Ship and Boat Captains and Operators jobs in Illinois

Deckhand

American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. cruise company, offers unique experiences exploring America's rivers and coasts. We're hiring Deckhands for the 2026 season. You'll work on our ships to ensure a safe and seamless voyage for all our guests, as a proud representative of our brand. This is a temporary position where we challenge you to work onboard for 28 weeks.

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:

Handling lines, gangways, anchors, and marine equipment under the guidance of Captains and Mates.
Responsible for daily exterior cleaning, line handling, and logistic support tasks. Standing helm watches assisting the Captain and Mate in steering the vessel.
Standing gangway and deck watches including security, maintenance, and passenger assistance duties.
Loading and unloading guest luggage, ship stores, garbage, and daily logistics tasks.
Cleaning all exterior decks, verandas, windows, furniture, and marine spaces.
Washing, drying, and folding all ship laundry.
Maintain exemplary professional grooming and uniform appearance.
Continual availability to assist guests and crew.
Rotate through day-night watch and task schedules averaging 12-hours daily.

Highlights:

Pay: Wages range from $1,000 to $1,400 per week with additional bonuses. With all major living expenses covered aboard, you have an extraordinary chance to save your earnings.
Hospitality Experience: This is an introductory position to the cruise industry and a strong foundation for a career in hospitality.
Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Travel the Country: We have over 50 itineraries, spanning over 35 states in America.
Crew Connections: Create lifelong memories and relationships with fellow crew members and guests from all over the country.

Qualifications:

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and an American citizen or Green Card holder. You must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Under Federal Law and the Department of Transportation, we are required to pre-employment drug test all shipboard employees which includes testing for Marijuana and other controlled substances. To provide safe and conscientious service to our guests, the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. All shipboard employees also have emergency and safety functions essential to the safe operation of the ship that are included in your training.

American Cruise Lines has grooming standards that include limitations on visible tattoos and piercings. This is a temporary employment position not to extend beyond 28 weeks of shipboard work. We encourage you to utilize the skills you develop to apply for management positions within American Cruise Lines, but such positions cannot be expected and are not guaranteed.

Successful individuals work well under pressure, keep composure and have a positive attitude. The talent and dedication of American Cruise Lines' employees have made us America's Leading Small Ship Cruise Line.

Work Schedule:

7 days per week while onboard the ship, for up to 28 weeks.
This is a temporary position with no guarantee of future employment.
This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:

Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
Ability to stand for your entire shift.
Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
Ability to use stairs frequently.

Applicant Acknowledgment

By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎

*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Deckhand

Deckhand at American Cruise Lines – Cairo, Illinois

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