OUR STORY

Victory Cruise Lines is a purpose-driven, American-owned and employee-owned cruise line founded by industry icon John Waggoner. We operate small ships on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes, and the Eastern Seaboard, offering immersive, culturally rich journeys that connect guests with history, destination, and one another. Our team members don’t just work here — they help create experiences our guests remember for a lifetime.

If you’re someone who thrives in high-energy guest environments, enjoys creating memorable experiences, and wants to play a visible role onboard a growing boutique cruise line, we’d love to hear from you.

Come Celebrate the Victory with us.

OUR VALUES

Safety First
Teamwork
Integrity
Service Excellence
Innovation
Have Fun

Victory Cruise Lines is more than a workplace—we are a community of professionals who care deeply about what we do, who we serve, and how we show up for one another.

THE POSITION

The Onboard Shore Experience Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing the onboard shore experience program while helping deliver an exceptional guest journey throughout the voyage.

This is a highly visible, guest-facing role that combines guest experience leadership, operational coordination, public speaking, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. The Shore Experience Manager works closely with guests, onboard leadership, local operators, and multiple shipboard departments to ensure shore experiences operate smoothly and meet Victory Cruise Lines standards.

This is not a behind-the-scenes role.

This position both lives and works onboard the ship for extended periods throughout the Great Lakes season and requires someone who is adaptable, confident, organized, guest-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Onboard – Great Lakes & Canadian Waterways ⚓

This is a seasonal shipboard position requiring team members to live and work onboard the vessel for extended periods throughout the operating season.

This role includes frequent guest interaction, public speaking, standing for extended periods, and working in a fast-paced, highly visible environment.

Weekend, holiday, and extended schedule availability is required based on itinerary and operational needs.

COMPENSATION

This is a seasonal onboard position compensated on a day-rate structure while actively working onboard the vessel. Travel days to/from the ship are also paid days.

Onboard accommodations and meals are provided during assigned rotations.

WHAT GREAT SHORE EXPERIENCE MANAGERS DO

Successful Shore Experience Managers in this role:

Create memorable guest experiences both onboard and ashore
Coordinate and oversee shore excursions and daily logistics
Confidently communicate with guests, including public announcements and presentations
Stay calm under pressure and pivot quickly when issues arise
Build positive relationships with guests, local operators, and onboard teams
Balance hospitality, operations, and problem-solving simultaneously
Operate with confidence, focus, professionalism, and high energy
Learn systems and technology quickly while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail
Work collaboratively across departments to support the overall guest experience
Take ownership and maintain a strong onboard presence throughout the voyage

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We strongly prefer candidates with cruise, hospitality, tourism, or guest experience management backgrounds.

Ideal candidates often come from roles such as:

Shore Experience Manager
Excursion Manager
Cruise Director Staff
Tour Operations Manager
Guest Experience Manager
Resort Activities Manager
Hospitality Operations Leader

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required

Additional education or certifications in tourism, hospitality, guest services, or event management are a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

Strong guest service instincts and interpersonal skills
Confidence speaking in front of groups and engaging with guests daily
High energy, adaptability, and professionalism (as days onboard the ship can be long!)
Strong organizational and operational capabilities
Ability to multitask and problem solve quickly in real time
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced onboard environment
Strong technology skills and ability to learn systems quickly
Ability to pivot, reprioritize, and maintain focus under pressure
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Experience:

3–5+ years of experience in hospitality, tourism, cruise, guest experience, or excursion operations
Cruise industry experience strongly preferred
Experience working in fast-paced, guest-facing environments required
Public speaking and presentation experience strongly preferred

OTHER

This position requires living and working onboard our Great Lakes cruise ships for extended periods (weeks at a time) throughout the operating season.

Post Offer / Pre Employment criteria must be satisfied to complete a successful hiring process; this may include, but may not be limited to: background screening, drug and/or alcohol screening, culture index surveys, medical evaluations, and any other assessments deemed necessary by the Company.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support business operations.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United States.

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Victory Cruise Lines

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Onboard Shore Experience Manager