Cruise & Excursions Director: Guest Experience Lead

American Cruise Lines; Mobile (AL); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Travel provided

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks a Cruises & Excursions Director to lead onboard guest engagement and ashore excursion programs across our US-flag ships. This full-time, on-board and ashore hybrid role requires energetic, polished presentation and strong leadership to coordinate activities, communications, and guest experiences.

You will manage excursions, vendor relations, and guest services while reporting to the Hotel General Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management 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.
• TWIC credential.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without accommodation.

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 shipboard daily program, PA system and personal interaction.
• Be well-versed in cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
• Confirm and adjust shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
• Greet guests at departure and return from shore excursions.
• Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
• Coordinate logistics with vendors, coaches, guides and entertainers to ensure timely service.
• Accommodate guest requests, including personalized arrangements.
• Socialize with guests during meals and cocktail hour.
• Make PA announcements as the voice of the cruise.
• Present Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing at start of each cruise.
• Assist in Safety Briefing with the Captain.
• Ensure lounges are prepared for activities (setup, music, A/V).
• Meet and greet on-board entertainers; conduct sound checks.
• Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing; manage system hardware.
• Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
• Purchase morning newspapers in port.
• Oversee port information collateral; refresh maps and materials.
• Ensure background music is playing in lounges.
• Create/update bulletin board daily.
• Coordinate weekly office inventory.
• Prepare folders for turnaround day.
• Inform crew of daily excursion offerings.
• Monitor vendor performance and provide course corrections.
• Oversee pre-cruise hotel representation on turnaround day (where applicable).
• Meet with speakers and instructors to review scheduling.
• Promote on-board sales and loyalty programs.
• Report to Home Office on cruise status and guest issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
• Perform bartending duties as needed.

Skills

Public speaking

Time management

Social skills

Critical thinking

Presentation skills

Microsoft Office

Geography knowledge

TWIC

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks a Cruises & Excursions Director to lead onboard guest engagement and ashore excursion programs across our US-flag ships. This full-time, on-board and ashore hybrid role requires energetic, polished presentation and strong leadership to coordinate activities, communications, and guest experiences.

You will manage excursions, vendor relations, and guest services while reporting to the Hotel General Manager.