ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ships Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Old Saybrook, CT

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Sault Sainte Marie, MI

$15 - $18.75/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Sandy, UT · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Hannibal, MO · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Biloxi, MS · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Vicksburg, MS

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Saint Augustine, FL

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Bangor, ME

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Sault Sainte Marie, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Brunswick, GA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Juneau, AK

$16.75 - $21/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Arlington, OR

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Louisville, KY

$15 - $19/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Brunswick, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Alpena, MI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

Green Cove Springs, FL · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsShips Cook Jobs

Ships Cook information

See salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do ships cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ships cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ships Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ships Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a Ship’s Cook Certificate or similar maritime qualification. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and adherence to maritime sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure nutritious and safe meal preparation for the crew, contributing to overall morale and health on board.

What is the difference between Ships Cook vs Marine Steward?

AspectShips CookMarine Steward
CertificationsFood safety, basic maritime safetyMaritime safety, first aid, security
Work EnvironmentShip kitchens, confined spaces at seaShip cabins, passenger areas, at sea
Industry UsageMaritime, cargo, cruise shipsPassenger ships, cruise lines, ferries
Job FocusPreparing meals, kitchen managementGuest services, safety, and security

While both roles operate on ships, a Ships Cook primarily focuses on meal preparation and kitchen management, whereas a Marine Steward handles guest services, safety, and security onboard. Both require maritime certifications and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges a Ships Cook faces when preparing meals at sea?

Ships Cooks often encounter challenges such as limited storage space, fluctuating ingredient availability, and the need to prepare nutritious meals in a constantly moving environment. Meal planning requires flexibility and creativity, especially during long voyages when fresh supplies may be scarce. Additionally, Ships Cooks must adhere to strict food safety and hygiene standards while coordinating meal times to fit the vessel’s operational schedule and the crew’s shift rotations.

What are Ships Cooks?

Ships Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing meals and managing food services on board ships. Their duties include planning menus, ordering supplies, cooking meals for the crew and passengers, and ensuring food safety standards are met at sea. They may work on commercial vessels, cruise ships, or military ships, often adapting to limited resources and challenging conditions. Ships Cooks play a vital role in maintaining crew morale and health during long voyages. Specialized training and certifications are typically required for this role.
More about Ships Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Ships Cook jobs? Cities with the most Ships Cook job openings:
What states have the most Ships Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Ships Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ships Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ships Cook jobs are:
Ships Cook jobs near you
Line Cook

Line Cook

American Cruise Lines

Old Saybrook, CT

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America’s rivers. Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across the nation from contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience.
Our Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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. We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Exceptional cuisine is prepared by cooks 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. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of delicious dishes.
While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
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/Sous Chef to produce diversified meals for our guests based off of the fresh ingredients.
  • Organize your workload in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high-quality dishes that follow up the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all the guests’ dietary requests.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Ensure that 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.
  • Communication with coworkers is imperative to all meal services.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 2 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, country club or full-service restaurant.
  • Must have experience cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Possess problem solving skills, organizational skills, and self-motivation.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to complete a criminal background check.
  • 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 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • 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.

Apply