Pastry Chef

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, known for providing a unique and intimate small-ship experience aboard modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers. With a maximum guest capacity of 200, the company focuses on delivering exceptional service and memorable journeys along America's rivers. Their fleet is continually expanding with newly constructed vessels, highlighting their growth and dedication to offering refined river cruise experiences. The company embraces core values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which shape their culture, service, and workforce, guiding them toward the mission of sharing America's story on the finest American ships.

The Pastry Chef position at American Cruise Lines is a coveted role that requires a high level of culinary expertise in desserts and baked goods, including confectionary creations. This role is integral to the kitchen team, demanding creativity, precision, and a strong understanding of flavor combinations and aesthetic presentation. The Pastry Chef will be responsible for preparing a wide variety of pastries, breads, cookies, and desserts daily according to a structured menu matrix overseen by the Executive Chef. Creativity and innovation are encouraged, as the role involves researching and testing new recipes to continuously enhance the guest and crew dining experience.

Working on board the ship offers a unique environment with comfortable living quarters and a professional galley equipped to support high culinary standards. The role requires the Pastry Chef to maintain high food safety and FDA standards, ensure quality control in baked goods by taste-testing products, and manage inventory and production schedules effectively. The position offers a competitive daily rate compensation and benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with employer match. American Cruise Lines also covers expenses for travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. This full-time exempt position operates on a 7-day workweek while onboard, with 6-8 weeks of work followed by 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.

Given the shipboard setting, the Pastry Chef must be adaptable, able to work under pressure, and possess the physical ability to handle the motion of the ship, long work hours, and the demands of the role, such as frequent lifting, standing for long periods, and navigating stairs and confined spaces. This unique opportunity combines culinary passion with the adventure of travel and the close-knit culture of working and living aboard America's finest river cruise vessels.