Historian/Destination Speaker

American Cruise Lines; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cruise line is seeking onboard Historians and Destination Speakers to provide engaging presentations about American history and local cultures. Candidates should possess exceptional public speaking and presentation skills, with deep knowledge of history and geography relevant to cruise itineraries. This role requires interaction with guests daily, conducting presentations, and engaging in social settings. Applicants must be enthusiastic and service-minded. The position involves traveling and living on board the ship, with covered travel expenses.

Qualifications

• Extremely polished public speaking skills required.
• Excellent and polished presentation skills.
• Extraordinarily knowledgeable of history, geography, and ports of call.
• Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
• Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, and service-minded.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily formal presentations supported by PowerPoint visuals.
• Narration/commentary while the ship is underway.
• Participate in Shore Excursions providing commentary.
• Dine with guests each evening.
• Engage guests throughout the day and evening.

Skills

Public speaking skills

Presentation skills

Knowledge of history and geography

Interpersonal skills

Enthusiasm

Attention to detail

Job description

American Cruise Lines, the world’s leading small ship cruise line, is adding to its team of onboard Historians and Destination Speakers and is looking for passionate individuals to enhance the onboard experience. Discover the best of America and the country’s most beautiful waterways while visiting the unique cities and towns along the way. American Cruise Lines’ guests are well-traveled individuals looking for a destination-focused adventure, where they will have the opportunity to explore the history, culture and natural scenery of each unique port visited. Our Historian and Destination Speakers play an integral role in the guest experience through educational presentations, underway commentary, port overviews, casual talks and group discussions.

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.

General Qualifications

• Extremely polished public speaking skills required.
• Excellent and polished presentation skills.
• Extraordinarily knowledgeable of the history, geography, ecology, ports of call, and other points of interest within the cruise itinerary.
• Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
• Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
• Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, friendly, sociable, service-minded, and always have a can‑do attitude.
• Excellent time management and attention to detail.

Region‑specific Minimum Requirements Include

West Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)

• Puget Sound & Alaska – Topics should include Marine Wildlife, Glaciers & Ice Fields, Native American & Alaskan Native Cultures, Geology, Forests & Ecosystems, Exploration & Settlement, and The Fishing & Seafood Industry.
• The Columbia & Snake Rivers – Topics should include Lewis & Clark, Native American Culture, Geology, Wildlife & Ecology, Wine & Agriculture, and Hydropower & Dams, Mt. St. Helens, the Oregon Trail and River Navigation.
• Extensive knowledge of the Upper or Lower Mississippi, Ohio, or Tennessee & Cumberland Rivers. Topics should include The Civil War & Historic Battles, The Louisiana Purchase, Agriculture & Industry, River Navigation, Music & Cultural Contributions, Culinary Traditions, Native American Cultures, Mark Twain & Literature, Floods & River Management, and Architecture & Historic Homes.

East Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)

• New England – Topics should include Colonial History, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, Lighthouses & Navigation, Literary & Artistic Contributions, Lobstering & Fishing Industry, Architectural Styles, Whaling, and Culinary Traditions.
• Chesapeake Bay – Topics should include Jamestown, Williamsburg & Early American History, Native American Cultures, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War and Crabbing & Oystering.
• The Historic South – Topics should include Colonial & Antebellum History, The Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Gullah Culture & Heritage, Architectural Styles & Historic Homes, Southern Literature, the Civil Rights Movement, Maritime History, Southern Culinary Traditions and Southern Gardens & Horticulture.
• Florida – Topics should include the Spanish Exploration, Native American History, The Everglades & Ecosystems, Pirates & Maritime History, Marine Wildlife, Hemingway & Literature, Architectural Styles, and Hurricanes & Weather Patterns.
• Topics should include Native American Cultures, French & British Exploration, The War of 1812, Maritime Heritage & Shipwrecks, Lighthouses & Navigation, Immigration & Industry, Architecture & Historic Cities, Music & Artistic Contributions, Culinary Traditions and Wildlife & Ecology.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily formal presentations (45‑60 mins each).
• All presentations should be supported by PowerPoint visuals.
• Provide narration/commentary while the ship is underway from port to port during daylight hours, broadcast over the ship’s PA system to public lounges, outer decks and into guest staterooms.
• Present daily 15‑20 min Port Previews and Q&A for all ports of call included on the cruise.
• Participate in daily hosting of Shore Excursions providing coach commentary when needed.
• Dine with guests each evening.
• Be available to guests throughout the day and evening for one‑on‑one chats and socialization.

Work Schedule

• 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
• Weeks working and living onboard the ship range depending on candidate availability and regional needs.
• Covered Expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, along with room and board.

Attributes for Success

• Passion for building relationships and speaking about American history.
• Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
• Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
• Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.
• Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.