Resident Entertainer

American Cruise Lines; Ketchikan (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Onboard compensation

Travel along waterways

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks solo piano-vocalists to entertain aboard our ships cruising America’s rivers and coasts. You will perform cocktail piano music and share engaging evening shows as a key part of the guest experience.

Expect a paid training program and ongoing onboard employment with travel along America’s waterways. Strong vocal/piano skills and a broad repertoire are essential for varied audiences.

Qualifications

• Strong vocal ability and stage presence.
• Excellent piano technique across varied genres.
• Broad repertoire for listening and dancing.
• Ability to perform themed shows from 1950s-70s to Motown and more.
• Experience aboard ships is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform ~1 hour of instrumental piano music most evenings (six nights on a cruise).
• Present scheduled mainstage shows (60 minutes, 2–4 per cruise).
• Prepare and perform themed programs from established repertoire.
• Engage guests on and off stage to enhance onboard experience.
• Coordinate with Cruise Director and onboard team; adapt to changes.
• Maintain professional standards in performance, appearance, punctuality and interaction.

Skills

Vocal excellence

Piano technique

Extensive repertoire

Themed shows

Shipboard experience (preferred)

Tools

Audio equipment familiarity

Job description

American Cruise Lines is seeking talented solo piano-vocalists to perform aboard our fleet of ships cruising America’s rivers and coastal waterways. Resident Entertainers provide instrumental cocktail music and engaging evening shows, while serving as a welcoming, highly visible part of the onboard guest experience.

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.

Responsibilities:

• Perform approximately one hour of instrumental cocktail piano music on most evenings, typically six nights during a seven-night cruise, with varied selections and minimal repetition.
• Present scheduled 60-minute mainstage shows, generally two to four per cruise, depending on the itinerary and cruise length.
• Prepare and perform themed programs from American Cruise Lines’ established repertoire, following direction from the Entertainment Producer.
• Connect with guests both on and off stage, creating a friendly atmosphere and participating in the social life of the ship.
• Coordinate with the Cruise Director and onboard team, adapting to itinerary changes and the daily program.
• Maintain professional standards in performance, appearance, punctuality, and interactions with guests and crew.

Musical Qualifications:

• Strong vocal ability, confident stage presence, and strong piano technique.
• An extensive repertoire suited to a broad audience, including music for listening and dancing.
• Ability to perform varied themed shows featuring familiar music from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Motown, the British Invasion, country, and other popular styles.
• Ability to perform instrumental cocktail music independently and sustain varied programming throughout an assignment.
• Previous experience as a shipboard piano-bar performer or production vocalist is preferred.

Personal Qualifications:

• An outgoing, personable manner and a natural ability to connect with guests.
• Creativity, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to follow performance direction and respond to feedback.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, and familiarity with basic audio equipment.

Training & Onboard Schedule:

• Before your first onboard assignment, you will complete a paid training program at home with our Entertainment Producer to prepare four to five curated mainstage shows from American Cruise Lines’ established repertoire.
• Resident Entertainers work and live aboard the vessel for the full duration of each assignment, with responsibilities seven days per week. Assignment lengths depend on availability and fleet needs.
• This is an onboard working position that requires preparation, performances, and regular interaction with guests throughout the cruise.

What We Offer:

• Paid training with our Entertainment Producer.
• Competitive compensation while working onboard.
• The opportunity to perform for engaged audiences while traveling America’s waterways.