Carnival Cruise Director Schedule 2026/2027

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This guide is updated every Wednesday to show the dates that each of the Carnival Cruise Directors are scheduled to work.

Carnival Adventure Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
FELIPE DO COUTO08/07/202611/30/2026
CIARA CROWLEY11/20/202602/10/2027
LIZZIE CLOUGH02/20/202706/17/2027

Carnival Adventure is one of the newer additions to the Carnival fleet – the former P&O Australia ship gives many Carnival guests a fantastic cruise, and the cruise directors onboard play a big part in that!

Felipe Do Couto is the current cruise director, set to be onboard for a run until November, when Ciara Crowley will join the ship. We now also know that Lizzie Clough will be joining the ship for a lengthy run in 2027.

Carnival Adventure is an Adventure-class ship with a gross tonnage of 108,865 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,600.

Carnival Breeze Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
ADAM GILBERT07/09/202609/12/2026
MIKE D’AURIA09/07/202601/11/2027
SIMON LONDON01/07/202702/26/2027
SIMON LONDON03/14/202705/22/2027

The Cruise Director schedule for Carnival Breeze has now been set through to January 2027.

The late summer period for the ship will be covered by Adam Gilbert, who joined the ship in July, before Mike D’Auria joins the ship in September. Simon London has also been scheduled for two separate stints in 2027.

Carnival Breeze is a Dream-class ship with a gross tonnage of 128,052 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,690.

Carnival Celebration Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
JOEY BOYES07/12/202611/08/2026
RAINIER SCHOLTZ11/03/202601/17/2027
JOEY BOYES01/17/202704/05/2027
JOEY BOYES04/19/202705/30/2027

The Carnival Celebration cruise director schedule has enjoyed some fantastic names.

Joey Boyes is the latest of those. He’s now onboard and will remain on the ship until early November, having joined in July. Rainier Scholtz will then take over before Joey is back for two more runs in 2027.

Carnival Celebration is an Excel-class ship with a gross tonnage of 183,521 and a maximum passenger capacity of 5,282.

Carnival Conquest Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
EDGAR TOSCANO MURILLO09/01/202609/28/2026
FILIPE MENDES09/28/202611/27/2026

The Carnival Conquest has had some fantastic Cruise Directors onboard, and that trend continues now!

Filipe Mendes has been the main cruise director for this ship in 20256, but he’s currently on a well-earned break. Edgar Toscano Murillo has taken the reins, but Filipe will be back soon.

The ship’s talented Cruise Directors are sure to make the cruise experience unforgettable for all guests!

Carnival Conquest is a Conquest-class ship with a gross tonnage of 110,480 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,980.

Carnival Dream Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
ANDY MERCER08/16/202611/14/2026
ANDREW MERCER
ANDREW MERCER

Get ready to experience the dream vacation of a lifetime with the talented Cruise Directors onboard the Carnival Dream!

Andy Mercer recently returned to the ship in August. Shylock Edwards III will then be in charge from early November through to early February.

With their exceptional personalities, these Cruise Directors are sure to bring a smile to every passenger’s face and make the cruise an unforgettable experience!

Carnival Dream is a Dream-class ship with a gross tonnage of 128,251 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,646.

Carnival Elation Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
JOHN LONEY04/23/202609/10/2026
IVAN ESTRADA09/05/202611/05/2026
JOHN LONEY11/05/202603/06/2027

John Loney is the current cruise director on Carnival Elation. When he leaves the ship in September, he’ll be replaced by Ivan Estrada, though John will be back only a couple of months later.

The ship’s Cruise Directors are sure to bring joy and excitement to all passengers on the Carnival Elation.

Carnival Elation is a Fantasy-class ship with a gross tonnage of 71,909 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,130.

Carnival Encounter Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
FRANCO SPIES07/04/202611/07/2026
KIERAN WILSON11/03/202601/17/2027
FRANCO SPIES01/09/202705/22/2027
ABBIE LOCKETT05/15/202709/17/2027

Carnival Encounter is the second of the former P&O Australia ships to join the fleet, and this ship continues the trend of bringing amazing cruise directors to the party!

The fantastic Franco Spies recently joined the ship. He’ll be followed Kieran Wilson, who returns to the ship again in November after an earlier run onboard this year. Franco then comes back onboard in January for a few months, to be followed by Abbie Lockett.

These talented cruise directors are sure to give guests an amazing time on this fun-packed ship!

Carnival Encounter is an Adventure-class ship with a gross tonnage of 108,977 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,600.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
AMBER CELEN08/28/202601/04/2027
GABE COPPOLLA12/28/202604/04/2027
TYLER MEEHAN05/20/202709/25/2027

Amber Celen is the current cruise director on Carnival Firenze. She’ll be onboard until the very start of 2027. Gabe Coppolla and Tyler Meehan are set to follow Amber.

Carnival Firenze is a Venice-class ship with a gross tonnage of 135,156 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,126.

Carnival Freedom Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
SARA TASKOSKI10/04/202602/04/2027
SARA TASKOSKI
SARA TASKOSKI

The Carnival Freedom brings some fantastic Cruise Directors along for the ride!

Sara Taskosi is the current cruise director onboard.

The Cruise Directors on this ship are guaranteed to bring a smile to every passenger’s face and make the cruise an unforgettable adventure.

Carnival Freedom is a Conquest-class ship with a gross tonnage of 110,556 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,980.

Carnival Glory Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
ABBIE LOCKETT05/08/202609/14/2026
RAINIER SCHOLTZ09/07/202611/02/2026
ABBIE LOCKETT11/02/202601/04/2027

The Carnival Glory is about to embark on a journey filled with fun and adventure, and there are some truly exceptional cruise directors leading the team!

Abbie Lockett joined the ship in May for the summer months. Rainier Scholtz will join the ship in September before Abbie returns later in the year to cover the Christmas and New Year sailings.

With their unique personalities and passion for creating unforgettable experiences, the Cruise Directors for this ship are sure to make the Carnival Glory cruise one to remember!

Carnival Glory is a Conquest-class ship with a gross tonnage of 110,000 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,980.

Carnival Horizon Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
GABE COPPOLLA07/13/202609/20/2026
ZACK PAIEMENT-DOCKRILL09/12/202602/21/2027
RAINIER SCHOLTZ02/17/202704/24/2027

Cruising on Carnival Horizon soon? You’re assured of a fantastic cruise director if you do!

Currently, that’s Gabe Coppolla, who joined the ship in July. He’s set to remain onboard until the second half of September, at which point Zack Paiement-Dockrill will join the ship. Rainier Scholtz will then take over in February.

Carnival Horizon is a Vista-class ship with a gross tonnage of 133,868 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,008.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
KYNDALL FIRE07/18/202611/14/2026
ANDY MERCER11/14/202601/23/2027
KYNDALL FIRE01/23/202705/23/2027

The newest Excel-class ship sailing for Carnival has big hitters as her cruise directors.

Kyndall Fire led the way since the ship debuted, and she’s recently re-joined for her latest time onboard. She’s set to remain on the ship until November, when Andy Mercer will take over. Kyndall will be back for the first few months of 2027.

Kyndall fans can look forward to her return in the summer for the July to November period. Andrew Mercer will then take her place onboard.

Carnival Jubilee is an Excel-class ship with a gross tonnage of 183,521 and a maximum passenger capacity of 5,282.

Carnival Legend Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
SIMON LONDON05/15/202611/16/2026
FRANKIE PORTERA11/12/202601/24/2027
KEEGAN VAN ZYL03/07/202707/06/2027

Get ready for a legendary experience on the Carnival Legend with its fantastic Cruise Directors!

Simon London is the current cruise director and he’ll be onboard all the way until November. Frankie Portera is then set to take over before Keegan Van Zyl takes a turn leading the entertainment onboard.

Carnival Legend is a Spirit-class ship with a gross tonnage of 85,942 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,124.

Carnival Liberty Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
KIERAN WILSON08/20/202610/25/2026
LAWRENCE WEST10/18/202602/21/2027
LAWRENCE WEST04/25/202708/29/2027

Carnival Liberty has quite the line-up of cruise directors for you to enjoy!

Kieran Wilson is currently leading the entertainment on the ship, having joined towards the end of August. Then Lawrence West will join the ship for the last couple of months of 2026 and the start of 2027. He’ll take a break in February but he’s due back again in April for a run lasting all summer.

Carnival Liberty is a Conquest-class ship with a gross tonnage of 110,428 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,980.

Carnival Luminosa Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
LOUIE CLARE07/02/202610/23/2026
GARY BLAIR11/08/202601/11/2027
ABBIE LOCKETT01/06/202703/14/2027
GARY BLAIR03/12/202707/22/2027

If you’re planning on sailing on the Carnival Luminosa soon, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the cruise directors.

The fantastic Louie Clare is now onboard, where he’ll remain until October. After a short break it’ll be the turn of Gary Blair, into January. Abbie Lockett will then oversee the first couple of months of the year, before Gary returns in March.

Carnival Luminosa is a Spirit-class ship with a gross tonnage of 92,270 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,260.

Carnival Magic Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
SOPHIE GIDEON07/05/202611/14/2026
IVAN ESTRADA11/08/202601/17/2027
SOPHIE GIDEON01/17/202705/15/2027

Carnival Magic’s cruise directors are great at keeping the party going on this fantastic ship.

Currently, Sophie Gideon is leading the fun. She joined the ship in July for a run lasting until November. Ivan Estrada is then set to join the ship but Sophie will be back in January.

Carnival Magic is a Dream-class ship with a gross tonnage of 128,048 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,690.

Mardi Gras Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
MARQ ANTHONY07/13/202609/19/2026
JACKY TANG09/17/202601/02/2027
FILIPE MENDES11/28/202612/05/2026
FILIPE MENDES01/02/202703/13/2027

The Mardi Gras has an exciting line-up of cruise directors set to take the stage.

In July, Marq Anthony boarded for the rest of summer and the fall season. Then it’s the turn of Jacky Tang to entertain guests. Felipe Mendes is also scheduled to be onboard the ship in late 2026 and again in early 2027.

With such an engaging and talented set of cruise directors, guests are sure to have a blast on the Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras is an Excel-class ship with a gross tonnage of 181,808 and a maximum passenger capacity of 5,282.

Carnival Miracle Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
GARY BLAIR07/23/202611/05/2026
ADAM GILBERT10/30/202603/05/2027
FRANKIE PORTERA03/05/202705/06/2027
ADAM GILBERT05/06/202710/08/2027

The Carnival Miracle has a talented set of cruise directors in the 2026 schedule.

After a bit of a shuffle around, we now know that Gary Blair will be the main cruise director for the ship for the next few months. We also know that it’ll then be the turn of Adam Gilbert for the rest of 2026 and the first three months of 2027.

Frankie Portera will join the ship in March until May, with Adam then returning for a lengthy run until October.

Carnival Miracle is a Spirit-class ship with a gross tonnage of 85,942 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,124.

Carnival Panorama Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
GEORGE CROSS07/18/202611/15/2026
VICTOR PASTRANA11/07/202601/16/2027
GEORGE CROSS01/16/202705/16/2027

The Carnival Panorama is set to have an amazing team of cruise directors on board.

George Cross is back onboard the ship after a recent break. This latest run is set to last until November, when Victor Pastrana will take over. George will be back in January for the first few months of 2027.

Carnival Panorama is a Vista-class ship with a gross tonnage of 133,868 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,008.

Carnival Paradise Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
CIARA CROWLEY06/14/202609/14/2026
VANESSA FREDRICH09/10/202601/04/2027
VANESSA FREDRICH03/02/202707/05/2027

Carnival Paradise guests are all set to have a blast with their upcoming Cruise Directors.

In June, Ciara Crowley joined the ship until September, with Vanessa Fredrich then coming onboard until January. She’ll have a short break before returning to the ship in March for a run lasting through July.

The ship’s top-class Cruise Directors are sure to make the Carnival Paradise experience an unforgettable one for all those on board.

Carnival Paradise is a Fantasy-class ship with a gross tonnage of 71,925 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,124.

Carnival Pride Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
DEON WILLIAMS07/26/202611/29/2026
SAM THURGOOD11/29/202601/31/2027

The Carnival Pride is all set to have amazing Cruise Directors in 2026.

Currently that’s Deon Williams, who joined the ship in late July and is set to remain onboard until late November. Sam Thurgood is set to replace him.

With such dynamic cruise directors, passengers on the Carnival Pride can look forward to an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Carnival Pride is a Spirit-class ship with a gross tonnage of 86,071 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,124.

Carnival Radiance Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
SOFIA TOSCHES07/09/202609/12/2026
SAM THURGOOD09/28/202611/28/2026
MARQ ANTHONY11/22/202604/01/2027
AMBER CELEN03/28/202708/02/2027

On the Carnival Radiance, guests are set to enjoy a fantastic cruise director for the next few months.

Sofia Tosches recently joined the ship, taking over the cruise director role until September, when she’ll be followed by Sam Thurgood, with Marq Anthony due onboard for his own stint later in the year. Amber Celen will also join the ship later in 2027.

Carnival Radiance is a Sunshine-class ship with a gross tonnage of 102,232 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,984.

Carnival Spirit Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
JEI CARO09/01/202611/08/2026
JAMES LOVE11/08/202603/06/2027

The Carnival Spirit is all set to have an incredible team of Cruise Directors in 2026 and beyond.

Jei Caro recently took over in September for a run lasting until November.

James Love will be returning for the end of the year and start of 2027.

Carnival Spirit is a Spirit-class ship with a gross tonnage of 85,920 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,124.

Carnival Splendor Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
VICTOR PASTRANA07/31/202610/01/2026
LIZZIE CLOUGH10/01/202611/28/2026
JEI CARO11/21/202602/04/2027
FELIPE DO COUTO01/31/202706/04/2027

The Carnival Splendor is also set to have fantastic Cruise Directors throughout 2026.

Lizzie Clough was on the ship from April until August, and she’ll be back from October and November. But for now it’s the turn of Victor Pastrana who is onboard between Lizzie’s stints, and after Lizzie’s next run it’ll be the turn of Jeimy Caro. Felipe Do Couto is now scheduled to take over at the end of January for the first half of 2027.

Carnival Splendor is a Splendor-class ship with a gross tonnage of 113,573 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,012.

Carnival Sunrise Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
CRYSSI ST CYR07/20/202601/09/2027
CRYSSI ST CYR03/29/202707/27/2027
Cryssi St Cry Carnival Cruise Director
CRYSSI ST CYR

The Carnival Sunrise is a ship that’s had a schedule shuffle in recent times. But it has now been confirmed that Cryssi St Cyr is the current cruise director, and she’s scheduled for a long run all the way through to January, followed by another beginning in March.

Carnival Sunrise is a Sunshine-class ship with a gross tonnage of 102,239 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,984.

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
ALEX SIEGLER06/28/202611/08/2026
ALEX SIEGLER01/09/202705/15/2027
ALEX SIEGLER
ALEX SIEGLER

If you’re sailing on Carnival Sunshine, you’ve got great Cruise Directors to look forward to.

Since the end of June it’s been the turn of Alex Siegler to entertain guests onboard through to November. After a short break, he’ll be back onboard the ship in January.

Carnival Sunshine is a Sunshine-class ship with a gross tonnage of 103,881 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,002.

Carnival Valor Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
SHYLOCK EDWARDS II05/07/202609/14/2026
SINCLAIR HAMMERBACH09/10/202601/09/2027

Guests can enjoy some popular Cruise Directors when sailing on Carnival Valor.

Shylock Edwards II recently took over the role until September. From then, Sinclair Hammerbach will be running the show.

Carnival Valor is a Conquest-class ship with a gross tonnage of 110,438 and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,980.

Carnival Venezia Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
ROBBY HOWELL07/01/202611/08/2026
TYLER MEEHAN11/01/202603/14/2027

Robby Howell is the current cruise director onboard the Carnival Venezia and he’ll be running the entertainment department until early November. We also know this is Robby’s Retirement Run – he’s leaving Carnival at the end of this current stint!

From November, Tyler Meehan will be the cruise director onboard for you until March 2027.

Carnival Venezia is a Venice-class ship with a gross tonnage of 135,225 and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,208.

Carnival Vista Cruise Directors

Cruise DirectorSign OnSign Off
KEEGAN VAN ZYL08/22/202601/09/2027
KEEGAN VAN ZYL
KEEGAN VAN ZYL

Carnival Vista has some excellent cruise directors onboard, the latest of which is Keegan Van Zyl. He recently joined the ship until early 2027.

Carnival Vista is a Vista-class ship with a gross tonnage of 133,596 and a maximum passenger capacity of 3,934.

Carnival cruise director
The above schedule is subject to change. Please click here to double-check the latest information.

The role of the Cruise Director

On a Carnival cruise, the cruise director is responsible for overseeing all of the entertainment team. They work closely with the hotel director and entertainers to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience on board.

Carnival cruise directors are also responsible for hosting events like trivia contests, gameshows, and deck parties. They keep guests informed about what’s happening on the ship.

The cruise line employs a large number of cruise directors – around 40 or so – because they need to rotate between the different cruise ships (and have some time off too).

Contracts can vary though – someone might be on a ship for just a couple of weeks, to fill a gap in a schedule, or they might be onboard for months at a time.

Dates for these contracts can overlap too – that’s when a new cruise director will join a ship while the old one is still working, so that there’s time for the new arrival to get up to speed and meet the team.

Cruise Director schedule changes

The cruise director schedules can change at short notice. Often there are changes to plans which can mean a lot of work for the cruise line to move people around and make sure each ship has the experienced team onboard to give guests the best experience.

This schedule is updated each week, so you can always stay on top of the latest developments as new contracts are announced and older ones are reshuffled.

Cruise Directors on Social Media

Many of the Carnival cruise directors are active on social media and following your favourite directors on Facebook can be a great way to see what they’re up to.

With that in mind, here are links to the Facebook and Instagram pages of some of Carnival’s most popular cruise directors:

FAQs About Carnival Cruise Directors

Is the Carnival Cruise director schedule final?

It’s possible for Carnival’s cruise director schedule to change at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, family emergencies, or other unexpected events. However, the cruise line typically does its best to avoid last-minute changes.

How many cruise directors does Carnival have?

Carnival has at least 30 to 40 cruise directors. Carnival operates a fleet of 27 ships, and each ship has a cruise director. However, cruise directors may rotate between ships or take time off in between contracts, so the number of active cruise directors at any given time may vary.

How long do Carnival cruise directors stay?

The length of time that a Carnival cruise director stays in their position can vary. Typically, they will stay onboard for several weeks or months, before being rotated to a different ship or taking time off. However, this can depend on a variety of factors including the needs of the company and their personal preferences.

How much do cruise directors make on Carnival?

The salary of a Carnival cruise director varies depending on their experience, level, and the size of the ship they are working on. However, the average salary for a cruise director at Carnival Cruise Lines is around $60,000 per year. Additionally, cruise directors typically receive free travel, food, and accommodation as well as other benefits, such as discounted cruises for family and friends.


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18 thoughts on “Carnival Cruise Director Schedule 2026/2027”

  1. Wizfair Cruise

    Excited to see which cruise directors will be sailing in 2026/2027! Carnival always brings amazing energy onboard, and the right director can make your trip even more fun.

  2. Dunare.ro

    Thanks so much for keeping this schedule updated weekly – super helpful for those of us who like to sail based on who’s directing the fun! I’ve cruised with both Louie Clare and Abbie Lockett before, and they truly elevate the whole experience. Great to see names like Sinclair Hammerbach and Marty Pitts returning too – Carnival definitely knows how to pick the best for guest engagement!

  3. Wanda Cole

    Where is Austin-he was on Valor when I did my first cruise

  4. Jackie

    This is incorrect. The panorama cruise director is Gerry Berrones. From February 8th until June

    • Jenni Fielding

      Hi Jackie. Thanks for this. Do you have a source for that info please? Just double checked and it doesn’t match our source. Thanks! Jenni

  5. Patrick

    Sinclair Hammerbach, a newer CD is amazing! She has so much energy and passion. There wasn’t one activity she didn’t make a showing at and have a change of outfit each time. I was on the Liberty with her over the New Year. She is currently on the Breeze now that she back from her break. I recommend planning a cruise with her!

  6. Bonnie Dennis

    Georgia was the best i have seen on the horizon. She made the cruise fun.

    • Reid

      I agree
      She was a blast

  7. Pam Thomas

    Christian Mattheui was wonderful. Always upbeat, friendly, just made the cruise fun. He was a plus on our first cruise.

  8. Charyse

    What happened to Cookie? He was carnivals BEST Cruise Director. Carnival better learn how to treat their staff otherwise alot more staff will leave.

    • Sharman Beltran

      I know, right!? He was sooo awesome and really made the cruise a LOT more fun. We’ve been on about 30 cruises and he was in our top 3 cruise directions. Will never forget him. As a matter of fact, we would probably book any given cruise just because he was the cruise director!

  9. Karina

    Hi how come some directors are on here twice if not more, and some are just on there once

    • Jenni Fielding

      Hi Karina. The cruise directors rotate and take time off. So they often return to the same ship after a break. Jenni

  10. FL_Guy

    Something is wrong with your info. Joseph Boyes is listed on Horizon 11/5/23 to 2/3/24 and also on Vista 11/4/23 to 1/8/24. I know Carnival is short staffed, but don’t think they are flying CD’s from ship to ship 🙂

    • Jenni Fielding

      Ah thanks for spotting! Looks like there’s an error in the data that Carnival provides via the Airtable. I’ve added a note to explain and will update it as soon as I see that they have. Thank you.

  11. carol clemons

    Loved Todd Evans on the Paradise last week.He’s the best so far,

  12. Melba Lacy

    Jacky Tang is the Best Carnival Cruise Line Have as a Cruise Director. He’s so kind and personal with the quest. I will always find the Ship Jacky Tang is on so I can have a Memorable experience again. I Love Jacky Tang. He’s the Best.

  13. Harriet

    Where is Dr E?

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