Cruise Director

Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can live and work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional, apply today.

As a Cruise Director, you will play an essential part in leading the daily onboard operation and execution of the entertainment product and services for Disney Cruise Line. You are a member of the ship Steering Committee and serve as the “General Manager” for onboard Entertainment providing oversight for all Entertainment content including but not limited to stage shows, deck parties, port adventures and recreation, characters, family and adult offerings, youth activities, and special events, ensuring consistent delivery of all experiences.

You will report to the Captain and Shore Side Executive Director, Entertainment Operations

Level: Steering Committee

Responsibilities :

• Collaborate with internal and external partners and departments to define a clear vision for onboard Entertainment, establishing strategic and operational goals.

• Translate and integrate the vision into strategic operating plans focused on innovation and continuous process improvements, while motivating others in a positive way to achieve desired results.

• Drive enhanced Guest and Crew experiences, considering the current competitive environment and growing expectations of our Guests and Crew.

• Direct all Guest events and onboard entertainment.

• Ensure daily schedule of events onboard and ashore in ports of call proceed as scheduled. Make necessary adjustments, considering Guest count, Guest mix, weather, providing information to Guests on the required changes.

• Evaluate show quality and brand integrity, providing recommendations for future planning and the strategic development of our entertainment offerings.

• Executive communicator for Safety and guest information with ship wide announcements, theatre announcements and all other guest communication efforts.

• Oversee execution and daily delivery of Guest service. Lead the team in focusing on Guest Satisfaction Measurement, appropriate cruise and quarterly targets, enhancements to the Guest/Crew experience while maintaining a high level of consistency in current product.

• Develop a world class onboard Entertainment Operations team.

• Maintain integrated focus on leadership development and succession planning.

• Lead effective and decision-oriented department meetings.

• Liaise with all departments effectively and with professionalism.

• Support and champion safety initiatives across all entertainment lines of business, ensuring all safety measures are being upheld always and reporting safety concerns immediately.

• Oversee and manage financial profit and operating expenses, inclusive of revenue generation, cost containment, and resource optimization.

• Communicate with Executive Director-Entertainment Operations and shoreside partners regarding consistency of operation between ships – show quality, Crew scheduling, team performance.

• Partner with shore side Entertainment/Port Adventures Operations Leadership, Recruiting and Scheduling regarding onboard leadership development and future openings.

• Provide support for new itineraries by analyzing previous practice; plan and execute chosen strategies to ensure existing and/or new Entertainment offerings are successfully delivered and received onboard.

• Partner with Human Resources and Labor Management on managing personnel files, conducting performance reviews (including discipline), ensuring Maritime Labor Convention, crew recognition and communication.

• Partner with the Human Resources team (Crew Engagement Manager) as necessary, to oversee the development and execution of onboard Crew Entertainment.

• Partner with Marketing/Promotions and onboard departments to plan special events.

• Extensive administrative duties.

Basic Qualifications :

• Minimum eight or more years’ experience working within a position that shows hosting experience, stage experience and public speaking skills.

• Minimum of eight years’ experience in a senior leadership role

• Previous ship operations experience in role of Cruise Director or similar.

• Operational experience with an understanding and awareness of Crew/Entertainer challenges on all levels

• Leadership experience including but not limited to coaching and mentoring skills that will inspire Crew at all levels.

• Experience integrating the Entertainment experience in partnership with multiple lines of business.

• Solid knowledge of Entertainment Operations business procedures.

• Passion for character and show integrity that supports the Disney Brand.

• Initiate guest contact while displaying boundless amounts of enthusiasm and energy.

• Relate well to audiences of all ages and demographics while offering a passion for engaging an audience in entertaining programs and events.

• Highly motivated self-starter able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication with clear, concise, and accurate information presented in a professional manner to meet the needs of our diverse audience.

• Strong administrative skills required.

• Demonstrated strong verbal, written, presentation, and public speaking skills.

• Demonstrated strong negotiation, delegation and partnering skills.

• Demonstrated problem solving and continuous improvement skills.

• Proven ability to initiate, organize, prioritize, take and provide direction, and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.

• Preferred college degree or related training associated with recreation, education, entertainment, or related field of study.

Additional Information :

This is a shipboard role.

Benefits offered year-round, on contract and off-contract, as long as return contract is signed, including Major Medical Coverage, Short & Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance and Retirement Savings Plan option

You must:

• Be genuinely interested in a career at sea and willing to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel

• Be willing to follow and perform safety role, emergency responsibilities and associated responsibilities as specified in the ship Assembly Plan

• Be willing to uphold the general safety management responsibilities as specified in the Safety Management System in areas and operations under their control.

• Be willing appreciative of working and living in a multicultural environment that has strict rules and regulations.

Your Responsibilities:

• Have a valid passport and C1/D Seaman’s visa (DCL will provide you with documents to obtain this)

• Complete a pre-employment medical.

• Obtain a criminal background check.

• Bring approved work shoes.

Disney Cruise Line is a drug-free workplace. All new hires are required to undergo drug/alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout their contracts. Failure to pass the drug/alcohol testing will result in immediate termination.

Job ID: 1163189BR

Location: United States

Job Posting Company: “Disney Cruise Line”

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email [email protected] with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.