Career Description:
A Cruise director is one who takes care of the in house passengers in a cruise. He works under the orders of an Executive and has the key responsibility to ensure that the passengers are contented, entertained well, and regular events are conducted in the cruise so that the journey is comfortable and joyful. He also takes care of the food, housing, and other facilities in the ship.
How to become a Cruise Director:
To become a cruise director, there is no definite education requirement. Generally one should have worked as staff personnel in a ship for few years before he is advanced to the position of a cruise director. Candidates can learn the job responsibilities while working as a support staff and then after gaining enough experience, he can apply for the role of a cruise director.
Cruise Director Career courses, training, programs:
There are some training programs that equip candidates with a few skills to become good at the job of a cruise director. Some key skills that can be imparted by institutes are planning, organizing, and executing plans apart from managerial skills like leadership, good communication skills, knowledge of entertainment needs of ship passengers and ways to make the whole journey pleasing.
Cruise Director Career schools/colleges, education:
There are many colleges and universities that teach students abilities to become successful as a cruise director. However candidates should focus more on practical knowledge and on the job training than on stream of education. There are some cruise line operations courses that students can take up.
Top 5 colleges/universities:
Southwest Virginia Community College
United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Michigan
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Cruise Director job opportunities, salaries/pay, recruitment:
Cruise directors need to be alongside the passengers and in the ship for extended periods of time. But the job is very rewarding with cruise directors earning anywhere between $3,500 and $7,100 per month.