Executive Chef

American Cruise Lines stands as the largest U.S. cruise line, renowned for offering immersive travel experiences, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine aboard the finest ships in America. The company features over 50 itineraries that traverse some of America’s most breathtaking waterways, including iconic regions such as New England, the Southeast, the Mississippi River, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Great Lakes, and many more. American Cruise Lines is committed to delivering not only voyages but memorable stories and experiences that celebrate the diverse beauty and heritage of the United States. This commitment is encapsulated in their core values: Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit, which guide the company culture, service excellence, and employee engagement.

The Executive Chef position at American Cruise Lines is a unique and dynamic role designed for talented culinary leaders who are passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences while exploring the country’s scenic waterways throughout the 2026 cruising season. This full-time, exempt position offers a rare opportunity to lead and inspire a galley team in a fast-paced, hands-on environment onboard the ship. The Executive Chef will be instrumental in planning, preparing, and presenting elevated cuisine that reflects the local flavors and ingredients of each region visited on the cruise itineraries. The candidate must be adept at managing a variety of culinary tasks including menu execution, maintaining food safety standards, overseeing inventory and waste reduction, and adapting quickly to operational changes with professionalism and a positive attitude.

As a leader, the Executive Chef will coach and manage a team of 6 to 10 galley staff, fostering a collaborative kitchen environment where excellence and guest satisfaction are paramount. This role requires technical culinary expertise combined with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to maintain the high standards American Cruise Lines is known for. The successful candidate will embody a hands-on and detail-oriented approach to kitchen operations while prioritizing the safety and well-being of both the guests and crew members.

The work schedule demands full commitment, requiring seven days per week coverage while onboard the ship, with rotations of six to eight weeks working and living onboard followed by one to two weeks off. The role involves working approximately 12 hours per day, with the physical demands of standing for long periods, managing heavy lifting, and navigating the unique challenges presented by the moving environment of a vessel, including adapting to ship motions such as surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw.

American Cruise Lines provides competitive daily pay along with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, and covers travel, room and board, uniforms, and training expenses. This position also requires candidates to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check and obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Candidates should have a strong background with at least 6 to 8 years of experience in full-service culinary settings such as resorts, hotels, country clubs, or banquet facilities, ideally supported by ServSafe Manager Certification.

This role offers seasoned chefs an exciting chance to broaden their professional horizons beyond traditional kitchens by combining culinary artistry with the adventure and cultural immersion that comes with cruising through America’s rivers and coastal regions. If you are a motivated leader with a passion for excellence and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment, the Executive Chef position at American Cruise Lines promises to be a rewarding and unforgettable career opportunity.