2026 Internship - Culinary Operations

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey. The Holland America Summer Internship Program is a 10-week paid (hybrid) summer internship opportunity designed to provide exposure and insight to professional careers in the amazing leisure travel, cruise industry. The selected interns will work on departmental projects as well as participate in professional development and enrichment activities. 2026 Program Dates • Program runs 10 weeks from June 15th - August 21st. Eligibility • Eligible candidates are enrolled in a four-year accredited undergraduate program (where they are at least a rising junior) or in a graduate/Ph.D. program and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. • MUST NOT be a graduating senior in the summer 2026. Compensation • Undergraduate - $25.00/hr, Graduate - $35.00/hr, Ph.D. - $45.00/hr Intern Project Details Reporting to Holland America Line's Director, Culinary Operations, you'll be responsible for assisting in review and analysis of culinary programming in comparison to competitors. You'll also assist in reviewing performance metrics and reporting findings to the ships' teams. Other duties include adding recipes and photos to CrunchTime, contracting general supply or food items and updating brand standards in Global HESS. Responsibilities • Build recipes and photos into CrunchTime. • Assist in contracting galley general supply or food items with procurement. • Assist in updating Culinary Brand Standards and procedures in Global HESS. • Conduct cross-brand analysis in food product comparisons. • Audit and review food cost performance per ship and report to Fleet Chefs and Director, Culinary Operations on any findings. • Review and confirm ship visit audits. • Assist in assembling presentations or other project related materials. • Daily email correspondence with ship operational teams. Requirements • Knowledge of food and beverage industry trends and product knowledge is required. • Proficiency using MS office Suite including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook & MS Teams is preferred. • Ability to work independently and in a group environment with excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal and team working skills. • Ability to prioritize and maximize efficiency. • Well organized and able to communicate effectively with colleagues and managers. • The types of duties the students will perform will vary and may require some technical tasks, projects and/or work that may require specific proficiencies, technical abilities and/or computer skills. Majors Preferred • Culinary Arts or Hospitality What You Can Expect • Gain valuable experience. Gain confidence. • Explore a new career path. • Opens the opportunity to a future full-time job after graduation. • Develop and refine skills. • Network with professionals in the field. • Develop an understanding of the type of working environment, field and industry that align with your career goals. • Obtain job-related skills and experiences that will enhance your qualifications for future opportunities. Deadlines • Our 2026 application period will close on November 30, 2025. Our Culture… Stronger Together Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at: Holland America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Holland America will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact [email protected] #HAL Apply tot his job