Holland America Line

Operates cruise ships to global destinations

Youth Host

K-12 TeachingUpdated on Nov 14

Full-timeNew York, NY, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

Must be fluent in both Dutch and English.
Must have three years of experience working with children ages 2–17 in a school or childcare setting, or similar cruise ship youth-hosting experience.
Must have exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Must be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Must have experience hosting events, activities, or parties.
Must have experience using computers for a variety of tasks.

Responsibilities

Ensure RAAS, USPH, and HESS compliance in youth facilities.
Complete and maintain Child Safeguarding certification.
Oversee and host activities, both on and off microphone, for kids and teens, including themed nights, trivia, sports, crafts, dance parties, and interactive games, in both English and Dutch.
Ensure a safe and fun environment within the Kids Club, maintaining compliance with all child safeguarding policies and company regulations.
Manage daily schedules and coordinate activities to engage young guests while meeting diverse interests.
Provide customer service to children, teens, and their families, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Maintain and organize all equipment, supplies, and inventory for the Youth Program, reporting needs to the Assistant Cruise Director.
Train and oversee Activities Crew assigned to Kids Club, ensuring high standards of engagement and safety.
Adapt to schedule changes, last-minute adjustments, and unexpected challenges while maintaining a positive guest experience.
Serve as a brand ambassador onboard, represent the company positively, and assist guests with general inquiries.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, security, and environmental policies, including RAAS, USPH, and HESS guidelines.
Make concise, engaging public announcements as needed to inform and excite young guests.
Maintain a professional appearance in line with company dress standards.
Assist in other entertainment areas as directed by leadership.

Desired Qualifications

CPR and First Aid training is preferred.

This application is seeking candidates fluent in both Dutch and English

The Youth Host plays a key role in creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for young cruisers, overseeing both the Kids Club and teen events. This role is ideal for someone with experience working with children and teens across a wide age range, bringing enthusiasm, creativity, and structure to onboard youth programming. From high-energy themed nights and interactive games to hands-on crafts, sports, hosting daily events and activities, and dance parties, the Youth Host ensures that every young guest has a memorable experience tailored to their interests.

Reporting to the Assistant Cruise Director, the Youth Host leads activities in the Kids Club, ensuring all safety protocols and program guidelines are met while fostering a welcoming and inclusive space. This position requires strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, along with a passion for working with young guests. If you have a background in education, childcare, recreation, or hospitality and enjoy creating dynamic experiences for kids and teens, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact at sea.

Every job requires flexibility, however your Key Job Responsibilities are to:

Ensure RAAS, USPH and HESS compliance in youth facilities.
Complete and maintain Child Safeguarding certification.
Oversee and host activities, both on and off microphone, for kids and teens, including themed nights, trivia, sports, crafts, dance parties, and interactive games, in both English and Dutch.
Ensure a safe and fun environment within the Kids Club, maintaining compliance with all child safeguarding policies and company regulations.
Manage daily schedules and coordinate activities to engage young guests while meeting diverse interests.
Provide exceptional customer service to children, teens, and their families, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Maintain and organize all equipment, supplies, and inventory for the Youth Program, reporting needs to the Assistant Cruise Director.
Train and oversee Activities Crew assigned to Kids Club, ensuring high standards of engagement and safety.
Adapt quickly to schedule changes, last-minute adjustments, and unexpected challenges while maintaining a positive guest experience.
Serve as a brand ambassador onboard, positively representing the company and assisting guests with general inquiries.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, security, and environmental policies, including RAAS, USPH, and HESS guidelines.
Make concise, engaging public announcements as needed to inform and excite young guests.
Maintain a professional appearance in line with company dress standards.
Assist in other entertainment areas as directed by leadership.

Required Experience:

Must be fluent in both Dutch and English.
Three years of experience working with children ages 2 - 17 in either a school or childcare setting, or similar cruise ship youth hosting experience.
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Experience hosting events, activities, or parties.
Experience using computers for a variety of tasks.
CPR and First Aid training preferred.

About the Company

Holland America Line

Operates cruise ships to global destinations

Holland America Line operates a fleet of 11 ships that offer cruise vacations to destinations around the world. Its main product is a variety of guided cruises, with itineraries ranging from popular Caribbean and European trips to exotic routes in Alaska, South America, the Panama Canal, Australia, Asia, and unique voyages to places like the Amazon and Antarctica. The cruises work by combining planned routes, on-board services, and shore excursions; guests enjoy meals, entertainment, and activities while traveling to multiple ports. The company differentiates itself with a long history (over 150 years), a focus on “modern classic” ships, and a wide mix of traditional itineraries plus extended Grand Voyages and special itineraries that emphasize destination immersion and comfort. Its goal is to deliver excellence by creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests, supported by a strong employee program, travel perks, health plans, and professional training for staff.

Company size: 5,001-10,000
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Seattle, WA
Founded: 1873

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