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Cruise Ship Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Gulfport, MS

$49K - $67K/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

Toledo, OH · On-site

$49K - $66K/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

Chattanooga, TN · 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

Holland, MI · 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

Maysville, KY · On-site

$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

Farmington, 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

Saint Augustine, FL

$43K - $58K/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

Hannibal, MO · On-site

$47K - $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

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

$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

Rocky River, OH

$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

Mackinac Island, MI

$47K - $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

Beaufort, SC

$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

Marietta, OH

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Brunswick, GA

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$49K - $66K/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

New Madrid, MO

$43K - $58K/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

Lewiston, ID · On-site

$50K - $67K/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

Holland, MI

$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

Gulfport, MS · On-site

$49K - $67K/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

Bar Harbor, ME

$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 ...

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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 2, 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?

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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.

Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines

Gulfport, MS

$49K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Sous Chef
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.
Exceptional cuisine is prepared by chefs 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. Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of dishes that are full of delicious flavor. Our Sous Chefs are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, and have primary responsibility for the quality of café food and hors d’oeuvres served. Ensuring consistency in culinary excellence across the vessel your primary responsibility. 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.
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 to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients.
  • Work directly overseeing the culinary team to produce delicious and presentable café, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres food, maintaining high guest scores in these areas.
  • Ensure the same level of world class culinary skill and presentation served in the main restaurant is consistent with all food served throughout the ship.
  • Organize the work in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high quality dishes that follow the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all guest dietary requests.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Make sure that the 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.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Complete criminal background check.
  • Training and Teaching experience.
  • 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 to 8 weeks onboard followed by 1 to 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 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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