Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines; The Dalles (OR); On-site; USD 36,900 - 55,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Travel and training expenses covered

Job summary

A leading cruise line seeks an energetic Cruise Director to enhance guest experiences onboard. The role involves managing activities, engaging with guests, and ensuring smooth operations during voyages. Ideal candidates will have previous cruise or upscale resort experience, strong presentation skills, and be comfortable in a dynamic environment. The position is full-time, based on a 7-day onboard schedule with 6-8 weeks of work followed by 1-2 weeks off, offering competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Cruise ship experience preferred; upscale hotel/resort experience considered.
• Extremely polished speaking/presentation skills required.
• Strong critical thinking and time management skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and execute entertainment and activity programs.
• Socialize with guests during meals and events.
• Manage onboard communication and announcements.

Skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Time management

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Upscale hotel/resort experience

Tools

Audio/Visual equipment knowledge

Job description

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise 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 Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere onboard while always engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations and socializing throughout the cruise. The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications on board. This leadership role requires an energetic, creative, talented individual with previous cruise/resort experience, extraordinarily polished presentation skills, collaborative approach, team spirit, and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel 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.
• Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
• Socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour.
• Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
• Make daily Noon announcement/update; make every effort to make all PA announcements as the “voice” of the cruise.
• Meet with Excursions Director, Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
• Create the daily Ship to Shore.
• Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing.
• Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
• Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, A/V requirements, etc.).
• Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker’s A/V needs.
• Create and update bulletin board daily.
• Work with Excursions Director to prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
• Act as company representative at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day.
• Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty by hosting re-booking events.
• Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, guest issues and recovery, and the evaluations of Guest Speakers, Instructors and Entertainers.
• Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.

Qualifications

• Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Extremely polished speaking/presentation skills required.
• Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
• Strong critical thinking skills required.
• Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
• Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
• Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, and always have a can-do attitude.
• Excellent time management and attention to detail.
• 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 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.

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.