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Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Beaufort, SC

$15.75 - $20/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Saint Augustine, FL

$15 - $19.25/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Winona, MN

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Farmington, UT

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Alton, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Arlington, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Florence, AL

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Moundsville, WV · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

New Madrid, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Petersburg, AK

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Point Pleasant, WV

$15.75 - $20/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Alton, IL

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Coinjock, NC

$16 - $20.50/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

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

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Brunswick, GA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

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

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All JobsApprentice Cruise Ship Cook Jobs

Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook information

See salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do apprentice cruise ship cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice cruise ship cook in the United States is $16.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Cook jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs are:
Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Cruise Ship Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,037 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Lead Line Cook

Lead Line Cook

American Cruise Lines

Saint Augustine, FL • On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Lead Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead 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 Lead Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests, dietary needs and allergies throughout each meal period. 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.
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:
  • Commitment to controlling inventory and minimalizing food waste by utilizing standardized recipes.
  • Ensures "all" special requests and allergies are acknowledged, prepared and served accordingly.
  • Adheres to the strict food safety and sanitation policies within the galley.
  • Provides gracious hospitality to the guests and crew alike while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient.
  • Adheres to all American Cruise Lines' Chefs Manual standards and procedures.
  • Anticipates the needs of both guests and crew.
  • Assists in the production and service of all Crew meals.
  • Responsible for food safety, galley cleanliness, daily galley audits and logs which includes the completion of daily temperature log, refrigerator and freezer temperature logs, and cooling logs.
  • Responds quickly to guest requests and ensure follow through of service delivery.
  • Assists with breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner preparation, as well as any special onboard events.
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure that the guests and crew receive the highest quality of food with proper presentation and timeliness are adhered to.
  • Assist the Sous Chef wit ensuring Galley Steward timecards are submitted and correct.
  • Follow approved menus, standardized recipes, and food sanitation standards.
  • Work with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure food and hotel supplies are ordered and received in a timely manner.
  • Assist in orchestration of proper storage of deliveries in appropriate areas of the galley.
  • Comply FDA logs are completed on a daily, weekly and monthly basis with the Sous Chef.
  • Create positive crew experiences and a healthy work environment.
  • Maintain sanitation and cleanliness standards of the galley, storage rooms and galley crew rooms.
  • Responsible for supervising and assisting the Galley Stewards with the Sous Chef to make sure various tasks throughout the day are being taken care of by the Galley Stewards. Such as removing trash, clutter and empty boxes from the galley; ware washing; organizing and cleaning; sweeping and mopping the deck floor; and cleaning and storing cleaned equipment and tableware.
  • Communication with all coworkers is imperative to all meal services.

Qualifications:
  • Preferred Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts or Hotel & Restaurant Management.
  • Minimum 4 years' experience at a full-service restaurant, hotel, resort, or cruise ship.
  • Must have "Line" experience with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and buffets.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills (English).
  • Available to travel and work a flexible schedule including long days for extended periods of time.
  • US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to manage a team of three galley stewards during daily ware washing operations as well as effectively lead, direct, teach and guide and ensure the team is working efficiently throughout the day.
  • 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.
  • 6-8 weeks working / 1-2 weeks off.
  • 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 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.

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