Cruise Director

Rochester, NY, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $54,700.00 - $106,900.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive daily rate

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Travel covered

room and board covered

Uniforms covered

Training covered

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest USA-flagged cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for its intimate small ship experience with vessels carrying no more than 200 passengers. With a modern fleet continuously expanding through newly constructed vessels, the company emphasizes a unique cruising style that combines luxury, comfort, and the ability to explore beautiful and scenic American waterways. American Cruise Lines takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service while sharing America’s rich history and culture aboard its cruise ships. This family-oriented and patriotic company focuses on values such as optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which shape the onboard culture and guide the team in delivering top-notch experiences to its guests.

The role of Cruise Director at American Cruise Lines represents a pivotal leadership position within the shipboard management team, perfect for energetic and charismatic individuals passionate about guest engagement and entertainment. As the most visible advocate for guests onboard, the Cruise Director creates an enjoyable and enriching atmosphere throughout the cruise. This is accomplished by orchestrating a diverse schedule of entertainment, enrichment programs, social activities, presentations, and shows that elevate the guest experience and foster lively social interactions. The role requires excellent communication skills, as the Cruise Director acts as the primary voice of the cruise through announcements, daily programs, and personal interactions.

The Cruise Director works closely with other key departments, including the Excursions Director, onboard entertainers, guest speakers, and instructors, to ensure a coordinated and seamless delivery of activities. This includes managing the logistical aspects such as lounge setups, audiovisual requirements, and daily scheduling. Additionally, the Cruise Director hosts essential events such as the Officer Introduction, Excursion Briefing, and assists with safety briefings alongside the Captain, further enhancing guest confidence and safety awareness.

This leadership role demands creativity, polished presentation abilities, social aptitude, and critical thinking skills. Candidates should demonstrate a strong production sense and a can-do, positive attitude to meet the dynamic needs of guests and crew. The position involves a full-time, exempt schedule, with about 6 to 8 weeks on board followed by 1 to 2 weeks off, requiring the ability to live and work effectively in a maritime environment subject to the motions of the ship.

American Cruise Lines offers competitive daily pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, and coverage for travel, lodging, uniforms, and training. This opportunity is ideal for professionals seeking to join a growing industry-leading company with a strong commitment to guest satisfaction and American pride, delivering unforgettable experiences on some of the finest American ships.

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 live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment subject to constant ship motion
Ability to work around 12 hours per day
Ability to assist in the event of an onboard emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20-inch diameter hatch
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 live and work onboard a vessel for extended periods of time
Ability to use stairs frequently

Job Qualifications

Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be considered
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
Extremely polished speaking/presentation skills required
Strong interpersonal and social skills required
Strong critical thinking skills required
Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation
Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required
Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, and always have a can-do attitude
Excellent time management and attention to detail
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
Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization
Socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour
Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions
Make daily Noon announcement/update
make every effort to make all PA announcements as the voice of the cruise
Meet with Excursions Director, Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling
Create the daily Ship to Shore
Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing
Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain
Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, A/V requirements, etc.)
Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance
assist entertainers and onboard speaker’s A/V needs
Create and update bulletin board daily
Work with Excursions Director to prepare folders and materials for turnaround day
Act as company representative at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day
Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty by hosting re-booking events
Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, guest issues and recovery, and the evaluations of Guest Speakers, Instructors and Entertainers
Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel