail, food and beverage, and cleanliness standards for the ferry. This includes scheduling and planning with the Lead Captain and first mate.

  • Maintain awareness of Coast Guard regulations related to receiving and organizing manifests for vessel captains executing excursions.

SAFETY OPERATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Obtain and maintain active CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications

  • Communicate any guest safety concerns or injuries to DSO

  • Accompany any injured guest, should they be transferred to a medical facility

TRAINING and RECRUITING

  • Recruit team members to uphold daily operations to the standards of the organization.

  • Create, maintain, and enforce daily duty sheets

  • Modify and consistently update training packets and check-off lists to team.

  • Train team members according to operational standards

  • Initiate training packets and sign-offs.

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • 5+  years of experience in customer service, hospitality, marine operations, or transportation logistics.

  • Strong understanding of business operations

  • Outgoing, clear, and fun personality

  • Approachable, helpful, and enthusiastic demeanor.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft business letters, develop reports, deliver presentations, create policies and procedures, and write repair specifications.

  • Understanding of individual roles, interactions, and responsibilities of employees, including knowledge of all aspects of performance management.

  • Strong technical abilities, with proficiency in both G-Suite and Microsoft Office.

  • Ability to prioritize, organize and follow up on a high volume of guest and management requests.

  • Ability to stand, kneel, and/or engage in physical activity for extended periods of time, including lifting moderate to heavy items.

  • Ability to operate a high-volume business independently while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. 

  • Be available to work any shift as needed by the demands of the cruise ship business, this includes but is not limited to nights, weekends, and early mornings.