Historian/Destination Speaker

Overview

American Cruise Lines, the world’s leading small ship cruise line, is adding to its team of onboard Historians and Destination Speakers and is looking for passionate individuals to enhance the onboard experience. Discover the best of America and the country’s most beautiful waterways while visiting the unique cities and towns along the way. Our Historians and Destination Speakers play an integral role in the guest experience through educational presentations, underway commentary, port overviews, casual talks and group discussions.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily formal presentations (45-60 minutes each).
• All presentations should be supported by PowerPoint visuals.
• Provide narration/commentary while the ship is underway from port to port during daylight hours, broadcast over the ship’s PA system to public lounges, outer decks and into guest staterooms.
• Present daily 15-20 minute Port Previews and Q&A for all ports of call included on the cruise. At a minimum, information should include:
• Founding/naming of the city/town.
• Anything related to major American battles nearby, if any.
• Fun facts of the city/town including docking information and what to do when walking around and exploring.
• Connections to local culture or Indigenous people, when applicable.
• Any materials/handouts/book recommendations of the area.
• Participate in daily hosting of Shore Excursions providing coach commentary when needed.
• Dine with guests each evening.
• Be available to guests throughout the day and evening for one-on-one chats and socialization.
• Covered Expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, along with room and board.
• Job sites across the nation.

Qualifications

• Extremely polished public speaking skills required.
• Excellent and polished presentation skills.
• Extraordinarily knowledgeable of the history, geography, ecology, ports of call, and other points of interest within the cruise itinerary.
• Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
• Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
• Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, friendly, sociable, service-minded, and always have a can-do attitude.
• Excellent time management and attention to detail.

Region-specific Minimum Requirements Include

• West Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)
• Puget Sound & Alaska – Topics should include Marine Wildlife, Glaciers & Ice Fields, Native American & Alaskan Native Cultures, Geology, Forests & Ecosystems, Exploration & Settlement, and The Fishing & Seafood Industry.
• The Columbia & Snake Rivers – Topics should include Lewis & Clark, Native American Culture, Geology, Wildlife & Ecology, Wine & Agriculture, and Hydropower & Dams, Mt. St. Helens, the Oregon Trail and River Navigation.
• Mississippi River (& Tributaries) Itineraries
• Extensive knowledge of the Upper or Lower Mississippi, Ohio, or Tennessee & Cumberland Rivers.
• Topics should include The Civil War & Historic Battles, The Louisiana Purchase, Agriculture & Industry, River Navigation, Music & Cultural Contributions, Culinary Traditions, Native American Cultures, Mark Twain & Literature, Floods & River Management, and Architecture & Historic Homes.
• East Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)
• New England – Topics should include Colonial History, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, Lighthouses & Navigation, Literary & Artistic Contributions, Lobstering & Fishing Industry, Architectural Styles, Whaling, and Culinary Traditions.
• Chesapeake Bay – Topics should include Jamestown, Williamsburg & Early American History, Native American Cultures, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War and Crabbing & Oystering.
• The Historic South – Topics should include Colonial & Antebellum History, The Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Gullah Culture & Heritage, Architectural Styles & Historic Homes, Southern Literature, the Civil Rights Movement, Maritime History, Southern Culinary Traditions and Southern Gardens & Horticulture.
• Florida – Topics should include the Spanish Exploration, Native American History, The Everglades & Ecosystems, Pirates & Maritime History, Marine Wildlife, Hemingway & Literature, Architectural Styles, and Hurricanes & Weather Patterns.
• Great Lakes Itineraries
• Topics should include Native American Cultures, French & British Exploration, The War of 1812, Maritime Heritage & Shipwrecks, Lighthouses & Navigation, Immigration & Industry, Architecture & Historic Cities, Music & Artistic Contributions, Culinary Traditions and Wildlife & Ecology.
• Attributes for Success
• Passion for building relationships and speaking about American history.
• Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
• Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
• Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.
• Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.

Work Schedule

• 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
• Weeks working and living onboard the ship range depending on candidate availability and regional needs.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

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