As ambassadors of Chicago, we have a passion and commitment to provide a superior level of service for our customers while defining the highest level of industry safety standards. We showcase Chicago as a world-class tourism and business destination. We seek to work together to maintain 5-star rankings and reviews on relevant travel websites and blogs for the world to view.
Our mission is to provide customers with a safe and pleasurable experience that consistently exceeds their expectations. Our professionally trained team is committed to showcase Chicago's magnificent architecture and skyline while cruising Chicago's waterways.
We are committed to promote trust, safety, consistency and reliability in all that we do. We value our customers, our staff and our volunteers. We must always provide value and a memorable experience for our clients.
We will meet all challenges in an ever changing industry, it’s essential that we, as individuals as well as a company, maintain the highest level of:
For more than 80 years, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and its parent company, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, have been well-respected members of Chicago's tourism community and classic must-do Chicago experiences. Both cruise lines are fourth-generation family-owned and operated and their fleet of eight vessels carry passengers from around the world for sightseeing along Chicago's river and lakefront.
By day, Chicago's First Lady Cruises' hallmark tour is the award-winning Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady; by night, the luxury vessels transform into the ultimate Chicago venue for private parties, corporate events and weddings.
Complementing Chicago's First Lady Cruises' tour offerings, Mercury Cruises' family-friendly tours offer a myriad of specialty cruise experiences including their popular daytime and evening river and lake cruises, summer 3D Fireworks tours, an educational science cruise and the beloved Canine Cruise, Chicago's only cruise for dogs and their human companions.
From your very first interview to your continued employment, we want you to succeed! Keep reading for important information about the application process, interview tips and how to make a positive first impression.
Need to Know
Arriving for the Interview
Thank you for your interest in our company and we wish you the best of luck if you are selected for an interview.
It takes a large team to operate a successful cruise season! View job descriptions and requirements for a variety of positions.
If you love working outside and would like to work on Chicago’s waterways - we invite you to join our deck crew! No maritime experience necessary, we will train you to work aboard our U.S. Passenger Vessels. A good attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to greet passengers is all you need.
Our boats provide architecture tours and host private events. Meet great friends and enjoy a summer working on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan! Work your way up through our training program to become a Senior Deckhand or even a Captain for those interested.
U.S. citizens only, per the U.S. Coast Guard. Must be 18 or older. Drug and background tests required.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card is required upon completion of your probationary period for this position. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. Public transit reimbursement and year-round benefits available for full-time, year-round crew members. We also have part time shifts available.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Deckhand" in the subject line.
If you would like to say more than "ahoy" and want to share your love of Chicago with our guests, a tour guide position is what will steer your ship. Maritime experience is welcomed, but not required.
The tour guide is primarily responsible for providing the tour commentary to passengers aboard Mercury Cruises' fleet as the tour travels through the Chicago River and onto Lake Michigan. They must memorize extensive factual history of Chicago and its architecture. They must have the ability to communicate effectively and speak clearly. They are required to interact in a professional manner with the public on a regular basis and must appear personable. The tour guides are marine crew and must be trained as deckhand as well as learn the tour. Acting skills a plus, but not required.
You must be 18 years or older. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card is required for this position. We offer training for all U.S. Coast Guard / DOT required skills along with CPR and First Aid training.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Tour Guide" in the subject line.
New to bartending and want to get a start in a fun industry? We’re willing to teach those with a positive attitude and willingness to learn! Bartenders are responsible for selling various beverage items to guests aboard tour and private party boats departing from the Chicago Riverwalk.
Full and part-time positions available for day or evening shifts. $12/hour, plus tips. Higher hourly rates possible, based on your experience and availability.
We utilize an easy to understand cash and credit card system. You will also be trained on basic maritime skills. All you need is a positive attitude and a smile. We don’t sell complicated blender drinks - simple recipes only.
Please outline your experience for us, be 21 or older, basset certified and be prepared to pass a drug and background test. Fun times on Chicago’s waterways and meaningful friendships await. Apply today and don’t miss the boat!
*WE HAVE SHIFTS TO MEET YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE*
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Bartender" in the subject line.
If you love working independently, are 18 or older and have a positive attitude, we have the job for you! No bartender experience required. Working in the background of our on board bars offers a fun way to work outside in the hospitality industry. $12/hour, plus tips.
Barbacks help ensure our boats have everything they need to run and quench the thirst of our patrons! Primary responsibilities include: restocking and replenishing bar inventory and supplies for each boat throughout the day, as well as other dockside duties as directed by your supervisor.
Meet friendly crew members and join a team of professionals who love to welcome visitors to Chicago. The position requires heavy lifting and pushing of up to 200 lbs at a time. No gym membership needed! Free daily workout guaranteed!
Early morning and evening shifts are available - full time or part time. No boating experience necessary. Don’t miss this chance for an entry level position - apply today!
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Barback" in the subject line.
Don’t like to be in one place too long? Join our team of friendly onboard beverage sales people and move from boat to boat selling canned and bottled beverages to our upper deck passengers.
$12/hour, plus tips. You must be 21 or older, outgoing and energetic. This position requires lifting and carrying beverages just like at a ballpark, but is even more fun as you get to cruise past Chicago’s famous skyline while you work! Basic math is required to transact the sale and offer change. Full and part-time positions available for early morning or early evening shifts - never later than 8:00pm. The happier you are, the more tips you can make.
Basset Certification, as well as drug and background checks are required. Don’t delay - if you love people, fresh air and Chicago, you should join our crew today! No maritime skills required.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Beverage Vendor" in the subject line.
The Podium Guest Service Ambassador is responsible for standing at street-level to greet potential guests and guests, while providing exceptional customer service.
This includes answering questions, providing product information, easing concerns, and ensuring that the patron leaves satisfied with your service. As the primary representative of our company, it is vitally important that all Guest Service Ambassadors be personable, attentive, charming and very conversational. Other key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Additional Qualities and Duties:
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Podium Guest Service Ambassador" in the subject line.
A Guest Service Ambassador is responsible for warmly greeting our guests, the overall organization of passengers at the dock prior to their cruise and must be willing to create unforgettable memories for our guests.
They must be able to draw attention to our product through face-to-face contact with the public and answer any and all questions with a smile and an upbeat attitude. The primary function of a Guest Service Ambassador is to direct patrons to their proper departure docks and to expedite the lines in front of the ticket office windows. As a primary agent of our company at the point of sale, it is vitally important that they be personable, reliable and conversational. An excellent Guest Service Ambassador is one that is social, responsible and solves problems.
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Guest Service Ambassador" in the subject line.
A Ticket Agent is responsible for providing patrons with exceptional service while processing their transactions within a reasonable time frame. This includes, but is not limited to, answering questions, providing product information and resolving patron concerns - all while making sure the guest leaves satisfied with your service.
The ticket seller will utilize cash handling skills, perform credit card transactions and process tickets through Ticketmaster ticketing software. As a primary agent of our company at the point of sale, it is vitally important that a ticket seller be personable, charming and outgoing. Other key job responsibilities include the following:
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Ticket Agent" in the subject line.
The goal of Dock Security is to help the company maintain excellent working conditions by keeping our faculty safe and problem-free.
Dock Security will be interacting with customers along the river walk. Therefore, knowledge of our services is necessary. The ideal candidate is personable with strong verbal communication and customer service experience.
Performance Responsibilities
Physical Requirements
Working Conditions
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Dock Security" in the subject line.
The Access Management Agent’s primary responsibility is to collect and scan admission tickets from patrons at dock departures. They must greet every passenger attending boat rides. They thoroughly examine tickets to verify authenticity, using criteria such as color or date issued. They direct patrons to the ticket office to correct any problems they may have with their tickets. They maintain order and ensure adherence to safety rules.
Performance Responsibilities
Requirements
Physical Requirements
Working Conditions
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Access Management Agent" in the subject line.
The goal of the Dock Custodian is to help the company maintain excellent working conditions by keeping the facility clean, tidy, and safe for our guests and coworkers to enjoy.
Performance Responsibilities
Requirements
Physical Requirements
Working Conditions
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Dock Custodian" in the subject line.
The Night Crew will be working overnight from 9:00pm-7:00am. The Night Crew is responsible for cleaning outside the top deck of our vessels and keeping watch of our dock, boats and ticket office.
They must be able to work well with others and be comfortable working through the night. Spanish speaking is a plus, but not required.
Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) Card is required upon completion of probationary period
To Apply: Please send resume and employment application to jobs@cruisechicago.com and make sure to include "Night Crew" in the subject line.
If you are ready to anchor your career and begin learning the ropes while making meaningful friendships along the way, don’t miss the boat and apply today!
Candidates should have flexible availability including evening and weekend shifts. You must be able to pass a background check and drug test as required by U.S. Coast Guard.
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