cruise ship captain salary royal caribbean

How Much do Cruise Ship Captains Make? (Salary 2024)

Have you ever wondered how much does a cruise ship captain make a year? The exact amount can vary depending on several factors, including experience, the size and prestige of the ship, and more.

It’s estimated that cruise captains make an average of $96,000 a year. Some may even earn upwards of $200,000 per year while at the other end of the spectrum for small vessels and those newly promoted to the position make approximately $50,000 annually.

Read on to see how we arose at these figures and the various factors that influence the amount.

What is the Average Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

According to Comparably , a US Cruise captain on average earns a US$93,328 annual salary.

Another source of cruise captain salary data is from Payscale which indicates a ship captain’s average salary at US$ 96,347 a year.

From their stats, we can see they estimate the bottom 10% earn $48,000 a year and the top 10% $190,000 a year.

Interestingly they also break down estimated earnings by “Pay by Experience Level for Ship Captains”.

On average the ship captains with under 10 years of experience earn on average of US$70,000 to $77,000 a year, compared to those with over 10 years expecting to earn US$98,000.

Bear in mind the Payscale stats are based on “ship captains” and not specifically cruise ship captains, but we can expect the earnings to be in the right ballpark as they are on par with the Comparably stats.

However, this is just an average, and as you most likely know there is a wide range of cruise ship sizes, from those that carry 100 to 200 passengers to mega-ships that carry and are responsible for over 5000 passengers as well as 1500+ crew members.

So in this post, we look at the factors that influence a cruise captain’s annual salary and how much they make a year plus a look at some of the added perks of the job to be added on top.

Average Cruise Ship Captain Salary Per Month

Taking the average salary of cruise ship captain at US$93,328, this equates to a monthly average salary of US$ 7777.33.

We have also worked out the monthly salaries for those cruise ship captains earning higher annual salaries as follows:

• $125,000 a year equates to US$ 10,416 a month
• $150,000 a year equates to US$ 12,500 a month
• $175,000 a year equates to US$ 14,583 a month
• $200,000 a year equates to US$ 16,666 a month

Factors That influence Cruise Captain Pay

There are a number of factors that have an impact on how much a cruise captain can expect to get paid a year.

Years of Experience

One of the most important factors determining a cruise ship captain’s pay is their experience.

A newly qualified captain with little experience can expect to earn much less than a captain who has been sailing the seas for many years.

It’s not unusual for a cruise line to require that a captain has at least 10 years of experience before they can be considered for the role, including a number of those as Staff Captain, which is the second in command.

Quite simply, the more years of experience they have as an actual captain, the more they can expect to be paid.

Size and Prestige of Vessel

The next big factor is the size and type of vessel they are the captain of.

Generally, the larger the vessel, the more responsibility the captain has and the higher their salary will be.

Of course, there are other types of vessels such as smaller luxury cruises or cruise ships that have to navigate particularly difficult waters. These types of cruises will often pay their captains a little more to account for the extra skills and experience required.

Company Size

The size of the company can also affect a cruise ship captain’s salary.

For example, a small company that only operates one or two vessels will not be able to pay its captain as much as a large corporate company with dozens of ships.

However, it is worth noting that some of the smaller companies may be more willing to negotiate on salary and offer other perks, such as a share of the profits, which can make up for the lower salary.

The final factor we want to mention is location.

Captains who are based in Europe or North America will generally be paid more than those based in other parts of the world, such as Asia or South America.

This is because the cost of living is higher in these regions and companies need to pay their captains enough to cover their basic expenses.

Extra Benefits/Perks of Being a Cruise Captain

As well as a well-paid salary, a cruise captain may also be entitled to the following perks:

• Luxury suite accommodation which includes rooms for guests
• Room and Laundry service
• Use of the ship’s facilities, such as the gym and spa
• Free flights
• Paid Holidays
• Health and Dental plans

What is a Cruise Ship Captain?

A cruise ship captain is a hugely responsible role overseeing all crew departments involved in the overall operation of the vessel.

The captain is in charge of many aspects including navigation, safety, security, maintenance, crew, and passengers.

They need to have an in-depth knowledge of maritime law and be able to navigate using both modern technology and traditional methods.

The captain is responsible for maintaining the ship to a high standard and ensuring that all aspects of safety and equipment are in good working order.

It’s a role that can take years of maritime experience and training to achieve.

Responsibilities of a Cruise Captain

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for the lives of everyone on board as well as the safe operation of the vessel.

The captain of a cruise ship is also responsible for the crew and will need to ensure that they are properly trained and aware of their roles and responsibilities and carry them out to the best of their ability.

Let’s look in more detail at each of the main roles of the captain of a cruise ship.

Navigation of the Cruise  Ship

The most obvious role of the cruise ship captain is to navigate the vessel to required destinations.

The captain will also be responsible for charting the course of the ship, taking into account weather conditions and other factors that could affect the safe passage of the vessel.

In addition to this, the captain will also need to determine the speed of the ship and make sure that it is within the safe limit to reach destinations at the correct time.

The captain will also be responsible for making sure that the ship stays within the safe waters and does not stray into dangerous areas, avoiding any hazards that could potentially damage the ship or put the lives of those on board at risk.

This will also include making the decisions of when to leave ports in the event of passengers not onboarding on time, and possibly leaving them behind.

Safety of Passengers and Crew

It is also the responsibility of the captain to make sure that the ship is compliant with all maritime regulations.

The safety of the passengers and crew is the responsibility of the captain and in the event of an accident should be the last person to leave the ship, putting the safety of all passengers and crew before themselves.

Oversea Ship Maintenance and Operations

The cruise ship captain is in charge of overseeing the seaworthiness of the ship, ensuring correct maintenance and engineering operations of the vessel are upheld to the highest standards while at sea.

This includes making sure that all safety equipment is in good working order and that the crew is properly trained in its use.

The captain will also be responsible for inspecting or reviewing reports from heads of relevant departments of the ship on a regular basis to ensure that it is seaworthy and fit for purpose.

In addition to this, the captain will also be responsible for managing the ship’s paperwork and certificates.

Local and International Customs and Immigration Laws

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for making sure that the ship complies with all local and international customs and immigration laws.

This includes making sure that all passengers have the correct documentation to travel to their destination and that they are adhering to the customs regulations of each country that the ship visits.

The captain will also need to make sure that the ship has the correct documents and certificates to dock at each port.

The captain may not deal with these issues first-hand, but it’s their responsibility to ensure the crew in the relevant departments are adhering to the rules and regulations as required.

Cruise Ship Security

The captain is responsible for making sure that the ship is secure at all times and that there are adequate security measures in place to protect the passengers and crew from any potential threats.

This includes ensuring that there are security personnel on board as well as CCTV systems and other security measures.

In addition to this, the captain will also need to make sure that the ship is compliant with the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS) an international maritime security measure that was introduced in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

There are many possible security issues a ship could encounter including piracy, stowaways, and terrorist threats.

It is the responsibility of the captain to make sure that the ship is prepared for any eventuality.

The captain of a cruise ship may also be responsible for dealing with unruly or even criminal activities and felons which may have to result in a passenger being imprisoned in the cruise ship jail or brig as they are otherwise known.

As well as possibly making decisions as to whether a passenger should be kicked off the ship.

Dealing with Emergencies

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for dealing with any emergency situations that may arise during the voyage.

This includes anything from medical emergencies to fires on board the ship.

The captain would also oversee any incidents such as death on the cruise and the use of the onboard morgue .

In the event of an emergency, the captain will need to make sure that the correct procedures are followed and that the safety of all passengers and crew is paramount.

The captain may not deal with the emergency directly, but they will be responsible for coordinating the response and giving orders as necessary.

Managing the Crew

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for managing the crew and making sure that they are adhering to the rules and regulations of the ship.

The cruise ship captain is the head of ship with a number of heads of departments and officers having to report or communicate issues to the ship captain.

These include but are not limited to:

• Staff Captain
• Safety Officer
• Environmental Compliance Officer
• 1st Navigation Officer
• Chief Security Officer

The captain will also need to deal with any disciplinary issues that may arise amongst the crew.

Attend Onboard Social Events

The captain of a cruise ship is usually required to attend various social events that are held on board the ship.

This includes things like cocktail parties, dinners, and balls.

The captain may also be required to give speeches at these events.

While attending these social events is not strictly part of the job, it is considered to be good practice as it helps to foster good relations with the passengers.

Marrying Couples

One of the more unusual duties of a cruise ship captain is to officiate at weddings that are held on board the ship.

This is often seen as a romantic gesture and many couples choose to get married on a cruise ship because of this.

However, it is important to note that not all captains are legally able to perform marriages.

Work Schedule On Call 24/7

Another factor to bear in mind is that the captain of a cruise ship is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This means they may be called upon at any time to deal with an emergency or problem.

While there are usually other officers who can take over in the event of an emergency, the captain is still responsible for the ship and its passengers.

Cruise captains tend to work in rotation, working 8 to 10 weeks on the ship followed by 8 to 10 weeks off-ship all covered by the salary.

How  to Become a Cruise Ship Captain

To become a cruise captain, you will need a master’s degree in maritime studies and 10 to 15 years of experience working in various positions on ocean vessels.

Captains will need to have passed the Federal Maritime Authority captain’s license exam once they have 10 years of experience.

Some of the skills that are required for this job include:

• Top-level people skills
• Strong leadership
• Good communication

Captains also need to be able to maintain their composure and act decisively in an emergency.

Does a Cruise Captain Have to Go Down With the Ship?

In the event of a  disaster, it is the captain’s obligation and legal duty to be the last man off the ship.   The captain should stay on board for as long as possible ensuring that all passengers and crew are evacuated safely in the event of such an emergency.

One recent well-known case was that of the  Costa Concordia in 2013. In this instance, captain Francesco Schettino left the ship while passengers and crew members were still on board and ended up being one of the first to reach dry land.

He was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment, of which one year was attributed to his actions of abandoning passengers.

Thankfully these kinds of disasters are extremely rare events and the vast majority of cruise captains are worthy of their important and well-paid role on the ship.

How Many Captains are on a Cruise Ship?

There is only ever one captain at a time on a cruise ship. The captain usually takes the position for a set period of time, anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. Although it varies depending on the cruise line.

Often there will be two captains rotating work contracts on the ship. While one is on vacation, the other captain takes over.

Often a captain is on the ship for a few years at a time, usually with an eye to moving up to a bigger ship in the fleet should the opportunity arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest paid cruise captain.

According to Payscale the highest pay for a ship captain is US$190,000 annual salary. In reality, this could be over $200,000 in some cases.

What is a Mega Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

We would expect captains of some of the world’s largest mega-cruise ships  to be paid the highest annual salaries in the range of $170,000 to $200,000. A Captain of a mega cruise ship will have many of years experience.

Cruise lines with mega cruise ships:

• Royal Caribbean
• Costa Cruises
• P&O (their largest ship Iona)
• Carnival cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruises
• Princess Cruises

Many of which have cruise ships with the capacity to carry over 5000 passengers.

How Much Does a Disney Cruise Captain Make a Year?

Disney cruise ships are captained by some of the most experienced and veteran captains in the business. It is not known exactly how much they earn, but we would expect them to be amongst the highest paid with an annual salary in excess of $150,000.

What is a Royal Caribbean Captain Salary?

A Royal Caribbean Cruise ship captain salary is not publicly known or shared, but we would expect the captain of one the world’s largest cruise ships to be one of the highest-paid with an annual salary possibly excess of $190,000 to $200,000 a year.

These would be captains of Royal Caribbean largest ships:

• Wonder of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas

Captains of smaller ships in the fleet would be expected to earn less, but most probably above the average at a higher rate of 120,000 to $150,000+ annual salary

What is a Carnival Cruise Captain Salary?

A Carnival Cruise captain salary has not been publicly shared, as most individuals prefer to keep their salaries private.

With a fleet of at least 24 ships, the salaries would vary, depending on various factors, one of which being the size of the ship. Some of the larger Carnival Cruises ships are twice the size and have double the capacity of smaller ships in the fleet.

Can Women Be Cruise Captains?

Females can become cruise ship captains, although the numbers are very low. In fact, there are only a handful of female captains working for the major cruise companies.

The most notable is Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Edge. She is the first American woman to be appointed captain of a mega cruise ship. 

What is Captain Kate McCue Salary?

Captain Kate McCue salary would be in the region of $150,000 to $190,000 a year. Celebrity Cruises are a premium cruise line with luxury modern cruise ships. As a captain of Celebrity Beyond, a luxury Edge class cruise ship it would be expected that Kate McCue would be one of the highest paid cruise ship captain.

As the most public well-known cruise ship captain, she no doubt earns extra from her large social media following.

The role of the cruise ship captain is a highly responsible and demanding one, with many different duties and responsibilities including the safety of the ship, its crew, and passengers.

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Royal Caribbean International Salary for Ship Captain BETA

What is the average salary for a Ship Captain at Royal Caribbean International in the United States? Based on our data, it appears that the optimal compensation range for a Ship Captain at Royal Caribbean International is between $80,167 and $98,599, with an average salary of $89,759. Salaries can vary widely depending on the region, the department and many other important factors such as the employee’s level of education, certifications and additional skills.

DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

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Royal Caribbean International Overview

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France. The company has a combined total of 37 ships in service and seven under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin and South America and New Zealand.

Major Food Brand Miami, FL

SEABORNE AIRLINES Hollywood, FL

Sea Tow Destin Destin, FL

VM Miami Beach Miami, FL

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What skills does a person need at royal caribbean international.

At Royal Caribbean International, specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

• Installation: The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
• Customer Service: Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
• Scheduling: Scheduling is the process of arranging, controlling and optimizing work and workloads in a production process or manufacturing process.
• Coaching: Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance.
• Hydraulics: Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.

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How much do royal caribbean cruise ship captains make?

Salary breakdown of Royal Caribbean cruise ship captains

Have you ever wondered how much Royal Caribbean cruise ship captains make? It's no secret that being in charge of a large cruise ship comes with a lot of responsibility, but it also comes with some pretty enticing perks. Let's take a closer look at the salary breakdown of these high-ranking maritime professionals.

As the commanding officer of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, a captain can make a substantial salary. On average, their base salary can range from $8,000 to $10,000 per month. However, this is just the starting point, as they also receive bonuses and various other compensation packages.

Additional compensation for Royal Caribbean cruise ship captains

In addition to their base salary, Royal Caribbean cruise ship captains receive various allowances and bonuses. These include a navigation bonus, a senior officer's bonus, a long service bonus, and a safety bonus. These additional compensation packages can significantly increase their overall earnings.

Furthermore, Royal Caribbean provides their captains with exceptional benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time. They also have the opportunity to travel the world while working and experience all the luxuries that come with being on board a cruise ship.

It's important to note that the total compensation for Royal Caribbean cruise ship captains can vary based on factors such as their experience, the size of the ship, and the length of their contract. Captains with more experience and those in charge of larger ships often command higher salaries.

The role and responsibilities of a cruise ship captain

Being a cruise ship captain is not just about the salary and perks. It's a position that comes with immense responsibilities and requires exceptional skills and experience. Captains are responsible for the safety of both the passengers and the crew on board, as well as the smooth operation of the ship.

They must have a deep understanding of navigation and maritime law and be able to make tough decisions under pressure. They oversee and coordinate all onboard operations, manage the ship's staff, and ensure compliance with international safety and environmental regulations.

Additionally, captains act as representatives of the cruise line, interacting with passengers and ensuring their satisfaction. They must possess excellent leadership and communication skills to effectively manage a large team and provide a memorable experience for all onboard guests.

Career progression and future prospects

Now that we've established the salary and responsibilities of Royal Caribbean cruise ship captains, let's take a look at their career progression and future prospects.

Starting as third officers, aspiring captains need to gain experience and work their way up through the ranks. This involves completing the required training and obtaining the necessary certifications. As they gain experience and prove their expertise, they can progress to higher positions, eventually becoming a cruise ship captain.

Advancement opportunities for Royal Caribbean cruise ship captains

Once a captain reaches the pinnacle of their career, there are still plenty of advancement opportunities available within Royal Caribbean. They may be promoted to managerial positions, such as shore excursions manager or fleet manager. These positions come with additional responsibilities and an increase in salary.

Furthermore, some retired cruise ship captains go on to become maritime consultants or marine surveyors, leveraging their years of experience and knowledge to contribute to the industry in different capacities.

Overall, a career as a Royal Caribbean cruise ship captain offers both financial stability and exciting prospects for professional growth.

Challenges and rewards of being a cruise ship captain

While being a cruise ship captain may seem glamorous, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Captains must be prepared to spend extended periods away from their families and loved ones, as they are often at sea for several months at a time. The demanding nature of the job requires them to be available and on-call 24/7.

However, the rewards of being a cruise ship captain are numerous. The opportunity to travel to exotic destinations, interact with people from all over the world, and be in command of a massive vessel are unique experiences that few professions can offer.

Not to mention the financial rewards and the satisfaction that comes with navigating a ship safely and ensuring the happiness of thousands of passengers.

Being a Royal Caribbean cruise ship captain is not only a dream job for many sailors, but it also comes with a generous salary and exciting opportunities for career growth. The base salary, coupled with various allowances and bonuses, can make this an incredibly lucrative profession. However, it's important to remember that being a captain requires years of experience, exceptional skills, and a deep understanding of navigation and maritime law.

While there are challenges associated with the job, the rewards, such as the opportunity to travel the world, interact with diverse cultures, and be in command of a massive cruise ship, make it highly appealing. So, if you're passionate about the sea and dream of a career that combines adventure, responsibility, and financial stability, becoming a Royal Caribbean cruise ship captain may be the perfect path for you.

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The Real Salary of a Cruise Ship Captain

March 19, 2024

As you can imagine, the captain is the most important person on a cruise ship. He is in charge of the ship but has many other duties and responsibilities.

Because of the large number of things he does, his salary can be quite high . In this article, we will look at how much he gets per month and how the salary can change based on different cruise lines and locations.

Table of Contents

Cruise Captain job

Cruise ship navigation.

Nowadays, captains rely on a high number of sophisticated navigational tools , from GPS systems and radar to electronic charts that ensure the vessel’s precise positioning and course. Even though the technological tools help navigate the ship, the captain’s judgment remains indispensable . The captain must interpret weather patterns, ocean currents, and other vessels’ movements to make real-time decisions that balance efficiency with safety.

Cruise ship navigation is an intricate job that always requires the presence of someone at the command deck , when the captain is busy with another task there’s always a First Officer or Second Officer in charge.

Safety and security of all passengers

Above all, a cruise captain is the guardian of lives. The safety and security of passengers and crew are a priority that must influence every decision.

This responsibility includes a wide range of activities: overseeing the maintenance of life-saving equipment, conducting regular safety drills, and implementing comprehensive security protocols against potential threats.

In case of emergencies, the captain’s leadership is crucial and they must be experts in managing crises or difficult situations.

Crew management

On some cruise ships, the crew can be quite big and can exceed 2000 people . The captain’s leadership style is crucial in cultivating an environment where diverse crew members from various backgrounds and cultures work harmoniously towards a common goal.

The captain in particular is responsible for the crew of the command bridge and the officers on the ship.

Attend social events

A unique aspect of a cruise captain’s role is their presence at social events, an opportunity to engage with passengers in a more relaxed setting .

As you may know, there are a few occasions when you can meet the captain during your cruise. For example the welcome aboard speech, the captain’s gala dinner, or the captain’s cocktail party. These events are often memorable and can add a personal touch to the adventure of cruising.

Factors that influence the Captain’s salary

There are also several key factors that contribute to the variability in captains’ earnings . They range from individual qualifications and experience to external variables such as the size of the ship and the company’s prestige. Let’s see them in detail.

Experience stands as one of the most significant determinants of a captain’s salary. In the maritime world, every nautical mile enriches a captain’s expertise, making them more valuable. Seasoned captains can usually aspire to have higher salaries . This experience is related to navigational proficiency, but also to the experience in crisis management and operational knowledge that can only occur over time.

The size of the ship is another of the main factors that influence a captain’s compensation. Larger ships usually require a captain with a higher level of navigational skill and technical knowledge. Bigger cruise ships also entail greater responsibility in terms of safety, crew management, and passenger satisfaction. We have seen in the ranking of Carnival cruise ships by size how the modern ships can have more than 6.000 passengers on board. Consequently, the compensation reflects the increased complexity and demands of these floating cities.

The company employing the captain plays a crucial role in determining salary levels. Prestigious cruise lines , known for their expansive fleets and luxurious cruises, often offer higher compensation to attract and retain the most skilled captains.

These companies usually recognize that the captain’s expertise and leadership directly impact the passengers’ experience and safety- Furthermore, company-specific factors such as financial health and operational regions can all influence the salary for captains. Later in the article, we will look at specific salaries for some of the most famous cruise companies.

While practical experience at sea is invaluable, formal education also plays an important role in shaping a captain’s salary. Captains with advanced maritime degrees or certifications from recognized maritime academies or universities may have an edge in salary negotiations.

Usually, a degree is not necessary to become a cruise ship captain but it still is an industry where regulations and technologies are constantly evolving, so education ensures that captains remain at the forefront of maritime safety, navigation, and management practices.

Finally, the location where a captain is employed can significantly affect their salary. Factors such as the cost of living, local demand for maritime professionals, and the economic conditions of the region all play a role. For instance, captains working in regions with a high concentration of cruise operations or in countries with strong maritime industries may command higher salaries.

Down below we will look at the salaries for some specific regions such as the US, the UK, and Europe.

The Captain’s salary by company

As we said before, the salary of a cruise ship captain varies significantly based on several factors, including the cruise line they work for .

Captains working for major cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC are very well compensated.

In addition to a competitive salary, cruise ship captains often have several perks, including suite accommodations, free flights, paid holidays, and health plans.

Cruise captain salary for Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation is the biggest cruise operator in the market with over ninety vessels across nine cruise lines. As you can imagine, since they’re so big, their captain’s salary can vary a lot based on many factors. To make an estimate we can say that the range for a captain’s salary is typically between $60,000 to $160,000 annually .

Cruise captain salary for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a competitive salary range for their captains as well, with figures generally falling between approximately $120,000 to $180,000 or more per year. This variation accounts for the diverse fleet and operational demands specific to Royal Caribbean’s global cruising operations.

Cruise captain salary for MSC

MSC Cruises is a cruise company that has grown a lot in recent years and their salary range is now competitive with other major cruise lines. According to our information, MSC’s Captains can make approximately $80,000 to $160,000 . The range can vary significantly based on the size of the ship and the years of experience.

Captain salary based on location

Captain salary in the us.

Among other factors, the salary of a cruise ship captain varies significantly based on their location. In the United States , the average salary for a cruise ship captain is approximately $94,000 per year , with variations depending on the city and state. Cities in California, such as San Jose and Santa Clara, offer the highest salaries, reaching an average of $120,000 per year​ ​​ ​.

Captain salary in the UK and Europe (Germany, Italy, France, Spain)

In Europe, captains can have a very good salary if their company operates in the richest European countries like the UK, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain.

According to Check a Salary , a cruise Captain in the UK has an average Salary of £108,000 with a max that can reach £140,000. On the other hand, according to Salary Expert , the average for other European countries like Germany is €80,000 but with big swings based on the size of the ship and the experience of the captain.

Captain salary in India

In other parts of the world such as in Asia or South America, the salary of a captain is definitely lower.

For example, the salaries in India do not reach the levels seen in North America and Europe. The mean salary is more or less of INR 1,800,000 which is like 20,000 dollars.

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How Much Does a Cruise Ship Captains Make In 2024?

Commanding mighty vessels is not a sinecure. Managing a diverse crew, ensuring the passenger’s safety, and dealing with harsh weather challenges are the daily chores of a cruise ship captain. 

But I know the cruise captains love all such adventures. In fact, they have to feed their families, and has a decent salary develops a deeper affection for their work. 

You’re in the right place if you’re searching for how much a cruise ship captain makes. In today’s guide, I will explain the paychecks of cruise captains and tell you whether this career is worth considering for you and how you can become a successful cruise captain. 

Pour yourself some coffee, and let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

How Much is The Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

According to authentic resources, including salary.com , salary experts , and Indeed , the average salary of a cruise captain is $107,503 to $132,001. But keep in mind that the salary of a cruise captain varies depending upon the experience, skills, qualifications, and more. 

If you look at it, the average yearly salary for a cruise captain is around $107,503, about $53.75 per hour. That’s pretty impressive.

I know high-paying jobs attract every eye, but it’s not a piece of cake. A cruise captain is highly accountable because managing such a large vessel is not easy. Along with the perfect managing skill, you need courage, a resilient mindset, and a strong grip on emotions to face challenges while sailing. 

Some cruise lines offer $75k annual salary to freshly appointed cruise captains, and they are under the supervision of seniors. Meanwhile, the seniors get the $132K to $150k paycheck, and they look like the most responsible individuals on the planet because they are responsible for the thousands of lives on the vessel. 

Cruise Lines That Pays The Highest Salaries To Captains?

Many cruise lines operate in the United States, but only a few are hitting it big and dominating the entire business. 

If you’re a captain of any big cruise line and serving it through the core of hearts, you will get paid magnificently. However, some notable cruise lines always seek an experienced and skilled person. You must be capable of managing a large vessel while sailing the high seas. 

Among all the famous and luxury cruise lines, the Regent Seven, Seabourn, and Crystal Cruises offer cruise captains a $150,000 salary. On top of that, some additional perks, luxury accommodation, and food are also included . 

Besides, when it comes to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises, they’re not stingy with their cash either. These guys are throwing big bucks at their cruise captains. 

Because both these cruise lines operate these colossal ships with loads of passengers and crew, the cruise captains end up shouldering a massive responsibility. That’s why these cruise lines also give over $150K salary to the captains. 

The Cruise Ship Captain’s Salary Depends on Few Factors 

The salary of a cruise ship captain is not fixed; it depends on a few factors, like experience, qualifications, management skills, ship size, location, and cruise lines.

1- Experience 

The first thing that every cruise line needs is an experienced individual capable of handling the colossal vessel. The more experience you have, the greater your wages will be. 

Also, an experienced cruise captain knows how to maneuver the ship, so cruise lines trust him. The popular cruise lines give handsome paychecks to experienced captains, and it’s almost more than 150K. Meanwhile, novice captains only get a $60k paycheck. 

2- Qualifications 

The second factor that influences the wage of a cruise captain is qualification. If you have a strong educational background, a high-level degree in management, and a Master’s degree in Maritime studies, your chances of getting a solid salary will be higher. 

3- The Size Of Ship 

The larger the ship’s size, the more responsibilities on a captain’s shoulder. You have to manage more crew and take care of thousands of guests. That’s why the captains of big Cruises have over $150k in yearly income. 

4- Cruise Line

Famous cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival , and Norwegian Cruise Line offer higher wages than other small cruise lines. So, you will get a thick paycheck if you’re a captain of any dominating cruise line. 

5- Location 

The last thing that determines the salary of a cruise captain is location. Few areas are very posh and home to elite-class people of society, and the captains’ salaries in such areas are higher than others. 

I have seen captains from Europe and North America have higher wages than Australian cruise captains. Similarly, the wages of cruise captains in Asian countries are also lower.

How To Become A Cruise Ship Captain?

I have seen many successful cruise captains with handsome wages, and almost all of them are 33 to 35+. This means that to succeed in this field, you have to struggle more. 

First, you need four years of a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering or Nautical science, 2 years for a Master’s degree, and if you want to achieve more success, add 2 more years for an MBA degree. 

Along with these 8 years of professional education, you also need solid experience in the maritime industry and a valid license and certification from authorized organizations.  

It’s true, If I say you need great patience in this field. You’ll surely reach your dream destination if you’re dedicated to becoming a successful cruise captain and truly passionate about your work.

A few of the most notable cruise lines, like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney, demand at least 10 years of experience for cruise captains. 

Give it about 10 years after your education, and you’ll start making a name for yourself in the industry. So, hang in there, do the work, and stay patient.

Along with the degrees, leadership skills are also key to becoming a successful cruise captain. You must be excellent in communication with the crew and guests. 

The Rewards That Cruise Ship Captain Receives?

Cruise lines always look out for their cruise captains. After all, these captains spend their whole careers caring for guests and ensuring they have the best sailing experience.

That’s why cruise captains also get some bonuses and perks. Here are some of the perks that every cruise captain gets. 

1- Free Accommodation 

Along with the decent salary, the cruise captains enjoy free accommodations. Their rooms are not basic; they get high-quality rooms on board with a balcony and all other amenities. 

2- Free Means

Cruise captains enjoy free meals onboard. There is a crew mess hall on all the cruises where the captain is the dominating personality sitting among the crew and enjoying with them. The cruise captains can also dine with any restaurant if they wish. 

3- Chef Guests Of Exclusive Events 

Cruise captains are like the heroes onboard; everybody takes selfies with them. And often become the chief guest at the exclusive ship’s events, cocktail parties, captain’s dinners, and other events. So all such events are a great moment of pride for them. 

4- Travel Opportunities 

The cruise captains unlock their excision options along with the other perks. With every voyage, they get a chance to visit some cool destinations and explore the world without paying a single penny. 

5- Family Benefits 

All the cruise lines allow cruise captains to bring their family on board without fares. Even though the family can’t always stay with the captain, cruise ships typically welcome the captain’s family, and they can enjoy the free voyage for a few days. 

The Challenges Cruise Captains Have To Confront

I have said earlier that a cruise ship captain’s job is not like walking in a park; they must make many sacrifices and face many challenges to ensure a comfortable sailing. 

1- Responsibilities On Their Shoulders

The cruise captain has a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders. They are responsible for the safety and must handle all the cruise operations to satisfy all the guests. 

2- Sacrifices 

The busy schedule of cruise captains keeps them away from their families, and they often miss out on many family events and parties.

3- Multi-Tasking 

This is a bitter truth that the captain has to manage many things at a time. I know not every individual can do a cruise ship captain’s job.

At a time, they have to manage the crew, deal with the operation of a vessel, safety, compliance and regulations, and more. 

How much do cruise ship captains make?

Cruise ship captains make between $75K and $ 150 K. However, the salary depends on the experience, qualifications, and skills. 

What is the average monthly wage of a cruise ship captain?

The average monthly wage of a cruise ship captain starts from $6k/month. However, the senior captain has even more than $10K+ month wages. So it all depends on your experience and skills. 

What are the responsibilities of a cruise ship captain?

A cruise ship captain has a lot of responsibilities like overseas navigation, ensuring passenger safety, handling emergencies, managing the crew, complying with maritime regulations, handling events, and more. 

What factors determine the typical cruise ship captain salary ?

Factors determining the salary of cruise ship captains include experience, educational background, vessel size, cruise line, and location. 

What is the salary of a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship Captain?

According to  Salary.com , the salary of a Royal Caribbean cruise captain is between $80,000 and $100,000, and the average salary is $88,000. Besides this, the Royal Caribbean cruise directors and captains get many free perks and bonuses. Royal Caribbean captains’ salary widely depends on region, education level, and experience. 

What is the salary of Carnival cruise captains?

The captains of Carnival cruises can make between $100,000 to $200,000. The salary of Carnival cruise captains depends on their experience, as this cruise line requires at least 10 years of maritime experience. 

What is The Salary Of Disney Cruise Ship Captains?

Disney Cruise is more kind-hearted towards the cruise crew, and the average salary for a captain falls between $150,000 and $250,000, surpassing other cruise lines. Additionally, there are reportedly attractive bonuses provided to captains, directors, managers, and other cruise staff members.

What Is The Salary Of Norwegian Cruise Ship Captain?

The average salary of a Norwegian cruise captain is similar to that of the Carnival cruise captains, who also make between $100,000 and $200,000. They pay higher wages than other cruise lines and offer bonuses and perks. 

What Is The Salary Of Princess Cruise Ship Captain?

The average captain’s salary on Princess Cruises ranges from $90,000 to $100,000. However, the salary might vary depending on the skills, experience, education, and region. 

Final Thoughts 

Undoubtedly, cruise ship captains have handsome salaries between $75K to $ 150K. The plus point is that they have very few expensive cruise lines that provide all the facilities to them, including accommodation, meals, laundry, and other bonuses. 

Despite all such perks and amazing paychecks, cruise captains have to deal with many challenges, and they have a bundle of responsibilities on their shoulders. 

I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.

Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.

Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.

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How Much Do Cruise Ship Captains Make? Is It Worth It?

You may be thinking about how much do cruise ship captains make, so why not start a brilliant career at sea. But it’s a long way to become a cruise ship captain; one can spend a decade climbing up the ladder and still fail with the dream job in the end.

Why? Cruise ship captains’ salaries are among the highest-paid professionals in the seafaring community, and making an annual $200,000 is not a joke. We can only imagine how wild the competition for this position is.

How Much Do Cruise Ship Captains Make?

What are the requirements for a cruise ship captain for this salary, what is the highest salary of a cruise ship captain, what are the average wages of cruise ship captains, what is the lowest salary of a cruise ship captain, what is the starting salary of the cruise ship captains, how many cruise ships are there in the world, conclusion on a salary of a cruise ship captain.

So, the magic numbers are:

A cruise ship captain makes between $70,000 and $200,000+ annually.

Cruise ship captains are always on call due to their comprehensive skills and outstanding character; however, as always, the Moon has the other side – the number of cruise ships is drastically limited.

These ships are as huge as they are expensive for a company to buy, even worse to maintain. We suggest this market is rather exclusive from both sides, which should be harsh.

And, be sure how meticulous the interview shall be before they give you a billion-dollar piece to drive the baby full of passengers into rough seas. Just to demonstrate the idea: one of the most significant cruise companies is “Royal Caribbean,” which owns as few as 5 cruise ships of the Oasis class. Five!

So, as a cruise captain , you must have an outstanding education and years of superior experience in everything and speak foreign languages fluently. You chase your dream for ten years or more, growing your skills along with your knowledge, passing hundreds of exams and medical checks, to finally face the toughest competition with other captains for only five positions! That’s hard.

If we call a salty master of the seas a “sea dog” in the language, then the cruise ship captain must be a goddamn’ timber wolf to stand fast clashing for his future position and the heart-warming salary of a few hundred thousand per year.

We have reached out to a random cruise agency to ask them to share a random CV of a cruise captain for the purpose of this post. So hereinbelow is a proposed quintessential of what a cruise captain must be able to do, not a full list, though:

• A Bachelor’s degree is a must for a cruise ship of significant size, but for the biggest ones, which are already “floating cities” with all their pools and roller coasters, a Mastery or a Doctorate is a de facto requirement.
• Mastery in operating big ships , which is not the same as operating anything else. For example, a really big private yacht is yet a dinghy compared to a cruise ship. Also, this trait for a cruise captain’s CV stands mainly for a practical skill, one you gain over that decade of experience before you even apply, while the next one describes the academic knowledge.
• Mastery in navigation as a whole. This includes, of course, astronomy and excellent chart-work skills, meteorology, being god-gifted in predicting the weather, and a whole ton of other sciences and meta-sciences. They learn it for several years.
• Supervising a crew – includes all hands onboard: high- and middle-class officers, engineers, chefs and cooks, doctors, cleaning staff, servicing staff, bartenders, stewards, literally everyone. We can imagine our superman captain better have outstanding interpersonal abilities. Harsh enough, I’ve pulled it once with 400 souls, it was nearly a mare, and it was not even a cruise ship balancing on waves but an office in downtown.
• Budgeting ship maintenance and repair , controlling it, and being responsible for the resulting outcome. Oops, yeah, even this! Should we mention that a cruise ship captain competently understands all nuances of a ship’s engineering, from top to bottom? Is it even humanly possible, I wonder? Needless to say, a huge cruise ship is way too complex mechanics.
• Application of a ship safety protocol , which is the safety of the ship herself, and her crew, including medical safety, the safety of food onboard, and safety of a few thousand half-seas over passengers, who are there to rock, while you are on duty.
• Excellent eye-hand coordination .
• Good seeing and hearing abilities .
• Speaking languages : English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian. Not necessarily all of them, but the more is better and is an advantage. Oh! Thank you for excluding Chinese from the list… Cruise captains usually speak a few languages, more than two.
• Great leadership abilities , which is already too obvious, right? 😉

We realize a ship cruise captain must be a radically tough guy .

I can guess physical attractiveness plays an effective role too; at least a cruise ship captain should not be a Quasimodo, and we have never met an ugly cruise ship captain after all.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class cruise ships (more than 5000 passengers and 2000 people on a crew) suggest one of the industry’s highest pay for cruise ship captains.

A cruise ship captain of the Oasis-class cruise ship, like “Oasis of the Seas,” reportedly makes $200,000+ per year.

I have no idea at all how they even drive that Oasis-class. There are onboard ice-skating and rock climbing walls, multiple pools for sport and different ones for leisure, also carousels, water slides, laser tag battle arenas, countless bars and restaurants, and a theater showing musicals.

$1,400,000,000 (one and a half billion) in one man’s hands !

That is what we call responsibility!

The average industry pay for the cruise ship captain is $100-150,000 annually.

However, the exclusivity of a profession, a limited number of that big cruise ships in the world, and a limited number of excellent captains in the market make it a little challenging to determine an exactly “average” wage of a cruise ship captain. The same reason is that the mathematical average temperature of patients in a hospital is 98 F! if you know what I mean.

It also depends on the captain’s experience and the company pay scale.

The industry’s lowest pay for a cruise ship captain is reportedly $70-80,000 annual , and it is such for smaller cruise ships, say, about 1500-2000 passengers, I guess.

Also, the cruise ship captain’s quest to reach the sky does not end with employment. For the highest pay and the biggest ship, he must gain even more experience while he is already a cruise ship captain.

On the junior and intermediate levels, the cruise ship captains make $35,000 on average for junior, and $55,000 on average for intermediate, annually .

This does not mean any Oasis-class, of course, but significantly smaller ships or ferries, where a cruise ship captain only starts enhancing his already-great experience.

That’s a good question when considering a career as a cruise ship captain. Another one is: for the highly probable case if I start my cruise ship captain career right now, is there any space for the future me in the market?

Well, the luxury cruise ship market is a brutal place for competition. There are 314 cruise ships globally, of which less than 50 are luxury cruise ships in the whole world. Statista website promises there shall be 86 luxury cruise ship units by 2027.

And of course, there are smaller ones you can be a captain on, but the ultimate and the dream you see on the postcards are luxury ones that make you wonder how much do cruise ship captains make.

Just compare to the 55,000 merchant ships, considering your seafaring dreams, becoming a cargo ship captain , maybe? However, the good news is that the two leading cruise ship companies are located in the United States; the “Royal Caribbean” and “Carnival Corporation.”

So you already know how much do cruise ship captains make for a living, and you can see that the money is good, the best in the sailing industry.

But getting there is not easy, and the list of requirements is enormous. However, no one can stop you from dreaming, and once there is a dream, you may actually get there.

Keep reading our sailing blog ; you will find more exciting things, including fascinating sailing quotes and our glossary of sailing terms .

Good lock, future Captain!

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Hi, I’m Igor, Skipper of S/Y "The Hooker". A decade ago, I conquered my childhood dream: to be a sailing skipper, own a sailing yacht. Yes, it knocked dullness out of my urban life — Read more →

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What is a Typical Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

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Cruise ship captains are responsible for the entire operation of a cruise ship. Their role is demanding, requiring years of experience, special skills, and long hours.

A cruise ship captain’s salary is $98,000. A captain’s salary depends on the vessel size, years of experience, and cruise line.

Cruise ship captains also receive benefits such as their cabin accommodations, food, flights, drinks, housekeeping, and more.

Keep reading to learn more about how much money cruise ship captains make.

Table of Contents

What is a Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

An average cruise ship captain’s salary is $95,000 , in a salary range of $50,000 to $190,000 . New cruise ship captains may start at $50,000, while more experienced captains can make over $150,000.

The exact salary for a cruise captain depends on the captain’s experience, education, the cruise line they work for, and the size of the ship they sail.

There is a wide range of estimates on cruise ship captains’ salaries. Below are some estimates for cruise ship captain’s salary:

• Comparably estimates the average cruise ship captain’s salary at $93,328 annually.
• Payscale estimates a ship captain’s average salary at $94,484 per year.
• Indeed.com estimates a cruise ship captain’s annual salary of $47,491.

The captain is the highest-paid crew member on a cruise ship. That’s because cruise ship captains have a demanding job that requires them to be on call 24/7.

A captain is responsible for the entire operation of the cruise ship. Not to mention, the captain is responsible for the thousands of lives on the vessel and the cruise ship’s safety.

The ship’s captain’s responsibilities include:

• Ship navigation
• Engine room operations
• Equipment maintenance
• Crew training
• Guest Services
• Ship entertainment
• Responding to emergencies
• Social events
• Ensuring the safety of guests, crew members, and the vessel

The size of the cruise ship is a significant contributor to a captain’s salary. Captains of mega cruise ships earn more than those piloting small luxury vessels.

Not all cruise lines pay the same, either.

Generally, the largest cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Carnival, pay captains a higher salary than smaller cruise ship operators.

Cruise ship captains work on contract. A typical contract sees captains work for two months on the ship and take two months off between deployments.

Factors Affecting The Salary of a Cruise Ship Captain

Becoming a captain in the cruise industry requires a lifetime of hard work, training, and dedication.

I asked our captain how he became a cruise ship captain when we sailed on Serenade of the Seas . He first began working on ships at the age of 18. And it wasn’t until he was 33 that he received his Master’s license, which qualified him to become a captain. He spent two decades operating cargo ships before getting a job on a cruise ship .

I asked the captain why he chose to make the change, and he said that cruising offered the chance to see more of the world .

Here’s how to become a cruise ship captain.

Experience is the most important factor determining the average salary of a cruise ship captain. It takes decades for captains to acquire the knowledge, experience, training, and certifications required to become a licensed captain.

Most cruise ship captains begin their careers at entry-level positions and climb to the rank of captain.

Aspiring captains take on roles as deck officers or third mates and work their way up. The onboard training they receive is essential to gaining the knowledge required to captain a vessel.

After receiving the Master Mariner Certificate , you can captain a commercial vessel. Most captains find work in the military, Coast Guard, or cargo transportation before becoming cruise ship captains.

More experienced captains are better prepared to handle the demanding responsibilities of managing a cruise ship. So, captains with more years of experience receive higher salaries.

The Cruise Ship Matters

The size, passenger capacity, and prestige of the cruise ship play a role in determining the salary of a cruise ship captain.

Captains of larger cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , receive higher salaries than smaller cruise ships. Larger ships have more responsibilities as the captain has more crew members to manage and more passengers to look after.

Not to mention, larger vessels present navigational challenges , especially during mooring.

It takes decades of experience before a captain can helm the largest cruise ships in the world.

Some cruise ships have a unique prestige about them. For instance, the Queen Mary 2 is the world’s last ocean liner and carries a certain elegance in the minds of its guests. The ship’s prestige means that the QM2’s captain is paid more than they would on a similar-sized vessel.

Not All Cruise Lines Pay The Same

Cruise lines have different ideas of determining the salary of the captains of their fleet. Larger cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line pay their captains more because they can afford the higher salary.

The biggest cruise companies in the world want the best captains piloting their ships. So, more prominent cruise companies pay higher salaries to attract the most experienced captains.

Your Location Plays a Role

Like other crew members, cruise ship captains come from around the world. Captains from North America and Europe are paid more because they have a higher cost of living.

There are few people qualified to captain a cruise ship. So, cruise lines must recruit internationally to find the most suitable and experienced captains.

Perks and Benefits of Becoming a Cruise Ship Captain

Life at sea as a cruise ship captain includes exclusive perks and benefits. Here’s a deep dive into some perks and benefits of becoming a cruise ship captain:

• Competitive Salary : A cruise ship captain’s salary is generally the highest-paid position among cruise ship workers. The competition between cruise lines to hire the most experienced captains creates one of the highest-paying jobs in the maritime industry.
• Accommodation : Captains enjoy living in spacious cabins near or adjoining the bridge. A captain’s stateroom is less luxurious than the passenger suites, but they are the largest and most comfortable crew staterooms. The captain’s quarters usually feature multiple rooms, a kitchen area, a large bed, and high-quality furnishings.
• Meals: All meals are included. But unlike other crew members, the captain can order food from the ship’s higher-end restaurants. They can also dine in the restaurant if they wish, instead of the crew hall.
• Travel Opportunities : Captains get to sail to some of the planet’s most beautiful and sought-after places. Few jobs take you to the sun-kissed Mediterranean ports or the icy fjords of Alaska. While a captain’s schedule is busy, they often have time to explore the ports of call.
• Generous Leave Periods : Maritime jobs have unique schedules. After extended periods at sea, cruise ship captains enjoy long breaks, sometimes several weeks or months. The gap between contracts allows captains time to spend with family and recover from their demanding jobs. Many captains work on a two-month contract followed by one or two months off.
• Prestige and Recognition : The captain’s uniform itself commands respect. Being the figurehead of such a massive vessel is a well-respected career. Captains are well-respected figures not only among the crew but also among the passengers.
• Health and Fitness Amenities : Captains have access to fitness facilities. The state-of-the-art gyms ensure they can maintain their physical health even at sea.
• Family Benefits : Senior officers, including captains, can bring their families on board at no extra fee. The captain’s family can experience the cruise ship like any other passenger. The captains’ long work hours mean they don’t see their family much. But it’s an incredible perk, considering captains can spend up to six months at sea, away from their families.
• Laundry and Housekeeping : Cruise ship captains enjoy complimentary laundry and housekeeping services. The services ensure the captain’s living quarters remain pristine and their uniforms freshly laundered without everyday chores distracting from their already busy schedules.

What Qualifications are Required to Become a Cruise Ship Captain

Becoming a cruise ship captain requires years of training, education, and experience . Steering a colossal vessel across boundless oceans and ensuring the safety of the passengers, crew, and ship.

It takes around 15 to 20 years to become a cruise ship captain.

A captain’s education begins at a recognized maritime academy or university. Candidates pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Science or Nautical Science. The formal education teaches navigation, naval laws, ship construction, and safety at sea.

After graduating, aspiring captains must get several certifications mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) . Essential are the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), and often, a Master Mariner Certificate .

The career path from a deck cadet to a captain is long. It requires 15 to 20 years of experience and progressive advancement through the ranks of Third Officer, Second Officer, and Chief Officer before becoming a captain. Each position brings increased responsibilities and a chance to learn the skills required to helm a vessel.

Building a network with experienced mariners and gaining insights from mentors in the industry is invaluable. Participation in industry associations and networking at maritime events can bolster an aspiring captain’s knowledge and opportunities.

Being a captain is more than navigating waters. Captains of cruise ships must be able to lead a diverse crew and ensure the well-being of thousands of passengers. Experience in leadership positions and solid communication and crisis management skills are essential for a successful career as a cruise ship captain.

How Many Hours Does A Cruise Ship Captain Work?

Cruise ship captains work up to 12 hours a day , although this can extend to 12 to 16 hours, depending on the vessel’s size and itinerary. The exact number of working hours varies with the type of cruise line, vessel size, and the specific itinerary of the voyage.

Maritime Labour Convention 2006 regulates the working hours of cruise ship captains. The convention stipulates that the maximum work hours can not exceed 14 hours in any 24 hours and 72 hours in any seven days.

The daily working hours are irregular. Weather conditions, travel itineraries, and unexpected emergencies demand the captain’s attention at different times of the day and night. So, a captain rests whenever they find downtime.

Cruise ship captains work on shorter contracts than most crew members. The shorter contracts help captains avoid burnout from their demanding duties.

A typical contract for the captain is two to three months of work. After the contract finishes, captains return home for two to three months of rest.

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The picture for your site that appears in a Goodle search for cruise ship captain shows someone with 2.5 stripes on their sleeve. That is not a captain…who would normally wear 4 stripes.

Thanks for correcting that mistake. I got so excited by the great photo that I forgot to check that it was a captain. I’ve now updated the featured image to one of a cruise ship captain.

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Answered: How Much Money Do Crew Members on a Cruise Earn?

If you’re like many passengers, no matter what the crew members aboard a cruise ship earn, you still might not think it’s enough. One constant in cruising is an overall appreciation for the hard work that crew do to provide passengers with a great vacation. 

The crew that you encounter on the cruise — such as the cabin stewards, dining staff and more — have jobs that are unlike what many of us have ever experienced.

For one, crew members work lengthy shifts. It’s not unusual, for instance, to see your cabin steward making his or her first rounds early in the morning and then doing another round to tidy up rooms late in the evening. And this pace happens day in and day out across all sorts of positions.

Not only is the work hard, but the crew is also doing it far from home. You’ll notice that large portions of the crew are from places like the Philippines, India, and China, among many other countries. Often, they are literally from places halfway around the world while families and friends are still back home.

And that distance isn’t just a factor for a few weeks. Crew operate under contracts that last for months. That means they can often stay and work on the ships for six months at a time before returning home.

To be sure, working on a cruise ship isn’t for everyone. Yet many do it for the opportunity to earn a living making more than what they would back home while also seeing parts of the world that many others never get the chance to visit.

So exactly how much do workers on a cruise ship earn?

“Median Employee” Earning Disclosure Required

First, there is no set rate that every person working on a cruise ship earns. Different positions on the ship will make different amounts. And on a modern cruise ship there are dozens if not hundreds of different roles, from the captain of the ship to kitchen staff.

That means there is no set compensation list for every cruise line that shows what different positions make (at least publicly).

But we do have the next best thing…

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian are actually part of larger public companies that trade on major stock exchanges. As a result, the parent companies are subject to certain SEC filing requirements.

Along with quarterly and annual reports, part of that requirement is a “Pay Ratio Disclosure” as part of the Dodd-Frank reform. Here, a company must detail the ratio of pay for a company CEO compared to the “median employee.”

That gives us not only a glimpse into how much the top brass at the company makes in total, but also what those who work on the ship earn as well.

How Much the Crew Makes on a Cruise

There are three major cruise companies that trade on public exchanges: Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Each shares the “median employee” wages via the CEO Pay Ratio disclosure in its filings.

Carnival Corporation includes lines like Carnival, Princess, Costa, and others. In 2022, the cruise company reported that its median employee earned $14,496 in total compensation. With a CEO total compensation of over $8 million, that comes to a pay ratio of 553:1.

Royal Caribbean Group includes names like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and more. In 2022, the company stated that its median employee earned $15,264 . Given total compensation to the CEO of $10.7 million, the pay ratio comes in at 705:1.

Finally, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , which includes NCL, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas filed that its total compensation for 2022 was $24,484 . Meanwhile, that company’s CEO took home compensation of more than $21 million. That is a pay ratio of 866:1.

For comparison, hotel company Hilton Worldwide Holdings reports a median employee compensation of $43,702 compared to over $23.5 million in compensation for the CEO. That’s a ratio of 539:1.

And according to the Economic Policy Institute, the average CEO-to-worker ratio reached 399:1 in 2021 , a new high.

Some More Things to Know About The Crew’s Compensation

There is little argument that if you want to get rich, then working on a cruise ship likely isn’t the path. That said, there is some context with these figures that bears mentioning.

First, as mentioned, the crew are internationally sourced, often from places where the cost of living is significantly lower than what we see in the United States. That can make the earnings — though low by American standards — more attractive. 

Second, this compensation figure is based on what the “median employee” was paid over the course of the year. However, many employees do not work the entire year . According to Carnival Corporation’s disclosure, “our workforce includes a large number of ship-based employees who typically work six to eleven months of the year and we did not annualize the pay for our employees when identifying our median.”

Finally, when working on the ship, cruise crew are also provided with some benefits like room and board that aren’t usually included in regular jobs. As Norwegian stated, “our shipboard employees receive certain accommodations that are not typically provided to shoreside employees including housing and meals while on the ship and medical care for any injuries or illnesses that occur while in the service of the ship. These accommodations are free of cost to each shipboard employee.”

Even with that, however, there’s no doubt that by American standards, shipboard crew work extremely hard and for wages that many of us would not be willing to take.

And while the cruise lines make clear that this compensation figure includes wages and gratuities billed to passengers, they do not include any extra money paid to crew directly by guests . So the next time you’re feeling generous on a cruise, the crew would likely be happy to accept any extra gratuity.

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This is a typical crap article from cruise ship apologists. So really most people don’t get a good wage and saying maybe Americans won’t work for this, but they do. Relying on tips is a cop out. These hardworking people should be paid for every hour they work. I wouldn’t trust a metric 400-600:1! ; it’s a nonsense number. They pick overseas workers as they know they will just do the work.

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What Is A Typical Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

We see a lot of discussion around how much cruise crew get paid - or realistically, how little. However, one of the other major questions we get asked is, "How much do cruise ship captains make?" The simple answer here is that it can vary based on a number of factors including the length of service, cruise line, education, and size of the ship. Let's take a look at what goes into a cruise ship captain salary ...

Article Index

Pleasure cruise captains:, big cruise ship captains:, celebrity cruise ship captains like kate mccue:.

Cruise ship captain salaries have been on the increase over the past years. Part of this is that the industry is expanding rapidly, and it needs to attract highly talented leaders who are good managers as well as those like "Captain Kate," who serves as both a brand ambassador for Celebrity Cruises and the master of the ship.

Cruise Ship Captains Are The Best Paid Sea Captains

While the current trends in the cruise industry make it difficult to project with certainty, it is expected that cruise ship captains will continue to be the highest-paid captains at sea.

The salary range here runs from $50,000 for captains of small ships offering day cruises out of ports like San Diego or Seattle .

For those at the helm of the largest cruise ships, the captain's salary can be as high as $200,000 or more; This is for vessels such as Norwegian Bliss, Royal Caribbean Oasis of The Seas, or Carnival's Mardi Gras cruise ships. Part of the reason for this is that these captains typically have seniority as well as a more complex job since they are responsible for vessels displacing nearly 200,000 gross tons and carrying more than 4,000 guests. However, the average cruise ship captain's salary for a major cruise line is between $110,000-$150,000.

Regardless of the type of ship or region of the world, a cruise ship captain's responsibilities are far greater than just driving the boat. A cruise ship captain is on duty 24-hours a day and quite literally the master of the vessel. This means that he (or she) has responsibility for all aspects of the cruise ship experience from the engine room to the entertainment options. A cruise ship captain is supported in this effort by a team of officers who are responsible for individual aspects of the cruise ship, including entertainment, food, navigation, supplies, and medical. 

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Increasingly we are also seeing captains being required to serve a PR role that they didn't used to be required to do. This is reflected in both a higher salary as well as the individual captains being able to earn additional income outside of the salary they get from the cruise line. Captain Kate is the most notable example of those. However, Captain Johnny Faevelen aka "HarleyCaptain" on social media is another example of a cruise ship captain who's total annual income is greater than their already significant official annual salary.

Cruise Ship Captains Have a Lot Of Responsibility

For example, a typical cruise ship bridge crew includes the following staff: 

Captain - Master of the vessel

Staff Captain - second in command of the vessel

Safety Officer - responsible for crew and passenger safety drills, and all emergency procedures

Environmental Compliance Officer - oversees all environmental policis and regulations 

1st, 2nd and 3rd Officers - reporting the Staff Captain these officers are responsible for various watch duties as well as navigational responsibilities 

Apprentice Deck Officer - students or graduates who are seeking on the job practical experience on an operating vessel to apply their class-room and simulator experience

Chief Security Officer - responsible for security and control of all access points on the vessel where passengers and crew might enter or exit

Bosun - head of the unlicensed deck crew, schedules all meetings and manages activities not involving officers

Quartermaster - Also known as the Helmsman is responsible for actually controlling the ship based on navigational charts and orders from the Captain and Bosun

Fireman - this officer is responsible for leading and coordinating any response to a fire as well as fire hazard prevention efforts

With a significant and diverse staff like this, plus the ultimate responsibility for thousands of crew and cruise ship passengers, it is easy to understand why a cruise ship captain's salary would be so high. In fact, I almost feel like this level of responsibility should maybe earn a cruise ship captain even more money!

With such a high level of responsibility but also a large range of types of vessels, you can see why the simple question of what a cruise ship captain makes can be pretty complex. After all, a cruise ship captain with responsibility for a $1.4 billion dollar ship such as Oasis of the Seas carrying more than 9,000 people and weighing more than 226,000 gross tons would have a higher salary than a captain responsible for overnight trips with only five passengers.

Ship Size Is A Big Factor In a Cruise Ship Captain's Salary

When most people think of cruise ships, they have visions of the large ocean-going vessels that are essentially floating hotel resorts carrying thousands of passengers. However, when you look at sites such as ZipRecruiter they actually include salaries of captains on smaller passenger vessels as well. Personally, I don't include a vessel with only a handful of passengers to be in the same category as those with thousands of cruise passengers spending a week or more onboard. 

A Captain's Total Compensation Is More Than Just Salary

When considering how much a cruise ship captain might make on an annual basis, it is also important to take a look at other job benefits - this is true for any salary package to be honest. While there are massive downsides to life as a ship captain (such as being away from family and friends for months at a time), one of the big advantages is that while at sea, there are few expenses to worry about. For instance, your housing and food are covered, and most cruise lines also have excellent benefits packages, including healthcare and retirement packages. Plus, they can typically take family and sometimes friends on a free cruise with them at least once per year! This is important to consider since one might look at even an entry-level captain's salary as being lower than they would expect compared to land-based executive leadership jobs.

Cruise Lines Pay Captains Differently 

Not all cruise lines pay their captains the same salary. Additionally, the weekly or monthly cruise ship captain salary might not be the full picture. Generally speaking, the top salaries in the cruise ship industry can be found at Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. This generally also correlates with the size of the vessels that a captain might be commanding since the next up are Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Lines, Seabourne, and Holland America. While there will always be variations in how much a cruise ship captain will make, it is clear that the biggest ships command the biggest salaries to attract the most skilled cruise ship captains.

Additionally, there are likely many other factors that go into the overall salary compensation package for a cruise ship captain beyond just salary. For example, the accommodations on board, stock option packages, and various company privileges that might differ from one cruise line to the next.

For example, some captains have become social media celebrities and essentially play the role of both captain and master of the vessel and spokesperson for the brand. A perfect example of this is Captain Kate McCue, who has amassed nearly half a million Instagram followers. She is one of the youngest cruise ship captains but also among the most highly paid. 

It is estimated that Captain Kate McCue's salary is as much as $200,000, though she makes additional income from her social media work. This places her net worth at somewhere between one and five million dollars, which is obviously significantly above that of any other cruise ship captain today.

Hiring Crew and Officers For Cruise Ships Is Very Competitive

Several decades ago, the industry may have been different. In today's world, hiring the most skilled cruise ship crew and officers is a highly competitive endeavor. This means that factors such as how much do cruise lines pay captains all the way to the bottom of the ship with crew working in the engine room and cleaning cabins is constantly changing. Cruise lines know that it is no longer an issue of simply offering an opportunity, the best crew and officers will go to those ships and cruise lines where they are compensated well. This includes cruise ship captains as well, of course.

Meet the Captain of the Largest Ship in the World

Captain rob hempstead will chart more than 4,000 nautical miles in one journey..

As Royal Caribbean’s newest (and largest!) ship, Symphony of the Seas , prepares to set sail from Barcelona, Spain, to idyllic Mediterranean destinations, we’d like you to meet the man at the helm—Captain Rob Hempstead. Captain Hempstead has sailed with Royal Caribbean International since 1999, and has served as Master aboard six ships since 2005 making him well prepared to sail Symphony. “After working at sea for more than 30 years, I’ve never once wished for another life of less excitement, exploration and adventure,” he says.

Captain Hempstead was born on the coast of Rhode Island, a famous sailing state. He first went to sea as a young boy with his dad, who carried on the family tradition of setting out to sea. There was never a doubt that Rob would someday set sail too, and in 1986, he graduated from the California Maritime Academy and accepted his U.S. Naval Reserve commission. Though he’s now on the largest cruise ship in the world, his career began with the U.S. commercial fishing fleet in the frigid Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean.

After nearly 14 years of fast-paced fishing worldwide, Hempstead changed course and joined Royal Caribbean. “Fishing entailed a lot of rough weather, harsh conditions, stress, no sleep and hard work,” he says. “Now, I get to work with the greatest crew on earth!”

Here’s a look at the newly delivered  Symphony of the Seas –and the captain’s favorite destinations, tips for making the most of our newest vessel, and what it’s like to dock a ship of this proportion.

Why are you excited to be the startup captain of  Symphony ? 

Symphony  is the fleet’s newest addition to the family, and it is an honor to be appointed her first captain. She will be our fleet’s new flagship, and to have a hand in her success is a great privilege and responsibility.

Can you tell us about any of the new navigational technology aboard  Symphony ?

We will have the latest hardware and software produced in the industry.  Part of the process of working on “a startup ship” is helping to adjust the bridge layout to ensure it fits our purpose. During sea trials, I had the opportunity to work with the various navigation equipment vendors, who are on board for testing, calibration, and training.

What have been some of your favorite destinations while sailing? Any favorite coastlines?

There are so many. To name a few: Nawiliwili, Kauai ; Champagne Bay, Vanauatu; Sydney, Australia ; Hobart, Tazmania; Ville France, France; Labadee, Haiti; and anywhere in the Caribbean ! My favorite coastlines are Southeastern Alaska and the whole North American Pacific , New Caladonia, and the Greek Islands.

Are there special accommodations needed for sailing and docking the world’s largest ship? 

Because of Symphony ’s configuration, we have to use cameras during certain evolutions due to our limited visibility.  We also post officers at both the bow and stern areas to monitor distances using range finders when maneuvering in close proximity to hard objects like piers or moored ships, to verify our onboard sensors. Generally speaking, due to Symphony ’s size—1,188 feet long, 215.5 feet wide—we must be very precise in planning and executing any maneuvers. The world’s ports are roughly the same size as they’ve always been, with a few exceptions made just for us, so we have to handle Symphony with the greatest care to get her to fit.

Thank you, Captain Hempstead! Click here to learn more about Symphony of the Seas and book your own adventure at sea on board our most exciting ship yet.

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Cruise-ship workers reveal how much money they make

There's a big gap between the highest-paid and lowest-paid cruise-ship workers.

• Business Insider spoke with 35 current and former cruise-ship employees, who reported monthly earnings between $500 and $10,000.
• Some 40% of the workers Business Insider spoke with said their monthly earnings were equal to or less than $2,000.
• Sign up for Business Insider's transportation newsletter, Shifting Gears, to get more stories like this in your inbox .
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Business Insider spoke with 35 current and former cruise-ship employees, who reported monthly earnings between $500 and $10,000. Some 40% said their monthly earnings were equal to or less than $2,000.

A former Carnival Cruise Line galley worker had the lowest monthly earnings, while a former Royal Caribbean International first officer had the highest. The workers' tenures range from 2004 to this year.

Read more: A former Royal Caribbean employee reveals the one question you should always ask cruise ship workers

Many cruise-ship workers, particularly those in lower-paid positions, come from regions with lower median incomes than the United States, like the Caribbean, South America, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. A former bartender for Royal Caribbean who made between $1,600 and $1,800 a month said the pay was better than what he had made in Chile, his home country.

A cruise-ship employee's living costs can be much lower than those of a land-based worker, since they don't have to pay rent or buy food. But cruise-ship employees also have demanding and unconventional schedules that can lead them to work more hours than those with more traditional five-day, 40-hour-a-week schedules.

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"It was a lot of work, and by American standards it's not a good venture, because when you break it down you're looking at only getting $5 to $10 an hour sometimes," said a former Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line employee who worked as a casino dealer and manager. "Financially, it's not a good business prospect, which is why I stopped doing it."

The 35 current and former cruise-ship employees who spoke with Business Insider had average monthly earnings of about $3,233 and median monthly earnings of about $2,600. The three largest cruise companies — Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings — reported in regulatory filings the following median annual earnings for 2018:

• Carnival Corporation: $16,622
• Royal Caribbean Cruises: $19,396
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: $20,101

Each company said its median employee worked on one of its ships. Carnival said many of its ship-based employees worked between six and 11 months each year, while Norwegian said six to 10 months was common for its ship-based employees.

The annual median income in the United States was $31,099 in 2016 (the latest year for which data is available), according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis . That would translate to median monthly earnings of about $2,592.

"In addition to their salary, crew members typically receive free medical care, room and board, meals, and many other benefits that are often unavailable in their home countries," said a representative for the Cruise Lines International Association, a trade association for the cruise industry. "Crew members are very satisfied with their jobs and the opportunities for career advancement, which explains why employee retention rates in the cruise industry are upwards of 80%."

Carnival, Norwegian, and Holland America did not respond to Business Insider's requests for comment.

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at [email protected] .

• Cruise-line workers reveal one of the worst parts of living on a cruise ship
• There's a strict hierarchy on cruise ships that creates a huge gap between the highest-paid and lowest-paid workers. Many of those at the bottom make less than $20,000 per year.
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• Cruise-ship workers describe the tiny cabins they live in, where up to 4 people can share a tight space

Watch: The world's largest cruise ship just landed in Miami — here's what it's like on board

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Royal Caribbean to hire thousands to keep up with record cruise demand - report

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Royal Caribbean ( NYSE: RCL ) is in talks with tourism boards and port operators worldwide to hire thousands of people as it faces record cruise demand, Reuters reported.

The cruise operator is planning to recruit about 10,000 workers this year as it adds three new ships to its fleet. Royal Caribbean ( RCL ) is in talks with port authorities in the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten, as well as the Gambia Tourism Board.

The company and its rival Carnival ( CCL ) also reached out to the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica to increase short-term certification courses to train more potential workers.

The company's sea-based workforce at the end of 2023 stood at around 88,700, while its land-based full-time staff totaled around 9,500.

Demand for cruises is on the rise, with Royal Caribbean's ( RCL ) bookings surging to record levels in Q1 despite higher ticket pricing. Consumer spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases have also been strong, leading to the company raising its guidance .

Shares of Royal Caribbean ( RCL ) have gained 52% in the last six months, while Carnival ( CCL ) climbed 12% .

More on Royal Caribbean Cruises

• Royal Caribbean Keeps Delivering - Fade The Rally Before Adding
• Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
• Royal Caribbean hikes guidance after strong Wave Season results

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Will a cruise ship wait for me if I'm running late at a port stop? Here's what a captain has to say.

People considering cruising might wonder what would happen if they were running late to the ship.

In a Q&A on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead shared what to do.

Call the ship agent if you're running late so the captain can decide if they have time to wait.

On March 27, eight travelers on a Norwegian cruise in Africa were stranded on the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe after their private excursion arrived back at the ship more than an hour after boarding closed. The cruisers chased the ship for almost a week before reboarding in Dakar, Senegal.

More recently, on May 13, a couple sailing in the Mediterranean with the same cruise line was left stranded in Motril, Spain, after their excursion (not organized by Norwegian) had an hour bus delay getting back to the ship due to rain,  CNN reported .

On any cruise, travelers have the freedom to experience multiple destinations on one trip with port stops where they can exit the ship and explore a new place.

But cruise ships run on a tight schedule, often only allotting passengers around seven or eight hours for a one-day stop, sometimes even less. This leaves many to wonder what happens if you're running late getting back to the ship : Will the crew wait up, or will you end up stranded, chasing the ship from stop to stop?

Will the captain wait for you?

The answer is maybe.

On an April 2022 cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas , Business Insider attended a Q&A with Captain Rob Hempstead, where he answered this very question.

Hampstead, who's been a Royal Caribbean captain for two decades, started his career in Alaska's fishing industry. After 14 years of fishing, he became a captain. Before Wonder of the Seas, Hampstead served as captain of seven other Royal Caribbean ships, including Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas .

The most stressful part of a cruise for the crew is getting out of the ports on time, he said, "Because the faster we go, the more fuel we have to burn."

Some people come late, and as a result, are left behind, he added.

However, this doesn't mean he won't wait for you — you just need to know what to do.

Two cruise ships docked at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas — Coco Cay. Joey Hadden/Insider

When will a cruise ship wait for passengers.

There are two instances in which the ship will wait. The first is if you're late returning from a cruise-line organized excursion. Since the excursion is supposed to only take place within the allotted port time, the ship will wait for passengers coming from a cruise line excursion that's running late.

However, if you've spent the day independently on your own, or with a private tour company, there are certain steps you must take to avoid being stranded.

If you're behind schedule, call the ship agent to alert the cruise that you're running late, he said. On Royal Caribbean cruises, this number can be found at the bottom of Cruise Compass, a daily flyer all passengers receive in their stateroom each day detailing the day's activities.

The agent may also be referred to as a port agent, according to a copy of Cruise Compass obtained by BI.

Whether the ship can wait for you, however, will depend on how late you'll be, he added.

"If I know you're 10 minutes away, I can make an educated decision about whether or not we can wait," Hampstead said. "We will wait if we can."

Of course, if that's you, you'll have to run up the dock to the ship with many passengers watching, wondering what is holding up the departure, as they quickly realize it was you. Instead, always plan your day with ample time to return to port, or better yet, book your excursions through the cruise line.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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19 Shocking Cruise Ship Secrets And Tips I Learned After Going On Seven Cruises

Booking a cruise is just like buying a car, meaning you can negotiate the price and get bonus perks, so ~never~ pay the price you see online.

BuzzFeed Staff

Hey! I'm Spencer , and I just got back from my seventh cruise. I've seen and learned a lot of really cool behind-the-scenes secrets while traveling the world on these ships, so I wanted to share some of the most interesting ones with you here, including some tips that may be helpful for your own future adventures. Enjoy!

For context, I've traveled on four different cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, and now Carnival. My most recent trip was a seven-day sail aboard Carnival Firenze, which traveled throughout Mexico. This was my first time on Carnival, and I somehow managed to get a private tour to areas of the ship that even the most elite VIP passengers will never, ever see. Here are some things I learned along the way.

1. First of all, yes, most cruise ships have both a jail and a morgue on board. These were the only areas of the ship where I wasn't allowed to visit (trust me, I asked multiple times) because they're strictly off limits unless you find them the old-fashioned way...by getting arrested or dying. I didn't want to take those chances, but I did find out that shorter cruises tend to see a LOT more action in the jails (aka "the brig"). Guests typically treat shorter sailings as more of a party by taking advantage of unlimited drink packages, and more alcohol = more fights on board, so needing a jail totally makes sense.

In terms of the morgues, those are usually located on one of the ship's lowest decks. Think of these as giant refrigerators that, depending on the ship's size, can house anywhere from a couple to nearly a dozen bodies. The majority of these deaths are obviously of natural causes – for reference, as of 2018, fewer than  25%  of global passengers were under the age of 30 – but the average age of a cruise ship passenger is getting younger and younger every year now.

2. The higher you are on a ship, the more movement you'll feel, so if you're someone who tends to get motion sickness then you should definitely book your room on the lowest floor possible (just not in the morgue). I've personally never had an issue with motion sickness on a cruise, but I'll occasionally see passengers with at-sea patches behind their ears for help. Contrary to what you might think, though, you'll probably get the best night's sleep of your life on a cruise. Yes, there's a ~very~ slight rocking, but it'll feel sort of like you're a baby again who's being lulled to sleep in a cradle. Just trust me on this one.

This is a photo of what my cabin looked like. I also included a picture of my bathroom, which was a little bigger than I thought it'd be. The shower itself was a pretty decent size and left me with room to spare (if you want a point of reference, I'm 5'11" [a real 5'11", not a Tinder 5'11"]).

I was in a balcony room on Deck 6, and, again, I had no issues with motion sickness. I've also sailed on higher deck levels before (up to Deck 9) and didn't have any issues then either. In terms of where on each deck you should book your cabin (i.e. midship, aft, or forward), that doesn’t actually matter because you won’t really feel the motion differently in other spots on the same deck.

3. But I promise that you probably won't even have to worry about getting seasick. I got a private tour of the ship's control room, and I learned that they do a lottttt to combat any movement from the waves. For example, ships try to hit waves at a 45-degree angle because that's apparently the most effective way to help break them up and cut down on the extra motion. Ships also have stabilizers that can extend outwardly (picture, like, wings on an airplane), which help to keep things super, super stable.

Think of these stabilizers like fins on a fish, so they help each ship glide along the water. I spoke with the captain and some of the engineers in the control room, and they explained that the stabilizers require extra fuel and also decrease the speed of the ship, so they tend to not use them unless the water is pretty rocky.

4. Before you book a cruise, you should know that they're sort of like buying a car: you can negotiate! Basically, the price you see online should almost never be the price you pay (though they often offer great discounts that you should absolutely check out!). Instead, it's best to call and book your trip with an actual person (i.e. someone who works for the cruise line, a travel agent, etc.). For example, travel agents are usually free, and they can get you a ton of bonus perks and huge discounts on rooms for a fraction of the original price.

A lot of cruise lines occasionally offer "buy one, get one" discounts, as well as a ton of other sales around specific holidays. There are also a bunch of sites where you can book discounted sailings to fill the leftover rooms that haven't sold, so just do a little research. Also, places like BJ's and Sam's Club offer trip discounts if you have a membership card to their stores, so take advantage! I booked a previous cruise through one of them a few years back and got a massive discount for my room, onboard credit, and free gratuities. It pays to save!

5. And if you ever want a "free" cruise then you should definitely hit up the casinos on board. It's super common to get extra perks on future sailings (like free Wi-Fi, drink packages, or even entire trips altogether) if you're someone who gambles a lot. Basically, each bet is tied to your personal cruise card (i.e. your room key) every time you play the slots or put money down at a table game. Your total winnings are tracked on that card, and you'll earn points based on the amount you spend. The more you gamble, the more likely you are to get offered those extra perks.

I'm always mesmerized by cruise casinos because they literally created their own mini Las Vegas on board. Like, there are pit bosses and thousands of tiny security cameras and everything else that a real casino would have. The only downside is that these casinos are obviously much smaller than what you'd find in Vegas, so they probably won't have every table game you're looking for. Yes, they have roulette (my favorite) and craps and half a dozen variations of poker, but I still haven't found a pai gow table on board. Maybe next time!

6. The cool thing about cruises – especially for people who are ages 18 through 20 – is that they can sort of make their own laws while at sea. This is known as Maritime Law. For example, gambling at the casino is only allowed once the ship is at least 12 miles from land, but that also means they can lower the age limit from 21 to 18 while in international waters. The legal drinking age on most cruise ships is also 18, not 21.

There were actually two separate casinos on my recent Carnival ship. The larger area allowed smoking and had hundreds of slot machines, a ton of table games, and "adult" claw machines that replaced stuffed animals for huge wads of cash. The other casino, though, was the designated non-smoking area, and even though it was much smaller it still got the job done.

I'm still surprised that people are allowed to smoke in the main casino (there was also a cigar room on board but on a different deck), but, hey, I guess that's Vegas, baby.

7. There are themed cruises for pretty much anything you could ever imagine – for example, Royal Caribbean offers an immersive Star Trek cruise , and Norwegian is even offering a 2,300-person nude cruise next year – but on "regular" cruises there are certain SFW guidelines that guests (and staff!) need to adhere to. For instance, it's forbidden for staff to hook up with guests on board. Doing so would result in a pretty quick termination of their employment contract. Also, there are thousandsssss of security cameras on board, so, like, good luck trying to get away with it.

Years ago I befriended one of the gym trainers on a cruise, and he revealed that he actually managed to hook up with a guest on board. Because there are so many security cameras, it would have been impossible for either of them to visit the other person's cabin without getting caught, so he told me they hooked up in a random towel closet. I guess this is why a lot of cruise ship employees end up dating each other instead of the guests, because it's way less risky and a lot more convenient.

8. Speaking of hooking up on board, there was so much "swinging" happening between couples that a lot of cruise lines had to create training programs for the staff. Basically, decorating cabin doors is a pretty common thing for elite cruisers (as pictured below), and the secret symbol for swingers is an upside-down pineapple. As a result, a lot of couples would decorate their doors with upside-down pineapples to let other guests know that they're open for fun. According to the high-up staff member I talked to, employees on their previous ship were instructed to report any pineapple decorations found on board.

That staff member also told me that this whole issue started because some couples would leave their cabin doors ajar as an invitation for other swingers. However, the housekeeping staff (who are truly, truly incredible!) unknowingly entered while the couples were ~doing the deed~. Employees on cruises typically come from all over the world (on my Carnival ship, they had staff from over 100 different nations), which means they also have certain religious backgrounds. Spotting and removing these pineapple decorations was done in an effort to protect the staff and their religious beliefs.

9. You have to remember that these ships are basically floating cities, so they have everything you could ever want. Like, I've been on ships with a freaking ice skating rink before, and my recent Carnival sailing had an 18-hole mini golf course on the top deck. Also, itineraries are left outside each guest's stateroom every morning, and they list alllll the activities you can do (or not do!) that day. Want to try your luck at bingo? Have at it. Always wanted to go to an art auction? They've got those too. Want to prove your sports, movie, history, Harry Potter , Friends , or just general knowledge at dozens of trivia events? Be their guest! I promise that you'll never be bored on a cruise.

Cruises even have LGBTQ+ mixers, silent disco parties, wine tastings, and cooking classes. There are also discreet meetings for those who are sober or in recovery. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are labeled as "Friends of Bill" events on each ship's itinerary (this is a nod to Bill Wilson, who co-founded AA).

10. Keep in mind that items on cruise ships are definitely more expensive than what you'd normally pay on land. The spa and salon on my last sailing, for example, charged $175 for a 75-minute Swedish massage and $99 for a "red carpet blowout." If that's somehow in your budget then have at it, but if you want heavily discounted prices then you should book those treatments on days when the ship is at port – this is when most passengers will be off the vessel, so a lot of cruise lines offer discounted treatments to help fill up those time slots and prevent people from hitting up the spas on land. Again, though, you can typically negotiate for certain spa perks when booking!

Every cruise I've been on has had a full-fledged shopping mall on board. There are dozens of stores that sell everything from designer goods to any type of candy or snack you could want. Again, these prices are pretty steep, so if you forget to bring sunscreen then it's probably best to just wait until you get to the next port. Even so, there are definitely ways to save money while cruising! 

11. The more you cruise with a specific line, the more perks you'll get (like free room upgrades, priority access, unlimited internet, and on-board casino credit). These loyalty programs are based on the number of days you sail with each line, so, for example, everyone on their first Carnival cruise is in the Blue tier, then they reach Red status on their second sailing, and once they hit 25 days on board they'll reach the Gold tier. Platinum is achieved after 75 total days of sailing, and Diamond status is for people who've sailed for at least 200 days. I met so many Diamond members that my jaw kind of dropped – like, these people LOVE cruises and go on several a year. It isn't just a vacation for them; it's a full-on hobby.

While doing some research, I also found out that Royal Caribbean even has a "Pinnacle Club" for people who've sailed for over 700 days on their ships, which, holy crap??? So if you're prepared to spend the equivalent of two years on a ship (which kind of sounds like a dream to me, to be honest), then get ready for the ultimate form of perks and luxury.

12. Another way to save money is by booking your shore excursions through third-party vendors. Booking through the ship is definitely the most expensive route, but it's also the safest because you'll never have to worry about the ship leaving without you. Ships have strict docking schedules to follow on port days, so they ~will~ leave without you if you aren't back in time. Otherwise, you're in charge of making it to the next port of call on your own, so good luck. If you have a short port day and are only docked for a few hours then I'd suggest booking through the ship so you don't risk getting left behind.

Cruise lines display all excursion reviews from past passengers on their site, so this can be such a helpful resource to prevent you from booking something that sounds good on paper but is underwhelming in reality (been there, done that). I typically book excursions through vendors who are waiting outside as soon as everyone gets off the ship, but I do a lot of research ahead of time and will often find things to do that aren't even offered by the cruise.

You obviously don't have to go on any excursions at all either. There have been plenty of times when I've simply explored on my own by walking around, grabbing a bite from a local spot, or relaxing at the beach. You also don't even have to leave the ship if you don't want to. In fact, port days are incredible for peak relaxation on board because it's way more quiet, and you'll never struggle to find an open lounger by the pool. Free is my favorite number, so remember that there will always be plenty to do no matter your budget.

13. You should know that there are some banned items you simply can't bring on a cruise. Before boarding, you'll quickly go through security, sort of like a relaxed version of TSA at the airport. The whole process typically only takes a few minutes. Depending on the cruise line, you're usually allowed to bring up to 12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages (my friend brought a six-pack of ginger ale in case she felt seasick, and those made it through just fine. I also saw a bunch of Diet Coke-obsessed people with whole cases, and those made it through too). Candles, hot plates, and the obvious knives, guns, fireworks, etc. are all banned as well.

Bottled water isn't typically allowed through security when checking in, but you can absolutely buy it on board. More importantly, though, there will be plenty of free fill-up stations for your water bottle throughout the ship, so that's an easy fix. I can't stress enough how necessary having a water bottle is, so make sure you bring one (both for your regular onboard living but also for when you leave the ship on port days).

14. Also, don't even try to sneak alcohol on board because you'll definitely get caught. Each ship is different, but for the most part you're only allowed one unopened bottle of wine or champagne in your carry-on. If you buy spirits while at port then you'll have to check them when you get back on the ship, and they'll be returned when you disembark. After all, most cruises only become profitable after adding up their total alcohol sales and casino winnings (I guess it helps that Carnival's 27 ships, for example, sell over 14,000 margaritas each day). For reference, a standard cocktail on my last trip was about $13, and the unlimited drink packages were about $60 a day.

Depending on the cruise line, these unlimited drink packages can range from $55 to over $100 each day. These include specialty coffees, soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and the works. Remember, some people treat cruises like parties (my last sailing had FIVE different types of espresso martinis at the bars, so, like, I sort of don't blame them), and they certainly try to get the most bang for their buck. I've done the math, and you need to have at least five specialty drinks per day to make the unlimited package "worth it."

Non-alcoholic drink packages also exist, like a $9.50-a-day pass that'll get you unlimited sodas. But there are free drinks on board, whether you're at the buffet or sit-down dining, like tap water, brewed coffee, hot teas, hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea, fruit juices (fresh-pressed ones will cost extra), and milk.

15. Cruise ships obviously make tons (and I mean that literally, not figuratively) of food every single sailing. After all, the average ship holds about 3,000 guests and 1,000 crew members. An employee who I spoke with said Carnival serves about 30,000 burgers every single day, and they'll make over 1.3 million pounds of French fries each year. There are free sit-down restaurants and buffets on board, but there are also specialty dining options that guests can pay for, like hibachi and steak houses. My family always sticks with the free dining options, and I think non-cruisers will be shocked by how good the food actually is, but the best part is that you can order several appetizers, entrées, and desserts per person, so, like, you'll never leave hungry.

All of that food used to mean there's a lot of food waste, but that's not really the case anymore. In fact, a lot of ships are working on how to become more and more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For example, rather than dumping food waste in the water, I saw on my private tour that Carnival has a "food digester" room. Basically, it's a massive machine filled with bacteria that'll break down all the food scraps, just like how your own body breaks down food. Yes, it smelled just as bad as you probably think it would.

Similarly, some ships are even using artificial intelligence to make their sailings more environmentally friendly. While in the control room, one of the engineers told me about how their ship is using new AI that basically studies each sailing so it can recommend new ways to make future voyages as efficient as possible, like by creating energy-saving routes and so on.

16. If you're worried about potentially having bad weather on your cruise then, well, think again. Yes, there's obviously a lot to do inside, but a lot of ships also have retractable roofs on their top decks. So, if it's ever too cold, rainy, or windy then they can usually cover the entire lido deck (i.e. where most of the pools, jacuzzis, and lounge chairs are), which means you can relax "outside" even in the terrible weather. A lot of ships also offer indoor pools and adults-only sections, so, like, you'll totally be set no matter what.

My recent cruise had a regular pool and jacuzzi setup on the lido deck, but there was also another section at the back of the ship with one more pool and two more jacuzzis. There was even a "Serenity" section at the top deck, which served as an "adults-only retreat," meaning passengers younger than 18 weren't allowed. That area unfortunately filled up super fast on sailing days, so if you ever go on a ship with one I'd definitely recommend getting there early.

A lot of ships also offer private areas and decks that are exclusive to only those who book certain rooms. This secluded area was much quieter, super luxurious, and actually felt like I was on a totally different ship. If you're booking a cruise and see that there's an exclusive area, you should absolutely ask about how to get access ahead of time.

17. It's tradition for every ship to have a celebrity godmother or godfather who christens the boat before the inaugural launch, and those celebs are typically rewarded with free cruises for life (!) on that specific vessel. For example, Oprah Winfrey is the godmother of a Holland America ship, and even Audrey Hepburn was the godmother of a Princess ship. Carnival only has two godfathers, and they're fittingly both for their Italian-themed cruises: Jay Leno and now Jonathan Bennett. Christening the ship used to entail smashing a bottle of champagne against its hull, but the night before my cruise I got to watch Jonathan Bennett pour a bottle of champagne over the ship's bell to toast its safe travels instead.

Judi Dench is also the godmother of a ship, and it famously took her three different attempts to break the bottle of champagne against its hull, which then sprayed all over her. That was in 2002, so I think switching to this new christening method with the ship's bell is definitely less messy.

18. One of the most unique parts about cruising is that you'll typically find a cool towel animal waiting for you after returning to your cabin every night. The housekeeping staff are all trained in towel folding, so after dinner you'll have a new animal sitting on your bed or, in my case, hanging from the ceiling. A lot of ships even host towel-folding classes during sailings so guests can learn how to make the animals themselves, and how-to books are also available in the bookstore. I found out that Carnival's housekeeping team makes about 15 million towel animals every single year, which, holy crap.

One morning while on my way to the gym, I walked through the lido deck and saw hundreds of towel animals sitting on every single lounge chair outside. There were monkeys and elephants and dogs, but the most impressive towel animal that I saw was an octopus. I still have no idea how they managed to pull this off, and I'm genuinely so impressed.

19. And finally, the most important thing you should know about cruises is that there are several self-serve ice cream machines on board, and they're all completely free (and unlike McDonald's, these machines are always working!). If you're like me and deserve a sweet treat after dinner – or, let's face it, after or even before breakfast – then you understand how big this is. After all, you're on vacation, so you should be eating as much ice cream and frozen yogurt as you can get your hands on.

I worked at Dairy Queen for a few summers as a teen and genuinely loved it there, so having the ability to serve myself a cone whenever I wanted made me feel at home. And if you're more of a gelato person then I totally understand! Luckily for you, cruises have got you covered. My ship had a freaking gelato spot on board, and they expect to serve about 750,000 scoops this year, but I have a feeling half of them were because of me.

That's it! If you have any other cruise travel tips that have worked for you, please feel free to share them in the comments. Thanks!

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Exclusive-Royal Caribbean recruiting thousands to meet surging demand, sources say

By Doyinsola Oladipo

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Cruise operator Royal Caribbean Group is in discussions with new and existing markets around the world to recruit thousands of workers to staff its ships and private destinations to keep up with record cruise demand.

The number of people taking cruises hit a record in 2023, and with the surge in demand and larger vessels, labor needs are growing. Tourism boards and port operators from around the world said Royal Caribbean is looking to hire worldwide and the company confirmed it will hire around 10,000 workers this year.

Royal Caribbean's sea-based workforce at the end of 2023 totaled about 88,700 employees, 6% lower than the year prior, according to the company's annual filing. The company's land-based workforce including private destinations consisted of approximately 9,500 full-time employees, up 17%.

Bookings hit a record in the first quarter, boosting quarterly revenue to $3.73 billion, up 29%, and the company's stock price doubled in the past year to hit a new record.

"The recruiting strategy follows the business strategy of moderate capacity growth," a spokesperson said. The company plans to hire more than 10,000 workers in 2024 as it brings on three new ships, they added.

Andrew Spencer, president of the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica, said Royal Caribbean and rival Carnival have asked the university to ramp up short-term skills and certifications courses to get more workers trained for a career at sea.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) in April was approached by Royal Caribbean in regards to recruitment and hiring, a request it hadn't received in the past, said Natasha Chalwell, BVI Port Authority marketing director.

Royal isn't only focused on the Caribbean. The company also approached The Gambia Tourism Board in April with an interest in hiring more workers, a spokesperson said. The cruise operator currently employs about 700 workers from the West African nation.

"This is something we have discussed and will follow up to see how best we can facilitate that (request)," the spokesperson said. The tourism board said it will try to provide up to 1,000 additional workers.

Netherlands territory St. Maarten is in the midst of discussions about recruitment with Royal after the parties held a recruitment drive last year to source 1,000 workers.

"It did not necessarily yield as many applicants that I think we all were expecting," said Alexander Gumbs, chief executive of Port St. Maarten Group, who said less than a third of that goal for 1,000 applied.

Tens of thousands of people need to be hired from the Caribbean and Latin America as new ships are deployed across the industry, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, a trade organization. Tourism boards and ports said one of the major challenges is educating potential candidates about a career at sea to meet industry labor demand.

(Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski)

Royal Caribbean Canceled Alaska Cruise With People Already On The Ship

Can you imagine this situation.

Say you’re scheduled for a 7-day cruise of Alaska on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call include:

April 26: Day 1 – Embarkation in Vancouver April 27: Day 2 – Juneau April 28: Day 3 – Icy Strait Point April 29: Day 4 – Sitka April 30: Day 5 – Skagway May 1: Day 6 – Hubbard Glacier May 2: Day 7 – Disembarkation in Seward

Your plans are to fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and stay in Vancouver overnight, so you can board the ship the next morning.

And then you get an email from Royal Caribbean – the ship has a “technical issue with its propulsion system.” However, they expect the problem to be fixed quickly enough, and passengers can still board on April 26th, as planned.

You get to the ship and finally board. You’re so excited! You’ve been waiting for this cruise for TWO YEARS!

While you’re milling about the ship, still at the port in Vancouver, one of the managers made an announcement that the repairs were taking longer than intended and might not be finished that day. Hmmm…

Two-day delay

And then the announcement comes – the ship wouldn’t be leaving yet and would remain in Vancouver for 2 days. You wouldn’t leave port until the 28th.

“While repairs for the technical issue that we encountered on our previous sailing are still underway, we discovered that we’re going to need some extra time to get the ship in tip-top shape for you,” the cruise line shared with passengers in letters in their staterooms. “Although we’ll conduct our boarding as planned for our April 26th, 2024, Radiance of the Seas sailing, we’ll now set sail on April 28, 2024.”

“We’re terrible sorry for this last-minute change,” the letter continued. “We understand this news is disappointing, but we hope you’ll join us on the alternate itinerary planned.” (because Juneau now wasn’t going to happen).

And worse yet? Even though the ship would remain in Vancouver for two days, no one could leave because of customs regulations.

According to USA Today , this is exactly what happened to a ship full of unlucky passengers late last month.

True, Royal Caribbean did their best – they gave passengers onboard credit worth the two days of their fare, a future cruise credit of the same amount, free bar and Wi-Fi, and other compensations. But still…

Only kidding!

On Saturday the 27th, the ship managed to sail towards the nearby cargo port. But then the captain announced that afternoon that the sail couldn’t proceed. The cruise was canceled and everyone would need to disembark by Sunday the 28th at 4 pm.

“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26th sailing,” said the letter given to passengers in their staterooms read.

“Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our April 26th, 2024 cruise.

“We understand the disappointment due to this unfortunate turn of events.” the letter continued. “We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruptions to your vacation.”

Compensation up the ying yang

Joe and I have been on 2 cruises that were canceled – both on Virgin Voyages, both due to Covid. Our July 2020 cruise was canceled and rescheduled to July 2021. That one was also canceled and was rescheduled to July, 2022 (we were able to go on that one). So we can tell you from experience that canceled cruises are sad and frustrating and annoying, but to their credit, cruise companies make good – VERY good – when they happen.

Passengers scheduled for the April 26th cruise will receive:

• A 100% refund for the cost of the cruise (including any taxes and fees incurred for the cruise).
• A Future Cruise Credit (FCC) worth 100% of what they paid for their cruise. This can be used towards a future sailing. (Royal Caribbean has stated guests will receive this FCC by May 10th).
• Anyone who booked their flights through the cruise line will have their flight arrangements automatically re-scheduled.
• Royal Caribbean will reimburse any travel change fees (up to $250 for domestic travel and $400 for international travel).
• The cruise line will also reimburse up to $250 for hotel costs, per stateroom, per night, for two nights.

No offense to all involved, but I’m glad I wasn’t on that cruise. It’s one thing to be told X number of weeks or months ahead of time that the cruise is canceled…but to be told “She’s broken; get off the ship?” Ugh. Especially when airfare reimbursement may or may not cover what you paid (and definitely won’t cover last-minute airfare home), and your PTO is already used.

According to CruiseMapper, the ship resumed service on May 3rd .

Feature Photo: RCI

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