Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) with match
Travel covered
Room and board
uniforms
Training
Job Description
American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for providing an intimate and luxurious travel experience along America's historic rivers. Specializing in small-ship voyages aboard modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers that accommodate no more than 200 guests, American Cruise Lines is dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality and sightseeing opportunities. The company continues to expand its fleet with newly constructed vessels, offering exciting growth opportunities for professionals passionate about hospitality and culinary excellence. Positioned as a leader in domestic cruising, American Cruise Lines takes pride in sharing America’s story by blending comfort, elegance, and authentic experiences on the finest American ships.
For the 2026 season, American Cruise Lines is seeking talented and dedicated Pastry Chefs to join their culinary team. The Pastry Chef role is an essential position within the onboard culinary staff, responsible for crafting a wide variety of desserts and baked goods that delight guests and crew alike. Chefs will demonstrate their expertise by preparing breads, pastries, cookies, and confectionery items that meet high standards of flavor, presentation, and consistency according to the established recipes and daily menu matrix. This full-time exempt role involves living and working aboard the cruise vessels for extended periods, where chefs will enjoy comfortable living quarters and operate in well-equipped galley kitchens with spectacular views.
Successful candidates will exhibit a strong creativity and dedication to continual research and development of new dessert recipes to elevate the culinary experience onboard. They must possess a meticulous attention to detail, an appreciation for flavor pairings, and the ability to deliver visually stunning presentations. Beyond culinary skills, the role requires adaptability to the dynamic and sometimes challenging environment of a moving vessel, including the ability to work long hours under pressure and adjust to last-minute changes. The Pastry Chef will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to ensure quality, manage inventory, and maintain a clean and organized workstation in compliance with FDA standards.
American Cruise Lines is committed to fostering a positive work environment shaped by core values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit. These values form the foundation of their culture and guide the team’s approach to service and teamwork. As part of the crew, the Pastry Chef plays a vital role in delivering memorable dining experiences that contribute to the line’s mission of sharing America's heritage and natural beauty through exceptional culinary offerings. This position offers competitive daily rates and comprehensive benefits, including health and dental insurance, vision coverage, 401(k) with matching, and all essential expenses such as travel, room, board, uniforms, and training covered by the company.
Joining American Cruise Lines as a Pastry Chef not only enhances your career in culinary arts but also provides a unique opportunity to work on beautiful ships navigating America’s historic waterways. This role is ideal for chefs who thrive in fast-paced, creative environments and wish to be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in hospitality at sea.
For the 2026 season, American Cruise Lines is seeking talented and dedicated Pastry Chefs to join their culinary team. The Pastry Chef role is an essential position within the onboard culinary staff, responsible for crafting a wide variety of desserts and baked goods that delight guests and crew alike. Chefs will demonstrate their expertise by preparing breads, pastries, cookies, and confectionery items that meet high standards of flavor, presentation, and consistency according to the established recipes and daily menu matrix. This full-time exempt role involves living and working aboard the cruise vessels for extended periods, where chefs will enjoy comfortable living quarters and operate in well-equipped galley kitchens with spectacular views.
Successful candidates will exhibit a strong creativity and dedication to continual research and development of new dessert recipes to elevate the culinary experience onboard. They must possess a meticulous attention to detail, an appreciation for flavor pairings, and the ability to deliver visually stunning presentations. Beyond culinary skills, the role requires adaptability to the dynamic and sometimes challenging environment of a moving vessel, including the ability to work long hours under pressure and adjust to last-minute changes. The Pastry Chef will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to ensure quality, manage inventory, and maintain a clean and organized workstation in compliance with FDA standards.
American Cruise Lines is committed to fostering a positive work environment shaped by core values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit. These values form the foundation of their culture and guide the team’s approach to service and teamwork. As part of the crew, the Pastry Chef plays a vital role in delivering memorable dining experiences that contribute to the line’s mission of sharing America's heritage and natural beauty through exceptional culinary offerings. This position offers competitive daily rates and comprehensive benefits, including health and dental insurance, vision coverage, 401(k) with matching, and all essential expenses such as travel, room, board, uniforms, and training covered by the company.
Joining American Cruise Lines as a Pastry Chef not only enhances your career in culinary arts but also provides a unique opportunity to work on beautiful ships navigating America’s historic waterways. This role is ideal for chefs who thrive in fast-paced, creative environments and wish to be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in hospitality at sea.
Job Requirements
- Associate’s degree in culinary arts or related field
- 3-5 years of pastry chef experience focused on quality production
- Understanding of FDA standards and baking safety
- Ability to live and work on board vessels for extended periods
- Ability to work 7 days per week while onboard
- Ability to work 12 hours per day
- Ability to adapt and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Must pass pre-employment drug test
- Must complete criminal background check
- Must possess Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Physical ability to stand entire shift and lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to climb ladders and use stairs frequently
Job Qualifications
- An associate’s degree in culinary arts or pastry and baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production
- Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food and beverage knowledge
- Problem solving skills, organization skills, and self-motivation
- Commitment to quality service
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test
- Must complete a criminal background check
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
Job Duties
- Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel each day
- Prepare and serve items in accordance with established procedures, recipes, portion size, and presentation standards
- Set-up, maintain, and breaks down station according to FDA standards
- Taste all products produced to assess quality
- Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues
- Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and food prepared
- Schedule the production of all baked goods
- Always maintain an inventory of fresh baked goods
- Use food production equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Maintain a professional appearance at all times
- Ensure that each guest has a positive and memorable experience
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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