How Much Does an American Cruise Ship Captain Make?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ship captains are the highest-ranking officers on a cruise ship and, as such, they have a lot of responsibility. As well as ensuring the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew members, cruise ship captains are also responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the vessel. It’s no surprise then that they are well compensated for their duties. So, how much does an American cruise ship captain make?

The average salary of an American cruise ship captain is around $150,000 per year. This figure can vary significantly depending on experience and position, with some captains earning upwards of $200,000 annually. Additionally, cruise line companies often offer bonuses and other benefits to captains who successfully complete their contracts. These can include medical coverage, vacation time and other perks.

Cruise ship captains typically receive additional remuneration if they take on more responsibilities or undertake additional duties. For example, some captains may be asked to act as a tour guide when the vessel docks in ports around the world or to give lectures about sea life and navigation to passengers onboard. Captains may also be eligible for overtime pay if they work longer hours.

In addition to their salary, American cruise ship captains may receive free or discounted travel opportunities on their vessel’s cruises or other benefits such as free food onboard or discounts at certain destinations. Captains may also be provided with accommodation either onboard or in port cities during their contracts.

Overall, American cruise ship captains are highly paid professionals who play an important role in ensuring passenger safety and overseeing the daily operations of a vessel. With experience and additional responsibilities, some captains can earn up to $200,000 annually plus bonuses and other perks.

Conclusion: How much does an American Cruise Ship Captain make? On average, an American Cruise Ship Captain earns around $150,000 per year with salaries ranging from $150k – $200k depending on experience and position held aboard the vessel. In addition to their salary, Captains may also receive benefits such as free travel opportunities or discounted meals onboard.