How Much Does a Cruise Ship Captain Make a Day?

By Alice Nichols

A cruise ship captain is responsible for the safety, security and well-being of all passengers and crew onboard. This high-ranking position requires a great deal of expertise, experience and dedication.

As such, they are highly compensated for their efforts. So, how much does a cruise ship captain make a day?

Cruise ship captains are typically employed by large international cruise companies such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean. They are usually employed on an annual basis and may receive additional bonuses for their performance. The salaries vary depending on the size of the vessel, the route taken and the experience of the captain.

On average, cruise ship captains can expect to make between $60,000 – $150,000 per year. This equates to roughly $640 – $1620 per day depending on their experience and the length of their contract. In addition to this base salary, captains may also receive additional benefits such as medical insurance and paid vacation time.

The most experienced captains can earn up to $200,000 per year or more with some cruise lines offering lucrative incentive packages for exemplary performance. These incentives could include performance bonuses, stock options or even discounts on future cruises.

In conclusion, cruise ship captains make an impressive salary with experienced captains earning up to six figures annually. The exact amount varies depending on their experience level and the length of their contract but averages around $640 – $1620 per day. With attractive incentive packages available to top performers, it is easy to see why this role is so desirable among seasoned seafarers.