Shipboard Excursions & Guest Experience Director

American Cruise Lines; Missouri; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Travel, room and board provided

Job summary

American Cruise Lines is seeking a Cruise & Excursions Director for our 2026 season. This role blends shipboard guest engagement with destination shoreside experiences, demanding energy, creativity, and polished presentation.

On board you'll lead activities, shows, and communications; ashore you'll manage excursions, vendor relations, upselling, and inventory, reporting to the Hotel General Manager. This full-time position requires long hours and a passion for guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management required or preferred.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Excellent time management and attention to detail.
• Proven social and communication skills for guest engagement.
• Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment is desirable.

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 shipboard daily program and PA system.
• Be well-versed in 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 highly personalized ones such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation arrangements.
• Socialize with guests during meals and cocktail hours.
• Make daily midday announcements and act as the voice of the cruise.
• Present a detailed Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
• Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
• Ensure lounges are prepared for activities and events.
• Meet and greet step-on entertainers, conduct sound checks and inspect stage setup.
• Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system; manage system hardware.

Skills

Public speaking

Guest interaction

Social skills

Critical thinking

Time management

Attention to detail

Presentation skills

Audio/visual knowledge

Geography knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

American Cruise Lines is seeking a Cruise & Excursions Director for our 2026 season. This role blends shipboard guest engagement with destination shoreside experiences, demanding energy, creativity, and polished presentation.

On board you'll lead activities, shows, and communications; ashore you'll manage excursions, vendor relations, upselling, and inventory, reporting to the Hotel General Manager. This full-time position requires long hours and a passion for guest satisfaction.