Pastry Chef

American Cruise Lines; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Travel, room and board provided

Uniforms provided

Training provided

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks a Pastry Chef for the 2026 season to craft desserts, pastries, breads, and confections aboard intimate US-flag vessels.

The role requires an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking and 3–5 years of quality production experience, with TWIC and background checks. Expect 7 days per week onboard service, 12-hour days, and a full-time exempt schedule.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking; 3–5 years of quality production experience.
• Strong problem solving, organization, and self-motivation.
• Commitment to quality service and guest satisfaction.
• Must pass pre-employment drug test and criminal background check.
• TWIC credential is required.
• Ability to work in a shipboard environment with long hours.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve items per recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Set up, maintain, and break down station according to FDA standards.
• Taste products to assess quality and report shortages or maintenance issues.
• Schedule production of baked goods and maintain inventory.
• Ensure guests have a positive, memorable dining experience.

Skills

Problem solving

Organization

Self-motivation

Education

Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking

Job description

American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.

The Pastry Chef should have the culinary expertise and experience to make a wide variety of desserts and baked goods, including confectionary work. They must be able to understand and appreciate the subtleties of flavor pairings and different tastes, as well as have a good aesthetic sense for food and pastry presentation. This position is responsible for adhering to the daily menu matrix consisting of desserts, pastries, breads and other duties assigned by the Executive Chef. The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While living onboard, our chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.

At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

Qualifications:

An Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production.

Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food & 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.

Work Schedule:

7 days per week while onboard the ship.

6-8 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.

This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:

• Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
• 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 quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
• Ability to stand for your entire shift.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
• Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive daily rate.
• Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
• Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits.