Pastry Chef - Quick Hire!

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the United States, known for its exclusive river cruises and exceptional service. Specializing in contemporary riverboats and classic paddlewheel steamships, the company offers unique itineraries across America’s most scenic rivers. With a commitment to delivering high-quality guest experiences, American Cruise Lines combines comfortable accommodations with outstanding culinary offerings onboard their fleet of ships. Each voyage aims to immerse guests in the natural and cultural beauty of the regions visited, while providing the comforts of fine dining and excellent customer care. The Pastry Chef position at American Cruise Lines is an exciting opportunity to join a skilled culinary team onboard their river cruise ships for the 2025 season. This role requires a talented and creative pastry professional who can produce a wide variety of desserts, pastries, breads, and confections. The Pastry Chef will be responsible for adhering to a daily menu matrix and collaborating closely with the Executive Chef to maintain high standards of quality and presentation. Creativity and innovation are encouraged in this role, as continuous research and testing of new recipes are key to ensuring an exceptional dining experience for both guests and crew. Working onboard a cruise ship is a unique culinary environment that presents both challenges and rewards. Pastry Chefs live onboard during their scheduled weeks, enjoying comfortable living quarters with spectacular views. The galleys are well-equipped, allowing chefs to utilize professional-grade equipment while maintaining FDA standards for sanitation and safety. In this role, attention to detail is essential in every aspect of the job — from taste testing and portion control to scheduling production and maintaining fresh inventory of baked goods. This employment is seasonal, with six weeks working onboard followed by two weeks of unpaid vacation. The schedule requires dedication, often involving 14-hour workdays and standing for extended periods. Candidates should be able to adapt quickly to last-minute changes and remain calm under pressure. The role also requires physical capability to lift and move items up to 50 pounds, emphasizing the active and hands-on nature of the job. American Cruise Lines supports its crew with covered expenses, including travel to and from the assigned vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training by industry experts. The company ensures that all employees meet regulatory requirements, including passing a pre-employment drug test, a criminal background check, and possessing a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring pastry chefs who seek to grow their expertise in a dynamic shipboard setting while contributing to unforgettable guest experiences across some of America’s most scenic river destinations.

• An associate’s degree in culinary arts or pastry and baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production
• Ability to work around 14 hours per day
• Ability to reach, bend, and frequently lift/move items up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in a standing position for extended amounts of time
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
• Ability to complete a criminal background check
• Must have a transportation worker identification credential (TWIC)