How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make a Year?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ship workers make a variety of wages depending on their job title, experience, and the cruise line they work for. Generally speaking, entry-level positions can expect to make anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Those in higher-level positions such as captains and officers can often make six figures.

Jobs that earn the lowest salaries

Entry-level jobs on cruise ships generally pay the lowest salaries. These include cabin stewards and housekeepers who typically make around $30,000 a year. Other low-paying jobs include galley staff who prepare meals for passengers and crew members, laundry personnel who clean clothes and linens for passengers and crew members, and entertainment personnel who provide onboard entertainment for guests.

Jobs that earn more money

Cruise ship workers in higher-level positions can expect to make more money than those in entry-level positions. These include deckhands and engineers who maintain the ship’s machinery and equipment as well as captains and officers who are responsible for making sure the ship runs safely and efficiently. They typically earn between $60,000-$100,000 a year depending on experience and seniority.

Benefits offered to cruise ship workers

In addition to wages, cruise ship workers may be offered additional benefits such as room and board while at sea, discounts on food purchased at onboard restaurants or shops, free transportation to port cities when their contracts end, health insurance coverage while employed onboard the ship or discounts on shore excursions when they are off duty.

Conclusion: Cruise ship workers can expect to make anywhere from $30,000 to six figures depending on their job title and experience level. In addition to wages, many cruise lines offer additional benefits such as room & board while at sea or discounts on food & shore excursions when off duty which can add up over time.