Onboard & Shore Excursions Director

American Cruise Lines; Biloxi (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks a Cruise & Excursions Director to lead guest experiences aboard and ashore. This hybrid role blends on-board entertainment and program management with shoreside excursion planning, vendor communications, and upselling premium experiences.

The position reports to the Hotel General Manager and demands high energy, polished presentation, and a passion for guest satisfaction. 7 days per week on ship; rotations include extended onboard periods.

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 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.

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, public address system and one-on-one interaction.
• Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
• Confirm and adjust 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 logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators and entertainers.
• Accommodate guest requests, including personalized arrangements.
• Socialize with guests during meals and cocktail hour.
• Make daily PA announcements as the voice of the cruise.
• Present Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing at cruise start.
• Assist in Safety Briefing with Captain.
• Ensure lounges are prepared for activities.
• Meet and greet step-on entertainers; conduct sound checks.
• Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing; manage system hardware.
• Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
• Purchase morning newspapers in port.
• Refresh maps, brochures and materials for guests.
• 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 and evaluate vendors and speakers; implement corrections.
• Represent company at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day.
• Meet guests and speakers to review scheduling.
• Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty.
• Report to Home Office on status and issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned; bartending when needed.

Skills

Public speaking

Critical thinking

Time management

Geography knowledge

TWIC

A/V basics

Enthusiasm

Presentation

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 guest experiences aboard and ashore. This hybrid role blends on-board entertainment and program management with shoreside excursion planning, vendor communications, and upselling premium experiences.

The position reports to the Hotel General Manager and demands high energy, polished presentation, and a passion for guest satisfaction. 7 days per week on ship; rotations include extended onboard periods.