Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous 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.

Exceptional cuisine is prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of dishes that are full of delicious flavor. Our Sous Chefs are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, and have primary responsibility for the quality of café food and hors d’oeuvres served. Ensuring consistency in culinary excellence across the vessel your primary responsibility. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen operations run smoothly and that all service provided to our guests is flawless.

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:

• Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients.
• Work directly overseeing the culinary team to produce delicious and presentable café, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres food, maintaining high guest scores in these areas.
• Ensure the same level of world class culinary skill and presentation served in the main restaurant is consistent with all food served throughout the ship.
• Organize the work in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
• Produce high quality dishes that follow the established menu choices.
• Adhere to all guest dietary requests.
• Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
• Make sure that the hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
• Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
• Enforce food and safety standards.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship.
• ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
• Familiar with food safety standards.
• Must be able to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
• Ability to work with composure under pressure.
• Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization.
• Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
• An effective leader who can effectively control his/her 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.
• Ability to be on a work rotation of 6 to 8 weeks onboard followed by 1 to 2 weeks off.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  
  
  

Work Schedule:

• 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
• 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship.
• 1 to 2 weeks shore leave vacation.
  
  
  

Perks:

• Benefits package including medical, dental, and matching 401k.
• Complimentary travel accommodations.
• Training programs to support you.
• Continuous growth in the company.
• Covered Expenses – American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training from industry experts.
• Job sites across the nation*