Cruise Ship Captain — Lead Safe Navigation & Guest Service

American Cruise Lines; Bucksport (ME); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Advanced simulator-based training

Travel, room and board coverage

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet, sailing inland and coastal waters across the East Coast, Alaska, Great Lakes, and major rivers. Captains ensure safe vessel operations and uphold standards while representing the company as professional leaders.

We offer on-board accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and access to advanced bridge simulators for rigorous training and development focused on critical decision-making and piloting skills.

Qualifications

• USCG Master Captain license required with 100 GRT Near Coastal; 1,600 GRT+ preferred.
• TWIC credential required for access to port facilities and vessels.
• Coastal and river captain experience: 2+ years; 5+ years preferred; Z-drive experience desired.
• Strong communication and team-building abilities; professional leadership expected.
• Pre-employment drug testing and ongoing random testing.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
• Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Direct prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
• Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
• Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers; oversee Shipboard Engineer.
• Coordinate major engineering repairs with port engineers.
• Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
• Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
• Provide visible leadership through announcements and guest interaction.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team-building

Leadership

Education

USCG Master Captain license (100 GRT Near Coastal; 1600 GRT preferred)

TWIC credential

Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet, sailing inland and coastal waters across the East Coast, Alaska, Great Lakes, and major rivers. Captains ensure safe vessel operations and uphold standards while representing the company as professional leaders.

We offer on-board accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and access to advanced bridge simulators for rigorous training and development focused on critical decision-making and piloting skills.