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Temporary Cruise Ship Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Cincinnati, OH

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Chattanooga, TN

$15.75 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Clarksville, TN

$15 - $19.25/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Rocky River, OH

$16 - $20.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Grand Rivers, KY

$15 - $19.25/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

New Madrid, MO

$14.75 - $19/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Sandy, UT · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

La Crosse, WI

$17 - $21.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA

$15.50 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Port Canaveral, FL

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Saint Augustine, FL

$15 - $19.25/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Beaufort, SC

$15.75 - $20/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Moundsville, WV

$14.75 - $19/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Coinjock, NC · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Biloxi, MS · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

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All JobsCruise Ship Cook JobsTemporary Cruise Ship Cook Jobs

Temporary Cruise Ship Cook information

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$16

$23

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

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary cruise ship cook in the United States is $16.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are temporary cruise ship cooks?

Temporary cruise ship cooks are culinary professionals hired on a short-term basis to prepare meals for passengers and crew aboard cruise ships. Their responsibilities include assisting with menu preparation, cooking a variety of dishes, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and sometimes helping with inventory. These positions are typically offered to fill in for regular staff during peak seasons, special voyages, or when full-time cooks are unavailable. Temporary cruise ship cooks must be adaptable, able to work in fast-paced environments, and often work long hours while the ship is at sea.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary cruise ship cooks, and how can they be managed?

Temporary cruise ship cooks often face challenges such as adjusting quickly to new kitchen teams, working in compact and fast-paced galley environments, and adapting to diverse menus to serve international guests. Effective communication and flexibility are essential for integrating smoothly with the crew and maintaining high food quality standards. Building good relationships with permanent staff and staying organized help temporary cooks deliver consistent results despite the demanding schedule and unique constraints of working at sea.

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

AspectTemporary Cruise Ship CookPermanent Cruise Ship Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary certifications, short-term contractsSame culinary certifications, longer-term employment
Work EnvironmentShort-term contracts on cruise ships, variable schedulesLong-term employment aboard cruise ships, consistent schedules
Employer & Industry UsageHired for seasonal or short-term needs by cruise linesEmployed full-time by cruise lines for ongoing operations
Search & Comparison IntentYes, for temporary cruise ship culinary rolesYes, for permanent cruise ship culinary careers

The main difference between a Temporary Cruise Ship Cook and a Permanent Cruise Ship Cook lies in contract length and employment stability. Temporary cooks are hired for short-term assignments, often to cover peak seasons or staff shortages, while permanent cooks work full-time with ongoing contracts. Both roles require similar culinary skills and certifications, but the employment terms and work duration vary significantly.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Cruise Ship Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and relevant kitchen experience, often supported by a food handler's certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with maritime health regulations is typically required. Flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure consistent, high-quality meal preparation and smooth kitchen operations in the unique, fast-paced environment of a cruise ship.
More about Temporary Cruise Ship Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Cruise Ship Cook jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Cruise Ship Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Cook jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Cruise Ship Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Cruise Ship Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Cruise Ship Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Cruise Ship Cook jobs are:
Temporary Cruise Ship Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Cruise Ship Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,984 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Lead Line Cook

Lead Line Cook

American Cruise Lines

Cincinnati, OH

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Lead Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead 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 Lead Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of “all” food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests, dietary needs and allergies throughout each meal period. 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.
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:
  • Commitment to controlling inventory and minimalizing food waste by utilizing standardized recipes.
  • Ensures “all” special requests and allergies are acknowledged, prepared and served accordingly.
  • Adheres to the strict food safety and sanitation policies within the galley.
  • Provides gracious hospitality to the guests and crew alike while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient.
  • Adheres to all American Cruise Lines’ Chefs Manual standards and procedures.
  • Anticipates the needs of both guests and crew.
  • Assists in the production and service of all Crew meals.
  • Responsible for food safety, galley cleanliness, daily galley audits and logs which includes the completion of daily temperature log, refrigerator and freezer temperature logs, and cooling logs.
  • Responds quickly to guest requests and ensure follow through of service delivery.
  • Assists with breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner preparation, as well as any special onboard events.
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure that the guests and crew receive the highest quality of food with proper presentation and timeliness are adhered to.
  • Assist the Sous Chef wit ensuring Galley Steward timecards are submitted and correct.
  • Follow approved menus, standardized recipes, and food sanitation standards.
  • Work with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure food and hotel supplies are ordered and received in a timely manner.
  • Assist in orchestration of proper storage of deliveries in appropriate areas of the galley.
  • Comply FDA logs are completed on a daily, weekly and monthly basis with the Sous Chef.
  • Create positive crew experiences and a healthy work environment.
  • Maintain sanitation and cleanliness standards of the galley, storage rooms and galley crew rooms.
  • Responsible for supervising and assisting the Galley Stewards with the Sous Chef to make sure various tasks throughout the day are being taken care of by the Galley Stewards. Such as removing trash, clutter and empty boxes from the galley; ware washing; organizing and cleaning; sweeping and mopping the deck floor; and cleaning and storing cleaned equipment and tableware.
  • Communication with all coworkers is imperative to all meal services.
Qualifications:
  • Preferred Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or Hotel amp; Restaurant Management.
  • Minimum 4 years’ experience at a full-service restaurant, hotel, resort, or cruise ship.
  • Must have “Line” experience with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and buffets.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills (English).
  • Available to travel and work a flexible schedule including long days for extended periods of time.
  • US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to manage a team of three galley stewards during daily ware washing operations as well as effectively lead, direct, teach and guide and ensure the team is working efficiently throughout the day.
  • 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.
  • 6-8 weeks working / 1-2 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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