Royal Caribbean Cruise Director Schedule 2026/2027

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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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
JOHN BLAIRUknownTBA
John Blair
Credit: John Blair/LinkedIn

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
MARIO ISLAUnknown09/19/2026
MARIO ISLA
Credit: Mario Isla/LinkedIn

Mario Isla is the current cruise director onboard Allure of the Seas, scheduled to be onboard until September.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
STEVE KNISLEY05/10/2026TBA
Steve Knisley
Credit: Steve Knisley/LinkedIn

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 the next couple of months at least.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
TT ALKANUnknownTBA
Credit: TT Alkan/LinkedIn

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
CARLO LOGAUnknownTBA
Carlo Loga Royal Caribbean
Credit: Carlo Loga/Instagram

Carlo Loga is currently the cruise director on Enchantment of the Seas, having taken over the role in summer 2026. He will 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
ALLISONUnknownTBA

The current cruise director of Explorer of the Seas is “Allison” – that’s all I have I’m afraid, but as soon as I know more I will let you know!

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
SUSAN ADAMSUnknownTBA

Susan Adams is currently listed as the cruise director on Freedom of the Seas. She joined the ship in mid-May, and it’s not currently clear when her sign-off date is.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
ARTURO ENCALADAUnknownTBA
ARTURO ENCALADA
Credit: Arturo Encalada/LinkedIn

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
LISA DEDEKUMAUnknownTBA

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
CORY ROGERS08/01/202609/19/2026
MARC WALKER09/30/202610/10/2026
CORY ROGERS11/21/202603/13/2027

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
TORNADO TANYA05/26/202610/01/2026
BRIAN LEAVITT09/26/202611/29/2026
TORNADO TANYA11/29/202603/28/2027

Tornado Tanya is the current cruise director on Independence of the Seas. We know that Brian Leavitt 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
CAROLINE PETERSUnknownTBA
Caroline Peters
Credit: Caroline Peters

Caroline Peters is the cruise director onboard from late July, and her end date is currently TBC.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
MERCEDES LAFUENTEUnknownTBA
MERCEDES LAFUENTE
Credit: Mercedes Lafuente/LinkedIn

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
BRIAN LEAVITT08/02/202609/18/2026
CLO O’CONNOR10/03/2023TBA
Brian Leavitt
Credit: Brian Leavitt/LinkedIn

Brian Leavitt is currently the cruise director on Liberty of the Seas. He joined in August, and is set to remain onboard until September. 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
LAUREN ARMSTRONG05/30/202608/08/2026
DANIEL GILHAM08/03/202611/27/2026

Lauren Armstrong is the current cruise director on Mariner of the Seas, set to remain in the role through to August, before Daniel Gilham returns until 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
MARVIN06/12/2026TBA

“MARVIN” is currently the cruise director on Navigator of the Seas, having taken over the role in June. 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
RAFAEL ALCAZARUnknownTBA

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
ELVIS PINTO06/01/202609/06/2026
ERIC RODASSeptember 2026February 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
RICKY MATTHEWS08/01/202612/11/2026
BRIAN LEAVITT11/30/202602/16/2027

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
BERN FERNANDES07/24/2026TBA

Bern Fernandes is currently the cruise director on Quantum of the Seas. They joined in late July, 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
JERRY SALGADOUnknownTBA

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
RENATO ARANA05/02/2026TBA
SHEENAGH WALKER08/22/2026TBA

Renato Arana the current cruise director for Rhapsody of the Seas. He’s been onboard since early May 2026 when he took over from Sheenagh Walker.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
ADAM DONALDSON07/12/202611/08/2026
CHRIS GRUBYOctober 2026January 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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
RAPHAEL WUUnknownTBA


Raphael Wu is currently the cruise director on Spectrum of the Seas. His sign-off date has not yet been confirmed, so he is expected to continue leading the entertainment programme onboard for now.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
DAN WHITNEY05/10/202611/29/2026
Dan Whitney
Credit: Dan Whitney/LinkedIn

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
JAMIE FENTIMANMid-May 2026Mid-September 2026
ELVIS PINTO09/10/2026TBA
JAMIE FENTIMANNovember 2026March 2027

Jamie Fentiman is currently the cruise director on Symphony of the Seas, having joined the ship in November 2025. His current run ends at the end of March, but he’ll return for two more runs later in the year. Elvis Pinto will cover during one of those breaks.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
MARC WALKER05/01/202608/28/2026
MARVIN WILSON08/28/202609/15/2026
MARC WALKER11/06/202602/08/2027

Marc Walker is currently the cruise director onboard Utopia of the Seas and will be until August. He’ll then be heading home before returning in November. Marvin Wilson will be taking over the role during Marc’s break.

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
BILL BRUNKHORST07/09/2026TBA

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
KATY MCCULLAGHUknownTBA
KATY MCCULLAGH
Credit: Katy McCullagh/LinkedIn

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 DirectorSign OnSign Off
TAMI SALTOUknownTBA
TAMI SALTO
Credit: Tami Salto/LinkedIn

Tami Salto is currently the cruise director on 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.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Directors on Social

Here are social media links for some of Royal Caribbean’s cruise directors:

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4 thoughts on “Royal Caribbean Cruise Director Schedule 2026/2027”

  1. Traci

    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.

  2. Danielle

    FYI – I spoke to Katie Knowles and her sign off from Harmony of the Seas is April 9, 2026

  3. Carole Commander

    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

    • Trevor Hall

      Agreed, Joff is brilliant. I was wondering what has happened to him as well.

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