Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) with match
travel expenses covered
room and board covered
Uniforms covered
training provided
Job Description
American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for offering a distinct small-ship experience along America’s majestic rivers. With a fleet that includes modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers, each vessel is designed to carry no more than 200 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized journey for every traveler. The company prides itself on continuous growth and innovation, with newly constructed vessels frequently joining the fleet to expand its footprint and elevate the quality of its services nationwide. The hospitality and travel service provided by American Cruise Lines stands out by blending rich American history with luxurious comfort and exceptional customer service.
In this environment, the culinary experience is a critical component of the guest experience. American Cruise Lines is seeking talented Sous Chefs for the 2026 season who are passionate about crafting exceptional cuisine. The culinary team is composed of chefs who hold extensive credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. The role of the Sous Chef is vital in bringing menus to life, which are thoughtfully inspired by regional and local specialties, made from the freshest ingredients. The Sous Chef will be integral in all aspects of food production, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner service in the main restaurant. Additionally, they are responsible for the quality and presentation of café food and hors d'oeuvres.
The Sous Chef must guarantee consistency in culinary excellence throughout the vessel, ensuring that every dish served meets the high standards of flavor, presentation, and quality. This position demands close cooperation with the Executive Chef and other team members to maintain smooth kitchen operations and flawless guest service. American Cruise Lines embraces core values that shape its culture and service—optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit. These values guide the culinary and broader team as they collaborate to deliver an exceptional cruise experience that truly shares America’s story.
This position offers a full-time, exempt employment status, with a demanding work schedule of 7 days a week onboard the ship during 6 to 8 week rotations followed by 1 to 2 weeks off. The unique working environment includes living and working on a vessel subject to constant motion caused by wind, waves, and currents. The role requires strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic culinary setting. Alongside competitive daily compensation, American Cruise Lines supports its employees with comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and covered expenses for travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. This position is an extraordinary opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional to develop their career while contributing to a premium American cruise experience.
In this environment, the culinary experience is a critical component of the guest experience. American Cruise Lines is seeking talented Sous Chefs for the 2026 season who are passionate about crafting exceptional cuisine. The culinary team is composed of chefs who hold extensive credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. The role of the Sous Chef is vital in bringing menus to life, which are thoughtfully inspired by regional and local specialties, made from the freshest ingredients. The Sous Chef will be integral in all aspects of food production, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner service in the main restaurant. Additionally, they are responsible for the quality and presentation of café food and hors d'oeuvres.
The Sous Chef must guarantee consistency in culinary excellence throughout the vessel, ensuring that every dish served meets the high standards of flavor, presentation, and quality. This position demands close cooperation with the Executive Chef and other team members to maintain smooth kitchen operations and flawless guest service. American Cruise Lines embraces core values that shape its culture and service—optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit. These values guide the culinary and broader team as they collaborate to deliver an exceptional cruise experience that truly shares America’s story.
This position offers a full-time, exempt employment status, with a demanding work schedule of 7 days a week onboard the ship during 6 to 8 week rotations followed by 1 to 2 weeks off. The unique working environment includes living and working on a vessel subject to constant motion caused by wind, waves, and currents. The role requires strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, dynamic culinary setting. Alongside competitive daily compensation, American Cruise Lines supports its employees with comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and covered expenses for travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. This position is an extraordinary opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional to develop their career while contributing to a premium American cruise experience.
Job Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship
- ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred
- Familiar with food safety standards
- Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization
- An effective leader who can effectively control time management
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test
- Complete criminal background check
- Training and teaching experience
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation
Job Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship
- ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred
- Familiarity with food safety standards
- Problem solving skills
- Self-motivation and organization
- Effective leadership and time management
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
- Completion of criminal background check
- Training and teaching experience
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation
Job Duties
- Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for guests using fresh ingredients
- Oversee the culinary team to produce delicious and presentable café, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres food, maintaining high guest scores
- Ensure world class culinary skill and presentation consistency across all food served throughout the ship
- Organize kitchen work for efficient process flow
- Produce high quality dishes following established menu choices
- Adhere to all guest dietary requests
- Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours
- Prioritize hygiene and food safety standards throughout food preparation
- Ensure meals are prepared quickly and deliciously
- Enforce food and safety standards
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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