Viking

Ocean - Assistant Cruise Director

Recruiter:
Viking
Category:
Entertainment & Activities Jobs
Position:
Assistant Cruise Director
Published:
July 4, 2026

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 Assistant Cruise Director supports the Cruise Director with the management of the Entertainment Team. The Assistant Cruise Director reports to the Cruise Director.

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO ON BOARD

Support the Cruise Director to ensure that all events and programs are brand aligned and run in a smooth, efficient, and timely manner.
Demonstrate the ability to be a strong host, with enthusiastic and confident social skills.
Oversee the production of the Viking Daily Newsletter, this includes but is not limited to proofreading and checking for any schedule clashes.
Ensure that all tour dispatch requirements are met daily.
Greet guests during lectures and shows and demonstrate the ability to hold a conversation and engage with guests, accordingly; host deck sports, conduct trivia as required.
Assist the Cruise Director with scheduling the Entertainment Department, as required, being aware of other departments and the ship’s operational needs.
Demonstrate the ability to perform a full theatre performance for 45 - 50 minutes and have a repertoire suitable and aligned with Viking’s high-quality standards.
Provide the necessary guidance/training and information to the Entertainment Team, in accordance with company standards and operational needs. Direct reports are musicians and Viking vocalists.
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 

Referral program 
Loyalty bonuses 
No tax deduction


ABOUT YOU

A required minimum of 1-2 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.
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.

Language Requirements

Good knowledge of the English language is required.

Viking

Viking

www.vikingcareers.com

THE VIKING STORY

More than 20 years ago, Viking® set the standard for what river cruising should be, and today we are the leader that all others follow. In 2015, we took the same small ship, destination-focused experience to the seas and reinvented ocean cruising. Over the years Viking has won numerous ocean and river cruise line awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Cruise Critic, Travel + Leisure, Travel Weekly and more.

Viking is a strong and dynamic company—with a growing fleet of more than 80 river ships and seven ocean vessels cruising over 100 itineraries around the world.

JOIN THE VIKING FAMILY

If you have always dreamed of combining your love of travel with the ability to grow your career, consider a position at Viking. We are the world’s leading small ship cruise line, and there is tremendous potential to advance your career with us. As part of our crew, when your ship is docked at the many destinations we visit, you can explore ashore and refresh during your free time.

Additionally, with Viking’s award-winning service and thoughtfully curated onboard experiences, our guests are typically very satisfied. This, combined with Viking’s gratuity guidelines, means that you can expect to be well rewarded as an employee on board a Viking ship.


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