Cruise Director

Disney; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Disney Cruise Line seeks a Cruise Director to lead daily onboard operations and the execution of entertainment products and services. You will oversee all entertainment content, collaborate with departments, and manage financial operations to deliver a world-class guest experience.

The role requires eight or more years in hosting, stage and public speaking, plus eight years in a senior leadership position. Previous ship operations experience and strong communication skills are essential for

Qualifications

• Minimum eight or more years' experience in hosting, stage experience, and public speaking.
• Minimum eight years' experience in a senior leadership role.
• Previous ship operations experience as a Cruise Director or similar role.
• Experience integrating entertainment with multiple lines of business.
• Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily onboard operations and execution of entertainment products and services.
• Oversee all entertainment content and ensure consistent delivery of experiences.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to plan and execute events.
• Direct guest events and onboard entertainment.
• Manage schedule of events onboard and ashore.
• Evaluate show quality and brand integrity; provide recommendations.
• Communicate safety and guest information ship-wide.
• Oversee guest service delivery and guest satisfaction metrics.
• Develop a world-class onboard entertainment operations team.
• Lead leadership development and succession planning.
• Drive cost containment and manage financial performance for entertainment.
• Partner with shore-side entertainment operations and marketing.
• Support new itineraries by analyzing practices and strategies.
• Conduct performance reviews with Human Resources.
• Perform administrative duties.

Skills

Hosting & stage experience

Public speaking

Senior leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Strategic planning

Executive communication

Guest satisfaction

Leadership development

Education

Bachelor's degree or related training

Job description

About the position

As a Cruise Director at Disney Cruise Line, you will lead the daily onboard operations and execution of entertainment products and services. This role involves overseeing all entertainment content, ensuring a consistent delivery of experiences, and enhancing guest and crew satisfaction. You will collaborate with various departments, manage financial operations, and develop a world‑class entertainment operations team while upholding Disney's values and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to define a clear vision for onboard entertainment.
• Translate and integrate the vision into strategic operating plans focused on innovation and continuous process improvements.
• Drive enhanced guest and crew experiences considering the competitive environment.
• Direct all guest events and onboard entertainment.
• Ensure daily schedule of events onboard and ashore proceeds as scheduled, making necessary adjustments.
• Evaluate show quality and brand integrity, providing recommendations for future planning.
• Serve as the executive communicator for safety and guest information with ship-wide announcements.
• Oversee execution and daily delivery of guest service, focusing on guest satisfaction measurement.
• Develop a world‑class onboard entertainment operations team.
• Maintain an integrated focus on leadership development and succession planning.
• Lead effective and decision‑oriented department meetings.
• Liaise with all departments effectively and professionally.
• Support and champion safety initiatives across all entertainment lines of business.
• Oversee and manage financial profit and operating expenses, including revenue generation and cost containment.
• Communicate with Executive Director‑Entertainment Operations regarding consistency of operation between ships.
• Partner with shore‑side entertainment/port adventures operations leadership regarding onboard leadership development.
• Provide support for new itineraries by analyzing previous practices and executing strategies for successful delivery of entertainment offerings.
• Partner with Human Resources on managing personnel files and conducting performance reviews.
• Partner with Marketing/Promotions to plan special events.
• Perform extensive administrative duties.

Requirements

• Minimum eight or more years' experience in hosting, stage experience, and public speaking skills.
• Minimum of eight years' experience in a senior leadership role.
• Previous ship operations experience as a Cruise Director or similar role.
• Operational experience with an understanding of crew/entertainer challenges.
• Leadership experience including coaching and mentoring skills.
• Experience integrating the entertainment experience with multiple lines of business.
• Solid knowledge of entertainment operations business procedures.
• Passion for character and show integrity that supports the Disney Brand.
• Ability to initiate guest contact with enthusiasm and energy.
• Relate well to audiences of all ages and demographics.
• Highly motivated self‑starter able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong administrative skills required.
• Demonstrated strong verbal, written presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated strong negotiation, delegation, and partnering skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and continuous improvement skills.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.

Nice‑to‑haves

• Preferred college degree or related training in recreation, education, entertainment, or related field.