If you’re looking for adventure, travel, and paid work on America’s rivers and coasts, American Cruise Lines (ACL) offers hospitality, marine, and entertainment jobs on luxury ships. This guide covers:
✔ Available cruise ship jobs (no experience needed for some!)
✔ Pay, benefits, and perks
✔ How to apply & hiring process
✔ Best jobs for first-timers
🚢 Top American Cruise Lines Jobs Hiring Now
1. Hospitality & Guest Services
- Deckhand ($150–$250/day + tips) – Entry-level, assists with docking/safety
- Housekeeper ($2,800–$3,500/month) – Cabin cleaning & laundry
- Server/Bartender ($3,000–$5,000/month + tips) – Dining room service
- Hotel Manager ($5,000–$7,000/month) – Oversees guest services
2. Marine & Technical Jobs
- Junior Engineer ($200–$350/day) – Assists with ship maintenance
- Pilot Trainee (Salary varies) – Learns river navigation (requires maritime background)
3. Entertainment & Activities
- Cruise Director ($4,500–$6,500/month) – Plans events & excursions
- Musician/Entertainer ($200–$400/day) – Live performances
4. Culinary Jobs
- Line Cook ($3,200–$4,500/month) – Entry-level kitchen work
- Executive Chef ($6,000+/month) – Leads kitchen staff
💰 Pay & Perks
✅ Free room & board (private crew cabins + meals)
✅ Travel the U.S. (Mississippi River, Alaska, New England)
✅ Tips & bonuses (for service roles)
✅ Health insurance (for full-season contracts)
📋 Hiring Requirements
✔ 18+ years old (21+ for some roles)
✔ U.S. citizen or work permit (ACL hires mostly Americans)
✔ Pass background check & drug test
✔ No experience needed for entry-level jobs (training provided)
📍 Best Jobs for First-Timers
- Deckhand – Great way to start in the maritime industry
- Housekeeper – Easy entry, steady hours
- Server – High earning potential with tips
📌 How to Apply
1. Visit the ACL Careers Site
🔗 American Cruise Lines Careers
2. Search Open Positions
- Filter by department (hospitality, marine, etc.)
3. Submit Your Application
- Upload a resume & cover letter
- Some roles require a video interview
4. Interview & Job Offer
- Hiring process takes 2–6 weeks
- Contracts typically last 3–6 months (seasonal work available)
🚀 Tips to Get Hired
✔ Apply early – Peak hiring is Jan–Apr for summer seasons
✔ Highlight customer service experience (even from non-cruise jobs)
✔ Be flexible – Willingness to work long hours helps
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Do I need a passport?
No! ACL operates only in U.S. waters (no international travel required).
❓ Can I bring my family?
No – Crew cabins are single occupancy only.
❓ Is there Wi-Fi for crew?
Yes, but it may be limited depending on the ship.
⚓ Start Your Cruise Career Today!
Ready to sail? Apply now:
🔗 ACL Job Openings
Need help choosing a role? Ask below! ⚓