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Cruise Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN

$14.25 - $18/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

Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18/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

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

Chattanooga, TN

$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

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

Chattanooga, TN · 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

Executive Sous Chef

Memphis, TN

$63K - $80K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the ... Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$59K - $75K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the ... Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$63K - $80K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the ... Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$59K - $75K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the ... Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

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Cruise Cook information

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How much do cruise cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise cook in Tennessee is $14.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cruise cook?

Cruise Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking meals for passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship. They work in the ship’s galley (kitchen), often as part of a large team, and may specialize in different cuisines or meal types. Cruise Cooks must adhere to strict food safety and hygiene standards, often working long shifts to serve hundreds or thousands of guests daily. Their duties can range from prepping ingredients and cooking main dishes to assisting with buffets and special events.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cruise cook?

To thrive as a Cruise Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in high-volume kitchen environments, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working efficiently in a multicultural and fast-paced setting. These skills ensure consistent quality, safety, and guest satisfaction on board a cruise ship where demands and expectations are high.

What unique challenges do cruise cooks face compared to land-based cooks?

Cruise Cooks often work in fast-paced environments where they must prepare large volumes of food while maintaining high quality and adhering to strict health and safety regulations. Unlike land-based kitchens, storage space and ingredient availability can be limited at sea, requiring creativity and adaptability in menu planning. Additionally, Cruise Cooks collaborate closely with multicultural teams and must be prepared to adjust to rotating shifts and extended periods away from home, which can be both rewarding and challenging.

What is the difference between Cruise Cook vs Cruise Steward?

AspectCruise CookCruise Steward
Primary RolePrepares and cooks meals for passengers and crewProvides customer service, assists with passenger needs, and maintains cleanliness in public areas
Required SkillsCooking, food safety, menu planningCustomer service, communication, hospitality
Work EnvironmentKitchen and food prep areasPassenger cabins, dining rooms, public spaces
CertificationsFood safety, culinary trainingHospitality or customer service experience

The main difference between a Cruise Cook and a Cruise Steward is their focus: the Cruise Cook specializes in meal preparation and cooking, while the Cruise Steward handles passenger service and hospitality. Both roles are essential on a cruise ship but require different skills and certifications.

How do I become a cruise cook?

To become a cruise cook, you typically need culinary training or experience in food preparation, along with knowledge of food safety standards. Many cruise lines require a relevant hospitality or culinary certification and may conduct background checks and health screenings. Prior experience in a commercial kitchen or hospitality environment can improve your chances of employment.

How much do cruise cooks get paid?

Cruise cooks typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, the cruise line, and the length of the contract. They may also receive tips and benefits such as accommodations and meals while onboard.

How to get a cruise cook job in a cruise?

To become a cruise cook, you should have culinary training or experience in food preparation, along with knowledge of food safety standards. Applying through cruise line employment portals or recruitment agencies, and obtaining necessary certifications such as STCW and food handling permits, can improve your chances. Prior experience in hospitality or catering is often preferred by cruise lines.

What are popular job titles related to Cruise Cook jobs in Tennessee?

For Cruise Cook jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cruise Cook jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Cruise Cook jobs in Tennessee are:

Cruise Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Cook job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,260 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN

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

$14.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 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.

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