How Much Does a Captain of Cruise Ship Get Paid?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ship captains are responsible for the overall operation of the ship, its crew and passengers. The job of a cruise ship captain is one of the most prestigious and sought after in the maritime industry.

It requires a great deal of experience, skill and responsibility. So, how much does a captain of a cruise ship get paid?

The salary of a cruise ship captain depends on the size and type of vessel they are working on, their experience and qualifications. Captains who work on larger ships or those that offer more amenities typically earn higher salaries than those who work on smaller vessels or those with fewer amenities. The larger the vessel, the more responsibility there is for the captain to oversee.

The exact salary for a captain also depends on their employer. Cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines may pay higher salaries than smaller cruise companies. A captain’s salary can range anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 per year depending on the company they are employed by and the size of their vessel.

In addition to their basic salary, some captains may be eligible for bonuses or other incentives based on performance or customer feedback. These incentives can add significantly to their overall annual income.

Conclusion

The salary of a cruise ship captain can vary greatly depending on where they work, what type of vessel they are responsible for, and their qualifications and experience. Generally speaking though, captains typically earn anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 per year with additional bonuses or incentives based on performance or customer feedback potentially adding significantly to this amount.