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Cruise Ship Culinary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Morehead City, NC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Coinjock, NC · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA

$48K - $65K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Saint Francisville, LA

$49K - $66K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Biloxi, MS · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

New Madrid, MO · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Hannibal, MO · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Biloxi, MS

$44K - $60K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Guilford, CT · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Hannibal, MO · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Maysville, KY · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Farmington, UT · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Gulfport, MS · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Lewiston, ID · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Cruise Ship Culinary information

See salary details

$10

$18

$28

How much do cruise ship culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ship culinary in the United States is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cruise ship culinary?

A Cruise Ship Culinary job involves preparing and serving food for guests and crew aboard a cruise ship. Culinary staff work in various kitchen roles, from prep cooks to executive chefs, ensuring high-quality meals are served efficiently. Duties include food preparation, maintaining cleanliness, and following safety regulations. This job offers the opportunity to travel, work with diverse teams, and gain experience in high-volume kitchens.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the cruise ship culinary position?

To thrive in a Cruise Ship Culinary role, candidates typically need formal culinary training, experience in high-volume kitchen operations, and a strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and relevant certifications such as ServSafe are essential. Outstanding teamwork, adaptability, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial for success. These qualifications are vital as they ensure high-quality food service, seamless operations, and excellent guest satisfaction in the unique, fast-paced cruise ship environment.

What are common challenges faced by cruise ship culinary staff while working onboard?

Cruise Ship Culinary staff often navigate the challenge of preparing high-quality meals for large numbers of guests while adhering to strict schedules and diverse dietary needs. Working in a confined, constantly moving environment requires excellent organization and adaptability, as supply limitations or unexpected passenger preferences can arise. Crew members must also maintain rigorous health and safety standards, often with limited access to fresh ingredients during voyages. Strong teamwork and communication are essential, as culinary staff collaborate closely with both kitchen and service teams to ensure seamless meal service throughout each cruise.

More about Cruise Ship Culinary jobs

What cities are hiring for Cruise Ship Culinary jobs?

Cities with the most Cruise Ship Culinary job openings:

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

The most popular types of Cruise Ship Culinary jobs are:

What states have the most Cruise Ship Culinary jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Culinary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,501 per year, or $18 per hour.

$45K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 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.