How Much Does a Mega Cruise Ship Captain Make?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ships are becoming ever more popular as a travel vacation option. With their all-inclusive nature and variety of onboard activities, they attract millions of people each year. But how much does a mega cruise ship captain make?

The salary of a cruise ship captain depends on the size of the vessel and the cruise line they work for. Cruise ships typically fall into one of three categories: small, medium, and mega.

A small cruise ship is defined as having a passenger capacity of up to 500 passengers, while medium ships are typically 500-1,000 passengers, and mega ships are 1,000 or more passengers.

Mega cruise ships require captains with the highest level of expertise in order to safely navigate through often rough seas. Captains on these large vessels are paid a premium over captains on smaller ships.

A captain on a mega cruise ship can expect to make anywhere between $80,000 to $150,000 per year in salary. This is significantly higher than captains on smaller vessels who earn an average annual salary of $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

In addition to their base salary, captains may also be eligible for bonuses depending on the success of their voyage and the length of time they’ve been with the company. Some cruise lines even offer additional incentives such as free cruises or discounts for onboard purchases.

Conclusion:

Captains on mega cruise ships make significantly more than those on smaller vessels due to their expertise in navigating through often rough seas. They can expect to make anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000 per year in salary depending on their experience level and length of service with the company. In addition to their base salary, captains may also be eligible for bonuses or other incentives such as free cruises or discounts for onboard purchases.