Assistant Cruise Director - Marella Cruises

The Assistant Cruise Director will assist the Cruise Director in managing the Entertainment Department onboard a Marella Cruise Ship. The department includes Entertainment Hosts, Production Cast Members, a Technical Manager and technicians, a Children’s Host Team, a Musical Director and resident musicians, plus guest entertainers that join weekly.

The role requires daily presence on the ship, hosting events, and supporting revenue generation through programme promotion and advertising. The Assistant will also input the entertainment programme into the daily Cruise and Entertainment Layouts and ‘Cruise News’ template, ensuring timely delivery to the relevant staff.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and promote the entertainment package to an exceptionally high standard.
• Act as a deputy for the Cruise Director and a second pair of eyes around the ship.
• Host a selected number of daily events and activities, including Sail Away and Deck Parties.
• Develop new skills.
• Line‑manage and organize the Senior Entertainment Host, M‑Club Manager, their host teams, and visiting guest entertainers.
• Perform administrative duties such as checking and replying to emails, adjusting the entertainment schedule in response to changing demographics, appraising Senior Hosts, and assisting with investigation/disciplinary paperwork; other admin duties as assigned.
• Create and enhance the guest experience on board.
• Assist the Cruise Director and oversee all members of the ship’s Entertainment Department.
• Uphold and exceed venue expectations.
• Maintain the highest standards of product, professionalism, and behaviour for the team.
• Ensure the daily updated entertainment programme is issued to the department responsible for the ‘Cruise News’ within deadlines.
• Make regular revenue announcements when hosting events, and encourage the Entertainment Team to do the same.
• Assist the DCM with inputting programmes into the Cruise Layout, prioritise and protect Destination Services events, ensuring no conflict with light entertainment events.
• Assist the hotel operation on challenging days with gangway assistance and crowd control when required.
• Deliver feedback to the Senior Entertainment Host and support the team in doing the same.
• Ensure appearance and grooming guidelines are maintained by all members of the Entertainment Department.
• Interface with the ship’s Management Team.
• Uphold the training standards set out.
• Lead Senior Host development through monthly one‑to‑one sessions, appraisals, and development plans.
• Hold responsibility for emergency procedures, guest mustering and drills (full training received onboard).

Experience & Skillset

• At least 2 years of experience working with diverse and varied entertainment programmes, ideally on a family‑audience cruise ship.
• Experience managing a team.
• Professional microphone and hosting experience.
• Strong knowledge of stage performance.
• Experience in revenue promotion through an entertainment product.

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