Historian & Destination Speaker

Historian & Destination Speaker American Cruise Lines is seeking knowledgeable, engaging Historians & Destination Speakers to enrich the guest experience aboard our small ships. Through presentations, port previews, underway commentary, shore excursions, and conversation, you will help guests understand the history, culture, and natural surroundings of the destinations they visit.

Assignments are matched to your expertise and the needs of individual itineraries. Candidates may specialize in a particular region; expertise in every region is not required. We welcome relevant backgrounds in history, geography, ecology, maritime heritage, literature, music, and other destination-focused subjects. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit.

These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities

Deliver engaging 45- to 60-minute enrichment presentations, generally one per day as scheduled, supported by clear, relevant PowerPoint visuals. Research each port and present daily 15- to 20-minute Port Previews, including time for questions, covering the destination and what guests can expect ashore. Provide several brief periods of live underway commentary during daylight hours, as appropriate to the itinerary, highlighting relevant landmarks, scenery, history, and points of interest over the ship’s public address system.

Coordinate timing with the onboard team. Participate in select shore excursions when requested, providing coach commentary or additional destination context as appropriate. Dine with guests each evening and contribute to welcoming, engaging conversation. Be available for informal discussions and questions throughout the day and evening.

Coordinate programming with the Cruise Director and onboard team, adapting to sailing schedules and itinerary changes. General Qualifications: Demonstrated expertise in subjects directly relevant to the assigned itinerary. Polished public speaking skills and the ability to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for a general audience.

Sufficient presentation material to provide varied programming throughout an entire cruise without excessive repetition. Strong research skills, sound factual accuracy, and the ability to prepare useful port-specific information. Strong interpersonal skills, a friendly and confident manner, and a commitment to guest service.

Excellent time management, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of PowerPoint and audio/visual equipment. A collaborative approach and willingness to respond to direction and performance feedback. Regional Expertise: Candidates should demonstrate substantial knowledge of their proposed region. Relevant topics include: Puget Sound and Alaska: Marine wildlife, glaciers and ice fields, Indigenous cultures of the region, geology, forests and ecosystems, exploration and settlement, and the fishing and seafood industry.

Columbia and Snake Rivers: Lewis and Clark, Native American cultures, geology, wildlife and ecology, wine and agriculture, hydropower and dams, Mount St. Helens, the Oregon Trail, and river navigation. Mississippi River and Tributaries: Expertise in the Upper or Lower Mississippi, Ohio, or Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, with topics such as the Civil War, the Louisiana Purchase, agriculture and industry, river navigation, music, culinary traditions, Native American cultures, Mark Twain and literature, floods and river management, and historic architecture.

New England: Colonial history, maritime heritage, the Revolutionary War, lighthouses and navigation, literature and art, fishing and lobstering, architecture, whaling, and culinary traditions. Chesapeake Bay: Jamestown, Williamsburg and early American history, Native American cultures, maritime heritage, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and crabbing and oystering.

Southeast: Colonial and antebellum history, the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, Gullah culture and heritage, architecture and historic homes, Southern literature, the Civil Rights Movement, maritime history, culinary traditions, and gardens and horticulture. Florida: Spanish exploration, Native American history, the Everglades and ecosystems, pirates and maritime history, marine wildlife, Hemingway and literature, architecture, and hurricanes and weather patterns.

Great Lakes: Native American cultures, French and British exploration, the War of 1812, maritime heritage and shipwrecks, lighthouses, immigration and industry, historic cities and architecture, music and art, culinary traditions, and wildlife and ecology. Onboard Schedule & Covered Expenses: Historians work seven days per week while onboard and must remain aboard for the full duration of each assignment.

Assignment lengths depend on candidate availability and regional needs. This is an onboard working position that combines scheduled programming, preparation, and regular interaction with guests. Covered Expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, along with room and board. 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. Job sites across the nation