Life on board
Wake up in a new port each morning while helping guests experience the best of U.S. cruising. As a crew member, you’ll meet people from around the world, build lasting friendships, and become part of each guest’s journey. We’ll provide the tools and support you need to adjust, grow, and succeed on board.
Discover why American Cruise Lines is the largest and fastest-growing U.S. cruise line!
How it works
Upon the successful completion of our shoreside training program, you will be eligible for a ship assignment. While we cannot guarantee a specific vessel for your employment, we make every effort to ensure the best possible fit. We carefully consider all requests during this process. Once assigned, we will coordinate your flights and transportation to the ship. During your first day aboard, you will be introduced to your fellow crew members, given a comprehensive tour of the ship, and assisted in settling into your stateroom.
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Each of our ships is carefully designed to keep both crew members and guests comfortable as we sail along U.S. waterways. The crew living quarters resemble a dormitory environment, where you can quickly make new friends. Depending on the ship, crew members may share living quarters with up to twelve roommates, while senior officers—including Hotel General Managers, Executive Chefs, and Captains—have private staterooms and bathrooms.
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Our ships operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To provide our guests with the best possible service throughout their cruise, crew members work schedules that support the ship’s round-the-clock operation. Your schedule will vary each day based on the ship’s location and the activities planned for guests. The work can be demanding, but it is a truly rewarding experience for those who recognize the value of the opportunities we provide.
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During your time off, we encourage you to relax and experience the unique culture of each port. Crew members may use the dining room when it does not interfere with guest meal service. Free Wi-Fi is also available on board, depending on service quality, so you can stay connected with family and friends.
To ensure crew members are well rested, we maintain a strict 11 p.m. curfew. Alcohol is prohibited on board at all times, including while the ship is in port. Because our guests remain the top priority, crew members must always be prepared to respond in an emergency.
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In addition to traveling at no expense, you’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals each day. An onboard chef prepares meals for crew members at times that do not interfere with guest dining. Breakfast is made to order, while lunch and dinner are served buffet style.
If you have a dietary request, we’ll do our best to accommodate it. Proper nutrition is especially important when you spend much of the day on your feet, so our meals are designed to provide the essential nutrients you need. You may also choose to dine ashore while the ship is in port.
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Servers, Housekeepers, Deckhands, and Dishwashers may work with us for up to 28 weeks. Managers and officers typically work several weeks on, followed by several weeks off, with longer rotations during the busy summer and fall seasons.
After you accept a position, we’ll coordinate your start date and travel to the ship. Breaks may be arranged with advance notice to ensure our staffing needs continue to be met. Once your assignment is complete, we’ll also help arrange your travel home.
Follow our journey.
