20 American Cruise Lines Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the leading cruise companies in the United States, American Cruise Lines is always looking for qualified candidates to join its team. If you’re interested in applying for a job with American Cruise Lines, you can expect to be asked some specific questions about your skills and experience.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common American Cruise Lines interview questions, so you can go into your interview prepared and confident.

American Cruise Lines Interview Process

The interview process at American Cruise Lines is generally pretty straightforward. Most positions will require at least one phone or Zoom interview, and some may require in-person interviews as well. The difficulty of the interviews varies depending on the position, but overall they are not too difficult.

The length of the hiring process also varies depending on the position. Some positions may only take a few days to fill, while others may take a few weeks. Overall, the process is not too lengthy.

Overall, the experience of interviewing with American Cruise Lines is generally positive. The interviewers are professional and polite, and the process is relatively quick and easy.

1. What was the last book you read?

This question is a great way to see what kind of books the applicant reads. It can also give you an idea of their interests and how they spend their free time.

Example: “The last book I read was ‘A Man Called Ove’ by Fredrik Backman. The main character, Ove, is a grumpy old man who has lost his wife. He’s very set in his ways and doesn’t like change. Throughout the story, he meets new people and experiences that help him open up and learn to love again.”

2. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation or personality on board. How did you handle it?

American Cruise Lines wants to know that you can handle conflict and difficult personalities. This is a safety-related question, so it’s important to show the interviewer that you have experience in this area.

Example: “I once had a passenger who was very drunk by the time we left port. He started harassing other passengers and making inappropriate comments. I asked him politely to stop several times, but he didn’t listen. Eventually, I called security and they escorted him off the ship. It’s important to be firm with these situations because if you don’t take action, it could escalate.”

3. Do you have experience working on a cruise ship before?

American Cruise Lines is looking for candidates who have experience working on a cruise ship. If you do, be sure to mention it in your answer. If you don’t, you can still talk about the skills and experiences that make you qualified for this role.

Example: “I worked as a waiter on a cruise ship for two years before I moved to Florida. My job was to serve food and drinks to guests while they were at dinner or enjoying other activities. I also helped with cleaning up after meals and making sure everything was ready for the next meal. This experience taught me how to work well under pressure and how to multitask.”

4. Why do you want to work at American Cruise Lines?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have done your research on the company. They want to know that you are passionate about working for their organization and understand what it offers its employees. When preparing for this interview, read through the job description and highlight any aspects of the role that appeal to you. Use these points in your answer to show that you are a good fit for the position.

Example: “I am excited to apply for this position because I love being around people and enjoy helping others have fun. American Cruise Lines is an exciting company with a lot to offer its employees. I think my skills as a cruise director would be beneficial to this team.”

5. Are there any restrictions that would keep you from being able to travel for long periods of time?

This question is a way for the interviewer to understand if you have any limitations that would prevent you from being able to work on their cruise ship. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but also show that you can overcome these challenges and still perform well as an employee.

Example: “I am allergic to seafood, so I would not be able to work on a cruise ship where seafood was served. However, I am willing to learn new skills and take on different responsibilities if needed.”

6. Tell us about your customer service style.

American Cruise Lines is looking for a candidate who can provide excellent customer service to their guests. This question helps them determine if you have the skills and personality to do so. Use your answer to highlight your interpersonal skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I believe that providing great customer service starts with having a positive attitude. I am always smiling when I greet my customers and try to make sure they are happy before they even ask me for anything. I also like to get to know my customers by asking questions about themselves. It makes them feel more comfortable and it gives me an idea of what they might need or want while on board.”

7. Are you comfortable providing entertainment for passengers?

American Cruise Lines is looking for entertainers to provide entertainment on their cruise ships. They want employees who can keep passengers happy and entertained during the trip. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you have experience providing entertainment in a professional setting.

Example: “I’ve worked as an emcee at several events throughout my career. I enjoy being able to get up in front of a crowd and make people laugh or smile. It makes me feel good knowing that I’m making other people happy. I think I would be a great fit for American Cruise Lines because I love performing in front of large groups of people.”

8. If hired, what are some things you could do to make sure our guests have an enjoyable stay on board?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you’re passionate about customer service and want to make sure everyone who comes on board has an enjoyable experience. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list specific things you’ve done in the past that have helped guests enjoy their time on board.

Example: “I think one of the most important things I could do to ensure our guests have a good time is to greet them with a smile when they come aboard. This simple act can help put them at ease and let them know we’re happy to have them here. Another thing I would do is learn as much as I can about each guest’s preferences so I can provide excellent service throughout their stay.”

9. Do you have any experience cleaning large spaces?

This question is a great way to determine how well you can work as part of a team. Employers ask this because they want to know if you have experience working with others and cleaning at the same time. When answering, it’s important to show that you are willing to help your coworkers when needed.

Example: “I do have some experience cleaning large spaces. In my last job, I cleaned an entire hotel by myself every day. It was quite a challenge, but I learned how to manage my time better so I could get everything done in the morning before guests arrived.”

10. Have you ever been arrested?

This question is a common one for employers to ask. They want to know if you have any criminal record and how it may affect your ability to perform the job duties of an American Cruise Lines employee. If you have been arrested, be honest about what happened and explain why it won’t happen again.

Example: “I was arrested when I was in college for public intoxication. It was my first time drinking alcohol, and I had too much at a party. I spent the night in jail, but I learned from that experience. Since then, I haven’t had another incident with alcohol or drugs. I am committed to being a responsible employee.”

11. Can you tell me about a time when you were working in a team environment and differences arose between teammates? How did you handle it?

American Cruise Lines wants to know how you handle conflict in the workplace. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others.

Example: “I was working on a project with two other colleagues, one of whom I had worked with before. The other colleague was new to our team, but he seemed very confident in his abilities. He would often make suggestions that were not helpful or relevant to the task at hand. When I brought this up to my other teammate, she said she felt uncomfortable speaking up because it was her first day. I told her that we needed to address the issue so that we could all be on the same page.”

12. Do you have any experience cooking meals for large groups of people?

American Cruise Lines is a cruise company that offers cruises to the United States. The interviewer may ask this question to learn if you have experience cooking for large groups of people in a kitchen setting. If you do, share an example of how you handled it and what skills you used. If you don’t have any experience, you can talk about your interest in learning to cook or discuss other relevant work experience.

Example: “I worked as a line cook at a restaurant where I cooked meals for up to 100 customers per day. I learned how to multitask when preparing food so I could serve more customers quickly. I also developed my communication skills by talking with my coworkers and customers.”

13. Which position are you applying for?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and experience. It’s important to read the job description thoroughly before applying, so you can answer this question with confidence.

Example: “I am applying for the position of cruise director. I have five years of experience in this role, and my previous employer was impressed by my ability to lead a team while keeping guests happy. My communication skills are excellent, which makes it easy for me to keep everyone informed on what’s happening during the cruise.”

14. When can you start?

This question is a great way to end an interview. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and lets the interviewer know you are ready to start working as soon as possible. When answering this question, be sure to mention when you can start and how quickly you can get up to speed on the job.

Example: “I am available to start work immediately. I have experience with all of the duties listed in this position, so I should be able to hit the ground running. If there is any training that needs to take place before I begin my new role, I would be happy to attend it.”

15. Are you available to work holidays?

American Cruise Lines is a seasonal company, and they need employees who are willing to work holidays. When answering this question, make sure you let the interviewer know that you’re available for any shifts on holidays.

Example: “I am happy to work any shift, including holidays. I understand that working during these times can be challenging, but I’m committed to providing excellent customer service at all times. In fact, I find it rewarding when I get to see families enjoying themselves on cruises.”

16. Would you be willing to relocate if needed?

American Cruise Lines is a cruise company that operates in the United States. However, they are looking for candidates who are willing to relocate if needed. This question allows you to show your willingness to move and take on new challenges. It also shows how flexible you can be when it comes to moving.

Example: “I am open to relocating as long as I have enough time to find a place to live. I would need at least three months to find a suitable home. If American Cruise Lines needs me to relocate, I will do my best to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

17. What is your favorite thing about traveling?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if your personality is a good fit for their company. When answering this question, try to be as honest as possible about why you love traveling.

Example: “My favorite thing about traveling is getting to see new places. I love learning about different cultures and seeing how other people live. I find it fascinating that no matter where you go in the world, there are always similarities between people. For example, everyone loves ice cream.”

18. Do you know how to drive a boat?

American Cruise Lines is a cruise company that offers boat tours. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience driving boats and how well you can handle the controls. If you don’t have any experience, explain what kind of training you would need to get up to speed.

Example: “I’ve never driven a boat before, but I am an excellent driver with plenty of experience on the water. I took sailing lessons in high school, so I understand the basics of operating a boat. I also completed a boating course online where I learned about different types of boats and their safety features.”

19. Are you CPR certified?

American Cruise Lines requires all crew members to be certified in CPR. This is a safety requirement for the company, and they want to make sure you are prepared to handle any medical emergencies that may arise on board their ships. If you have your certification, let them know about it. If not, tell them when you plan to get it.

Example: “I am CPR certified through American Red Cross. I took this course two years ago, and I will renew my certification next month.”

20. What kind of experience do you have dealing with intoxicated people?

American Cruise Lines is a cruise company that offers alcohol to its customers. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience dealing with intoxicated people and how you handled the situation. Use your answer to show that you can handle these situations professionally.

Example: “I worked at a bar for three years, so I’ve dealt with many intoxicated people in my career. My first step was always to make sure they were safe. If someone needed help getting home, I would call them an Uber or Lyft. If they were too drunk to drive themselves home, I would call their friends or family members to come get them. I also made sure they had water or juice on hand to help with hangovers.”