Executive Chef

American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, renowned for delivering immersive travel experiences, exceptional guest service, and world-class cuisine while showcasing America’s diverse and breathtaking waterways. The company operates over 50 itineraries that span iconic regions such as New England, the Southeast, the Mississippi River, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Great Lakes, and more. As a proud champion of American heritage, American Cruise Lines is dedicated to sharing America’s story on some of the finest ships in the country, combining comfort, luxury, and unique regional experiences to provide guests with memorable journeys on the water.

This dynamic and forward-thinking travel company is currently seeking talented and passionate Executive Chefs to join their shipboard culinary team for the 2026 cruising season. The Executive Chef role is a highly responsible and rewarding position that involves leading all culinary operations on board, ensuring guests enjoy an unforgettable dining experience that reflects the regional flavors of each itinerary. The Executive Chef will direct the galley team with professionalism and passion, overseeing meal planning, preparation, and presentation with a focus on quality, taste, and aesthetic appeal.

In this full-time, exempt role, the Executive Chef must thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment within the unique setting of a moving vessel. The position requires a hands-on leader who is skilled in coaching and managing a kitchen crew, executing regionally inspired menus using fresh and local ingredients, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety and sanitation according to FDA guidelines. Additionally, the Executive Chef will handle critical administrative responsibilities like food inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction to ensure operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Living and working aboard a cruise ship comes with special challenges and opportunities. The candidate must adapt quickly to changing conditions and maintain composure under pressure while supporting a team through daily galley routines and culinary innovation. The role includes seven days a week work schedule while on board, with typical rotations of 6 to 8 weeks aboard followed by 1 to 2 weeks off. American Cruise Lines provides a competitive daily rate compensation along with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with matching, and coverage of expenses such as travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Candidates must possess substantial experience, preferably 6-8+ years in full-service resorts, hotels, country clubs, or banquet settings, and have strong leadership and communication skills. Certifications like ServSafe Manager and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) are either required or strongly preferred. The Executive Chef must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job, including coping with ship movements, standing for long shifts, and lifting heavy items as needed.

Joining American Cruise Lines means becoming part of a company driven by core values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit. The Executive Chef role offers a unique career opportunity for culinary professionals who want to lead with passion and creativity while traveling America’s stunning waterways and delivering exceptional dining experiences that guests will cherish for a lifetime.