Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for its intimate small-ship experiences aboard modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers that carry no more than 200 guests. The company operates along America’s rivers, delivering a uniquely personal and immersive travel experience that highlights the natural beauty, culture, and history of various regions. American Cruise Lines continuously expands its fleet with newly constructed vessels, offering exciting opportunities for professionals who want to contribute to exceptional culinary and hospitality services nationwide. The company values optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which shape its culture, service standards, and the collaboration among its people. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to sharing America’s story on the finest American ships, ensuring that guests receive unparalleled service and memorable cruises.

The Sous Chef role at American Cruise Lines is a full-time, onboard position for the 2026 season, requiring flexibility to work extensively on the ship with 6 to 8 weeks onboard followed by 1 to 2 weeks off. This role provides an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals who wish to be part of a passionate team that uses fresh, local, and regional ingredients to create exceptional dishes inspired by America’s diverse culinary heritage. As a Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Executive Chef and culinary team, being responsible for overseeing food preparation during all meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, while also maintaining the quality of café food, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres served throughout the vessel. Maintaining consistency in culinary excellence across all food offerings onboard is a top priority for this position.

Your responsibilities will include creating diversified menus with the Executive Chef, ensuring all meals meet high standards for taste, presentation, and food safety. You will organize kitchen operations for efficiency and uphold strict hygiene and food safety protocols. The job demands strong leadership skills to manage the kitchen team effectively, ensuring that food is prepared quickly and to guest satisfaction. In addition, you will help enforce food and safety standards, maintain order in the kitchen, adhere to guest dietary requests, and ensure all culinary efforts reflect the world-class quality American Cruise Lines is known for.

The role also demands an ability to work in the dynamic environment of a moving ship, which experiences motions like surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw, requiring physical stamina and agility. You must be able to stand for long periods, frequently lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs, and frequently bend, squat, and reach. The job requires climbing ladders and navigating hatches in emergencies, emphasizing the need for agility and safety awareness.

American Cruise Lines offers a competitive daily rate and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. Expenses such as travel, room and board, uniforms, and training are covered, making this an attractive opportunity for qualified culinary professionals. If you are passionate about culinary arts, leadership, and providing memorable guest experiences in a unique maritime setting, this role as a Sous Chef on American Cruise Lines’ vessels offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path.