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Temporary Cruise Ship Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Sandy, UT ยท 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 ...

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL ยท On-site

$46K - $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 ...

Sous Chef

Maysville, KY

$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 ...

Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR

$48K - $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 ...

Demi Chef de Partie

New York, NY ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Cruise ship experience is recommended. * Strong knowledge of Western cuisines and a basic ... Ability to train and motivate Commis Chefs effectively. * Good command of the English language ...

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$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 ...

Sous Chef

Riverton, WY

$44K - $59K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Arlington, OR

$50K - $68K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN

$48K - $65K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Coinjock, NC

$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 ...

Sous Chef

Punta Gorda, FL

$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 ...

Sous Chef

Florence, AL ยท On-site

$44K - $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 ...

Sous Chef

Old Saybrook, CT ยท On-site

$50K - $68K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$48K - $65K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Marietta, OH ยท On-site

$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 ...

Demi Chef de Partie

New York, NY ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Demi Chef de Partie Department: Galley Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: GLOBAL ... Cruise ship experience is recommended. * Strong knowledge of Western cuisines and a basic ...

Sous Chef

Beaufort, SC ยท 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 ...

Sous Chef

Brunswick, GA ยท On-site

$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 ...

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Temporary Cruise Ship Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do temporary cruise ship chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cruise ship chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary cruise ship chef?

Temporary Cruise Ship Chefs are culinary professionals hired on a short-term basis to work in the kitchens aboard cruise ships. They prepare, cook, and present meals for passengers and crew, often adapting to different cuisines and dietary requirements. These chefs fill in for permanent staff during peak seasons, special events, or staff shortages, and may work on contracts ranging from a few weeks to several months. The role requires flexibility, strong culinary skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. Temporary Cruise Ship Chefs often gain valuable international experience and exposure to large-scale catering operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary cruise ship chef?

To thrive as a Temporary Cruise Ship Chef, you need strong culinary skills, experience in high-volume food preparation, and relevant culinary qualifications or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, HACCP food safety standards, and inventory management systems is typically required. Adaptability, teamwork, and excellent time management are crucial soft skills for excelling in the dynamic, multicultural environment onboard. These skills ensure consistent food quality, compliance with safety regulations, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced, confined setting.

What are some unique challenges faced by temporary cruise ship chefs during their assignments?

Temporary cruise ship chefs often need to quickly adapt to new kitchen environments, diverse teams, and fluctuating menus. Working at sea means they must manage limited storage space, follow strict safety protocols, and accommodate a wide range of guest dietary needs. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of cruise kitchens and long working hours require strong organizational and communication skills to ensure smooth service and maintain consistent food quality.

What is the difference between Temporary Cruise Ship Chef vs Permanent Cruise Ship Chef?

AspectTemporary Cruise Ship ChefPermanent Cruise Ship Chef
CredentialsCulinary certifications, maritime safety trainingSame as temporary, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentShort-term contracts on cruise shipsLong-term employment onboard cruise ships
Employment DurationWeeks to monthsMultiple years
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepare meals, adapt quickly to ship's standardsOversee kitchen operations long-term

Temporary Cruise Ship Chefs work on short-term contracts, focusing on immediate culinary needs, while Permanent Cruise Ship Chefs hold long-term positions with ongoing responsibilities. Both roles require culinary certifications and maritime safety training, but differ mainly in duration and job stability.

More about Temporary Cruise Ship Chef jobs

What cities are hiring for Temporary Cruise Ship Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary 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 Temporary Cruise Ship Chef jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Temporary 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 $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

SBN - Executive Sous Chef

Holland America Line & Seabourn

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

Temporary

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Job description

SBN - Executive Sous Chef
Department: Galley
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Global
Description
Management of all shipboard food preparation to ensure that the line's high culinary standard of cuisine is maintained within the budgetary limitation established as company policy. Assists the Executive Chef in his duties.
The Executive Sous Chef is responsible to ensure the guest satisfaction of the food product in their outlet. They also ensure that staff is trained in order to provide the service necessary for the continued service we provide on board. The decisions made regarding food costs and waste management is imperative to the success of the company as well as team morale and support to the management.
Reporting relationships:The Executive Sous Chef reports directly to the Executive Chef de Cuisine.
Key Responsibilities
  1. Assists the Executive Chef in his duties.
  2. Assist that all standard operation procedures are in place, adhered to and being followed throughout the ship.
  3. Evaluate assigned galley staff as per Seabourn personnel policy.
  4. Assist in training sessions for galley staff that is involved in food preparation.
  5. Oversee the care, treatment and training on galley equipment.
  6. Control inventory and maintenance records of durable (non-food) items.
  7. Control hours worked in his team. At the same time to ensure that overtime is kept to a minimum level.
  8. Maintain log sheet of all liquors and wines for food preparation in galley.
  9. Actively involved in yield and portion control in conjunction with Executive Chef.
  10. Assist in training sessions for galley staff that is involved in food preparation.
  11. Ensure that waste control is in place, grocery breakage minimized and garbage
    separation followed.
  12. Assist loading on the pier that all-perishable food items are of highest quality before bringing on board.

Public Health:
  1. To be familiar with and execute the Seabourn HESS-MS appropriate to their position.
  2. Control and monitor cooling logs and blast chiller procedures. Follow up on daily checklists.
  3. Maintain physical spot checks in all fresh produce fridges in Main Galley.
  4. Supervise butcher shop to ensure that all meat items are being properly handled during storing, defrosting and preparation and to minimize waste.

Qualifications
Education:
  • Formal degree in food management from a recognized International culinary institution
  • Proof of continuing education translated in certificates or letter of participation in specialized courses
  • Strong command of the English language combined with writing skills

Experience:
  • 5+ years experience in a 5 star + hotel, cruise ship or high-profile restaurant performing the functions of a similar position.
  • 2+ year in same or similar position.
  • Certification from accredited advanced food safety program. Extensive knowledge in VSP preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Preferred knowledge of cruise ship-catering operation.
  • Thorough knowledge of food preparation, presentation and preservation procedures. Thorough knowledge of Public Health and Sanitation's regulations and procedures.
  • Effective planner, problem solver and ability of successful implementations.
  • Ability to execute and follow up on food promotions and other activities that will increase guest cruising experience.

Physical Demands & Travel
Physical Demands:
For the safety of yourself and others on board certain physical abilities shall be maintained. Must be able to bend, climb, perform repetitive motion, and repetitively heavy lift.
Must maintain physical fitness to perform tasks associated with job.
Travel Requirements:
  • Passport - valid for a minimum of 6 month
  • Flag state issued seaman book
  • General flag state or flag state approved marine fitness medical United States C1/D visa
  • English Marlin test at minimal score of 80%
  • Pre-employment medical examination

Working Conditions:Working on a cruise ship is very different from any land-based occupation. Working hours are longer and work is more intense due to the constant demand of the guests. You have to be very flexible in your working hours, which on occasion might have to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. The Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 however strictly regulates these. Apart from the working hours there are strict rules which all members of the ship's company need to adhere to as stipulated by the Master's standing orders. You work in close proximity with your fellow crewmembers and therefore respect among all is essential.