Cruise & Excursions Director

Responsibilities

• Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment and activity programs that enhance and elevate the guest experience.
• Create the Ship to Shore.
• Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
• Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
• Confirm and adjust, as necessary, all shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
• Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
• Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
• Cook up and communicate all logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators and entertainers 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, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour.
• Make daily midday announcement/update; make every effort to make all PA announcements as the “voice” of the cruise.
• Present a detailed Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
• Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
• Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, stage set-up, background music, A/V requirements, etc.).
• Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
• Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
• Coordinate weekly office inventory.
• Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
• Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, motor coaches, entertainers and guest speakers, providing immediate course corrections when necessary.
• Oversee company representation at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day (when applicable).
• Meet with 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, entertainment, enrichment and activities.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
• Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.

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.
• Strong social skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Strong sense of production and presentation.
• Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
• 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.

Attributes for Success

• 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.

Work Schedule

• 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
• 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship / 1 to 2 weeks off.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive daily rate.
• Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
• Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Job Sites

• This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.