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Live In Cruise Ship Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Clarksville, TN

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Maysville, KY · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

The Dalles, OR

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Florence, AL

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

New York, NY · On-site

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Alpena, MI · On-site

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Nantucket, MA · On-site

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Cruise Director

Alton, IL · On-site

Create the daily Ship to Shore. * Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing. * Assist in the ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$45K - $61K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Riverton, WY

$44K - $59K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Punta Gorda, FL · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Arlington, OR · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Florence, AL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Coinjock, NC · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

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All JobsLive In Cruise Ship Chef Jobs

Live In Cruise Ship Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do live in cruise ship chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for live in 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 the difference between Live In Cruise Ship Chef vs Hotel Chef?

AspectLive In Cruise Ship ChefHotel Chef
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, working at sea and portHotel kitchens, often stationary in one location
CredentialsCooking certifications, maritime safety trainingProfessional culinary certifications, hotel industry experience
Employer & IndustryCruise lines, hospitality at seaHotels, resorts, hospitality industry

The main difference between a Live In Cruise Ship Chef and a Hotel Chef lies in their work environment and industry focus. The cruise ship chef works onboard ships at sea, requiring maritime safety training, while the hotel chef works in stationary hotel kitchens. Both roles demand culinary skills and certifications, but their daily routines and work settings differ significantly.

How many years to become a live in cruise ship chef?

Becoming a live-in cruise ship chef typically requires 2 to 5 years of culinary experience, including training in professional kitchens and relevant certifications such as food safety. Prior experience in hospitality or catering can also be beneficial before securing a position onboard.

Can I live and work as a live in cruise ship chef?

A live-in cruise ship chef is employed onboard the vessel and typically resides there while working. This role involves working long hours in a confined environment, often requiring relevant culinary skills, certifications, and the ability to adapt to a maritime work schedule. Housing and meals are usually provided as part of the employment package.

How much do live in cruise ship chefs make?

Live-in cruise ship chefs typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, the cruise line, and the size of the vessel. They often receive room and board as part of their compensation and may have opportunities for tips and bonuses based on performance and length of contract.

How to get a live in cruise ship chef job?

To become a live-in cruise ship chef, you typically need culinary training or experience, such as a culinary degree or professional cooking background. Employers often require food safety certifications, strong cooking skills, and the ability to work in a team environment. Applying through cruise line recruitment websites or agencies and demonstrating flexibility for onboard living are also important steps.
More about Live In Cruise Ship Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Live In Cruise Ship Chef jobs? Cities with the most Live In 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 Live In Cruise Ship Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Live In Cruise Ship Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Live In Cruise Ship Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Live In Cruise Ship Chef jobs are:
Live In Cruise Ship Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live In Cruise Ship Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Cruise Director

American Cruise Lines

Clarksville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Cruise Director American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United States and has no more than 200 passenger vessels that create a one-of-a-kind small ship experience. With newly constructed vessels being added to our fleet, it is a great opportunity to join our shipboard management team. The Cruise Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere onboard while always engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations and socializing throughout the cruise. The Cruise Director manages the entertainment, presentations, activities, events and communications on board. This leadership role requires an energetic, creative, talented individual with previous cruise/resort experience, extraordinarily polished presentation skills, collaborative approach, team spirit, and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise Director reports to the Hotel Manager. 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:
  • Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment and activity programs that enhance and elevate the guest experience.
  • Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, television, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
  • Socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour.
  • Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
  • Make daily Noon announcement/update; make every effort to make all PA announcements as the "voice" of the cruise.
  • Meet with Excursions Director, Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
  • Create the daily Ship to Shore.
  • Host Officer Introduction and Excursion Briefing.
  • Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
  • Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, A/V requirements, etc.).
  • Confirm entertainers 48-hours in advance; assist entertainers and onboard speaker's A/V needs.
  • Create and update bulletin board daily.
  • Work with Excursions Director to prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
  • Act as company representative at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day.
  • Promote onboard sales and brand loyalty by hosting re-booking events.
  • Oversee proper VIP guest service delivery.
  • Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, guest issues and recovery, and the evaluations of Guest Speakers, Instructors and Entertainers.
  • Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications:
  • Cruise ship experience preferred, but candidates with upscale hotel/resort experience will be considered.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
  • Extremely polished speaking/presentation skills required.
  • Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
  • Strong critical thinking skills required.
  • Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
  • Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, and always have a can-do attitude.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Attributes for Success:
  • Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
  • Superior time management.
  • Ability to manage and solve problems.
  • Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship / 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 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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