Cruise & Excursions Director

New Haven, CT, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $56,500.00 - $110,400.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

competitive daily rate

Travel covered

room and board covered

Uniforms covered

Training covered

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, specializing in small ship cruising exclusively within U.S. waters. The company offers an intimate and unique travel experience with ships that carry no more than 200 passengers, creating a personalized and comfortable environment for exploration and leisure. The fleet consists of newly constructed vessels designed to enhance luxury and guest satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic American cruising experience. As a leader in the cruise industry, American Cruise Lines embodies core values such as optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which foster a positive workplace culture and exemplary service. Together, the company and its crew share America’s story aboard the finest American ships, ensuring guests enjoy an unforgettable journey through the country’s most scenic and historic waterways.

The Cruise & Excursions Director role at American Cruise Lines is a vital shipboard management position for the 2026 season, offering a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding team. This hybrid role merges onboard guest engagement with shore excursion management, providing a diverse and rewarding work experience. As the primary guest advocate on board, the director is charged with creating an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere through a variety of activities, entertainment, presentations, and one-on-one interactions. Off the ship, the director oversees all shore excursions, managing logistics, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring an exceptional experience at each destination visited. This role demands creativity, energy, and excellent presentation skills, alongside a collaborative spirit and dedication to guest satisfaction. The position reports directly to the Hotel General Manager and plays a crucial role in maintaining the company’s high standards of service. The job requires long hours and the ability to maintain a positive and engaging presence throughout each voyage. It is a full-time, exempt position with a competitive daily wage and includes benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and covered expenses like travel, room, board, uniforms, and training. Working onboard requires adaptation to the ship’s movements and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in an ever-changing environment. Join American Cruise Lines to be part of a prestigious team dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality and sharing the beauty and diversity of America from the water.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
Demonstrated 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
Excellent time management and attention to detail
Strong knowledge of U.S. Geography preferred
Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management 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 communications
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