Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a galley team, craft regionally inspired dishes, and ensure exceptional guest dining experiences.
- Company: Join American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. cruise line with a focus on immersive travel.
- Benefits: Room and board included, paid travel, uniforms, and training provided.
- Why this job: Experience life aboard a luxury cruise ship while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: 6-8 years in full-service kitchens, strong leadership, and food safety knowledge required.
- Other info: Work hard, play hard lifestyle with stunning views and dynamic kitchen environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America’s story on the finest ships in America. We offer over 50 itineraries across America’s waterways, including New England, the Southeast, the Mississippi River, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and more.
We’re searching for talented, driven Executive Chefs to join our shipboard team for the 2025 cruising season. If you\\u2019re ready to lead a high-performing galley crew, craft regionally inspired dishes, and provide exceptional guest service, all while traveling the country, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
What You’ll Do
- As Executive Chef, you’ll be responsible for delivering an unforgettable culinary experience—planning, preparing, and presenting elevated cuisine that reflects the flavors of each region we visit.
- You’ll mentor and lead your team with professionalism and passion, ensuring every dish meets our high standards of taste and presentation.
- Your daily impact will include:
- Leading all meal preparation for both guests and crew onboard.
- Executing regionally inspired menus using fresh, local ingredients.
- Coaching and managing a galley team of 6-10 in a hands-on environment.
- Ensuring kitchen operations meet FDA, sanitation, and safety standards.
- Overseeing food inventory, portion control, and waste reduction.
- Adapting quickly to last-minute changes while maintaining a calm, can-do approach.
- Providing an unforgettable dining experience for every guest.
What We\\u2019re Looking For
We\\u2019re seeking chefs who are not only technically skilled but also natural leaders who thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments. This is a dynamic, rewarding role for those who want to reach beyond the four walls of a traditional kitchen.
Ideal qualifications
- 6 8+ years experience in full-service resorts, hotels, country clubs, or banquet settings.
- ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
- Strong leadership, communication, and training abilities.
- Proven knowledge of FDA food safety standards and kitchen best practices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
- A hands-on, collaborative, and detail-oriented approach to kitchen leadership.
Additional Requirements
- Able to work 14 hours per day, 7 days a week while onboard.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
- TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) required.
Why Join American Cruise Lines?
This isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. As an Executive Chef, you’ll live and work aboard a luxury cruise ship for 6–8 weeks at a time, followed by 1–2 weeks of unpaid vacation. We provide everything you need to succeed:
- Travel paid to and from your assigned ship
- Room and board included
- Uniforms and paid training provided
- Well-equipped galleys and a stunning view every day
- Jobs sites across the nation.
Seniority level
- Director
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Management and Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Chef employer: American Queen Steamboat Co.
Contact Detail:
American Queen Steamboat Co. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even alumni from your culinary school. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any unique menus you've crafted. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culinary style. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of providing exceptional dining experiences while travelling across America.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and embracing the cruise lifestyle.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Arts: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create regionally inspired dishes. We want to see your personality and passion for food in every word.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your leadership skills and experience in fast-paced environments. Mention specific examples of how you've led a team or adapted to challenges in the kitchen. This will help us see why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon that might confuse us. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at American Queen Steamboat Co.
✨Know Your Culinary Story
Before the interview, think about your culinary journey and how it aligns with the role of Executive Chef. Be ready to share specific examples of dishes you've created that reflect regional flavours, as this will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the company's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Think of examples where you’ve successfully mentored staff or managed a busy kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to maintain calm under pressure and adapt to last-minute changes, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Food Safety Standards
Brush up on FDA food safety standards and kitchen best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations. This knowledge will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the types of regional menus they focus on or how they support their chefs in creating unique dining experiences. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their team.