Dishwasher - No Experience!
Posted on October 24, 2025
American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise company, renowned for offering unique experiences exploring America's rivers and coasts. Established as a leading name in the cruise industry, American Cruise Lines specializes in small ship cruises that provide intimate and immersive travel experiences across over 35 states. Their fleet navigates some of the most scenic waterways in the country, delivering outstanding hospitality and memorable journeys that showcase the beauty and cultural richness of America. The company prides itself on strong core values: optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which are reflected in every aspect of their operations. With a focus on exceptional customer service and creating genuine connections, American Cruise Lines is continuously expanding and enriching its team and guest experiences.
American Cruise Lines is currently hiring Dishwashers for the 2026 cruising season, a temporary position lasting approximately 28 weeks. This role is based onboard the ships, specifically in the galley area, where sanitation and cleanliness are paramount. Dishwashers are critical members of the shipboard culinary team, ensuring all cutlery, glassware, dishes, and surrounding areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation essential for delivering an exceptional dining experience to guests. This position offers employees the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment aboard some of America's finest vessels.
Dishwashers at American Cruise Lines work long shifts, typically a minimum of 12 hours per day, seven days a week, during the contract period. The job involves physically demanding tasks such as lifting boxes up to 50 pounds, maintaining commercial dishwashing equipment, and supporting special events including afternoon teas and evening entertainment activities. Additionally, Dishwashers may have opportunities to engage with guests directly, greeting them on embarkation and assisting with galley requests, which adds a hospitable dimension to the role beyond the usual kitchen duties.
Wages for this position range from $1,000 to $1,400 per week, with additional bonuses available. One of the standout benefits of working as a Dishwasher with American Cruise Lines is that all major living expenses are covered while onboard, including travel to and from the vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training. This comprehensive support enables employees to save much of their earnings during the contract period. The company’s extensive itinerary options – with over 50 routes covering a wide range of American rivers and coastal areas – provide employees with a unique chance to travel and explore new parts of the country while building meaningful connections with fellow crew members and guests.
This position is ideal for individuals who want to start their careers in the hospitality industry while gaining valuable cruise line experience. It serves as a foundation for those interested in future management roles within the company, although such advancement is not guaranteed. American Cruise Lines is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates who share their values and dedication to quality service and teamwork. The role requires employees to pass pre-employment drug screening in compliance with federal and Department of Transportation regulations and adhere to grooming and conduct standards that ensure safety and professionalism onboard.
In summary, becoming a Dishwasher with American Cruise Lines offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to be part of America’s leading small ship cruise line. It is an excellent way to develop hospitality skills, enjoy extensive covered benefits, and experience the unique lifestyle of working at sea while contributing to sharing America’s story on some of the finest ships operated domestically.
- Pre-employment drug test including testing for marijuana and other controlled substances
- Strict prohibition on alcohol consumption during employment
- Adherence to grooming standards including limitations on visible tattoos and piercings
- Must be able to work temporary shipboard employment not to exceed 28 weeks
- Compliance with emergency and safety training required for shipboard employees
- Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds
- Capability to stand or walk for extended periods
- Must be willing to commit to a full schedule of 12-hour days and 7-day work weeks during the contract
- Must share company values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit