
Within this report are facts and figures about every aspect of the cruise line’s business… including what it pays employees. Apart from their technical responsibilities, Chief Engineers need to have excellent communication skills to interact with other ship departments and outside vendors. 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. Yes, crew members receive free food for working onboard a ship, along with a cabin to sleep in (more on that later).
Cruise Ship Worker Benefits
Training is provided on board and may include safety, hospitality, and job-specific skills. Now that we’ve covered the salaries of cruise ship doctors and nurses, let’s move on to other jobs and services offered onboard. To become a captain on a cruise ship, a candidate must have several years of experience as a deck officer and must possess a master’s license from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The experience requirements vary depending on the size of the ship, but most captains have between 5 and 10 years of experience before being promoted to the role. It’s important to note that being a captain on a cruise ship is not just about sailing the ship. Captains are also responsible for the safety of the ship and its passengers, managing the crew, and ensuring that the ship runs smoothly.
FAQ on Cruise Staff Salary
However, they can provide a general understanding of the earning potential for skilled positions in the cruise industry. Most cruise ships have spas that offer a wide range of services, such as massages, facials, and body treatments. The cost of these services can vary depending on the cruise line and the type of service, but they’re typically more expensive than what you’d pay on land.
Captain Salaries
A less experienced captain of a small cruise ship can expect to earn around $44,000, while a captain of a mega-ship with over 20 years of experience can earn up to $177,000. Captains can also receive bonuses of up to $40,000 per year, as well as profit sharing of up to $3,000. While contracts can last between 2 and 11 months, most employees get to go home for a couple of months in between contracts. This gives workers a chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. It’s worth noting that cruise ship contracts can last anywhere between 2 and 11 months, with most lasting 4 to 8 months. During this time, living expenses such as accommodation and food are usually covered by the cruise line, but employees may not have access to free Wi-Fi.
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Management and supervisory roles on cruise ships are vital for ensuring smooth operations and maintaining high-quality services for passengers. These positions typically demand substantial experience in the industry, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of their respective departments. As a result, salaries for management and supervisory roles are generally higher than those of entry-level or skilled positions. Skilled positions on cruise ships require more specific expertise and qualifications, making them ideal for professionals with relevant experience in their respective fields. These roles offer higher salaries compared to entry-level positions and often include additional benefits, such as increased opportunities for career growth. Let's take a closer look at some skilled positions and their corresponding salaries.

Not only does the staff work extremely hard to keep passengers happy, but the general consensus is that people working on a cruise ship are paid relatively little while working long hours. 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. They are in charge of onboard sales, maintenance, and administrative duties in addition to responding to inquiries and grievances from visitors.
Compared to regular land-based occupations, working aboard a cruise ship offers certain benefits that suit a distinct lifestyle. Cruise ship nurses are responsible for responding to emergencies, treating passengers and crew members, and providing medical care. They require an ACLS certification, a minimum of three years of pertinent clinical experience, and a nursing license. Cruise ship doctors are in charge of overseeing the ship’s medical facilities, addressing medical crises, and providing medical care to both passengers and staff. They normally require at least three years of post-graduate clinical experience in addition to a concentration in family medicine or emergency medicine.
Factors Influencing Cruise Ship Salaries

A contract ranges anywhere from three to approximately eight months, depending on the position. Most senior management roles have 4-month contracts while most of the rest of the positions have 6-8 month contracts. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.
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. For instance, a cruise ship captain can earn an average salary of $98,000, while a newly-appointed cruise director may make around $45,000. When negotiating pay, it’s important to consider the discrepancies that may exist between different positions.
In addition, overseeing a group of engineers, making sure work is done quickly, and keeping the ship operationally ready for inspections are also part of this duty. There's a big gap between the highest-paid and lowest-paid cruise-ship workers. Search for all salaries on our compensation page or add your salary to help unlock the page. We've negotiated thousands of offers and regularly achieve $30k+ (sometimes $300k+) increases. Get your salary negotiated or your resume reviewed by the real experts - recruiters who do it daily.
This will not only lead to increased tips but also improve your chances of receiving positive feedback and recommendations, which can help you advance in your career. The table below shows the salaries of cruise ship medical staff, including doctors and nurses. In addition to competitive salaries, cruise ship medical staff may also receive benefits such as accommodation, food, and medical care. While the median average salary for cruise ship workers may be less than that of the average American, it’s important to consider the unique nature of the job. Cruise ship contracts can last anywhere between 2 and 11 months, with most lasting 4 to 8 months, meaning that employees have the opportunity to earn a significant amount of money in a short amount of time. From a North American or Western European perspective, the salary for many jobs on cruise ships at first glance may seem low relative to similar shore-based positions.
Embarking on a career in the cruise industry can be both exciting and rewarding. To truly make the most of this opportunity, it's essential to understand the factors affecting cruise ship salaries and how to maximise your earning potential. The deck and engine departments are essential components of a cruise ship's operations, ensuring the safety and technical functionality of the vessel. 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 important to note that these salary figures are approximate and can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier, such as cruise line reputation and geographical location.
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. While it may sound like the exotic vacation of a lifetime, there is much work behind the scenes.
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