Cruise & Excursions Director

Providence, RI, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $55,700.00 - $108,900.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

competitive daily rate

Covered travel expenses

Covered room and board

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest US-flagged cruise line in the United States, operating a fleet of small vessels with no more than 200 passengers each. The company specializes in cruising exclusively within the US, offering unique and intimate travel experiences that allow guests to explore the diverse and picturesque regions of the country. With a commitment to patriotism, optimism, merit, and customer satisfaction, American Cruise Lines strives to share America’s story across the nation aboard its finest fleet of American ships. The company is expanding its fleet with newly constructed vessels, presenting a promising opportunity for professionals to join its shipboard management team for the 2026 season as Cruise and Excursions Directors.

The role of Cruise and Excursions Director is a dynamic, hybrid position combining guest engagement both onboard and ashore. As the most visible advocate for the guests throughout the cruise, the director is responsible for creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere by organizing and leading a variety of activities, shows, presentations, and social events. These efforts enhance the overall guest experience through continuous interaction and active engagement. Ashore, the Director oversees shore excursions and transfer operations, including managing relationships with external vendors and operators, upselling premium excursion options, and maintaining excursion inventories.

This demanding full-time position requires an energetic and creative individual with exceptional communication and presentation skills. The role involves extensive guest interaction, often requiring long hours and flexibility. The Cruise and Excursions Director reports directly to the Hotel General Manager and plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction. The work requires technical savvy in audio/visual equipment, strong organizational and time management skills, and a thorough knowledge of the cruise regions and ports of call.

The successful candidate will be a proactive, enthusiastic team player, able to solve problems efficiently and maintain a positive attitude even during challenging situations. Essential functions include working up to 12 hours daily, managing shipboard and shore-side logistics, creating daily itineraries and announcements, escorting guests on excursions as a company ambassador, and coordinating entertainment and enrichment programs. The role demands agility and the physical ability to adapt to ship motions and varying weather conditions, as living and working onboard for extended periods is required.

American Cruise Lines offers a competitive daily rate along with comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match. The company covers travel, room and board, uniforms, and training expenses to support its crew members. Joining American Cruise Lines means becoming part of a team that values commitment, collaboration, and excellence, dedicated to delivering personalized and memorable cruising experiences within the United States.

Job Requirements

Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time
ability to work around 12 hours per day
ability to stand for entire shift
ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
ability to frequently bend, squat and reach
ability to work outside during inclement weather maintaining balance over wet terrain
ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure
ability to use stairs frequently
ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing a ladder and passing through a 20 inch diameter hatch
ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment subject to constant ship motion

Job 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
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation

Job Duties

Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment and activity programs that enhance and elevate the guest experience
create the Ship to Shore communication
effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization
be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered
confirm and adjust, as necessary, all 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, communicate and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators and entertainers to ensure timely and smooth service
accommodate guest requests, including highly personalized ones such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation arrangements
socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour
make daily midday announcement/update
make every effort to make all PA announcements 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, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, stage set-up, background music, A/V requirements, etc.)
meet and greet step-on entertainers when they join the ship
conduct sound check and inspect stage set-up
oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system
be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware
manage launch boat operations with the Mate
purchase morning newspapers in port each day
oversee, manage inventory and display port information collateral for guests
coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures and other port/region-specific materials of interest to guests
ensure that approved background music is playing in lounges before and after each activity, presentation and show
create and update bulletin board daily
coordinate weekly office inventory
prepare folders and materials for turnaround day
inform crew members of daily excursion offerings
monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, motor coaches, entertainers and guest speakers, providing immediate course corrections when necessary
oversee company representation at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day (when applicable)
meet with Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling
promote on board sales and brand loyalty program
communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, excursion counts, guest issues and recovery, entertainment, enrichment and activities
perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager
perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel