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Winter Cruise Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bangor, ME · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portland, ME · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bangor, ME

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Point Pleasant, WV

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Bar Harbor, ME

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Tampa, FL

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Myers Beach, FL

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Grand Rivers, KY

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or ...

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All JobsTravel JobsWinter Cruise Jobs

Winter Cruise information

What is a winter cruise?

Winter cruises are voyages offered by cruise lines during the winter months, typically from November to March. These cruises often travel to warmer destinations such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, or the Mediterranean, allowing travelers to escape cold weather. Some winter cruises also explore colder climates, like Alaska or the Norwegian fjords, for those seeking unique winter experiences. They usually offer festive holiday-themed activities, special events, and seasonal menus. Winter cruises can be a great way to relax, explore new places, and enjoy amenities that ships offer year-round.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members working on winter cruises, and how can they prepare for them?

Crew members on winter cruises often face unique challenges such as harsh weather conditions, increased risk of seasickness, and the need to maintain high guest satisfaction despite shorter daylight hours and colder environments. Preparation includes packing appropriate cold-weather gear, familiarizing oneself with safety protocols for icy conditions, and developing strategies for keeping guests engaged with indoor activities. Teamwork is especially important in these settings, as crew members must support one another and maintain flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances at sea.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a winter cruise director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Winter Cruise Director, you need experience in hospitality management, event planning, and customer service, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications in tourism or hospitality. Familiarity with reservation systems, onboard safety protocols, and scheduling software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication help you manage diverse teams and ensure guest satisfaction. These skills are vital for delivering seamless, enjoyable cruise experiences and handling the unique challenges of wintertime cruising.

What is the difference between Winter Cruise vs Winter Cruise Staff?

AspectWinter CruiseWinter Cruise Staff
Primary RolePassenger experience, entertainment, and hospitality services onboardAssisting with guest services, activities, and operational support
Required CredentialsCustomer service skills, hospitality experience, possibly certifications in safety or first aidCustomer service skills, hospitality background, safety certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLuxury cruise ships during winter seasons, onboard guest areasOnboard cruise ships, assisting in various departments
Employer & Industry UsageCruise lines offering winter voyagesCruise lines hiring seasonal staff for winter cruises

Winter Cruise refers to the overall voyage experience during winter, including all onboard services and activities. Winter Cruise Staff are the employees supporting these voyages, focusing on guest services and operational tasks. Both roles are essential for a successful winter cruise experience, with staff serving as the frontline team ensuring guest satisfaction.

More about Winter Cruise jobs

What cities are hiring for Winter Cruise jobs?

Cities with the most Winter Cruise job openings:

What states have the most Winter Cruise jobs?

States with the most job openings for Winter Cruise jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Winter Cruise jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Winter Cruise jobs are:

Winter Cruise jobs near you
Infographic showing various Winter Cruise job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Cruise Operations Manager

Skagway, AK • On-site

Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School Inc.
See more jobs at Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School Inc.external

$4.1K - $4.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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)

Apply