Resident Entertainer

American Cruise Lines; Sitka (AK); On-site; USD 36,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Competitive onboard compensation

Travel on America’s waterways

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks solo piano-vocalists to perform aboard our fleet, delivering cocktail music and engaging evening shows as a welcoming, highly visible part of the guest experience.

Resident Entertainers work aboard for the full duration of each assignment, seven days a week, traveling America’s waterways. You will perform themed programs, coordinate with the Cruise Director, welcome guests, and maintain professional standards. Paid training and competitive compensation are provided.

Qualifications

• Strong vocal ability and stage presence.
• Extensive repertoire across listening and dancing styles.
• Ability to perform themed shows from 1950s-70s and other popular genres.
• Familiarity with basic audio equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform approx. 1 hour of cocktail piano music most evenings.
• Present scheduled 60-minute mainstage shows (2–4 per cruise).
• Prepare and perform themed programs from established repertoire.
• Connect with guests on and off stage and foster a welcoming onboard atmosphere.
• Coordinate with Cruise Director and onboard team; adapt to itinerary changes.
• Maintain professional standards in performance, appearance, and interactions.

Skills

Vocal ability

Piano

Repertoire breadth

Stage presence

Tools

Audio equipment

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.