This guide is updated weekly with the latest schedule for Carnival Cruise Directors, so you always know who’s set to lead the fun on your next cruise.
Planning your next Carnival cruise and curious about who your cruise director will be? Whether you’re sailing for the first time or you’re a returning Fun Ship fan, knowing who’s running the show can really shape your onboard experience.
Cruise directors are the life of the party, running everything from deck parties and trivia to game shows and late-night comedy.
This updated guide gives you the confirmed cruise director schedules for 2026. Schedules can change (life happens, even at sea!), but here’s who’s currently slated to lead the fun on board some of Carnival’s most exciting ships.
Why Cruise Directors Matter
Cruise directors do more than just tell you when bingo starts. They’re the heartbeat of your cruise, bringing energy, hosting theme nights, announcing schedule changes, and setting the mood from sail away to farewell.
Knowing who’ll be onboard can help you match your trip with the kind of vibe you’re after — relaxing and chill or wild and hilarious.
Carnival Adventure Directors
Carnival Adventure is the newest member of the Carnival fleet — formerly a P&O Australia ship, she’s now fully Carnival-fied and packed with excitement.
As an Adventure-class ship, she can carry around 2,600 guests and comes in at just under 109,000 gross tons.
Here’s the latest on her cruise director rotation:
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Sophie Gideon | 17 Nov 2025 | 24 Jan 2026 |
| Felipe Do Couto | 24 Jan 2026 | 05 Jun 2026 |
| Lizzie Clough | 01 Jun 2026 | 07 Aug 2026 |
| Felipe Do Couto | 07 Aug 2026 | 30 Nov 2026 |
Carnival Breeze Directors
Carnival Breeze is a Dream-class ship, known for its fun tropical vibes and capacity for nearly 3,700 passengers. It’s been a guest favorite for years, and 2026 brings a packed entertainment schedule with some familiar faces.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Hammerbach | 08 Sep 2025 | 12 Jan 2026 |
| Abbie Lockett | 08 Jan 2026 | 14 Mar 2026 |
| Jeimy Caro | 26 Jan 2026 | 05 Feb 2026 |
| Sinclair Hammerbach | 14 Mar 2026 | 13 Jul 2026 |
| Adam Gilbert | 09 Jul 2026 | 12 Sep 2026 |
Carnival Celebration Directors
As one of Carnival’s newest Excel-class ships, Celebration is an absolute showstopper with a guest capacity of over 5,200 and all the latest Carnival bells and whistles.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Louie Clare | 02 Nov 2025 | 04 Jan 2026 |
| Joey Boyes | 11 Jan 2026 | 10 May 2026 |
| Louie Clare | 10 May 2026 | 28 Jun 2026 |
| Jacky Tang | 21 Jun 2026 | 07 Nov 2026 |
Carnival Conquest Directors
Carnival Conquest continues to deliver fun at sea with a blend of classic Carnival charm and vibrant entertainment.
As a Conquest-class ship, she hosts nearly 3,000 guests and cruises out of popular U.S. ports with a stellar team leading the entertainment lineup.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Pastrana | 03 Nov 2025 | 05 Jan 2026 |
| George Cross | 02 Jan 2026 | 06 Feb 2026 |
| Gabby Gamboa | 15 Feb 2026 | 18 May 2026 |
Carnival Dream Directors
With over 3,600 guests onboard, the Dream-class Carnival Dream lives up to its name with large-scale productions, lively bars, and top-tier cruise directors. 2026 promises a mix of returning favorites and seasonal switch-ups.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence West | 01 Feb 2026 | 07 Feb 2026 |
| Filipe Mendes | 01 Feb 2026 | 03 Mar 2026 |
| Filipe Mendes | 16 Mar 2026 | 18 Apr 2026 |
| Lawrence West | 18 Apr 2026 | 16 Aug 2026 |
Carnival Elation Directors
The Fantasy-class Carnival Elation may be one of Carnival’s smaller ships (hosting just over 2,100 guests), but it’s full of charm — and backed by cruise directors who know how to throw a great onboard party.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Alexander | 03 Nov 2025 | 15 Jan 2026 |
| Franco Spies | 02 Feb 2026 | 27 Apr 2026 |
| John Loney | 23 Apr 2026 | 10 Sep 2026 |
| Amber Celen | 05 Sep 2026 | 09 Jan 2027 |
Cruising Tip: Want a quieter stateroom? Choose midship and away from elevators for the best rest between dance parties and trivia marathons.
Cruise Planning Tip
If you’re planning a Carnival cruise and wondering when your favorite director will be onboard, keep this guide bookmarked — but also check closer to your sail date.
Schedules can shift due to personal leave, health, or special projects. And if you’re flexible? Consider picking your sail date based on who’s running the show!
Carnival Encounter Directors
Joining the Carnival fleet as one of the former P&O Australia ships, Carnival Encounter brings bold adventures and a fresh feel to the fleet.
As an Adventure-class ship, it accommodates up to 2,600 guests, offering an exciting blend of Carnival fun and Aussie spirit.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Lia Stivers | 11 Oct 2025 | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Sophie Gideon | 26 Feb 2026 | 08 May 2026 |
| Kieran Wilson | 01 May 2026 | 11 Jul 2026 |
| Franco Spies | 04 Jul 2026 | 07 Nov 2026 |
Carnival Firenze Directors
One of Carnival’s newest ships, Carnival Firenze, made waves in 2023 after being converted from the Costa Venezia.
She now blends Italian elegance with Carnival’s laid-back party vibe, carrying up to 4,126 guests as a Venice-class ship.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Keegan Van Zyl | 30 Oct 2025 | 12 Jan 2026 |
| Zack Paiement-Dockrill | 08 Jan 2026 | 09 Mar 2026 |
| Amber Celen | 05 Mar 2026 | 06 Jul 2026 |
| Jei Caro | 03 Jul 2026 | 21 Aug 2026 |
| Mike D’Auria | 17 Aug 2026 | 04 Jan 2027 |
Carnival Freedom Directors
The Conquest-class Carnival Freedom carries just under 3,000 passengers and delivers exactly what her name promises — the freedom to relax, party, and soak up endless entertainment across sea days and port adventures.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Todd Evans | 08 Nov 2025 | 14 Mar 2026 |
| Rico Betancourt | 09 Mar 2026 | 14 May 2026 |
| Todd Evans | 14 May 2026 | 01 Sep 2026 |
Carnival Glory Directors
Carnival Glory is a Conquest-class ship that combines Carnival’s classic charm with a festive, colorful personality. She sails with up to 2,980 passengers, and in 2026, she’s got a fan-favorite cruise director at the helm.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Rico Betancourt | 08 Sep 2025 | 09 Jan 2026 |
| John Loney | 05 Jan 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 |
| Andy Mercer | 27 Feb 2026 | 09 Apr 2026 |
| Cryssi St Cyr | 06 Apr 2026 | 11 May 2026 |
| Abbie Lockett | 08 May 2026 | 14 Sep 2026 |
Carnival Horizon Directors
One of the Vista-class ships, Carnival Horizon, is a big, bold beauty that holds over 4,000 passengers and comes loaded with attractions, from a skyride to the IMAX theatre. In 2026, she’ll feature several well-known cruise directors rotating throughout the year.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Meehan | 27 Sep 2025 | 22 Feb 2026 |
| Jeimy Caro | 11 Jan 2026 | 25 Jan 2026 |
| Deon Williams | 14 Feb 2026 | 23 May 2026 |
| Marq Anthony | 17 May 2026 | 20 Sep 2026 |
| Zack Paiement-Dockrill | 12 Sep 2026 | 16 Jan 2027 |
Carnival Jubilee Directors
As one of Carnival’s newest Excel-class ships, Jubilee is a massive floating resort, welcoming over 5,200 guests with state-of-the-art amenities. She’s drawing some of the biggest names in Carnival’s cruise director team in 2026.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Andy Mercer | 09 Aug 2025 | 10 Jan 2026 |
| Kyndall Fire | 08 Jan 2026 | 09 May 2026 |
| Rainier Scholtz | 02 May 2026 | 11 Jul 2026 |
| Kyndall Fire | 11 Jul 2026 | 14 Nov 2026 |
| Andy Mercer | 14 Nov 2026 | 17 Jan 2027 |
Pro Tip: For cruisers who love back-to-back cruises, Horizon’s consistent rotation of familiar cruise directors makes it a great pick.
Guest Tip
Jubilee and Horizon are great picks if you want that mega-ship, high-energy experience, while Glory delivers a slightly more laid-back vibe with familiar cruise director favorites. Either way, you’re guaranteed memorable entertainment across the board.
Carnival Legend Directors
Carnival Legend is a Spirit-class ship carrying just over 2,100 guests, making her a great choice for cruisers who prefer a more intimate experience — without sacrificing fun. In 2026, the cruise director lineup is a dynamic duo of Carnival personalities.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Gilbert | 07 Jul 2025 | 10 Nov 2025 |
| Filipe Mendes | 06 Nov 2025 | 15 Jan 2026 |
| Adam Gilbert | 15 Jan 2026 | 29 Apr 2026 |
| Simon London | 15 May 2026 | 16 Nov 2026 |
Fun Fact: Spirit-class ships like Legend are great for scenic cruising thanks to their narrower design, ideal for Alaska or European itineraries.
Carnival Liberty Directors
As another Conquest-class ship, Carnival Liberty hosts around 2,980 guests and delivers a fun mix of activities, entertainment, and food, perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers. In 2026, it’s all about Gabriel Coppolla.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Bowden | 22 Jan 2026 | 08 Mar 2026 |
| Victor Pastrana | 01 Mar 2026 | 03 May 2026 |
| Gabe Coppolla | 03 May 2026 | 30 Aug 2026 |
| Jei Caro | 23 Aug 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 |
Carnival Luminosa Directors
Carnival Luminosa is a Spirit-class ship that once sailed for Costa Cruises. Now part of Carnival’s fleet, she offers elegant décor, global itineraries, and can carry up to 2,260 passengers.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle O’Callaghan | 26 Oct 2025 | 11 Jan 2026 |
| Louie Clare | 11 Jan 2026 | 05 Mar 2026 |
| Keegan Van Zyl | 26 Feb 2026 | 06 Jun 2026 |
| Louie Clare | 02 Jul 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 |
Cruising Insight: Luminosa often sails longer itineraries and unique routes — perfect for seasoned cruisers looking to explore beyond the basics.
Cruise Tip of the Day
If you’re cruising in 2026 and want to sail with a specific cruise director, it’s worth matching your vacation window with their schedule. Many of these directors have loyal fans who sail just to catch their favorite host again — and it’s easy to see why!
Carnival Magic Directors
The aptly named Carnival Magic is a Dream-class ship hosting nearly 3,700 guests, offering a fantastic mix of activities, entertainment, and space to relax. With a strong lineup of cruise directors in 2026, Magic promises non-stop fun.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| George Cross | 28 Sep 2025 | 15 Nov 2025 |
| Rainier Scholtz | 09 Nov 2025 | 19 Apr 2026 |
| Filipe Mendes | 21 May 2026 | 05 Jul 2026 |
| Sophie Gideon | 05 Jul 2026 | 08 Nov 2026 |
Mardi Gras Directors
As one of Carnival’s Excel-class flagships, Mardi Gras sets the standard for next-gen cruising. With over 5,200 guests, six themed zones, and Bolt — the first roller coaster at sea — it’s only fitting that her cruise director lineup is stacked with talent.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Deon Williams | 11 Oct 2025 | 06 Dec 2025 |
| Jacky Tang | 06 Dec 2025 | 18 Apr 2026 |
| Andy Mercer | 04 Apr 2026 | 11 Jul 2026 |
| Joey Boyes | 04 Jul 2026 | 07 Nov 2026 |
Expect vibrant deck parties, immersive shows, and surprises throughout — Mardi Gras doesn’t do boring.
Carnival Miracle Directors
The Spirit-class Carnival Miracle may be a bit smaller (around 2,100 guests), but she delivers big personality, especially with the cruise directors Carnival has planned for 2026.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Frankie Portera | 20 Nov 2025 | 17 Jan 2026 |
| Gary Blair | 17 Jan 2026 | 21 May 2026 |
| Frankie Portera | 21 May 2026 | 23 Jul 2026 |
| Gary Blair | 23 Jul 2026 | 23 Nov 2026 |
Miracle Tip: This ship often sails to less-traveled ports, so pair that quieter itinerary with a cruise director known for keeping guests engaged and energized.
Carnival Panorama Directors
As one of Carnival’s Vista-class ships, Panorama delivers a big-ship experience with sleek design, a sky ride, and plenty of family fun. She carries just over 4,000 guests and sails the West Coast with a rotating cast of cruise director favorites.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Simon London | 30 Aug 2025 | 14 Feb 2026 |
| George Cross | 08 Feb 2026 | 03 May 2026 |
| Zack Paiement-Dockrill | 28 Apr 2026 | 18 Jul 2026 |
| George Cross | 18 Jul 2026 | 15 Nov 2026 |
Carnival Paradise Directors
The Fantasy-class Paradise may be one of Carnival’s smaller ships with just over 2,100 guests, but she’s packed with personality and sails short, value-packed itineraries that are perfect for a quick getaway.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Edgar Toscano Murillo | 09 Oct 2025 | 10 Jan 2026 |
| Sofia Tosches | 05 Jan 2026 | 07 Mar 2026 |
| Michelle O’Callaghan | 02 Mar 2026 | 06 Jul 2026 |
Paradise Tip: This ship often sails shorter itineraries from Florida, so it’s great for cruisers looking for a fun weekend or budget-friendly escape.
Carnival Pride Directors
Carnival Pride is a Spirit-class ship that balances elegance and fun, with room for 2,124 guests and beautifully themed spaces. She’s known for scenic sailings and a strong lineup of cruise directors in 2026.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Kieran Wilson | 26 Oct 2025 | 15 Mar 2026 |
| Frankie Portera | 04 Apr 2026 | 17 May 2026 |
| Deon Williams | 26 Jul 2026 | 29 Nov 2026 |
Carnival Radiance Directors
Carnival Radiance is a Sunshine-class ship with room for just under 3,000 guests, and she’s the perfect choice for short, energetic getaways. With a focus on fun and fast-paced entertainment, Radiance’s cruise directors help pack a punch even on shorter itineraries.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Gabe Coppolla | 17 Nov 2025 | 26 Feb 2026 |
| Jei Caro | 07 Feb 2026 | 10 May 2026 |
Carnival Spirit Directors
Carnival Spirit, another Spirit-class ship, accommodates just over 2,100 passengers and often sails unique itineraries. With a flexible rotation of experienced cruise directors, Spirit offers a warm, personal atmosphere even on long sailings.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| James Love | 02 Nov 2025 | 08 Mar 2026 |
| Michelle O’Callaghan | 01 Mar 2026 | 05 May 2026 |
| James Love | 05 May 2026 | 08 Sep 2026 |
Carnival Splendor Directors
Carnival Splendor is the only ship in her class, boasting 113,573 gross tons and space for over 3,000 guests. She’s a unique experience, and 2026 brings a mix of seasoned entertainers to take the stage.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Lizzie Clough | 17 Sep 2025 | 24 Jan 2026 |
| Ben Kitchen | 16 Jan 2026 | 02 Apr 2026 |
| Lizzie Clough | 02 Apr 2026 | 30 May 2026 |
| Ben Kitchen | 30 May 2026 | 01 Oct 2026 |
| Lizzie Clough | 01 Oct 2026 | 28 Nov 2026 |
Insider Take
Splendor offers big-stage entertainment with polished cruise directors across the board
Radiance is ideal for quick, high-energy sailings, with Kieran and Lia keeping things exciting
Spirit boasts a rotating lineup of fan-favorites like Alex, Sinclair, and Frankie
Carnival Sunrise Directors
Carnival Sunrise, part of the Sunshine-class, hosts nearly 3,000 guests and sails popular short and mid-length itineraries. The 2026 cruise director schedule is filled with charisma and crowd favorites.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| John Loney | 29 Sep 2025 | 24 Nov 2025 |
| Abbie Lockett | 24 Nov 2025 | 05 Jan 2026 |
| Cryssi St Cyr | 31 Dec 2025 | 04 Apr 2026 |
| Dean Pompey | 30 Mar 2026 | 30 May 2026 |
Carnival Sunshine Directors
Carnival Sunshine is another Sunshine-class ship known for vibrant sailings and lively cruise directors. With space for 3,000+ guests, she offers the full Carnival experience on a slightly smaller scale.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Amber Celen | 06 Sep 2025 | 10 Jan 2026 |
| Sara Taskoski | 04 Jan 2026 | 07 Mar 2026 |
| Alex Siegler | 28 Jun 2026 | 08 Nov 2026 |
Did You Know? Sunshine often sails from Charleston, a hidden gem of a port with southern charm and easy access.
Carnival Valor Directors
Carnival Valor, a Conquest-class ship, hosts nearly 3,000 passengers and keeps the fun rolling year-round. For 2026, guests will be treated to some of Carnival’s most charismatic hosts.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Dean Pompey | 15 Sep 2025 | 15 Jan 2026 |
| Alex Siegler | 10 Jan 2026 | 11 May 2026 |
| Ben Kitchen | 07 May 2026 | 14 Sep 2026 |
Carnival Venezia Directors
Carnival Venezia is a Venice-class ship formerly operated by Costa Cruises. With 4,208 guests, she blends European style with Carnival’s signature energy — and she’s got an exciting CD lineup in 2026.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Mike D’Auria | 06 Oct 2025 | 11 Jan 2026 |
| Robby Howell | 04 Jan 2026 | 03 May 2026 |
| Mike D’Auria | 03 May 2026 | 01 Jul 2026 |
| Robby Howell | 01 Jul 2026 | 06 Oct 2026 |
Carnival Vista Directors
Carnival Vista is a Vista-class ship with a guest capacity of 3,934 and features like SkyRide and the Havana Bar. Her 2026 cruise director lineup is filled with familiar faces.
| Cruise Director | Sign On | Sign Off |
|---|---|---|
| Sara Taskoski | 31 Aug 2025 | 09 Nov 2025 |
| Marq Anthony | 09 Nov 2025 | 15 Mar 2026 |
| Mike D’Auria | 07 Mar 2026 | 02 May 2026 |
| Tyler Meehan | 26 Apr 2026 | 30 Aug 2026 |
Vista Tip: Vista tends to attract younger crowds and active families — these two directors keep up with the pace perfectly.
Cruise Tip: Venezia’s unique layout and European-inspired design pair beautifully with a personable cruise director. Pick your sailing based on who fits your vibe!
FAQs About Carnival Cruise Directors
Q: Is the cruise director’s schedule final?
Not always. Schedules can shift last-minute due to illness, family emergencies, or internal reshuffling. Carnival does its best to maintain consistency but flexibility is key.
Q: How many cruise directors does Carnival have?
Carnival rotates approximately 30–40 cruise directors among its 27+ ships. Some cruise directors specialize in launches, holidays, or certain guest demographics.
Q: How long do cruise directors stay onboard?
Contracts vary — some stay 6–8 weeks, others for 3–4 months. Overlaps are common for smoother transitions.
Q: How much do Carnival cruise directors earn?
Salaries vary based on experience and ship size, but on average, they make around $60,000 per year, plus free travel, room, food, and benefits like discounted family cruises.
Follow Your Favorite Cruise Directors on Social Media
Many Carnival cruise directors are super active online! Follow them to get updates, behind-the-scenes content, and maybe even say hi before your cruise:
- Erin Weigand Facebook Page
- Adam Gilbert Facebook Page
- Alex Siegler Facebook Page
- Chris (Donkey) Salazar Facebook Page
- Andy Mercer Facebook Page
- Cam Chavis Facebook Page
- Chris Williams (The Flying Scotsman) Instagram
- Christian Deon Williams Instagram
- Georgia Craig Facebook Page
- Jacky Tang Facebook Page
- James Love Facebook Page
- Christian De La Rosa Instagram
- Jasper Wade Facebook Page
- Jonathan Adams (Cookie) Facebook Page
- Kyndall Fire Facebook Page
- Lawrence West Facebook Page
- Lee Mason (Lee Your Cruise Director) Facebook Page
- Ryan Rose Instagram
- Leon Smith Facebook Page
- Marq Anthony Facebook Page
- Savannah Mitchell Facebook Page
- Simon London Facebook Page
- TJ Partida Facebook
- Melessa Durrant Instagram
Final Thoughts
From Carnival Magic to Jubilee, and from Vista to Venezia, every cruise director brings something different to the party. Whether you’re sailing with a fan-favorite or meeting someone new, you’re in for non-stop fun, themed nights, and unforgettable entertainment.
Bookmark this guide, and check back often — schedules get updated weekly and your next favorite CD might be announced soon!
