Interested to see who’ll be your cruise director on your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise?
Or maybe you have a favourite cruise director, and are planning your cruise to make sure you’re onboard at the same time as them.
Here’s a look at every Royal Caribbean ship, and their cruise director.
Adventure of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| JOHN BLAIR | Unknown | TBA |
John Blair is the current cruise director on Adventure of the Seas. He will be leading the entertainment and activities onboard for now.
Adventure of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship, with a gross tonnage of 137,276 and accommodating up to 3,807 guests at full capacity.
Allure of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| JOHN GRANTHAM | 09/27/2026 | TBA |
Mario Isla is the current cruise director onboard Allure of the Seas, scheduled to be onboard until the end of September when John Grantham takes over.
Allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship with a gross tonnage of 225,282 and a maximum guest capacity of 6,780.
Anthem of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| STEVE KNISLEY | 05/10/2026 | TBA |
| BRIAN LEAVITT | 09/29/2026 | 01/15/2027 |
Steve Knisley is the current cruise director on Anthem of the Seas, having joined the ship in May. He will be entertaining guests and leading the onboard activities for now. From late September, Brian Leavitt will join the ship.
Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship with a gross tonnage of 168,666 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,905.
Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| TT ALKAN | Unknown | TBA |
TT Alkan is currently the cruise director on Brilliance of the Seas, delighting guests with his energy and entertainment leadership.
Brilliance of the Seas is a Radiance-class ship with a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,543.
Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| KIM SCOTT | 08/15/2026 | TBA |
Kim Scott is currently the cruise director on Enchantment of the Seas, having taken over the role in summer 2026. They’ll continue leading the entertainment programme onboard for the foreseeable future.
Enchantment of the Seas is a Vision-class ship with a gross tonnage of 82,910 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,730.
Explorer of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| MICHELE SCARPATO | Unknown | TBA |
The current cruise director of Explorer of the Seas is Michele Scarpato, who only recently joined the ship.
Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship with a gross tonnage of 137,308 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,840.
Freedom of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| DENNIS CHARLES | Unknown | 11/09/2026 |
Dennis Charles is currently listed as the cruise director on Freedom of the Seas. He took over from Susan Adams in September.
Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom-class ship with a gross tonnage of 156,271 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,515.
Grandeur of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| ARTURO ENCALADA | Unknown | TBA |
Arturo Encalada is currently serving as the cruise director on Grandeur of the Seas. He will oversee the entertainment and activities onboard for the time being, with no end date currently public.
Grandeur of the Seas is a Vision-class ship with a gross tonnage of 73,817 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,440.
Harmony of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| LISA DEDEKUMA | Unknown | TBA |
The fantastic Lisa Dedekuma recently took over the entertainment onboard Harmony of the Seas. It’s not yet known when her run will end, so enjoy her onboard while you can!
Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship with a gross tonnage of 226,963 and a maximum passenger capacity of 6,687.
Icon of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| MARC WALKER | 09/30/2026 | 10/10/2026 |
| CHRIS BROWN | Unknown | TBA |
Cory Rogers is the current cruise director of Icon of the Seas, where he’s set to remain for two months, before handing over to Marc Walker. Cory will then be back in November for a run until early 2027.
Icon of the Seas is an Icon-class ship with a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600.
Independence of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| TORNADO TANYA | 05/26/2026 | 10/01/2026 |
| ALLISON THOMPSON | 10/01/2026 | 11/29/2026 |
| TORNADO TANYA | 11/29/2026 | 03/28/2027 |
Tornado Tanya is the current cruise director on Independence of the Seas. We know that Allison Thompson will be cruise director for the ship later in 2026, and Tanya will return later in the year too.
Independence of the Seas is a Freedom-class ship with a gross tonnage of 155,889 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,560.
Jewel of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| ERIC LOPEZ | Unknown | TBA |
Eric Lopez is the cruise director onboard from September. It’s not clear when his time on Jewel of the Seas will end.
Jewel of the Seas is a Radiance-class ship with a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,501.
Legend of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES LAFUENTE | Unknown | TBA |
Mercedes Lafuente has been announced as the inaugural cruise director for Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Legend of the Seas!
Legend of the Seas is an Icon-class ship with a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600.
Liberty of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| SAM EDWARDS | Unknown | 10/03/2026 |
| CLO O’CONNOR | 10/03/2026 | TBA |
Sam Edwards is currently the cruise director on Liberty of the Seas. Clo O’Connor will take over during early October.
Liberty of the Seas is a Freedom-class ship with a gross tonnage of 154,407 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,960.
Mariner of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| DANIEL GILHAM | 08/03/2026 | 11/27/2026 |
Daniel Gilham is the current cruise director on Mariner of the Seas, set to remain in the role through to late November.
Mariner of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship with a gross tonnage of 139,863 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,114.
Navigator of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| MEY LAU | Unknown | TBA |
Mey Lau is currently the cruise director on Navigator of the Seas, having taken over the role in August. It hasn’t yet been announced when they’ll depart.
Navigator of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship with a gross tonnage of 139,999 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,000.
Oasis of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| RAFAEL ALCAZAR | Unknown | TBA |
Rafael Alcazar joined Oasis of the Seas as cruise director during summer 2026. His sign-off date has not yet been announced, so he is expected to oversee the ship’s entertainment programme for the foreseeable future.
Oasis of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship with a gross tonnage of 226,838 and a maximum passenger capacity of 6,780.
Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| ELVIS PINTO | 06/01/2026 | 09/06/2026 |
| ERIC RODAS | September 2026 | February 2027 |
Elvis Pinto is currently listed as the cruise director for Odyssey of the Seas. Eric Rodas will return to the ship later in the year.
Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra-class ship with a gross tonnage of 167,704 and a maximum passenger capacity of 5,510.
Ovation of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| RICKY MATTHEWS | 08/01/2026 | 12/11/2026 |
| BRIAN LEAVITT | 11/30/2026 | 02/16/2027 |
Ricky Matthews is the current cruise director on Ovation of the Seas. He’ll remain onboard until early December, with Brian Leavitt then joining the ship towards the end of the year for a run until February 2027.
Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship with a gross tonnage of 168,666 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,905.
Quantum of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| KELLY LEUCH | Unknown | TBA |
Kelly Leuch is currently the cruise director on Quantum of the Seas. They joined in September, and we don’t yet know when they’re due to wrap up.
Quantum of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship with a gross tonnage of 168,666 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,905.
Radiance of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| JERRY SALGADO | Unknown | TBA |
Jerry Salgado is the current cruise director on Radiance of the Seas, having joined the ship in late spring.
Radiance of the Seas is a Radiance-class ship with a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,466.
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| SHEENAGH WALKER | 08/22/2026 | TBA |
Sheenagh Walker is the current cruise director for Rhapsody of the Seas. She’s been onboard since August, having already been on the ship earlier this year.
Rhapsody of the Seas is a Vision-class ship with a gross tonnage of 78,878 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,416.
Serenade of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| ADAM DONALDSON | 07/12/2026 | 11/08/2026 |
| CHRIS GRUBY | October 2026 | January 2027 |
Adam Donaldson will be onboard from July until August. Chris Gruby will join the ship later in 2026, remaining onboard until January 2027.
Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance-class ship with a gross tonnage of 90,090 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,476.
Spectrum of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| BONNIE BAI | Unknown | TBA |
Bonnie Bai is currently listed as the cruise director for Spectrum of the Seas although with no announced sign-on or sign-off date.
Spectrum of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra-class ship with a gross tonnage of 169,379 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,905.
Star of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| DAN WHITNEY | 05/10/2026 | 11/29/2026 |
Dan Whitney has recently taken over the role of cruise director for Royal Caribbean’s newest ship. He joined in May.
Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, launched in August 2025. She measures at approximately 250,800 gross tonnes and accommodates around 7,600 passengers, promising revolutionary experiences at sea.
Symphony of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| ELVIS PINTO | 09/10/2026 | TBA |
| JAMIE FENTIMAN | November 2026 | March 2027 |
Elvis Pinto is currently the cruise director onboard Symphony of the Seas, having recently taken over from Jamie Fentiman. Jamie will be back onboard soon, though.
Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship with a gross tonnage of 228,081 and a maximum passenger capacity of 6,680, known for its vibrant onboard atmosphere and innovative amenities.
Utopia of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| MARVIN WILSON | 08/24/2026 | 11/06/2026 |
Marvin Wilson is the current cruise director on Utopia of the Seas, having taken over from Marc Walker. He’s due to remain onboard until early November.
Utopia of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship with a gross tonnage of approximately 236,860 and a maximum passenger capacity of around 6,700.
Vision of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| BILL BRUNKHORST | 07/09/2026 | TBA |
Bill Brunkhorst is currently the cruise director on Vision of the Seas. He joined in July and will be onboard for the foreseeable future.
Vision of the Seas is a Vision-class ship with a gross tonnage of 78,717 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,514.
Voyager of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| KATY MCCULLAGH | Unknown | TBA |
Katy McCullagh has recently joined Voyager of the Seas and will be the cruise director onboard for the next couple of months, it’s expected.
Voyager of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship with a gross tonnage of 138,194 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,269.
Wonder of the Seas Cruise Directors
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| MICHELLE OLIVEIRA | 09/18/2026 | TBA |
From mid-September, Michelle Oliveria is the cruise director for Wonder of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship, currently the largest cruise ship in the world, boasting a gross tonnage of 236,857 and accommodating up to 6,988 passengers.
What a Cruise Director Does
On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the cruise director plays a key role in shaping the onboard experience. Working closely with the hotel director, entertainment teams, and performers, they ensure that every guest enjoys a vibrant, memorable holiday at sea.
Royal Caribbean cruise directors are responsible for hosting a wide range of activities, from trivia and game shows to poolside parties and nightly events. They also keep guests updated with daily announcements and entertainment schedules, helping everyone make the most of their time onboard.
The cruise line employs a large number of cruise directors as they need to rotate between ships, cover leave periods, and ensure fresh energy across the fleet.
Contracts can vary significantly; some cruise directors might only step in for a few weeks to cover a gap, while others may remain with a ship for several months at a time.
Sometimes, cruise directors’ contracts will overlap. This allows a new director to join the ship while their predecessor is still onboard, providing time for a smooth handover and helping them settle in with the team.
Cruise Director Schedule Changes
Cruise director schedules can often change at short notice.
Whether due to personal circumstances, fleet movements, or other operational needs, Royal Caribbean works hard to ensure every ship always has a capable and energetic entertainment lead in place. And sometimes things are vague – you’ll notice a few TBAs in this guide.
This schedule is updated weekly, so you can stay informed about the latest cruise director assignments and any changes as they happen.
Suggested read: Everything Royal Caribbean Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean Cruise Directors on Social
Here are social media links for some of Royal Caribbean’s cruise directors:
- John Blair Facebook Page | Instagram
- Mike Szwajkowski Instagram | TikTok
- Ricky Matthews Facebook Page
- Katheryn Falcon Facebook Page
- Caroline Peters Instagram
- Daniel Gilham Instagram
- Gemma Hugo Instagram
- Natalie Rosie Instagram
- Thiago Motta Instagram
- Jamie Fentiman Instagram
- Tornado Tanya Instagram
- Adam Donaldson Instagram
- James Robinson Instagram
- Elvis Pinto Facebook Page | Instagram
- Brian Leavitt Facebook Page | Instagram
- Michele Scarpato Instagram
- Katy McCullagh Instagram
- Marc Walker Facebook Page
- Clo O’Connor Instagram
- Mario Isla (“Mario”) Instagram
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I’m not seeing Sam Edwards on the schedule anymore. Any idea where he is now? We are hoping to be on his so next year.
FYI – I spoke to Katie Knowles and her sign off from Harmony of the Seas is April 9, 2026
Isn’t Joff Eaton a cruise director for royal Caribbean anymore as I don’t see his name on your list. I thought he was the best cruise director ever
Agreed, Joff is brilliant. I was wondering what has happened to him as well.