Shipboard Guest Experience & Excursions Director

American Cruise Lines; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Job summary

American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line, seeks a Cruise & Excursions Director for its 2026 season. This shipboard management role blends guest engagement on board with curated shoreside experiences, requiring polished presentation and strong vendor coordination.

You'll lead enrichment, manage shore excursions, coordinate with partners, and ensure exceptional guest satisfaction while reporting to the Hotel General Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can-do attitude.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Strong social 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 required.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment and activity programs that enhance and elevate the guest experience.
• Create the Ship to Shore program and experiences.
• Communicate with guests via shipboard daily program, PA system and personal interaction.
• Be well-versed in cruising regions, ports of call and excursions offered.
• Confirm and adjust shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
• Greet guests departing and returning from shore excursions.
• Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
• Coordinate logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides and entertainers for timely service.
• Accommodate guest requests, including personalized arrangements.
• Socialize with guests during meals and social events.
• 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.
• Prepare lounges for activities and events (layout, audio/visual).
• Meet step-on entertainers and conduct sound checks.
• Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing; manage systems hardware.
• Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
• Purchase morning newspapers in port.
• Oversee port information collateral and maps for guests.
• Ensure background music 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 vendor performance and provide course corrections.
• Represent the company at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround days.
• Meet with speakers and entertainers to review scheduling.
• Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty programs.
• Report to Home Office on cruise status, excursions and guest issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned and bartend as needed.

Skills

Public speaking

Social skills

Critical thinking

Time management

Production & presentation

Enthusiasm & confidence

Attention to detail

TWIC knowledge

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line, seeks a Cruise & Excursions Director for its 2026 season. This shipboard management role blends guest engagement on board with curated shoreside experiences, requiring polished presentation and strong vendor coordination.

You'll lead enrichment, manage shore excursions, coordinate with partners, and ensure exceptional guest satisfaction while reporting to the Hotel General Manager.