Ocean - Cruise Director

Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises.

With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Part of our Entertainment team on our Ocean vessels, the Cruise is the voice & face of the vessel and is responsible for delivering exciting events and culturally emersed programs tailored to Viking guests. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel General Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO ON BOARD

• Lead and coach all members of the entertainment team and monitor their performance. Direct reports are the Assistant Cruise Director, Broadcast manager and Stage Manager.

• Ensure that all events and programs are brand aligned and run in a smooth, efficient, and timely manner.

• Host and act as Master of Ceremonies, make announcement on the PA System and all other guest related onboard communication regarding safety as well as conducting Port Talks in conjunction with the Shore Ex Manager in the theatre.

• Demonstrate the ability to create a 45 – 50-minute Variety Performance in which most of the Entertainment Department participates; have a 45 – 60-minute Stage Performance and repertoire suitable and aligned to the Viking Brand.

• Positively contribute to achieving/succeeding Entertainment KPI goals (quality & financial) for the Entertainment Department; have full knowledge about safety & security procedures and can operate in line with all Public Health, Environmental and Safety & Security Policies; participate in all training concerning onboard training, safety & security, fire prevention, evacuation exercises as required by the company.

WHY JOIN VIKING? 

Elevate Your Career 
Regardless of where you are on your career journey, Viking can help you in reaching new destinations with: 

• Paid training program in skills and approach to premium hospitality services 

• On-the-job coaching to help you advance rapidly  

• A lifelong network of hospitality professionals from many different countries 

• Internal transfer opportunities to River, Ocean and Expedition ships 

On board our ship 

• Lodging, meals, unlimited Wi-Fi, uniforms, and laundry are free of charge for all crew members 

• Crew cabins with only 2 berths (you will have one roommate). 

• Travel to/from the ship provided by Viking 

• Crew-only deck, dedicated recreational spaces and activities 

• Access to use the guest fitness center during certain hours 

Employee benefits 

• Paid vacation 

• Referral program 

• Loyalty bonuses 

• No immediate tax deduction – potential for tax-free salary, depending on nationality 

ABOUT YOU

• A required minimum of 2-3 years plus experience in an entertainment or similar position in an upscale hotel, resort, or cruise ship; shipboard experience is required.

• Fluent in English - must be able to address any kind of information in an adequate manner with excellent oral and written English communication skills; must be sociable and confident and demonstrate enthusiasm when interacting with guests; a strong presence for on- and off-stage presentations and television appearances is required.

• A performance background, preferably as vocalist is a great advantage.

• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required, with excellent knowledge of all Public Health Policies, team builder with exceptional work ethic, organizational and motivational skills, and coaching abilities.

• Must have experience in leading multi-cultural teams; flexible, stress resistant, committed team player; proactive problem-solving skills are required.

• Strong administration skills are preferred and must be proficient with PC based databases, spread sheets, and word processing systems.

APPLICATION AND JOB RELEVANT INFORMATION
Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-colored sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case-by-case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company.  For further information, please contact our recruiting team.

DISCLAIMER
As part of any recruitment process, Viking collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. If you would like to find out more about how your information will be used, please view the privacy notice on our careers page.