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Below is an overview of some common entry-level positions and their respective salaries. First, there is no set rate that every person working on a cruise ship earns. And on a modern cruise ship there are dozens if not hundreds of different roles, from the captain of the ship to kitchen staff. Generally speaking, during each cruise on each ship, passengers pay gratuities which go into a “pool” that is divided between the crewmembers that are part of the hotel and dining pool. For many cruise lines, the gratuities are automatically deducted from the passenger’s onboard account to be paid out to the crew at the end of the month.
Cruise-ship workers reveal how much money they make
In addition to competitive salaries, cruise ship medical staff may also receive benefits such as accommodation, food, and medical care. When it comes to housing, most cruise ship employees are provided with accommodation while they work on board. The type of accommodation depends on the position and the ship, but it can range from shared cabins to private rooms with a balcony. Some cruise lines even offer housing for employees in between contracts, which is a great benefit for those who want to save money on rent. It’s clear that there is a significant range in earning potential for cruise ship staff, with some positions offering much higher salaries than others. However, it’s important to consider the duration of contracts and the fact that living expenses are often taken care of by the cruise line.
What Departments Are Typically Found on a Cruise Line?
They offer technical assistance and organize alterations and enhancements to the ship’s equipment. Certain jobs, like those of the ship’s entertainment, might only need a few hours of work per day. A former Carnival Cruise Line galley worker had the lowest monthly earnings, while a former Royal Caribbean International first officer had the highest. Additionally, they work longer hours, which means more income if your wage is hourly. Highly discounted cruise ship rates are also available for workers and their families.
Do cruise employees hook up with passengers?
Let's take a closer look at some skilled positions and their corresponding salaries. Investing in your professional development by acquiring relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience is key to earning a higher salary. Many positions on cruise ships require specific skills and training, so obtaining these credentials will make you a more attractive candidate and increase your earning potential. For example, pursuing certifications in hospitality management, food safety, or maritime safety can be valuable assets in various cruise ship roles. Cruise ship salaries vary widely across positions, cruise lines, and regions served. While some roles offer lucrative compensations, others, especially entry-level positions, may have more modest salaries.
Security Officer
It should be noted that all salaries are according to the national average as listed on PayScale, and are recorded in USD. While compiling this post, we checked several sources, including Indeed, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, and Business Insider. We also spoke with 17 current and former cruise ship workers to get an idea of their salaries and what life is like working on a cruise ship. No other topic can raise as much controversy among cruise passengers as tipping. It’s not unusual for automatic gratuities to add up to $13-15 per person, per day. A couple taking a cruise for a week can expect another $200 added to their bill for gratuities alone.

However, they provide a general understanding of the earning potential for management and supervisory roles within the cruise industry. The cruise industry offers a unique blend of travel, adventure, and professional development, making it a fantastic choice for those who are well-prepared and dedicated to their craft. By focusing on these areas, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your earnings and enjoy a rewarding career in the cruise industry. As with other positions, the salaries mentioned above can vary based on factors such as the cruise line's reputation, the ship's location and itinerary, and individual qualifications. However, they provide a general understanding of the earning potential for deck and engine department roles within the cruise industry. In addition to spa services, cruise ships also offer a variety of onboard activities.
For leadership staff on board cruise ships, the annual salary can be much higher from $30,000 to $100,000. According to Business Insider, the median annual earnings of cruise ship workers is between $16,000 to $20,000. It is true that compensation can vary greatly from cruise line to cruise line. Casino workers, waiters, and bartenders depend heavily on tips, which can sometimes double salaries.
I Quit My 9-To-5 To Work on a Cruise Ship: Here's How Much Money I Make Now - Yahoo Finance
I Quit My 9-To-5 To Work on a Cruise Ship: Here's How Much Money I Make Now.
Posted: Sun, 29 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
That means there is no set compensation list for every cruise line that shows what different positions make (at least publicly). Some countries do not require their citizens to pay taxes on employment income if they are a seafarer. On the other hand if you are a citizen of a country that requires you to report your worldwide income on your tax return, you may have to pay taxes when you file your tax return at the end of the year. The bottom line is that taxes will not be deducted from your payroll, but some nationalities will be responsible to remit taxes at the end of the year. Cruise lines cover the cost of food and a place to stay for crew members working onboard.
They coordinate modifications and improvements to the vessel’s machinery and provide technical support. Working on a cruise ship means the workers are often away from family for long periods. Some positions, such as the ship’s entertainers, may only work a few hours daily. It’s important to remember that the annual salary figures don’t consider the number of hours worked. Crew members work long hours of up to 14 hours per day, seven days a week.
These roles often require specialised training and qualifications, and the salaries reflect this expertise. Here's an overview of some key deck and engine department positions and their salary ranges. It's essential to remember that these salary ranges are not definitive and may vary depending on the factors discussed earlier.
Cruise ship workers typically work long hours, often ranging from 10 to 14 hours per day. Within this report are facts and figures about every aspect of the cruise line’s business… including what it pays employees. If the crew member starts their contract halfway through the month they may have to wait until the end of the next full month to be paid.

While you probably won’t become a million by going to sea, it is possible to enrich your life with a healthy sum of money, and, perhaps more importantly, fond memories. The average salary listed here includes everyone from the captain of the ship to the steward cleaning the room. Now that we know the total payroll amount for all the ship employees and the number of employees, it’s simple division to see that the average Carnival employee working on a ship earns $23,558. You read that right — across more than 100 ships the cruise line has nearly 85,000 crew members, coming from over 100 countries!
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership abilities are required for this position as they oversee a varied workforce in several areas and uphold high service standards. It’s critical to keep in mind that the yearly compensation figures do not account for the number of hours spent. Seven days a week, crew workers put in lengthy work—up to 14 hours a day. Employment found on ships is not typically glamourous, as one might expect. High-ranking employees like the captain and officers have solo accommodation and larger cabins.
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