Cruise Director - dubai - Cruise Academy

Description

Straight Talk. Real Experience. No Bull-ship. At Cruise Academy, we don't just teach it - we've lived it.

Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, we specialize in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise industry.

We tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting. No sugarcoating, no sales pitch - just real, honest insights from those who've been there. Because you deserve to know exactly what to expect before stepping onboard.

We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, ensuring the highest standards in training, recruitment, and compliance.

If you\'re serious about a career at sea, we'll get you there - the right way.

Position SummaryThe Cruise Director is responsible for leading, mentoring, and developing a diverse Entertainment and Activities team to deliver a dynamic, guest-centric entertainment program onboard.

Acting as the onboard Brand Ambassador, the Cruise Director hosts major guest-facing events and activities while setting the tone for service excellence, engagement, and professionalism.

This role provides strategic oversight of all onboard entertainment offerings, ensures alignment with brand standards, and fosters a culture that enhances guest satisfaction, team engagement, and commercial performance.

The Cruise Director also ensures a safe, healthy operating environment and collaborates closely with shipboard leadership to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor, and develop the Entertainment and Activities department, promoting a guest- and teammate-centric cultureAct as the onboard Brand Ambassador, hosting key events, presentations, and guest-facing activities with confidence and professionalismOversee the delivery of all entertainment products, including youth and teen programs, guest activities, enrichment programming, onboard media, music services, production services, guest entertainers, and special eventsInspire consistent delivery of high-quality entertainment experiences that exceed guest expectations and reduce friction points throughout the guest journeyCollaborate with entertainment leadership to design and deliver personalised and engaging guest experiences, sharing best practices and innovationOversee quality assurance standards for entertainment programming, ensuring alignment with operational and brand expectationsPartner with shipboard leaders to align entertainment development and execution across departmentsMonitor departmental performance and guest feedback, using insights to continuously enhance programming and deliveryManage departmental budgets, inventory, and resources in line with financial targetsCoordinate with technical teams to ensure timely maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of entertainment equipment and venuesIdentify and implement cost-efficiency strategies without compromising quality or guest experienceCommunicate organisational updates, initiatives, and strategic priorities clearly and effectively to the Entertainment teamSkills, Knowledge and ExperienceNon-Negotiable RequirementsPrevious cruise ship experience in a senior entertainment or activities leadership roleSubstantial professional experience organising and leading events, activities, shows, or theatrical productions in a guest-facing environmentProven ability to act as the central, outward-facing host and focal point of entertainment programmingConfident, charismatic, and engaging stage presence with a natural, controlled, and audience-friendly delivery styleDemonstrated leadership capability overseeing large, diverse, and multicultural teamsStrong organisational and coordination skills across multiple entertainment disciplinesProven experience managing budgets and controlling inventoryExcellent communication skills with the ability to engage guests and lead teams effectivelyComfort working long hours in a high-visibility, shipboard environmentStrongly PreferredExperience overseeing a wide portfolio of entertainment functions (e.g. activities, production, music, youth programs, enrichment)

Strong commercial awareness and understanding of guest satisfaction driversAbility to balance creativity with operational discipline and complianceExperience working closely with technical and production teamsAdditional Application RequirementsSubmission of a comprehensive and clearly structured curriculum vitaeSubmission of a short video presentation demonstrating personality, communication ability, and public speaking skills (professional production not required; authenticity essential) - full details provided in the application stageContract DetailsSingle cabin accommodation4:2 rotation
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