Line Cook

American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America’s rivers. Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across the nation from contemporary riverboats to paddle wheel queens for a steamboat experience.

Our Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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. We make it a top priority to offer a first‑class dining experience at every meal.

Exceptional cuisine is prepared by cooks 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. Your goal is to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of delicious dishes.

While living onboard, our chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with spectacular views.

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.

• Work directly with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to produce diversified meals for guests based on fresh ingredients.
• Organize workload in the kitchen so processes run efficiently.
• Produce high‑quality dishes that follow the established menu choices.
• Adhere to all guests’ dietary requests.
• Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
• Ensure hygiene and food safety standards are a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
• Prepare meals quickly and deliciously.
• Enforce food and safety standards.
• Communicate with coworkers, imperative to all meal services.

• Ability to work around 14 hours per day.
• Minimum 2 years of culinary experience in a full-service resort, hotel, country club or full-service restaurant.
• Experience cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Familiar with food safety standards.
• Ability to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
• Ability to work with composure under pressure.
• Problem solving, organizational and self‑motivation skills.
• Ability to read and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
• Effective leadership and time‑management control.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Pass a pre‑employment drug test.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

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

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

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Management and Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at American Cruise Lines by 2x.