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Cruise Ship Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Mackinac Island, MI · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Morehead City, NC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Gulfport, MS

$49K - $67K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Arlington, OR · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Morehead City, NC

$45K - $61K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$45K - $61K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Guilford, CT · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCruise Ship Kitchen Jobs

Cruise Ship Kitchen information

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How much do cruise ship kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cruise ship kitchen in the United States is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get a cruise ship kitchen job?

Getting a cruise ship kitchen job can be competitive due to the limited number of positions and the need for relevant experience, such as culinary skills or hospitality training. Applicants often need to pass interviews, background checks, and health screenings, and having certifications like food safety can improve chances. Prior experience in kitchens or hospitality is typically preferred.

What are the working hours and team structure like for cruise ship kitchen staff?

Cruise ship kitchen staff typically work in shifts that may cover early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays, since meal service is required throughout the day for guests and crew. Kitchen teams are structured hierarchically, with roles ranging from executive chefs and sous chefs to line cooks, pastry chefs, and kitchen assistants, promoting clear responsibilities and opportunities for mentorship. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with staff preparing meals for large groups and coordinating closely with hospitality and dining teams. This setting provides valuable experience in high-volume food service and offers numerous prospects for career advancement within the cruise line or hospitality industry.

How to apply for a cruise ship kitchen job?

To apply for a cruise ship kitchen job, candidates should search for openings on cruise line career websites or job boards, prepare a resume highlighting culinary skills and experience, and submit an application online. Many positions require food safety certifications and prior kitchen experience. Interview processes may include skill assessments and background checks.

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

To excel in a cruise ship kitchen, you typically need formal culinary training, hands-on kitchen experience, and a solid understanding of food safety standards such as ServSafe certification. Familiarity with large-scale meal preparation, industrial kitchen equipment, and inventory management systems is highly valuable. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for thriving in the fast-paced, multicultural environment onboard. These abilities ensure the efficient production of high-quality meals and smooth collaboration across diverse staff and shifting passenger needs.

What is a cruise ship kitchen?

A Cruise Ship Kitchen job involves working in the culinary department of a cruise line, preparing and serving meals to guests and crew. Positions range from chefs and line cooks to kitchen assistants and dishwashers. Staff follow strict hygiene and safety protocols while working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Depending on the role, responsibilities may include food preparation, cooking, plating, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. These jobs offer travel opportunities, competitive salaries, and the chance to work with an international team.

How to become a cruise ship kitchen?

To become a cruise ship kitchen staff member, you typically need relevant culinary training or experience, such as a culinary degree or apprenticeship. Employers often require food safety certifications like ServSafe and good teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work long hours in a confined environment. Applying through cruise line recruitment websites or staffing agencies is common for securing these positions.
More about Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs
What cities are hiring for Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs? Cities with the most Cruise Ship Kitchen job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs are:
What states have the most Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs? States with the most job openings for Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs are:
Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cruise Ship Kitchen job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,112 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines

Beaufort, SC • On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 hours 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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