Excursions Director

Dearborn, MI, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $95,500.00 - $139,600.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive daily rate

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

travel expenses covered

room and board covered

Uniforms Provided

training provided

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is recognized as the largest USA-flagged cruise line operating exclusively within the United States. Specializing in small ship experiences, the company boasts a fleet of vessels that accommodate no more than 200 passengers each, delivering intimate and unique cruising adventures that showcase America’s diverse waterways and cultural heritage. As the company continuously expands its fleet with newly constructed vessels, it offers unparalleled growth opportunities for professionals eager to be part of an innovative and dynamic shipboard team. With its strong emphasis on values such as optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, American Cruise Lines strives to create an environment that fosters employee development and guest satisfaction, sharing America’s story on the finest American ships.

The role of Excursions Director is pivotal within the company’s shipboard management structure. This full-time, exempt position requires an individual with an energetic and creative spirit, a passion for guest satisfaction, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment. The Excursions Director acts as the primary liaison between guests, shore excursion vendors, and the cruise line, ensuring the seamless execution of all onshore activities. These include shoreside excursions, explorations, and adventures tailored to engage guests profoundly in each destination. The role demands comprehensive knowledge of the cruising regions, meticulous coordination of excursion logistics, and the maintenance of strong communications with external operators.

In addition to managing excursion operations, the Excursions Director is a brand ambassador who actively interacts with guests to enhance their cruise experience. This responsibility involves attending daily excursions alongside guests, delivering detailed excursion briefings, and accommodating personalized guest requests such as private transportation or special activities like kayaking and golf. The role also includes overseeing excursion inventory, managing invoicing systems, coordinating launch boat operations, and preparing essential materials for both guests and onboard crew.

The position is demanding due to the high level of guest interaction and the extended hours required while onboard. Shift schedules can involve working seven days a week during weeks spent onboard, followed by periods off to rest and recuperate. The Excursions Director must possess excellent time management skills, problem-solving capabilities, and a positive attitude receptive to continuous feedback. Physical demands include the ability to work on a moving ship, often in varied weather conditions, handle physical tasks such as lifting and climbing, and live onboard for extended durations.

American Cruise Lines provides competitive daily compensation along with essential benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additionally, the cruise line covers expenses related to travel, room, board, uniforms, and training. This comprehensive benefits package reflects the company’s commitment to supporting its employees both professionally and personally.

Overall, the Excursions Director position offers an exciting opportunity for qualified hospitality professionals to join a growing company dedicated to providing exceptional cruise experiences that highlight the beauty and culture of the United States. Those who thrive in dynamic, guest-focused environments and enjoy multifaceted responsibilities will find this role rewarding and challenging.

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 motions including surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw
Ability to work around 12 hours per day
Ability to assist in an on-board 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 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 live and work on board a vessel for extended periods
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
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

Arrange, confirm and adjust all shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers
Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered
Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador
Coordinate, communicate and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies and ground operators 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 mealtimes and cocktail hour
Present a detailed excursion briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise
Communicate excursion changes to guests confidently
Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system and be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware
Manage launch boat operations with the Mate
Coordinate weekly office inventory
Coordinate the collection of arriving packages and confirm receipt with the Hotel Manager and Mate
Purchase morning newspapers in port each day
Oversee, manage inventory and display port information collateral for guests and coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures and other port-region-specific materials of interest to guests
Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day
Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings
Act as company representative at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day
Meet with Cruise Director, 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, and the evaluations of all shore excursions
Manage departmental administrative tasks
Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel