What are the responsibilities and job description for the Excursions Director position at American Cruise Lines?
Excursions Director
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Excursions Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United States and has no more than 200 passenger vessels that create a one-of-a-kind small ship experience. With newly constructed vessels being added to our fleet, it is a great opportunity to join our shipboard management team.
The Excursions Director is responsible for engaging guests in each destination through a series of shoreside excursions, explorations, and adventures. As the Excursions Director you are responsible and accountable for all shore excursions and transfer operations, external vendor/operator communications, and brand ambassadorship & representation on excursions. This role has the highest level of guest interaction and can be very demanding, with long hours. The role requires an energetic and creative person with a collaborative team spirit and a passion for guest satisfaction.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
- Arrange, confirm and adjust, as necessary, all shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
- Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
- Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
- Coordinate, communicate and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies and ground operators 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.
- Present a detailed Excursion Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
- Communicate excursion changes to guests confidently.
- Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system; be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware.
- Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
- Coordinate weekly office inventory.
- Coordinate the collection of arriving packages and confirm receipt with the Hotel Manager & Mate.
- Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
- Oversee, manage inventory and display port information collateral for guests; coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures and other port-/region-specific materials of interest to guests.
- Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
- Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
- Act as company representative at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day.
- Meet with Cruise Director, 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, and the evaluations of all shore excursions.
- Manage departmental administrative tasks.
- Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
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.
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.
- 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.
Work Schedule:
- 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
- 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship / 1-2 weeks off.
- This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
- Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
- Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
- Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
- Ability to stand for your entire shift.
- Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
- Ability to work outside during inclement weather, staying agile, and maintaining balance over wet terrain.
- Ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure.
- Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
- Ability to use stairs frequently.
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.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits.
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**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.