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Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA

$48K - $65K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Brunswick, GA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Marietta, OH · On-site

$39K - $53K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Rocky River, OH · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Farmington, UT · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Maysville, KY · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Old Saybrook, CT

$50K - $68K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... 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

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Punta Gorda, FL · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Toledo, OH · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to ... Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship. * ServSafe ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCruise Ship Kitchen JobsTrainee Cruise Ship Kitchen Jobs

Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen information

What is the difference between Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen vs Cook?

AspectTrainee Cruise Ship KitchenCook
Required CredentialsBasic culinary training, onboard safety certificationsCooking experience, culinary certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment onboard cruise ships, supervisedOperational kitchen environment, independent or team-based
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position for cruise lines, training roleProfessional kitchen role in various settings, including cruise ships

The Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen is an entry-level, training-focused role designed to develop skills onboard cruise ships, often requiring basic culinary certifications. A Cook is a more experienced role, responsible for preparing meals independently. While both work in the cruise industry, the trainee position emphasizes learning and supervision, whereas the cook role involves direct culinary responsibilities.

What does a trainee cruise ship kitchen worker do?

A Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen worker assists chefs and kitchen staff in preparing and serving meals for passengers and crew on a cruise ship. Their duties typically include basic food preparation, cleaning kitchen equipment, stocking supplies, and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards. This entry-level position is designed to provide hands-on experience in a fast-paced, multicultural environment while learning the fundamentals of culinary operations at sea.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee cruise ship kitchen staff member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen staff member, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a relevant certification such as a food handler’s permit. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and cruise-specific sanitation protocols is essential. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help you excel in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, compliance with health standards, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges faced by a trainee cruise ship kitchen staff, and how can they be overcome?

As a Trainee in a cruise ship kitchen, one of the most common challenges is adapting to the fast-paced and high-pressure environment, especially during peak meal times. Additionally, working in a multicultural team requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Space is often limited, so maintaining organization and cleanliness is crucial. To overcome these challenges, it’s helpful to stay proactive, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and be open to feedback. Developing strong teamwork skills and maintaining a positive attitude will also contribute to your success.
More about Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs are:
Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Cruise Ship Kitchen job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines

Norfolk, VA

$48K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 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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