How Much Does a Cruise Ship Worker Make a Year?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ship workers are essential to the running of a successful voyage and can work in a variety of roles. This means that the wages for cruise ship employees can vary greatly depending on their job.

Cruise Ship Captain The most senior position on board is the cruise ship captain, who is responsible for the overall operation, navigation and safety of the vessel. The salary for a cruise ship captain averages around $150,000 per year.

Cruise Ship Officers Cruise ship officers are responsible for managing the activities and operations of their departments, including engineering, navigation and safety. Their salaries range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

Deckhands Deckhands are responsible for maintaining the exterior of the vessel and assisting with loading cargo or luggage. Most deckhands make around $30,000 to $40,000 per year.

Housekeeping Staff Housekeeping staff clean cabins and public areas on board the vessel and may also serve as stewards or waiters in restaurants or buffets. Housekeeping staff typically earn between $20,000 to $30,000 per year.

Customer Service Representatives Customer service representatives are responsible for providing customer service to guests on board the vessel. They may be involved in booking shore excursions or helping guests with any issues they have during their stay on board. Customer service representatives typically make around $25,000 per year.

Entertainment Staff Entertainment staff provide entertainment to guests on board the vessel by performing shows or music throughout the voyage. They usually make between $25,000 to $35,000 per year depending on experience level.

In conclusion, cruise ship workers can make anywhere from $20,000 to over $150,000 a year depending on their role on board a vessel and their level of experience. It is important to note that many cruise ships also offer bonuses and other benefits such as free room and board which can help boost an employee’s income substantially over time.