Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises.
With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.
Why join Viking?
• Elevate your career regardless of where you are on your journey. Viking can help you in reaching
new destinations with:
o Paid training program in skills and approach to premium hospitality services
o On-the-job coaching to help you advance rapidly
o A lifelong network of hospitality professionals
• Onboard our ship
o Lodging, meals, Wi-Fi, uniforms, and laundry are free of charge for all crew members
o Travel to/from the ship provided and paid for by Viking, unless you are within reasonable
driving distance of embarkation or disembarkation ports
o Crew-only deck and dedicated recreational activities
• Viking Benefits:
US Mainland candidates:
o Health, vision, and dental insurance with incredibly low premiums (some plans are fully
paid by Viking)
o 401(k) plan with Viking match of 100% of employee contributions up to 4% per pay period
o Retention bonus program
Puerto Rico and Guam candidates:
o Health, vision, and dental insurance with incredibly low premiums (some plans are fully
paid by Viking)
o Retention bonus program
Role Overview:
As part of our Mississippi Food & Beverage team, your job as the Sous Chef is to be the face of Viking in the refined dining and culinary experience we deliver to our guests onboard
You will be reporting to the Executive Sous Chef
You will be expected to work on a 12/4 rotation (12 weeks on board and 4 weeks off on vacation). Please note that rotation lengths vary based on staffing and operational needs onboard Viking Mississippi.
Role Expectations:
Demonstrate excellent cooking skills and creativity to enhance buffet presentations
Coordinate with the Chef de Partie to control the breakdown after each service
Collaborate with the Kitchen Steward to manage inventory, equipment, and deliveries
Ensure proper use of the menu checklist, recipe reviews
Supervise Galley operation and prepare requisitions for catering equipment
Lead, support, and train a multi-cultural team, conduct performance reviews, and uphold safety & security policies
Uphold impeccable grooming standards at all times by complying with Viking’s Image and Uniform Standards
Demonstrate outstanding flexibility: able to work at different times of the day, under pressure and always reflect a positive can-do attitude and the best image of Viking
You will be expected to consistently arrive on time and be prepared for work
Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned at leaders’ discretion based on operational needs
About you:
9+ years’ experience as Sous Chef or similar at a 5-Star hospitality and/or restaurant environment; shipboard experience is an advantage
Advanced culinary skills required and in-depth knowledge about all the sections within the hot and cold kitchen; Previous experience with supervision of various kitchen sections is an advantage
Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards
Excellent knowledge of all public health policies, especially US Public Health and FDA Standards
Mandatory requirements & at will employment:
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card) to work onboard the ship, as required by federal regulations
Ability to satisfactorily pass a pre-employment drug test. Viking Mississippi is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace
Must be 21+ years old, physically fit and in good health to meet the demands of an intense shipboard role; must be able to carry heavy items and stand, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods of time
Viking Cruises is an At-Will Employer. As such your employment with Viking is a voluntary one and is subject to termination with or without cause or notice, at any time by you or Viking. Nothing in this document or in any oral or written statement shall be interpreted to conflict with or limit the right to terminate employment at will.