Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
401(k) with match
Continuous growth
Covered travel expenses
Covered room and board
Covered uniforms
Covered training
Job Description
American Cruise Lines is the largest USA flagged cruise line operating exclusively within the United States. The company specializes in offering a unique small ship cruising experience on vessels that carry no more than 200 passengers, emphasizing intimate and personalized guest interactions. With a growing fleet that includes newly constructed vessels, American Cruise Lines is positioned for expansion and innovation in the cruise industry. The company is known for its commitment to exceptional service standards, safety, and delivering memorable onboard experiences that showcase the best of American waterways and destinations.
The role of Hotel General Manager aboard American Cruise Lines vessels is a pivotal leadership position that commands the daily management of the entire guest experience through the ship's hospitality, customer service, housekeeping, and food service operations. As the senior hotel officer onboard, the Hotel General Manager leads a dedicated management team including the Assistant Hotel Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Restaurant Manager, Cruise Director, Excursions Director, Executive Chef, and Guest Service Coordinator. This role serves as the primary representative of American Cruise Lines to guests, embodying the company’s values of gracious hospitality combined with safety, professionalism, and efficiency.
The Hotel General Manager is entrusted with maintaining the highest standards of service excellence and guest satisfaction—a core measure of success for American Cruise Lines. Responsibilities include ensuring all shipboard employees adhere strictly to company procedures, service standards, and operational guidelines. This includes oversight of dining and culinary services, housekeeping, shore excursions, onboard enrichment programs, guest service functions, crew morale, and training initiatives. The Hotel General Manager must proactively assess the performance of the hotel management team and provide immediate feedback and coaching to maintain quality and service standards.
A vital part of this position is the ability to anticipate guest needs, respond promptly to requests, and solve problems efficiently with the support of the home office when necessary. The role requires a visible management presence during meal services, cocktail hours, and onboard events, as well as the ability to engage and present to guests directly using a microphone. The Hotel General Manager also supervises the financial and operational aspects of the hotel department including business transactions, accounting, inventory management, and coordination with the Executive Chef to ensure timely ordering and supply of food and hotel necessities.
Serving as a leader and motivator, the Hotel General Manager fosters a positive work environment for crew members by supporting crew orientation, enforcing uniform and discipline standards, and creating a dynamic team atmosphere that drives sales and service objectives. This role demands flexibility, resilience, and a customer-first mindset to deliver an exceptional cruise experience that aligns with American Cruise Lines' reputation for quality and personalized service. Whether through managing hospitality operations or performing bartending duties as needed, the Hotel General Manager plays an integral role in the overall success and guest satisfaction aboard each itinerary.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work and live aboard the ship for extended periods, contributing directly to a growing, dynamic cruise company. The Hotel General Manager is a key figure in sustaining American Cruise Lines' commitment to providing memorable, small ship cruise experiences within the United States. Employment type involves full-time shipboard management for the 2026 season and onward, providing a career path with continuous growth within the company. Salary details are competitive and commensurate with experience, combined with comprehensive benefits. This is an ideal role for hospitality leaders passionate about maritime hospitality and eager to make a significant impact in a niche cruise market.
The role of Hotel General Manager aboard American Cruise Lines vessels is a pivotal leadership position that commands the daily management of the entire guest experience through the ship's hospitality, customer service, housekeeping, and food service operations. As the senior hotel officer onboard, the Hotel General Manager leads a dedicated management team including the Assistant Hotel Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Restaurant Manager, Cruise Director, Excursions Director, Executive Chef, and Guest Service Coordinator. This role serves as the primary representative of American Cruise Lines to guests, embodying the company’s values of gracious hospitality combined with safety, professionalism, and efficiency.
The Hotel General Manager is entrusted with maintaining the highest standards of service excellence and guest satisfaction—a core measure of success for American Cruise Lines. Responsibilities include ensuring all shipboard employees adhere strictly to company procedures, service standards, and operational guidelines. This includes oversight of dining and culinary services, housekeeping, shore excursions, onboard enrichment programs, guest service functions, crew morale, and training initiatives. The Hotel General Manager must proactively assess the performance of the hotel management team and provide immediate feedback and coaching to maintain quality and service standards.
A vital part of this position is the ability to anticipate guest needs, respond promptly to requests, and solve problems efficiently with the support of the home office when necessary. The role requires a visible management presence during meal services, cocktail hours, and onboard events, as well as the ability to engage and present to guests directly using a microphone. The Hotel General Manager also supervises the financial and operational aspects of the hotel department including business transactions, accounting, inventory management, and coordination with the Executive Chef to ensure timely ordering and supply of food and hotel necessities.
Serving as a leader and motivator, the Hotel General Manager fosters a positive work environment for crew members by supporting crew orientation, enforcing uniform and discipline standards, and creating a dynamic team atmosphere that drives sales and service objectives. This role demands flexibility, resilience, and a customer-first mindset to deliver an exceptional cruise experience that aligns with American Cruise Lines' reputation for quality and personalized service. Whether through managing hospitality operations or performing bartending duties as needed, the Hotel General Manager plays an integral role in the overall success and guest satisfaction aboard each itinerary.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work and live aboard the ship for extended periods, contributing directly to a growing, dynamic cruise company. The Hotel General Manager is a key figure in sustaining American Cruise Lines' commitment to providing memorable, small ship cruise experiences within the United States. Employment type involves full-time shipboard management for the 2026 season and onward, providing a career path with continuous growth within the company. Salary details are competitive and commensurate with experience, combined with comprehensive benefits. This is an ideal role for hospitality leaders passionate about maritime hospitality and eager to make a significant impact in a niche cruise market.
Job Requirements
- 3+ years of hotel or food and beverage management experience
- proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
- willing to live and work aboard the ship
- optimism and a hardworking drive to succeed
- ability to meet moderate physical demands, including lifting, bending, climbing, and long periods of walking or standing
- ability to satisfactorily pass US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test and periodic consortium testing
- available to travel and work a flexible schedule including 14 to 15 hour days for six to eight weeks at a time
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality management preferred
- 3+ years of hotel or food and beverage management experience
- proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
- ability to speak and present in front of guests
- experience in supervising and leading diverse teams
- knowledge of hospitality operations and customer service excellence
- strong problem-solving and communication skills
- ability to manage multiple tasks and workload effectively
- familiarity with accounting and inventory management
- flexibility and adaptability to work long shifts and extended periods onboard
Job Duties
- Supervise the Assistant Hotel Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Restaurant Manager, Cruise Director, Excursions Director, Executive Chef and Guest Service Coordinator
- hold officers and crew accountable to American Cruise Lines’ standards
- comply with American Cruise Lines’ Operations Manual, service standards, and procedures
- responsible for assessing the management team and providing immediate corrective feedback
- anticipate the needs of guests and crew
- respond quickly to guest requests and ensure follow-up
- identify and resolve problems immediately and request home office support as needed
- ability to speak and present in front of all guests in person using a microphone
- management presence during meals services, cocktail hour, and onboard events
- oversee food service and culinary operations for guests and crew to include food quality, presentation, service, and timely delivery
- ensure Chefs are following approved menus and recipes
- oversee crew orientation, scheduling, crew appearance uniform standards, and discipline
- lead and direct ship officers in achieving weekly sales goals
- maintain impeccable cleanliness in passenger areas and ensure all housekeeping standards are followed
- manage shipboard business transactions, accounting, timecards, and home office reporting
- responsible for managing all hotel and food inventories
- work with the Executive Chef to ensure food and hotel supplies are ordered and received timely
- complete daily ship inspection with Mate & Assistant Hotel Manager to generate daily work list and follow up to ensure tasks are completed
- create positive crew experiences
- coordinate all staff to create specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic game plans in order to provide our guests with a memorable cruise on each of our itineraries
- perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel
- other duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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