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Temporary Cruise Ship Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Arlington, OR · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Coinjock, NC · On-site

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Saint Francisville, LA · On-site

$49K - $66K/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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Biloxi, MS · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Morehead City, NC

$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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Mcfarland, WI · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Mackinac Island, MI · On-site

$47K - $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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

$43K - $58K/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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Morehead City, NC · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

$43K - $58K/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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

New Madrid, MO · On-site

$43K - $58K/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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Guilford, CT · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Hannibal, MO · On-site

$47K - $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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Biloxi, MS · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

$43K - $58K/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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Florence, AL · 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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR · On-site

$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 ...

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Temporary Cruise Ship Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

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

As of Sep 2, 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.

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

The most popular types of Cruise Ship Chef jobs are:

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

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Temporary Cruise Ship Chef jobs near you
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.

Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines

Arlington, OR • On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 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.

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