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Local Cruise Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

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Cruise & Excursions Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

Create the Ship to Shore. * Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program ... Oversee, manage inventory and display port information collateral for guests; coordinate with local ...

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How much do local cruise ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for local cruise ship in the United States is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work schedules and living arrangements for crew members on a local cruise ship?

Crew members on local cruise ships often work in shifts, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the ship's itinerary and department. Living arrangements are usually provided onboard, with shared cabins and access to crew-only facilities. The close-knit environment fosters strong teamwork, but it can also present challenges in maintaining work-life balance due to long hours and limited privacy. Applicants should be prepared for a dynamic, multicultural workplace and the unique lifestyle that comes with living at sea.

What are local cruise ships?

Local cruise ships are vessels that operate primarily within a specific region or country, offering short-duration cruises that typically last from a few hours to a few days. Unlike international or ocean-going cruise liners, local cruise ships focus on exploring nearby destinations, such as coastal cities, islands, or river routes. These cruises often highlight regional attractions, cuisine, and culture, making them an accessible option for travelers who want a leisurely excursion without long travel times. They are popular for day trips, themed events, and short getaways.

How much do cruise ship workers get paid?

Cruise ship workers' salaries vary by position and experience, but generally range from around $1,200 to $3,000 per month. Entry-level roles such as hospitality staff or housekeeping tend to earn lower wages, while specialized positions like entertainment or technical staff may earn higher pay. Many roles also include tips and benefits, and work schedules often involve extended periods at sea followed by time off on land.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Local Cruise Ship Crew Member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Local Cruise Ship Crew Member, you need a solid background in hospitality or customer service, basic safety training (such as STCW certification), and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with shipboard systems, point-of-sale software, and safety procedures is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial for creating positive guest experiences and handling dynamic situations onboard. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering excellent service, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining smooth cruise operations.

How can I get a job in a cruise ship?

To get a job as a cruise ship crew member, you should research available positions, meet the minimum age and health requirements, and obtain relevant certifications such as safety or hospitality training. Applying through cruise line websites or recruitment agencies and demonstrating customer service skills are essential steps in the process.

What's the easiest job to get on a cruise ship?

The easiest jobs to get on a cruise ship are typically entry-level positions such as housekeeping staff, food service workers, or deck crew, which often require minimal prior experience. These roles usually involve on-the-job training and are in high demand, making them more accessible for new applicants.

How do you get hired on a cruise ship?

To get hired as a crew member on a cruise ship, applicants typically need to submit an application through the cruise line's careers website or recruitment events, demonstrate relevant skills or experience, and pass interviews and background checks. Many positions also require certifications such as STCW and the ability to work in a team environment for extended periods at sea.

What is the difference between Local Cruise Ship vs Cruise Ship Entertainment Staff?

AspectLocal Cruise ShipCruise Ship Entertainment Staff
CredentialsValid maritime certifications, safety trainingPerforming arts or entertainment certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, port stopsOnboard cruise ships, event venues
Employer & IndustryCruise lines, maritime industryCruise lines, entertainment industry
Search & ComparisonOften searched together due to onboard rolesSpecialized entertainment roles on ships

While both roles work onboard cruise ships, Local Cruise Ship staff typically handle general operations, safety, and customer service, requiring maritime certifications. Cruise Ship Entertainment Staff focus on providing entertainment, performances, and engaging guests, often with arts or performance credentials. Both roles are essential to the cruise industry but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

More about Local Cruise Ship jobs
What cities are hiring for Local Cruise Ship jobs? Cities with the most Local Cruise Ship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship jobs are:
What states have the most Local Cruise Ship jobs? States with the most job openings for Local Cruise Ship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Local Cruise Ship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Local Cruise Ship jobs are:
Local Cruise Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Cruise Ship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, 41% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,272 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Cruise & Excursions Director

Cruise & Excursions Director

American Cruise Lines

Rosedale, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Cruise amp; Excursions Director
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise amp; Excursions 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 amp; Excursions Director is a hybrid role responsible for engaging guests both on board and ashore. On board, the Cruise amp; Excursions Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere while always engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations, communications and socializing throughout the cruise. Ashore, the Cruise amp; Excursions Director engages guests in each destination through a series of shoreside excursions, explorations and adventures while managing all shore excursions and transfer operations, external vendor/operator communications, premium excursion upselling and inventory management.

This role has the highest level of guest interaction and can be very demanding, with long hours. The role requires an energetic and creative person with extraordinarily polished presentation skills, a collaborative team spirit and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise amp; Excursions Director reports to the Hotel General 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.
  • Create the Ship to Shore.
  • Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
  • Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
  • Confirm and adjust, as necessary, all shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
  • Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
  • Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
  • Coordinate, communicate and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators and entertainers to ensure timely and smooth service.
  • Accommodate guest requests, including highly personalized ones such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation arrangements.
  • Socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour.
  • Make daily midday announcement/update; make every effort to make all PA announcements as the “voice” of the cruise.
  • Present a detailed Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
  • Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
  • Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, stage set-up, background music, A/V requirements, etc.).
  • Meet and greet step-on entertainers when they join the ship; conduct sound check and inspect stage set-up.
  • Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system; be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware.
  • Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
  • Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
  • Oversee, manage inventory and display port information collateral for guests; coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures and other port-/region-specific materials of interest to guests.
  • Ensure that approved background music is playing in lounges before and after each activity, presentation and show.
  • Create and update bulletin board daily.
  • Coordinate weekly office inventory.
  • Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
  • Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, motor coaches, entertainers and guest speakers, providing immediate course corrections when necessary.
  • Oversee company representation at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day (when applicable).
  • Meet with Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
  • Promote on board sales and brand loyalty program.
  • Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, excursion counts, guest issues and recovery, entertainment, enrichment and activities.
  • Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
  • Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can-do attitude.
  • Strong public speaking skills.
  • Strong social skills.
  • Strong critical thinking skills.
  • Strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. Geography preferred.
  • 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 work outside during inclement weather, staying agile, and maintaining balance over wet terrain.
  • Ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure.
  • 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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