How Much Does a Cruise Ship Captain Make a Year?

By Anna Duncan

A cruise ship captain is the ultimate authority figure on board a vessel, and is responsible for the safety and welfare of all passengers, crew and cargo. As such, they are highly respected and well-paid individuals, with an average annual salary of around $140,000.

The salary of a cruise ship captain can vary greatly depending on experience and the size of the vessel. Captains of larger vessels can expect to earn up to $250,000 per year, while captains of smaller ships may earn closer to $90,000.

Factors such as length of service on board a particular vessel can also influence how much a captain makes. For example, captains who have served more than five years may be eligible for additional bonuses or higher salaries.

In addition to their basic salary, cruise ship captains are usually also provided with other benefits including free accommodation on board their vessel as well as medical insurance. Captains may also receive additional bonuses based on performance or for achieving certain milestones such as sailing certain distances or completing certain tasks in a timely manner.

Cruise ship captains must possess a variety of skills in order to successfully command their vessel including strong leadership skills, maritime knowledge and experience in navigation. They must also possess good communication skills in order to effectively manage the crew and passengers on board their ship. The job requires long hours and often involves traveling away from home for long periods of time.

Conclusion:

A cruise ship captain’s salary can vary greatly depending on experience and type of vessel but generally ranges from around $90,000 – $250,000 per year plus additional benefits such as free accommodation and medical insurance. The job requires strong leadership skills as well as maritime knowledge and experience in navigation.