Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $18.50 - $31.50
Work Schedule
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) with match
Paid Travel Expenses
Room and board
uniforms
Training
Job Description
American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for offering exceptional river cruising experiences on modern riverboats and historic paddlewheelers. These vessels carry no more than 200 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized small-ship experience as passengers explore America’s most scenic rivers. With a continually expanding fleet of newly constructed vessels, American Cruise Lines is dedicated to providing high-quality, authentic American cruising tailored to showcase the nation’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. The company upholds core values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which are deeply ingrained within its culture, service quality, and workforce engagement. Employment with American Cruise Lines means being part of a passionate team working towards sharing America’s story aboard the finest American ships available.
The Pastry Chef role at American Cruise Lines is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled culinary professional specializing in pastries, desserts, and baked goods to join a dynamic and esteemed culinary team onboard the company’s vessels during the 2026 season. This full-time, exempt position involves living and working on board the ship, which requires adaptability to the unique environment caused by the natural motions of the vessel such as surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. The role demands not only a high level of technical expertise in pastry arts but also creativity and innovation in researching and developing new dessert recipes to consistently delight guests and crew alike. The Pastry Chef will be responsible for the daily preparation and presentation of desserts, breads, pastries, cookies, and other confections, strictly adhering to established recipes, quality standards, and portion controls. This position works closely under the guidance of the Executive Chef to maintain smooth galley operations.
Working in the well-equipped galley with spectacular river views, the Pastry Chef enjoys comfortable living quarters on board and a stimulating work environment that encourages culinary excellence. The candidate must possess a refined palate to appreciate flavor pairings and demonstrate an excellent aesthetic sense for dessert presentation. The position also requires strong organizational skills to manage inventory, production scheduling, and quality control, ensuring fresh baked goods are always available. American Cruise Lines offers a competitive daily rate, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and covers expenses related to travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. Candidates must be prepared to work a demanding schedule, including seven days per week while onboard, with 6 to 8-week contracts followed by unpaid vacation periods. Additionally, the ability to pass background checks, drug tests, and acquire the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is mandatory. This opportunity combines travel, culinary passion, and professional growth in a unique river cruise setting, providing a rewarding career for dedicated pastry chefs committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The Pastry Chef role at American Cruise Lines is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled culinary professional specializing in pastries, desserts, and baked goods to join a dynamic and esteemed culinary team onboard the company’s vessels during the 2026 season. This full-time, exempt position involves living and working on board the ship, which requires adaptability to the unique environment caused by the natural motions of the vessel such as surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. The role demands not only a high level of technical expertise in pastry arts but also creativity and innovation in researching and developing new dessert recipes to consistently delight guests and crew alike. The Pastry Chef will be responsible for the daily preparation and presentation of desserts, breads, pastries, cookies, and other confections, strictly adhering to established recipes, quality standards, and portion controls. This position works closely under the guidance of the Executive Chef to maintain smooth galley operations.
Working in the well-equipped galley with spectacular river views, the Pastry Chef enjoys comfortable living quarters on board and a stimulating work environment that encourages culinary excellence. The candidate must possess a refined palate to appreciate flavor pairings and demonstrate an excellent aesthetic sense for dessert presentation. The position also requires strong organizational skills to manage inventory, production scheduling, and quality control, ensuring fresh baked goods are always available. American Cruise Lines offers a competitive daily rate, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and covers expenses related to travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. Candidates must be prepared to work a demanding schedule, including seven days per week while onboard, with 6 to 8-week contracts followed by unpaid vacation periods. Additionally, the ability to pass background checks, drug tests, and acquire the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is mandatory. This opportunity combines travel, culinary passion, and professional growth in a unique river cruise setting, providing a rewarding career for dedicated pastry chefs committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Job Requirements
- Associate's degree in culinary arts or pastry and baking, or equivalent experience
- 3-5 years of professional experience in pastry and baking
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
- Completion of a criminal background check
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Ability to perform physical job functions including standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders, and working in a moving ship environment
- Flexibility to work 7 days per week onboard with extended contracts
- Ability to work in a high-pressure kitchen environment
- Availability for full-time employment
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
No experience required
Job Location
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