Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid training and travel support

Uniforms

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks a Cruise Director to lead onboard entertainment, activities and guest engagement on our ships. You will manage presentations, events and guest interactions, ensuring a superb experience across daily programs and excursions.

The role requires energetic leadership, polished speaking skills, and collaboration with the hotel team to deliver memorable experiences for guests on a US-flag, small-ship fleet.

Qualifications

• Cruise ship experience preferred or upscale hotel/resort background.
• Highly polished speaking and presentation skills required.
• Strong interpersonal and social skills are essential.
• Ability to think critically and manage production/presentation quality.
• Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment is required.
• Energetic, outgoing, and can-do attitude is a must.
• Excellent time management and attention to detail.
• TWIC credential is required or must be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment and activity programs.
• Communicate guest information via shipboard channels and PA systems.
• Socialize with guests at meals, during excursions and events.
• Greet guests departing/returning from shore excursions.
• Act as the voice of the cruise through announcements and coordination.
• Coordinate with Excursions Director and guest speakers on scheduling.
• Create and update daily ship-to-shore communications and bulletins.
• Host introductions and excursion briefings; assist with safety briefings.

Skills

Cruise ship experience

Polished speaking/presentation skills

Interpersonal and social skills

Critical thinking

Production and presentation mindset

Audio/visual knowledge

Enthusiastic, outgoing attitude

Time management

TWIC credential

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Audio/Visual equipment basics

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.

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.

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.