The Entertainment and Cruise Programs Department in a cruise ship is responsible for creating and managing the ship’s onboard entertainment offerings and activities for passengers. This department is led by a Cruise Director, who oversees a team of professionals that include entertainers, activity coordinators, and youth counselors.
CRUISE STAFF DEPARTMENT
CRUISE DIRECTOR
A Cruise Director with a professional entertainment background oversees all on-board entertainment, creating, coordinating, and implementing all daily activities while acting as a Master of Ceremonies (MC) at social activities and evening shows. They work closely with the ship’s entertainment staff to plan and schedule events such as shows, games, and excursions, and may interact with guests to provide information and assistance to ensure a pleasant and unforgettable cruise experience. The Cruise Director may also manage the ship’s onboard staff and resources and address any guest concerns or complaints.
ASSISTANT CRUISE DIRECTOR
The Assistant Cruise Director (ACD) collaborates with the Cruise Director to plan and coordinate on-board entertainment and activities. They assist in scheduling events, coordinate with the entertainment staff, and interact with guests to ensure an enjoyable experience. Additionally, the ACD supervises and acts as an MC at specific passenger activities as directed by the Cruise Director, assists in creating the daily programs, and helps manage the ship’s resources and staff.
SOCIAL HOSTESS
As a Social Hostess, responsibilities include conducting social activities such as organizing cocktail parties and themed dinners, leading group activities like games and dance lessons, introducing the captain to passengers at the captain’s cocktail party, and acting as a Master of Ceremonies at specific passenger activities as directed by the Cruise Director. They also interact with guests, providing information and assistance to ensure a pleasant and unforgettable cruise experience.
CRUISE STAFF
As part of the cruise staff team on a cruise ship, members host and participate in shipboard recreational, entertainment, and social programs geared towards adults and families. They instruct, organize, and facilitate various activities and tournaments such as quizzes, bingo, deck parties, trivia games, and sports challenges. Additionally, the cruise staff seek out opportunities to interact with guests, provide information and assistance, and work closely with the Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director to ensure a diverse range of enjoyable activities and experiences for passengers throughout the cruise.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES COORDINATORS
The Youth Staff on a cruise ship is responsible for organizing and conducting a variety of programming for the entertainment of guests between the ages of 3-17. They take part in all aspects of daytime and evening children’s activities as directed by the Cruise Director, including leading group activities, supervising children, and ensuring their safety. The Youth Staff works closely with the Youth Program Manager to develop and implement engaging and age-appropriate activities that provide a fun and memorable cruise experience for young passengers and their families.
Requirements:
- Professional entertainment background, recreation, hotel, or resort experience preferred.
- Hotel, resort, or nightclub experience with children preferred.
- Fluent English language skills required.
GUEST ENTERTAINERS
A Guest Entertainer on a cruise ship is a talented performer who provides a complete and engaging 40–50-minute self-contained show, catering to a diverse audience of all ages. They may perform a variety of acts such as comedy, magic, juggling, music, and other specialty acts. Guest Entertainers work closely with the cruise ship’s entertainment staff to ensure their performances are well-planned and coordinated with other shipboard activities. They may also interact with guests and participate in other shipboard events, providing memorable and enjoyable entertainment experiences during the cruise.
PRODUCTION MANAGER
The Production Manager on a cruise ship oversees the production shows and manages the technical staff responsible for the lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of the shows. They ensure that the shows are running smoothly and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise during performances. The Production Manager typically has extensive technical and practical education and/or hands-on experience in the entertainment industry. They work closely with the Cruise Director, entertainment staff, and guest entertainers to ensure that the production shows are of the highest quality and provide an unforgettable experience for passengers.
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER
An Assistant Production Manager on a cruise ship works closely with the Production Manager to ensure the smooth running of production shows and other entertainment events on board. They may assist with managing technical staff, overseeing technical equipment, and lighting, and troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise. The Assistant Production Manager requires extensive technical knowledge and practical experience to help in running production shows and other shipboard activities that require technical expertise.
SOUND & LIGHT TECHNICIANS
Sound & Light Technicians on a cruise ship are responsible for managing and operating the sound and lighting systems for production shows, as well as other shipboard activities and events that require technical assistance. They may assist in setting up and testing equipment, operate and maintain sound and lighting systems during performances, and troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise. Sound & Light Technicians work closely with the production team and other technical staff to ensure that all events and activities run smoothly, and they are expected to have extensive technical and practical education and/or hands-on experience in their field.
DISC JOCKEY / DJ
A DJ on a cruise ship is responsible for providing music and entertainment for passengers in various shipboard venues, such as bars, clubs, and lounges. They should have a diverse music foundation to cater to the wide range of ages and nationalities of the passengers. DJs with previous experience in hotels, resorts, or nightclubs are preferred, and must have fluent English language skills. They may also work closely with other shipboard staff members to ensure the success of various shipboard events and activities.
Requirements:
-Fluent English language required.
-Extensive technical and practical education.
-Hands – on experience.
-Experience with computerized sound mixing boards
English 
Spanish