How Much Does a Maitre D Make on a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

A maitre d’ on a cruise ship is an integral part of the team that ensures all passengers have a wonderful time. The maitre d’ is responsible for the guest experience, from making sure everyone is comfortable and taken care of, to running the dining room and overseeing the staff. As such, they are very well-paid for their services.

Maitre d’s typically make anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per month on cruise ships, depending on their experience level and the size of the ship. Those working on larger vessels often make more money than those working on smaller ships. In addition to their base salary, many maitre d’s also receive tips from passengers who are particularly pleased with their service.

Maitre d’s are expected to have excellent customer service skills as well as knowledge of proper dining etiquette. They must be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise in order to ensure that all guests have a pleasant experience. Maitre d’s also oversee the staff in the dining room, making sure they follow all regulations and protocols.

When it comes to working hours, maitres d’s on cruise ships usually work 8-hour shifts with breaks in between each shift. However, depending on how busy the ships are at any given time, some may need to work longer hours or even split shifts if necessary. This means that they could be working anywhere from 16-20 hours per day during peak times.

In addition to their salary and tips, many cruise lines offer other benefits such as free meals and accommodation for those who work aboard their vessels for extended periods of time. This can help offset some of their expenses while they’re away from home. Cruise lines may also offer additional perks such as travel discounts or onboard entertainment passes for employees as well.

Conclusion:
Maitres d’s on cruise ships can expect to make between $3,000-$6,000 per month depending on their experience level and the size of the vessel they’re working on. In addition to this base salary they can also receive tips from passengers who are pleased with their service as well as other perks like free meals and onboard entertainment passes offered by most cruise lines.