Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Flexible
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) with match
competitive daily rate
travel expenses covered
room and board covered
Job Description
American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, offering a distinctive and intimate travel experience along America's rivers. Specializing in modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers with a maximum guest capacity of 200, American Cruise Lines is known for delivering unmatched small-ship cruising. Their fleet is continuously expanding with newly constructed vessels, ensuring fresh opportunities for culinary professionals to leave their mark on the cruise industry. The company prides itself on a deep commitment to values such as Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit, which collectively shape a unique and positive work culture devoted to sharing America's story on their finest American ships.
The Executive Sous Chef role at American Cruise Lines for the 2026 season presents a rare and rewarding career opportunity for culinary leaders who thrive in dynamic environments. Operating onboard small luxury cruise vessels, Executive Sous Chefs play a key part in creating exceptional dining experiences for guests by crafting a variety of flavorful, fresh, and regionally inspired dishes. These vessels emphasize quality over quantity, which demands exceptional culinary talent and profound attention to detail. Beyond serving guests, Executive Sous Chefs also hold a critical role in ensuring the wellbeing of the crew through provision of nutritious, well-balanced, and allergy-conscious meals. This responsibility enhances crew satisfaction and performance, making this a pivotal role in the vessel’s daily operations.
In this full-time, exempt position, Executive Sous Chefs collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to produce diverse menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The role demands leadership in kitchen organization, rigorous adherence to hygiene and food safety standards, and the ability to produce quality meals efficiently under the conditions of continuous ship motions. Candidates must be capable of multitasking, managing time effectively, and maintaining composure under pressure. The role requires boarding periods of 6 to 8 weeks followed by 1 to 2 weeks of leave, reflecting the unique demands of life at sea.
American Cruise Lines provides an outstanding work environment with comprehensive training, travel, uniforms, and accommodations covered. There is a competitive daily wage and benefits including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with matching contributions. This role is not only about cooking; it requires leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, as well as the physical ability to endure the rigors of life on board a vessel.
This position is perfect for culinary professionals with appreciable experience in resorts, hotels, or cruise ships who seek to grow their careers in an environment that values excellence, innovation, and a spirit of American pride. The Executive Sous Chef position at American Cruise Lines is an invitation to be part of a storied company dedicated to creating unforgettable travel experiences through outstanding culinary artistry and dedicated crew care.
The Executive Sous Chef role at American Cruise Lines for the 2026 season presents a rare and rewarding career opportunity for culinary leaders who thrive in dynamic environments. Operating onboard small luxury cruise vessels, Executive Sous Chefs play a key part in creating exceptional dining experiences for guests by crafting a variety of flavorful, fresh, and regionally inspired dishes. These vessels emphasize quality over quantity, which demands exceptional culinary talent and profound attention to detail. Beyond serving guests, Executive Sous Chefs also hold a critical role in ensuring the wellbeing of the crew through provision of nutritious, well-balanced, and allergy-conscious meals. This responsibility enhances crew satisfaction and performance, making this a pivotal role in the vessel’s daily operations.
In this full-time, exempt position, Executive Sous Chefs collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to produce diverse menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The role demands leadership in kitchen organization, rigorous adherence to hygiene and food safety standards, and the ability to produce quality meals efficiently under the conditions of continuous ship motions. Candidates must be capable of multitasking, managing time effectively, and maintaining composure under pressure. The role requires boarding periods of 6 to 8 weeks followed by 1 to 2 weeks of leave, reflecting the unique demands of life at sea.
American Cruise Lines provides an outstanding work environment with comprehensive training, travel, uniforms, and accommodations covered. There is a competitive daily wage and benefits including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with matching contributions. This role is not only about cooking; it requires leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, as well as the physical ability to endure the rigors of life on board a vessel.
This position is perfect for culinary professionals with appreciable experience in resorts, hotels, or cruise ships who seek to grow their careers in an environment that values excellence, innovation, and a spirit of American pride. The Executive Sous Chef position at American Cruise Lines is an invitation to be part of a storied company dedicated to creating unforgettable travel experiences through outstanding culinary artistry and dedicated crew care.
Job Requirements
- Minimum 5 years culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship
- ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Familiar with food safety standards
- Ability to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player
- Ability to work with composure under pressure
- Problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization
- Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions
- Effective leadership and time management skills
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
- US Coast Guard pre-employment drug test
- Training and teaching experience
- Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation
Job Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship
- ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Familiar with food safety standards
- Must be able to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player
- Ability to work with composure under pressure
- Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization
- Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions
- An effective leader who can effectively control his/her time management
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
- US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test
- Training and Teaching experience
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
Job Duties
- Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients
- Produce a daily variety of healthy, delicious, and nutritious buffet-style crew meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, maintaining high crew satisfaction
- Regularly check-in with the ship’s crew regarding the overall satisfaction of the meals provided
- Organize the work in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently
- Produce high quality guest dishes that follow the established menu choices
- Adhere to all guest and crew dietary requests and restrictions
- 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
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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