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Intern 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 ...

New

$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 ...

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public ... Safety Briefing with the Captain. * Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events ...

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Intern Cruise Ship Captain information

What is the difference between Intern Cruise Ship Captain vs Deck Cadet?

AspectIntern Cruise Ship CaptainDeck Cadet
Required CredentialsBasic maritime training, STCW certification, some experienceMaritime school training, STCW certification, entry-level
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, overseeing navigation and safetyOnboard cruise ships, assisting deck officers, learning operations
Employer & Industry UsageCruise lines, maritime training programsMaritime academies, cruise companies, shipping industry

The Intern Cruise Ship Captain is an entry-level role focused on gaining practical experience in navigation and ship management, often as part of a training program. A Deck Cadet is a similar entry-level position, primarily assisting deck officers and learning ship operations. Both roles require maritime certifications and are common in the cruise industry, but the Intern Cruise Ship Captain may involve more responsibility and leadership training, whereas the Deck Cadet emphasizes hands-on learning and support tasks.

Are cruise ship captains in demand?

Cruise ship captains are in steady demand due to the global cruise industry’s growth, which requires experienced leaders to operate large vessels safely. Employment opportunities depend on industry trends, certifications such as STCW, and experience in maritime navigation and safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern cruise ship captain?

To thrive as an Intern Cruise Ship Captain, you need a solid understanding of maritime navigation, safety procedures, and vessel operations, often supported by relevant maritime education or training. Familiarity with ship management systems, navigational tools, and basic certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) is typically required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you work effectively with crew and ensure passenger safety. These skills are crucial for safely managing ship operations, handling emergencies, and fostering a positive onboard environment.

Is it hard to become an intern cruise ship captain?

Becoming an intern cruise ship captain is challenging because it requires extensive maritime experience, relevant certifications such as a captain's license, and strong leadership skills. Intern positions are typically part of a structured training program designed to prepare candidates for future full captain roles, often involving hands-on experience and passing rigorous assessments.

How much do cruise ship captains get paid?

Cruise ship captains typically earn between $100,000 and $250,000 annually, depending on the cruise line, experience, and the size of the vessel. Salaries often include benefits such as accommodations, travel, and bonuses, and captains usually work on contracts that last several months with scheduled time off.

How to get a job as an intern cruise ship captain?

To become an intern cruise ship captain, candidates typically need a maritime education, such as a degree in nautical science or marine transportation, and relevant maritime certifications like a captain's license. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level maritime roles is essential before advancing to an internship position under the supervision of experienced captains.

What does an intern cruise ship captain do?

An Intern Cruise Ship Captain assists the main captain and crew in operating a cruise ship while gaining hands-on experience in navigation, safety procedures, and managing ship operations. Interns typically shadow senior officers, participate in drills, and learn about maritime regulations and customer service. This role is designed to provide aspiring captains with real-world training and insight into the responsibilities of commanding a large vessel. The position serves as an entry-level step for those pursuing a career in maritime leadership.
More about Intern Cruise Ship Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Intern Cruise Ship Captain jobs? Cities with the most Intern 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 Intern Cruise Ship Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Intern Cruise Ship Captain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Intern Cruise Ship Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


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.