Hotel General Manager

American Cruise Lines is the largest USA flagged cruise line operating exclusively within the United States. Known for offering unique small ship experiences, their fleet includes vessels with no more than 200 passengers, providing an intimate and personalized cruise journey along picturesque American waterways. As a company, American Cruise Lines prides itself on its core values: Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit, which deeply influence the culture, service quality, and people-oriented approach of the company. Committed to sharing America’s story on the finest American ships, they maintain exceptional standards in hospitality, safety, and guest satisfaction. With new vessels being added to the fleet for the 2026 season, the company is looking to expand its shipboard management team by hiring Hotel General Managers who will play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards that American Cruise Lines is known for.

The Hotel General Manager is the senior hotel officer on the ship and is responsible for overseeing the daily guest experience through all aspects of hospitality, customer service, housekeeping, and food service operations. This leadership role requires managing the shipboard hotel management team and ensuring that all service and operational standards are met consistently. The Hotel General Manager represents American Cruise Lines to guests and serves as the face of the company onboard, ensuring that guests receive gracious hospitality while prioritizing safety, professionalism, and efficiency.

This position requires overseeing multiple departments, including housekeeping, food and beverage, guest services, shore excursions, and onboard enrichment activities. The Hotel General Manager is accountable for the performance of all hotel department crew members, particularly coordinating closely with the Executive Chef and other key officers. Responsibilities include supervising and evaluating the management team, holding staff accountable to company standards, managing room and food inventories, ensuring impeccable cleanliness standards in passenger areas, and maintaining crew morale through effective leadership and training.

The Hotel General Manager must also coordinate daily operations such as meal services, cocktail hours, and onboard events to ensure smooth execution, and must be able to address and resolve guest issues promptly with a focus on superior guest satisfaction. This includes a proactive approach to anticipating guest and crew needs and maintaining ongoing communication with the home office as needed. The role calls for exceptional organizational skills, a strong management presence, and the ability to perform in a dynamic and sometimes physically demanding environment, as shipboard conditions involve various motions and require stamina for long working hours.

The position offers a competitive daily rate and includes comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Employees enjoy continuous growth opportunities within the company, and American Cruise Lines provides covered expenses including travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. This full-time, exempt role requires living and working aboard the ship for extended periods with a rotating schedule of 6 to 8 weeks onboard followed by 1 to 2 weeks off. The ideal candidate is someone with at least three years of hotel or food and beverage management experience, preferably holding a bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality management, and ready to embrace the unique challenges and rewards of life at sea as part of an award-winning cruise line dedicated to excellence in guest experience and hospitality.