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Cruise Ship Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Sandy, UT · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Maysville, KY

$40K - $55K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR

$48K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

Princess Cruises

Demi Chef de Partie

New York, NY · On-site

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Cruise ship experience is recommended. * Strong knowledge of Western cuisines and a basic ... Ability to train and motivate Commis Chefs effectively. * Good command of the English language ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$45K - $61K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Riverton, WY

$44K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Arlington, OR

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Coinjock, NC

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Punta Gorda, FL

$45K - $61K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Florence, AL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Old Saybrook, CT · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Marietta, OH · On-site

$39K - $53K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

Princess Cruises

Demi Chef de Partie

New York, NY · On-site

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Demi Chef de Partie Department: Galley Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: GLOBAL ... Cruise ship experience is recommended. * Strong knowledge of Western cuisines and a basic ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Brunswick, GA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

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Cruise Ship Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do cruise ship chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for cruise ship chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cruise ship chef?

Cruise Ship Chefs are professional cooks responsible for preparing meals and managing kitchen operations aboard cruise ships. They often work in a fast-paced environment, serving a large number of passengers with diverse culinary preferences. These chefs may specialize in various cuisines and are involved in menu planning, food preparation, and maintaining food safety standards. The role requires adaptability, teamwork, and strong organizational skills due to the unique challenges of working at sea.

What does a cruise ship chef do?

A cruise ship chef works in the kitchen of a cruise ship and oversees and creates the culinary experiences for each dining guest. Your responsibilities are to plan a menu, prepare the kitchen for each meal service, cook food for each meal, manage the inventory of food supplies and cooking equipment, clean the kitchen and equipment after each meal service, and plan accordingly for guest dietary restrictions. Your duties may also include collaborating with cruise ship management staff during meetings to design new menu themes, discuss any current concerns about the kitchen and its processes, and offer ideas for improvement to the culinary experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cruise ship chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cruise Ship Chef, you need a strong background in culinary arts, food safety, and menu planning, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and international food handling certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills help you succeed in a multicultural, fast-paced environment. These skills ensure high-quality dining experiences for guests and efficient kitchen operations under demanding conditions.

What are some unique challenges a cruise ship chef faces compared to land-based chefs?

Cruise Ship Chefs work in a dynamic environment where they must prepare diverse cuisines for hundreds or even thousands of guests with varying dietary needs, often within tight schedules and limited storage space. They must also adapt to the logistical challenges of sourcing and managing fresh ingredients while at sea, as well as comply with strict health and safety regulations. Additionally, Cruise Ship Chefs collaborate closely with a multicultural team and may work long shifts, requiring strong communication and adaptability skills to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Cruise Ship Chef vs Restaurant Chef?

AspectCruise Ship ChefRestaurant Chef
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, working in confined, mobile kitchensRestaurant kitchens, often stationary in a fixed location
Required CertificationsFood safety, HACCP, maritime safety certificationsFood safety, culinary certifications, possibly state or local licenses
Employer & Industry UsageCruise lines, hospitality industryIndependent restaurants, hotel restaurants, hospitality industry

Both roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, but Cruise Ship Chefs work in mobile, confined environments onboard ships, often with maritime safety certifications, while Restaurant Chefs work in stationary restaurant kitchens. The choice depends on your preference for travel and working environment.

How hard is it to get hired on a cruise ship?

Getting hired as a cruise ship chef typically requires relevant culinary experience, certifications such as food safety, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. The application process can be competitive, often involving multiple interviews and skill assessments, but candidates with strong culinary skills and adaptability have good chances of securing a position.

How many years to become a cruise ship chef?

Becoming a cruise ship chef typically requires 2 to 4 years of culinary education or training, along with several years of experience in professional kitchens. Many cruise lines prefer candidates with at least 3-5 years of cooking experience and relevant certifications such as food safety training. The exact time can vary depending on prior experience and skill development.

How much do cruise ship chefs make?

Cruise ship chefs typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, the cruise line, and the length of the contract. Salaries can vary based on the chef's role, skills, and certifications, with higher pay often associated with executive or specialty chefs working onboard for several months. Additional benefits may include room, board, and tips from passengers.
More about Cruise Ship Chef jobs

What cities are hiring for Cruise Ship Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Cruise Ship Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Cruise Ship Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Cruise Ship Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cruise Ship Chef jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Cruise Ship Chef jobs look for?

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Cruise Ship Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

SBN - Executive Sous Chef

Holland America Line & Seabourn

New York, NY • On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

Temporary

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Job description

SBN - Executive Sous Chef
Department: Galley
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Global
Description
Management of all shipboard food preparation to ensure that the line's high culinary standard of cuisine is maintained within the budgetary limitation established as company policy. Assists the Executive Chef in his duties.
The Executive Sous Chef is responsible to ensure the guest satisfaction of the food product in their outlet. They also ensure that staff is trained in order to provide the service necessary for the continued service we provide on board. The decisions made regarding food costs and waste management is imperative to the success of the company as well as team morale and support to the management.
Reporting relationships:The Executive Sous Chef reports directly to the Executive Chef de Cuisine.
Key Responsibilities
  1. Assists the Executive Chef in his duties.
  2. Assist that all standard operation procedures are in place, adhered to and being followed throughout the ship.
  3. Evaluate assigned galley staff as per Seabourn personnel policy.
  4. Assist in training sessions for galley staff that is involved in food preparation.
  5. Oversee the care, treatment and training on galley equipment.
  6. Control inventory and maintenance records of durable (non-food) items.
  7. Control hours worked in his team. At the same time to ensure that overtime is kept to a minimum level.
  8. Maintain log sheet of all liquors and wines for food preparation in galley.
  9. Actively involved in yield and portion control in conjunction with Executive Chef.
  10. Assist in training sessions for galley staff that is involved in food preparation.
  11. Ensure that waste control is in place, grocery breakage minimized and garbage
    separation followed.
  12. Assist loading on the pier that all-perishable food items are of highest quality before bringing on board.

Public Health:
  1. To be familiar with and execute the Seabourn HESS-MS appropriate to their position.
  2. Control and monitor cooling logs and blast chiller procedures. Follow up on daily checklists.
  3. Maintain physical spot checks in all fresh produce fridges in Main Galley.
  4. Supervise butcher shop to ensure that all meat items are being properly handled during storing, defrosting and preparation and to minimize waste.

Qualifications
Education:
  • Formal degree in food management from a recognized International culinary institution
  • Proof of continuing education translated in certificates or letter of participation in specialized courses
  • Strong command of the English language combined with writing skills

Experience:
  • 5+ years experience in a 5 star + hotel, cruise ship or high-profile restaurant performing the functions of a similar position.
  • 2+ year in same or similar position.
  • Certification from accredited advanced food safety program. Extensive knowledge in VSP preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Preferred knowledge of cruise ship-catering operation.
  • Thorough knowledge of food preparation, presentation and preservation procedures. Thorough knowledge of Public Health and Sanitation's regulations and procedures.
  • Effective planner, problem solver and ability of successful implementations.
  • Ability to execute and follow up on food promotions and other activities that will increase guest cruising experience.

Physical Demands & Travel
Physical Demands:
For the safety of yourself and others on board certain physical abilities shall be maintained. Must be able to bend, climb, perform repetitive motion, and repetitively heavy lift.
Must maintain physical fitness to perform tasks associated with job.
Travel Requirements:
  • Passport - valid for a minimum of 6 month
  • Flag state issued seaman book
  • General flag state or flag state approved marine fitness medical United States C1/D visa
  • English Marlin test at minimal score of 80%
  • Pre-employment medical examination

Working Conditions:Working on a cruise ship is very different from any land-based occupation. Working hours are longer and work is more intense due to the constant demand of the guests. You have to be very flexible in your working hours, which on occasion might have to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. The Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 however strictly regulates these. Apart from the working hours there are strict rules which all members of the ship's company need to adhere to as stipulated by the Master's standing orders. You work in close proximity with your fellow crewmembers and therefore respect among all is essential.

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