What Is a Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

By Robert Palmer

A cruise ship captain’s salary can vary greatly, depending on the size and type of vessel they are in charge of. On average, a captain of a large cruise ship will make anywhere from $70,000 to $150,000 per year. Smaller ships may pay less, but it will still be a livable wage.

Cruise ship captains are responsible for navigating their vessels, supervising the crew, and ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. This requires extensive knowledge and experience in maritime navigation and operations. Most captains start their careers as deck officers or entry-level crew members before working their way up to captain.

The number of hours worked can also affect a captain’s salary. Some captains work long hours in order to make sure that their passengers have an enjoyable experience; others may work fewer hours depending on the size of the vessel and its itinerary. Most larger ships also have multiple captains who take turns running different parts of the voyage.

In addition to their base salary, cruise ship captains may receive additional bonuses based on time at sea, performance reviews, customer satisfaction scores, and other factors. They may also receive additional benefits such as health insurance or vacation days.

Conclusion:

Overall, a cruise ship captain’s salary is based on several factors including vessel size, number of hours worked per month, performance reviews and customer satisfaction scores. Although there is no set amount for what a captain earns annually, most will make between $70K and $150K per year with potential additional bonuses or benefits.