Cruise Ship Sous Chef — Lead Fresh, Onboard Culinary Team

American Cruise Lines; Mount Vernon (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Travel coverage

Room and board

Uniforms provided

Training provided

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks a skilled Sous Chef to join our culinary team for the 2026 season aboard intimate river vessels carrying no more than 200 guests. You will work with the Executive Chef to craft menus and supervise the kitchen, ensuring cafe, buffet, and main restaurant dishes meet high standards and guest dietary needs while maintaining strict hygiene and safety aboard the ship.

This full-time role offers competitive daily pay plus health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match, along

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in cruise/hospitality settings.
• ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
• Familiar with food safety standards and practical kitchen enforcement.
• Must possess problem solving, self-motivation, and organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and time management abilities.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• TWIC credential and background checks as required.

Responsibilities

• Produce diversified menus with fresh ingredients alongside the Executive Chef.
• Oversee the culinary team to deliver cafe, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres programming.
• Maintain world-class culinary skill and presentation across all ship outlets.
• Organize kitchen operations to run efficiently and safely.
• Ensure meals follow established menu choices with high quality.
• Adhere to guest dietary requests and ship safety standards.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety as a top priority throughout food prep.
• Support quick, delicious meal production while maintaining service pace.

Skills

Culinary experience

ServSafe manager

Leadership

Problem solving

Time management

Communication

Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks a skilled Sous Chef to join our culinary team for the 2026 season aboard intimate river vessels carrying no more than 200 guests. You will work with the Executive Chef to craft menus and supervise the kitchen, ensuring cafe, buffet, and main restaurant dishes meet high standards and guest dietary needs while maintaining strict hygiene and safety aboard the ship.

This full-time role offers competitive daily pay plus health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match, along