Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines, the largest USA‑flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. Our fleet consists of more than 200 passenger vessels that offer a one‑of‑a‑kind small‑ship experience, and we are expanding with newly constructed vessels.

Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, service and people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships
.

• 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 announcements; ensure all PA announcements reflect the voice of the cruise.
• Meet with the Excursions Director, Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
• Create the daily Ship‑to‑Shore schedule.
• Host Officer introductions and excursion briefings.
• 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 speakers with A/V needs.
• Create and update the bulletin board daily.
• Work with the Excursions Director to prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
• Act as a company representative at pre‑cruise hotels on turnaround day.
• Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty by hosting re‑booking events.
• Oversee proper VIP guest service delivery.
• Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office regarding cruise status, guest issues and recovery, and evaluations of Guest Speakers, Instructors and Entertainers.
• Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.

• Cruise ship experience preferred; upscale hotel/resort experience also considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• 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.
• 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 engage guests throughout each cruise.
• Superior time management.
• Ability to manage and solve problems.
• Sense of urgency in responding to guest, crew and home office requests.
• Positive attitude and openness to continuous performance feedback.

• 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
• 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship.
• 1 to 2 weeks shore leave vacation.
• Accommodations and meals are provided onboard.

• Benefits package including medical, dental and matching 401(k).
• Complimentary travel accommodations.
• No living expenses aboard the ship (room and board are included).
• Training programs to support you.
• Continuous growth within the company.
• Travel to and from your assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms and paid training from industry experts are covered.
• Job sites across the nation.

Location:

Wilmington, NC
Salary: $–$
Application status: 2 days ago