Captain
UnCruise Adventures
Alaska
UnCruise Adventures is seeking an experienced Captain to join our team beginning with the Fall 2026
Currently recruiting for the season from April 1st, 2026 to October 1st, 2026.
Alaska Summer 2026 positions are posted on our careers webpage. Join the adventure! At UnCruise, we work together to support and build a brand that provides an enriching adventure travel experience which inspires an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. UnCruise has been cruising in Alaska since 1996 and we are proud to be the most-awarded cruise line in Alaska.
Spend your summer sailing in Southeast Alaska
To learn more about working onboard, join one of our virtual informational sessions - Register Here
UnCruise has four to seven vessels sailing during the summer months in Southeast Alaska. Our guests fly in and join the vessel for a voyage of adventure and learning. Trips range from 8-22 days in length, but average is 8 days.
Crew members are hired to work seasonal agreements. Work rotations of approximately 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off is our standard, yet may change. Crew work 12 hours / day with varying shifts.
Unlike jobs on land, your afternoon break is spent kayaking among icebergs, traveling to a hidden waterfall with a local guide, snorkeling with sea lions, diving with manta rays, or sharing air with whales. Working together with fellow crew members to become a cohesive team.
Discover life onboard through our Instagram or TikTok @uncruisecareers or click below to watch a video specific to your department, or watch them all!
Do you crave adventure?
Are you self-motivated, flexible, knowledgeable, and kind?
Do believe in the power of teamwork and have an innate sense of superior guest service?
If so, you are our ideal candidate! We can't wait for you to apply.
Housing and meals are included.
Crew Quarters: Shared living quarters aboard our vessels have bunk-style beds, (limited) storage and a head (shower, sink, and toilet). Crew also have access to shared laundry (no quarters needed - it's free!).
Crew Meals: Healthy meals and snacks are provided. Almost all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
We provide a travel stipend so crew can arrange flights to and from the vessel.
Alaska
UnCruise Adventures is seeking an experienced Captain to join our team beginning with the Fall 2026
JOB SUMMARY
The Captain position begins in shipyard (Seattle, WA) over the winter months prior to the summer 2025 Alaska Sailing Season. This is a year-round position working 4 weeks on the vessel with 4 weeks off the vessel.
The Captain in the key leader of the Vessel Leadership Team (VLT - a group of leaders assigned to lead all aspects of each vessel). The Captain directly oversees onboard managers, and indirectly manages crew, ensuring the safe and professional delivery of UnCruise Adventures’ published cruise products. The Captain provides excellent and proven leadership, safety, and communications skills with all company employees, partners, vendors, and travel industry professionals. This position reports to the Director of Nautical Operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of 5 years experience as either Captain or 1st Mate on passenger-carrying vessels.
Extensive experience in the operations of vessels in diverse waters such as Southeast Alaska, the Snake and Columbia Rivers, the Gulf of California, Mexico and Hawaii.
Ability to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.
Excellent crisis management skills: works well under pressure, and acts quickly and decisively using sound judgment.
Supervisory experience in maritime environment required. Additional supervisory oversight of hotel operations strongly preferred.
Proficient user of computer systems, with the ability to utilize MS software applications in a Windows environment.
Able to troubleshoot, act quickly with confidence, and make sound decisions while exercising good judgment
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively present sensitive information in one-on-one situations, and comfort with public speaking in group situations.
Excellent written English language skills, with the ability to prepare professional documents and reports in a timely manner.
Maintain professional demeanor at all time.
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Valid Passport
CPR / First Aid / AED
Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector (Company provided)
Medical Certificate
Radar Observer Unlimited
USCG 100GRT Master License
FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
Valid TWIC
Advanced Medical Training (e.g. Med Care Provider, WFR, EMT) *preferred, not required
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: CREW MANAGEMENT/TRAINING
Directly supervise all employees in the following positions: Chief Engineer, 1st Mate, 2nd Mate, Hotel Manager, and Expedition Leader (reports may vary depending on route/vessel). Indirectly supervise all crew assigned to the vessel.
Respond in a timely manner to all concerns, complaints, and allegations, and conducts investigations as necessary. Notify shore-side managers of potentially escalating problems.
Assist in the training and development of all direct reports. Also assist in the training of any new staff or relief Captain positions.
Monitor and counsel work performance throughout the season and conduct written performance evaluations of the above crew members. Ensure that other managers and officers complete mid-season and end-of-season reviews of assigned staff.
Coach, discipline, and/or terminate crew as necessary in a timely and appropriate manner, seek the guidance and support of shore-side managers in Seattle as needed.
Conduct weekly informational meetings with the staff, officers and crew.
Maintain professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public.
Through the Officers, oversee the management, operation, maintenance, and repair of the vessel.
Participate in shore-side training as required by the company.
Participate in guest activities such as dining with guests and acts as UnCruise Adventures representative in communities/ports where vessel visits.
Ensure delivery of Company programming directives including Next Adventure, shore excursions, onboard programs, presentations, and off-vessel excursions as defined in company training program.
Distribute all information to and from officers, crew, staff, guests, and the Seattle office.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: SAFETY/NAVIGATION/COMPLIANCE/FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Perform bridge navigation during specified periods. Determine geographical position of the ship, using all available means such as GPS, radar ranges, visual observations, depth sounders, etc.
Record necessary entries in navigation and radio logs.
Handle the vessel in docking, anchoring, piloting, en route, in close quarters and open sea conditions.
Ensure vessel compliance to company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and requests supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
Navigate vessel to ensure avoidance of marine hazards such as reefs, outlying shoals, shallow waters, etc., using aids to navigation such as lights, lighthouses, and buoys.
Drive inflatable boats as necessary.
Oversee and assists with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.
Oversee the security of the vessel both at sea and at dock; ensures gangway watch is posted at all times while at dock.
Coordinate off-ship emergency medical aid. Assist the 1st Mate in administering first aid treatment and in documenting medical incident reports.
Oversee safety briefings for guests and coordinates on-board instructive drills for guests, staff and crew.
Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that crew and guests observe regulations pertaining to safe vessel operation
Prepare the vessel for, and attend all U.S. Coast Guard annual dry-docks and other inspections as required.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory agency directives affecting vessel operations including U.S. Coast Guard, Center for Disease Control, public lands/waters agencies, and others.
Oversee all drug and alcohol testing as required by the U.S. Coast Guard and Company policy.
Ensure compliance with the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.
Oversee all reporting of vessel incidents (hull, crew, staff, and guest).
Oversee all accounting reports, time cards, inventory, and requisitions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
Captain Length of Work Shift- Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 4 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2-4 weeks.
Mobility- Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
Handling/Strength- Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
Environmental Conditions- Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
JOB SUMMARY
The Chief Mate supervises, trains, and coordinates activities of the deck force and is responsible for assisting with the vessel’s piloting, navigation, safety, security, first aid, cleanliness, and small boat operations. The Chief Mate reports to the Master of the vessel.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience operating port-to-port in Southeast Alaska, preferred.
At least 360 sea days of Mate experience on passenger-carrying vessels, including supervisory responsibility and social interaction with guests.
Excellent crisis management skills; able to act quickly with confidence while exercising sound judgment.
Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Personal computer experience: MS Windows applications with extensive use of MS Word and MS Excel.
Communicate effectively in both one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees.
Excellent written English language skills, with the ability to prepare documents and reports in a timely manner.
Able to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations as well as lifting and rigging calculations appropriate to vessel operations.
Able to problem solve and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
USCG 100T Master License (1)
Radar Observer Unlimited
FCC Marine Radio Operator’s Permit
Valid TWIC
Advanced Medical Training
CPR / First Aid / AED
Medical Certificate
Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
Bridge Resource Management (2)
STCW Basic Training (2)
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (2)
STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (2)
ECDIS Endorsement (2)
STCW Leadership and Managerial Skills (2)
GMDSS Endorsement (2)
Vessel Security Officer (2)
STCW Crowd Management (2)
STCW Crisis Management (2)
VPDSD (2)
Near Coastal License required for all Alaska and Safari Explorer Hawaii itineraries. Oceans license required for Safari Explorer Hawaii Repo
Company preferred
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Train and supervise deck team in docking, anchoring, watch duties, safety, routine ship and inflatable maintenance, cleaning and maintaining deck, and superstructure.
Direct the deck team and handle communications between bridge, crew, and dock personnel during docking procedures.
Evaluate and document the performance of the deck team, reward and discipline employees, address complaints and resolve problems.
Maintain professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public. Participate in guest activities as directed by the Captain.
Assume command of the ship in the event the Captain becomes incapacitated.
Inspect the vessel for overall cleanliness, including engine room, deck areas, crew quarters, windows, and exterior hull.
Maintain deck supply inventories and requisitions.
Act as vessel security officer.
Prepare vessel for and attend all U.S. Coast Guard annual dry docks and inspections.
Review and update watch and duty work lists.
Assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.
Watch Duty:
Assume responsibility for bridge navigation and deck watch during specified periods. Determine geographical position of the ship, using all available means such as GPS, radar ranges, visual observations, depth sounders, etc.
Make necessary entries in navigation and radio logs.
Handle the vessel (as directed by the Captain) in docking, anchoring, piloting, enroute, in close quarters and open sea conditions.
Navigate vessel to ensure avoidance of marine hazards such as reefs, outlying shoals, shallow waters, etc. using aids to navigation such as lights, lighthouses, and buoys.
Small Boat Operations:
Drive inflatable boats as needed.
Assist with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.
Safety and Security:
Follow company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and request supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
Direct crew in emergency drills. Conduct onboard safety training and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding and medical emergencies.
Perform gangway watch as directed by the duty schedule.
Act as vessel Medical Officer; maintain first aid kits and medical supplies on board as well as filling out all guest, crew and staff injury/illness reports. Assist Captain with treating injured/ill guests and crew. Ensure proper handling and disposal of biohazards. Contact emergency services when required.
Maintain and administer vessel Preventive Maintenance Plan and Safety Training Program.
Oversee vessel hazard communications program and related training, including Material Safety Data Sheets and utilization of personal protective equipment.
Participate in shore side training as required by the company.
Ensure compliance with the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities; report non-conformities to vessel master and appropriate shore-side personnel.
WORK SCHEDULE
Daily 12-hour shifts are comprised of approximately two 4-hour watches, plus 4 hours of administrative and supervisory activities. However, each workday may vary depending on overall needs of the vessel and/or vessel personnel. This position may require overnight and/or night shift hours.
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Living Conditions- Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
Length of Work Shift- Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
Mobility- Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
Handling/Strength- Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
Environmental Conditions- Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
BASE PAY
Summer season, $304 - $380 / day. Wage range is based on vessel placement
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.
JOB SUMMARY
The Steward is a multi-talented and hard-working position. Main job responsibilities include serving meals, cleaning guest cabins and interior public spaces, assisting with bartending/cocktail service, and occasional galley duties. This is an extremely guest service focused position and requires a pleasant and accommodating demeanor at all times. The steward role is physically demanding and mentally challenging. The right candidate for this role will be able to constantly adapt to new situations while maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Dining Room Service – We strive for fine dining in a casual atmosphere:
Housekeeping:
Safety, Security & Training:
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.
JOB SUMMARY
The Pastry Chef is responsible for all baking, preparation, and presentation of breads, pastries, and desserts along with plate-up of meals, assisting Galley Utility if needed, and galley cleaning as assigned. The Pastry Chef will also (rarely but when required) assist the galley team with preparing crew meals and preparing savory items. When working a night baker position will need to wash all their own dishes, pots, and pans.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Safety and Security:
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
JOB SUMMARY
The Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the entire galley team in all food preparation and galley sanitation efforts; this includes prep, production, plate up, and clean-up of six meals per day (3 guest meals, 3 crew meals). This multi-tasking position will also be responsible for the preparation of crew meals and must be capable of executing a variety of cooking skills and different cuisines on a daily basis. The Sous Chef will also assist with washing dishes on a rare occasion, loading and storing food provisions, participating in galley cleaning, and other sanitation duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Safety and Security:
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required, or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.
JOB SUMMARY
The Chef is responsible for overseeing all staff and functions within the galley. The Chef will coordinate and participate in all galley activities regarding food preparation, inventory, ordering, and cleaning under the direction of the Hotel Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Safety and Security:
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
JOB SUMMARY
The Galley Utility is a very physically demanding position primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the dish station in the galley. In this position you will be washing all pots, pans, silverware, service items, and glassware for each meal served on board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The Galley Utility will be required to keep their workstation clean and sanitized. The Galley Utility will also assist with general galley cleaning projects and basic food prep as assigned by the Chef or Hotel Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Safety and Security
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
JOB SUMMARY
The Licensed Deckhand is responsible for maintenance and cleaning of the interior/exterior of the vessel, and assisting with small boat operations/driving small boats with guests. In addition, the Deckhand will assist with bridge watch/navigation, perform hourly security patrols including nightly engine room inspections, and assist with general boat operations. In addition to reporting to the 1st Mate, the Bosun also falls under the authority of any Officer of the Watch.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Ship Maintenance:
Boat Operations:
Safety & Security:
Additional Duties:
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.
JOB SUMMARY
The Chief Engineer position begins in shipyard (Seattle, WA) over the winter months prior to the summer 2026 Alaska Sailing Season. This is a year-round position working 6 weeks on the vessel with 3 weeks off the vessel.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems. On our larger vessels the Chief Engineer manages Assistant Engineer. The Chief Engineer reports to the Master of the vessel and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Company Provided:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Repair and Maintenance:
Supervisory:
Administrative:
Safety and Security:
Communication Skills:
The Chief Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and engaging at all times. Must be able to interpret maritime technical literature and governmental regulations. Must be able to verbalize and write technical information clearly and precisely.
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant Engineer is responsible for assisting the Chief Engineer in the maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems onboard. The Assistant Engineer reports to the Chief Engineer.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Repair and Maintenance:
Administrative:
Safety and Security:
Communication Skills:
The Assistant Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and engaging at all times. Must be able to interpret maritime technical literature and governmental regulations. Must be able to verbalize and write technical information clearly and precisely.
WORK SCHEDULE
During shipyard and dockside maintenance periods, works hours are assigned by the vessel Master or Chief Engineer; these are typically Monday to Friday, 0700-1530. All crew members work 12 hours per day during the sailing season.
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
JOB SUMMARY
The Expedition Guide is part of a team whose goal is to inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate the areas they visit during their cruise. The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation, onboard presentations and narration, and behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks. Topics range from geology, glaciology, and marine biology to cultural history and current issues in local destinations. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This position takes ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to guests through sharing their knowledge, guiding excursions, and exemplary customer service, with an emphasis on safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
(1) Required for Alaska, PNW, Hawaii, and Baja itineraries.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
BASE PAY
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.
Sailing positions are posted on our careers page - visit uncruise.com/careers to apply! We look forward to reviewing your application.
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