Are Cruise Ship Captains Rich?

By Robert Palmer

The life of a cruise ship captain is certainly not one of hardship. With its luxurious amenities, great pay and prestige, being the captain of a cruise ship is an enviable profession. But, are cruise ship captains truly rich?

The pay for a cruise ship captain can vary widely depending on experience and the size of the vessel they are commanding. According to some sources, captains can make anywhere from around $60,000 to upwards of $150,000 per year.

This is much higher than the average salary in many countries and could certainly be considered a good living. Add to that the many perks that come with commanding a large vessel such as free or discounted travel, free meals and lodging and it’s easy to see why being a cruise ship captain is an attractive job.

However, when you consider the cost of maintaining such a luxury lifestyle – including expensive clothing, dining out regularly at high-end restaurants and other expenses associated with running a large boat – it’s clear that not all cruise ship captains are loaded with cash.

Many captains also have mortgages to pay on their homes or are paying off student loans from their time at sea school. And while the pay may be good for some captains, it’s important to remember that most will never become millionaires from their job.

Conclusion:

So while it’s certainly possible for some cruise ship captains to become quite wealthy through their profession, most will never become millionaires. However, with its attractive pay and other benefits, being a cruise ship captain can still provide an excellent lifestyle.