Cruise Director

Job ID 1163189BR Location Shipboard Business Disney Cruise Line Date posted Oct. 09, 2024

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ENJOY THE MAGIC

Because our employees and cast members are at the heart of everything we do, Disney offers a competitive total rewards package that includes pay, health and savings benefits, time-off programs, educational opportunities and more.

*Benefits and eligibility may vary by business and location

HEALTH INSURANCE & WELLBEING
CHILDCARE OPTIONS
PAID TIME OFF
RETIREMENT PROGRAMS
TUITION ASSISTANCE
WEEKLY PAY

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"There are so many opportunities to grow and learn within Disney! There is never a dull moment at work."

Diana, Principal Counsel

Job Summary:

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.

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About Disney Cruise Line:

A leader in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line provides a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all the magic that Disney has to offer. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska and Europe, among others. Aboard the fleet of five ships – the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish – and Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas - Castaway Cay, crew members provide guests with unparalleled service, enchanting storytelling and immersive family entertainment that only Disney can deliver.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Magical Cruise Company, Limited, which is part of a business we call Disney Cruise Line.

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