Guest Experience Director, Onboard & Shore Excursions

Socket.dev; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Travel, room and board provided

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks a Cruise & Excursions Director to lead onboard entertainment and ashore excursions, ensuring exceptional guest experiences across destinations. You will collaborate with vendors, manage logistics, and drive brand loyalty while living aboard for extended periods.

This role requires strong public speaking, presentation skills, and comfort with high guest interaction. A hospitality background and TWIC are preferred for success aboard the vessel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is 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.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

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 the shipboard daily program, stage, PA system and personal interaction.
• Be extraordinarily well‑versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
• Confirm and adjust all shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
• Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
• Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
• Coordinate and confirm logistics with vendors, coaches, guides, and entertainers to ensure timely service.
• Accommodate guest requests, including personalized ones such as kayaking and private transportation.
• Socialize with guests during meals and cocktail hour.
• Make daily midday announcements as the voice of the cruise.
• Present Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests.
• Assist in the delivery of Safety Briefing with the Captain.
• Ensure lounges are prepared for activities and events.
• Meet and greet onboard entertainers and conduct sound checks.
• Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system.
• Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
• Oversee port information materials and CVB coordination.
• Ensure background music is playing in lounges.
• Create and update bulletin boards daily.
• Coordinate weekly office inventory.
• Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
• Inform crew of daily excursion offerings.
• Monitor performance of vendors and guest speakers.
• Represent the company at pre‑cruise hotels on turnaround day.
• Meet with speakers to review scheduling.
• Promote on board sales and brand loyalty.
• Report status to Home Office regularly.

Skills

Public speaking

Social skills

Enthusiasm

Time management

Geography knowledge

TWIC

Collaboration

Hospitality mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks a Cruise & Excursions Director to lead onboard entertainment and ashore excursions, ensuring exceptional guest experiences across destinations. You will collaborate with vendors, manage logistics, and drive brand loyalty while living aboard for extended periods.

This role requires strong public speaking, presentation skills, and comfort with high guest interaction. A hospitality background and TWIC are preferred for success aboard the vessel.