Guest Experience Director — Small-Ship Cruise

American Cruise Lines; Old Saybrook (CT); On-site; USD 83,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Job summary

American Cruise Lines is seeking a dynamic Cruise Director to lead onboard entertainment, activities, and guest experiences for the 2026 season aboard our American-flag ships. You will manage schedules, coordinate with guest speakers, and ensure exceptional service across all events to create a memorable voyage.

The role requires polished presentation skills, strong people abilities, and comfort with high-energy shows and shipboard operations while working seven days a week on board.

Qualifications

• Cruise ship experience preferred, but 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.

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.
• Oversee proper VIP guest service delivery.
• 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.

Skills

Cruise ship experience

Office suite proficiency

Polished presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Production & presentation

Basic A/V knowledge

Enthusiastic & outgoing

Time management

TWIC

Accommodation capable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

American Cruise Lines is seeking a dynamic Cruise Director to lead onboard entertainment, activities, and guest experiences for the 2026 season aboard our American-flag ships. You will manage schedules, coordinate with guest speakers, and ensure exceptional service across all events to create a memorable voyage.

The role requires polished presentation skills, strong people abilities, and comfort with high-energy shows and shipboard operations while working seven days a week on board.