Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
competitive daily rate
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) with match
Covered travel expenses
Room and board
Job Description
American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for providing an intimate small-ship experience along America's rivers through its modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers. The company prides itself on a fleet that carries no more than 200 guests per vessel, allowing for personalized service and a distinctive travel atmosphere. With new vessels joining the fleet regularly, American Cruise Lines continues to expand its reach, offering unique journeys that explore the scenic waterways and historic landmarks across the nation. The company is driven by core values of Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit, which shape the culture, service, and teamwork that employees experience on board. American Cruise Lines is committed to sharing America's story through exceptional customer experiences on the finest American ships.
The Pastry Chef role at American Cruise Lines is an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about pastry and dessert preparation to join a dedicated team for the 2026 season. This full-time, exempt position requires working onboard the ship with a demanding yet rewarding schedule of 7 days per week for 6-8 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of unpaid vacation. The Pastry Chef is responsible for crafting a wide variety of desserts, baked goods, pastries, and breads according to a daily menu matrix and culinary standards set by the Executive Chef. Candidates must possess the expertise to balance flavor pairings and create aesthetically pleasing presentations that delight guests and crew alike. Creativity and continuous research into innovative baking recipes are essential to ensure each dining experience is exceptional.
Working aboard the American Cruise Lines vessels offers a unique lifestyle that combines professional challenge with comfort, as chefs enjoy well-equipped galleys featuring spectacular views and comfortable living quarters. Due to the nature of river cruising, chefs must adapt to ship motions such as surge, sway, and roll, maintaining focus and efficiency while at sea. The position emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure, often requiring long shifts and the capacity to help in onboard emergencies. The Pastry Chef must maintain station cleanliness according to FDA standards, manage inventory and production schedules, and ensure adherence to quality and safety protocols.
American Cruise Lines supports its employees through competitive daily compensation and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Travel expenses, room and board, uniforms, and training are covered, ensuring that the chef can focus on delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role requires candidates to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete a criminal background check, and possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and equitable treatment for all employees, fostering a supportive environment that values individual qualifications and business needs above all else.
The Pastry Chef role at American Cruise Lines is an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about pastry and dessert preparation to join a dedicated team for the 2026 season. This full-time, exempt position requires working onboard the ship with a demanding yet rewarding schedule of 7 days per week for 6-8 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of unpaid vacation. The Pastry Chef is responsible for crafting a wide variety of desserts, baked goods, pastries, and breads according to a daily menu matrix and culinary standards set by the Executive Chef. Candidates must possess the expertise to balance flavor pairings and create aesthetically pleasing presentations that delight guests and crew alike. Creativity and continuous research into innovative baking recipes are essential to ensure each dining experience is exceptional.
Working aboard the American Cruise Lines vessels offers a unique lifestyle that combines professional challenge with comfort, as chefs enjoy well-equipped galleys featuring spectacular views and comfortable living quarters. Due to the nature of river cruising, chefs must adapt to ship motions such as surge, sway, and roll, maintaining focus and efficiency while at sea. The position emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure, often requiring long shifts and the capacity to help in onboard emergencies. The Pastry Chef must maintain station cleanliness according to FDA standards, manage inventory and production schedules, and ensure adherence to quality and safety protocols.
American Cruise Lines supports its employees through competitive daily compensation and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Travel expenses, room and board, uniforms, and training are covered, ensuring that the chef can focus on delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role requires candidates to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete a criminal background check, and possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and equitable treatment for all employees, fostering a supportive environment that values individual qualifications and business needs above all else.
Job Requirements
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test
- Must complete a criminal background check
- Possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
- Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time
- Ability to adapt and adjust daily to last-minute requests or changes
- Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment
- Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
- Ability to work around 12 hours per day
- Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by climbing ladders and passing through hatches
- Ability to stand for entire shift
- Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach
- Ability to 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
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 break 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
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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