Executive Chef

American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line dedicated to providing immersive travel experiences, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine. Specializing in showcasing America’s breathtaking waterways, the company offers over 50 itineraries covering New England, the Southeast, the Mississippi River, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Great Lakes, and many other iconic regions. Known for their commitment to sharing America's story aboard the finest ships built in the United States, the company takes immense pride in delivering quality and authenticity in every voyage. Their fleet and service standards reflect dedication to American heritage and high customer satisfaction.

The role of Executive Chef aboard American Cruise Lines’ vessels is a crucial leadership position within the shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. This full-time, exempt role requires a culinary expert who can lead a galley team of 6 to 10 members, orchestrate all meal preparations, and craft regionally inspired menus that incorporate fresh, local ingredients. The Executive Chef ensures that every dining event is memorable by curating elevated cuisine that embodies the flavors of the regions the ships visit. This job is highly dynamic and rewarding, ideal for chefs who want to extend their culinary expertise beyond the confines of a traditional kitchen while traveling extensively across the U.S.

In addition to culinary leadership, the Executive Chef is responsible for maintaining FDA, sanitation, and safety standards, overseeing inventory management, portion controls, and minimizing food waste. The position demands adaptability to last-minute operational changes with a calm, solution-oriented approach to delivering exceptional guest experiences. The role requires stamina and the ability to work on a moving vessel that encounters up to six distinct ship motions such as surge, sway, roll, and pitch, necessitating employees who can safely and effectively live and carry out duties on board.

As an essential member of the crew, the Executive Chef embodies the company’s core values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, driving a culture of leadership, professionalism, and teamwork. Benefits include a competitive daily rate, health, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) with match, plus covered expenses such as travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. This opportunity is perfect for experienced culinary professionals who thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, and who are excited about delivering extraordinary dining experiences while journeying across America’s most beautiful waterways.