Do Cruise Ship Workers Get Paid Well?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ship workers are part of an ever-growing industry, with over 26 million people expected to take a cruise this year alone. With so many passengers, there needs to be a large number of cruise ship workers employed to ensure a smooth sailing experience. But do cruise ship workers get paid well?

The answer is yes and no. Cruise ship workers can make decent wages, depending on their job, seniority level, and the company they work for.

Entry-level positions typically pay around minimum wage or slightly above. For instance, a dishwasher might make $8 an hour while a waiter or bartender could make up to $10 an hour. These jobs require no special qualifications and are relatively easy to get but they also come with long hours, low pay and few benefits.

More experienced workers such as cooks, engineers and officers tend to have higher salaries ranging from $20-$40 an hour plus tips. The more experienced you are in the field and the higher up you go in the ranks, the more money you can expect to make.

Cruise lines also usually offer incentives such as bonuses for high performance and additional perks like free passage on cruises or discounts on amenities like spa treatments or meals. In addition, many cruise lines offer various benefits packages including health care coverage and retirement plans which can help supplement their income.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cruise ship workers can make decent wages depending on their job role and experience levels; however these wages are often supplemented by bonuses, incentives and benefits packages that help increase their overall salary. It is clear that cruise ship employees are not necessarily paid well compared to other industries; however they still have the potential to earn a respectable income if they work hard and take advantage of the various opportunities available.