Lead Line Cook

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating within the United States, specializing in offering unique and immersive travel experiences along America’s rivers. Their diverse fleet includes contemporary riverboats and classic paddlewheel steamboats, providing guests with a range of river cruising itineraries that highlight scenic landscapes and culturally significant destinations throughout the nation. Known for delivering exceptional service and luxurious comfort, American Cruise Lines prides itself on its commitment to quality, patriotism, and merit, which shapes the company culture and continuously drives the team to deliver memorable journeys that Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

This season, American Cruise Lines is looking to hire Lead Line Cooks for their shipboard team for the 2026 river cruising season. This full-time, exempt position involves working onboard the ships sailing America’s rivers. The Lead Line Cook will play a critical role in the galley, working closely with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef to help produce and deliver high-quality meals that adhere to standardized recipes and meet the diverse dietary needs of both guests and crew. The role requires involvement in all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special onboard events, ensuring that a first-class dining experience is consistently provided.

As a Lead Line Cook, you will be responsible for assisting in meal preparation and service, managing inventory to minimize food waste, and ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards. Comfortable onboard living accommodations and a dynamic culinary environment await those who join the team. The position demands strong organizational skills, the ability to handle long days, and experience working in fast-paced, full-service kitchens. Candidates must be prepared to work onboard seven days a week, typically in 6-8 week rotations with 1-2 weeks off between assignments.

Engaging with guests and crew alike, the Lead Line Cook is expected to deliver gracious hospitality while maintaining professionalism and safety throughout the galley operations. The Lead Line Cook will also supervise galley stewards and assist with their daily tasks, reinforce cleanliness and sanitation standards in the galley, and work collaboratively with the culinary team to maintain supply orders and storage organization.

Those interested in this opportunity should possess culinary expertise and credentials, preferably an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or related hospitality management field, alongside significant experience in full-service restaurant, hotel, resort, or cruise ship kitchens. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage a team effectively are essential. In addition, safety compliance including a US Coast Guard regulated drug test and possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) are mandatory.

American Cruise Lines offers competitive daily compensation, health, dental, vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match. They take care of important covered expenses including travel, room and board, uniforms, and training to ensure their crew members are fully supported. This role requires the ability to live and work onboard a vessel subject to constant motion, handling physical demands such as long shifts standing, lifting, and frequent movement.

By joining American Cruise Lines as a Lead Line Cook, you become part of a dedicated team that values optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, working to provide guests with unparalleled culinary experiences as part of their river cruise adventures.