ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Norfolk, VA

$15.25 - $19/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Minimum 5 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Minimum 5 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

The Chesapeake - LifeSpire

Cafe Cook

Newport News, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Café Cook Can you see yourself working on a beautiful "cruise ship on land - a luxury retirement community"? At The Chesapeake in Newport News, Virginia, residents receive gracious hospitality and ...

The Chesapeake

Cafe Cook

Newport News, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Café Cook Can you see yourself working on a beautiful "cruise ship on land - a luxury retirement community"? At The Chesapeake in Newport News, Virginia, residents receive gracious hospitality and ...

The Chesapeake - LifeSpire

Cafe Cook

Newport News, VA

$12.75 - $17/hr

Café Cook Can you see yourself working on a beautiful "cruise ship on land - a luxury retirement community"? At The Chesapeake in Newport News, Virginia, residents receive gracious hospitality and ...

The Chesapeake - LifeSpire

Cafe Cook

Newport News, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Café Cook Can you see yourself working on a beautiful "cruise ship on land - a luxury retirement community"? At The Chesapeake in Newport News, Virginia, residents receive gracious hospitality and ...

Erickson Senior Living

Line Cook

Springfield, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

From à la minute cooking to preparing restaurant-quality, chef-inspired meals, you'll play a key ... a "cruise ship on land" for its resort-style amenities and engaging lifestyle. We're proud to be ...

Erickson

Line Cook

Springfield, VA

$20 - $23/hr

From a la minute cooking to preparing restaurant-quality, chef-inspired meals, you'll play a key ... a "cruise ship on land" for its resort-style amenities and engaging lifestyle. We're proud to be ...

The St. James

Line Cook (4607)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

A high school diploma and at least two years of experience cooking in a hotel, cruise ship, or restaurant; or a two-year college degree and one year of related experience, or a culinary degree

The St. James

Line Cook (4607)

Springfield, VA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

A high school diploma and at least two years of experience cooking in a hotel, cruise ship, or restaurant; or a two-year college degree and one year of related experience, or a culinary degree

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class ... That's why we're searching for talented, driven Executive Chefs to join our shipboard team for the ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class ... That's why we're searching for talented, driven Executive Chefs to join our shipboard team for the ...

All JobsApprentice Cruise Ship Cook JobsApprentice Cruise Ship Cook Jobs in Virginia

Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook information

What does an apprentice cruise ship cook do?

An Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook assists the kitchen staff in preparing meals for passengers and crew on a cruise ship. Their duties typically include basic food preparation, cleaning kitchen areas, organizing ingredients, and learning cooking techniques under the supervision of experienced chefs. This position is designed to provide hands-on training and experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, with opportunities to learn about both local and international cuisines. Over time, apprentices can advance to higher positions in the ship's culinary team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice cruise ship cook?

To thrive as an Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and hygiene, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and strong time management are crucial soft skills in this fast-paced, multicultural environment. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality meal preparation and smooth operations that meet strict safety standards and guest expectations at sea.

What are some common challenges apprentice cruise ship cooks face when adapting to life and work at sea?

One of the primary challenges Apprentice Cruise Ship Cooks encounter is adjusting to the fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment while living aboard a ship for extended periods. You'll need to adapt to working in compact spaces, manage seasickness, and maintain food safety standards despite the ship's motion. Additionally, collaborating with an international team requires strong communication skills and flexibility, as shifts can vary and teamwork is essential. Embracing these challenges helps build resilience and prepares you for advancement within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook vs Cruise Ship Cook?

AspectApprentice Cruise Ship CookCruise Ship Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certification often requiredAdvanced culinary skills, experience, and certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining environment onboard cruise ships, supervisedFull culinary responsibilities onboard cruise ships
Job RoleAssists and learns under supervision, performs basic kitchen tasksPrepares meals, manages kitchen operations, supervises staff

The Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting in the kitchen, often requiring basic culinary training. In contrast, the Cruise Ship Cook is a more experienced role responsible for preparing meals and managing kitchen duties. The apprenticeship provides a pathway to becoming a fully qualified cruise ship cook.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Cook jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cruise Ship Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs in Virginia?

For Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook job openings:

Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs near you

Line Cook

Norfolk, VA

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Cruise Linesexternal

$15.25 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America’s rivers. Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across the nation from contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience.
Our Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen operations run smoothly and that all service provided to our guests is flawless. We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Exceptional cuisine is prepared by cooks who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of delicious dishes.
While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Work directly with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to produce diversified meals for our guests based off of the fresh ingredients.
  • Organize your workload in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high-quality dishes that follow up the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all the guests’ dietary requests.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Ensure that hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
  • Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
  • Enforce food and safety standards.
  • Communication with coworkers is imperative to all meal services.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 2 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, country club or full-service restaurant.
  • Must have experience cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Possess problem solving skills, organizational skills, and self-motivation.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to complete a criminal background check.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Apply