Cruise director

A cruise director is a high-ranking or senior officer of a cruise ship with responsibility for all onboard hospitality, entertainment and social events, who acts as the public face of the company. The cruise director reports to the hotel director, has a deputy or assistant cruise director, and is supported by a team of entertainment staff.

Responsibilities of a cruise director may include:

• Scheduling of entertainment, activities and social events
• Officer in charge of entertainment staff
• Public announcements
• Conducting and supervising safety briefings or drills for both passengers and crew.

Portrayals on television

As a highly visible member of staff on a cruise ship, there have been many television characters portraying the role of a cruise director. A notable example is Julie McCoy played by Lauren Tewes in The Love Boat.