How Much Does the Captain of a Cruise Ship Make?

By Robert Palmer

The Captain of a Cruise Ship is one of the most prestigious roles in the maritime industry. Cruise ships offer passengers an opportunity to experience the world in an opulent and luxurious setting and, as such, the person who is responsible for keeping them safe and ensuring their journey is a memorable one must be highly experienced, knowledgeable and capable. As such, it should come as no surprise that the salary for a cruise ship captain can be quite generous.

The salary of a cruise ship captain will depend on several factors such as their experience, the size of the vessel they are responsible for, and the cruise line they are employed by. Captains of luxury ocean liners will typically be paid considerably more than those who operate smaller vessels. The size of their crew can also play a role in determining their salary; captains with larger staffs may earn higher salaries than those with smaller crews.

In addition to their base salary, captains may receive additional compensation through bonuses or other incentives from cruise lines. These may be based on customer satisfaction scores or other performance metrics. Captains may also receive additional compensation through tips from passengers, although this is not always guaranteed.

The average salary for a Captain of a Cruise Ship ranges from $90,000 to $220,000 per year with most earning around $130,000 annually. Those captains who are employed by larger cruise lines with larger vessels can expect to earn more than those employed by smaller companies operating smaller vessels.

Conclusion:

The salary of a Cruise Ship Captain varies significantly depending on factors such as experience level, vessel size and employer. On average, Captains of Cruise Ships make between $90,000 – $220,000 per year with most earning around $130,000 annually. Those captains employed by larger companies with larger vessels usually make more than those employed by smaller companies operating smaller vessels.