Cruise & Excursions Director - (Expired Job)

Racine, WI, USA|Travel, Onsite

This job is no longer active

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Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $54,700.00 - $106,900.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

competitive daily rate

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Covered expenses

Training

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest USA-flagged cruise line operating exclusively within the United States. Founded with a mission to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships, this company specializes in offering small ship cruise experiences that provide guests with unique and intimate access to iconic American destinations. The fleet is composed of vessels designed to carry no more than 200 passengers, ensuring personalized service and a close-knit atmosphere. With new vessels being added to the fleet, American Cruise Lines is continuously expanding its presence and enhancing its offerings for travelers seeking immersive travel experiences across the country. The company is deeply rooted in values such as optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which foster a culture of excellence and a guest-focused approach.

The Cruise & Excursions Director role is an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in a dynamic shipboard management position during the 2026 season. This full-time, exempt position involves extensive guest interaction both onboard and ashore. The director is responsible for cultivating a lively and engaging atmosphere through a well-planned entertainment and activities schedule, as well as overseeing the shore excursions that define much of the guest experience. Since American Cruise Lines operates exclusively within the U.S., a strong knowledge of U.S. geography and the featured ports of call is highly beneficial. The position demands an energetic and creative individual with polished presentation skills, outstanding interpersonal abilities, and a dedication to guest satisfaction.

Day-to-day, the Cruise & Excursions Director is the primary advocate for guests, responsible for scheduling and executing enrichment programs, managing shore excursion logistics, and maintaining constant communication with external vendors and cruise ship personnel. The director also plays an ambassadorial role by personally accompanying guests on shore excursions and representing the company with enthusiasm and professionalism. The position entails considerable administrative responsibilities, including inventory management for excursions and sales promotion, as well as operational tasks such as launch boat coordination and media setup for onboard activities.

Work conditions include living and working onboard a vessel for extended periods, with shifts potentially reaching 12 hours daily and working seven days a week. Candidates must be able to perform job functions in an environment subject to continuous ship motions and varying weather conditions. American Cruise Lines offers a comprehensive compensation package, including a competitive daily rate, health and dental insurance, vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan with employer match. Travel expenses, lodging, uniforms, and training costs are also covered, making this a robust opportunity for individuals looking to grow within the cruise industry while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Job Requirements

Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise
superior time management
ability to manage and solve problems
sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests
positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback
ability to work seven days per week while onboard the ship
ability to work 6 to 8 weeks living onboard the ship with 1 to 2 weeks off
ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time
ability to work around 12 hours per day
ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment subject to constant ship motions
ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20 inch diameter hatch
ability to stand for an 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, staying agile and maintaining balance over wet terrain
ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure
ability to use stairs frequently

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 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