How Much Money Does a Massage Therapist Make on a Cruise Ship?

By Robert Palmer

A massage therapist who works on a cruise ship can make a significantly higher salary than a massage therapist in a land-based spa or wellness center. Cruise ships often pay their massage therapists more than they would on land, due to the higher cost of living at sea and the difficult working conditions. The amount of money that a massage therapist can make on a cruise ship depends on several factors, such as experience, qualifications, and the particular cruise line.

Experience: Massage therapists with more experience typically earn more money than those with fewer years of experience. This is because massage therapists who have been in the industry for longer tend to have higher skill levels and better client relationships. Cruise lines also prefer to hire experienced therapists because they are less likely to be overwhelmed by the challenging environment of life at sea.

Qualifications: Massage therapists who hold certifications from recognized institutions such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) will usually earn more than those without certifications. This is because certified massage therapists are seen as having more knowledge and skill in their field, making them more valuable to employers.

Cruise Line: Different cruise lines offer different salaries for their massage therapists, depending on their policies and budgets. Some luxury cruise lines may offer higher salaries than budget cruise lines, while others may provide additional benefits such as housing allowances or meal plans.

Conclusion: In conclusion, how much money a massage therapist makes on a cruise ship varies depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the particular cruise line they work for. Generally speaking, however, experienced massage therapists with certifications can expect to make significantly more money than those without them when working for luxury cruises lines.