Cruise & Excursions Director

American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. flagged cruise line, is looking to add Cruise & Excursions Directors to our shipboard team for the 2026 season. Operating exclusively within the United States, our fleet of small‑ship vessels offers a unique and intimate experience for guests. With new vessels being added, this is an excellent opportunity to join our shipboard management team.

The Cruise & Excursions Director is a hybrid role that engages guests onboard and ashore. Onboard, the Director is the most visible advocate for guests, creating a lively atmosphere through activities, shows, events, presentations, and social interactions. Onshore, the Director guides guests through local excursions, manages shore‑excursion logistics, upsells premium experiences, and maintains vendor relationships and inventory.

This position involves extensive guest interaction, long hours, and requires an energetic, creative, polished, and collaborative individual passionate about guest satisfaction. The Director reports to the Hotel General Manager.

• Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment, and activity programs that enhance the guest experience.
• Create the Ship‑to‑Shore experience.
• Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, PA system, and one‑on‑one interactions.
• Be well‑versed in the cruising region, ports of call, and available excursions.
• Confirm and adjust all shore excursion logistics.
• Greet guests during departure and return from shore excursions.
• Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
• Coordinate logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, and entertainers to ensure timely service.
• Accommodate personalized guest requests, such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation.
• Socialize with guests at meals, cocktail hours, and throughout the ship.
• Make midday announcements and serve as the “voice” of the cruise.
• Present the Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing at the beginning of each cruise.
• Assist with the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
• Prepare lounges for activities, events, and shows (configuration, stage setup, A/V requirements).
• Meet and greet entertainers, conduct sound checks, and inspect stage setup.
• Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing systems; manage hardware responsibility.
• Manage launch boat operations in collaboration with the Mate.
• Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
• Maintain and display port information collateral; coordinate with CVBs for updated maps and brochures.
• Ensure approved background music plays in lounges before and after events.
• Create and update bulletin boards daily.
• Coordinate weekly office inventory.
• Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
• Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
• Monitor vendor performance, provide immediate corrections when necessary.
• Oversee company representation at pre‑cruise hotels on turnaround day.
• Meet with Guest Speakers, Instructors, and Resident Entertainers at the start of each cruise to review scheduling.
• Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty programs.
• Communicate and report regularly to Home Office on cruise status, excursion counts, guest issues, and entertainment updates.
• Perform reasonable duties assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
• Assist with bartending duties as needed.

• Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can‑do attitude.
• Strong public speaking and social skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong sense of production and presentation.
• Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.
• Excellent time management and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of U.S. geography preferred.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

• Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
• Superior time management.
• Problem‑solving ability.
• Sense of urgency in responding to guest, crew, and Home Office requests.
• Positive attitude and receptiveness to continuous 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 provided onboard.

• Benefits package including medical, dental, and matching 401(k).
• Complimentary travel and travel accommodations.
• No living expenses aboard the ship (room and board included).
• Training programs to support professional development.
• Continuous growth opportunities within the company.
• Covered expenses for travel to and from assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training from industry experts.
• Job sites available across the nation*.

Entry level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing