5 Cruise Ship Jobs Paying Top Dollar
- Executive Chef
- Cruise Director
- Chief Purser
- Hotel Director
- Human Resources Manager
Generally, the highest-paying jobs on cruise ships are held by officers, department heads, and those working on commission. However, many other variables affect earning potential, such as cruise line, ship size, clientele, tips awarded, and prior job experience.
Contracts are another factor. Onboard positions are short-term, based on contractual agreements. For new employees, job length ranges from three months to one year. Thankfully, contracts are renewable, granting longer employment terms to those who serve with excellence.
Additionally, crew members have a low cost of living since their meals and cabins are free. Some cruise lines also cover laundry expenses and uniforms. These benefits translate into major cost-savings. Still, some jobs are especially lucrative. Here are five that pay top dollar.
Related resource:Top 15 Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree Online Programs
1. Executive Chef
This position requires both culinary and managerial expertise. An executive chef oversees all menu planning, meal preparation, and galley staff. Both the hot and cold galleys are under the chef’s skillful leadership. The hot galley creates mouthwatering cooked meals, while the cold galley offers scrumptious buffet foods and pastries.
Also on the chef’s plate is supervising meal service in a ship’s restaurants, formal dining rooms, and buffets. Of vital importance is safe food handling. Accordingly, the executive chef ensures that all galley staff is thoroughly trained in sanitation practices. Staying within the department budget can be tough. To avoid overspending, the chef collaborates with the food and beverage manager.
Typically, executive chefs work six days a week on a shift schedule. Time off can be spent either shipboard or on land during port stays.
To qualify for this profession, one must be a culinary school graduate with at least five years of upscale restaurant experience. As of August 2019, executive chefs earn between $4,800 and $7,800 monthly. Here, Cruise Industry News reveals an executive chef’s recipe for stellar food service.
2. Cruise Director
Charismatic and engaging, a cruise director arranges and orchestrates social events, such as musical performances, comedy shows, guest parties, and youth activities. As “the friendly face of a passenger ship,” a cruise director is among the first to greet embarking guests. As a gracious Master of Ceremonies, they preside over Welcome Aboard Shows and Captain’s Cocktail Parties.
To produce spectacular events, the cruise director researches and books top performers, such as bandmasters, musicians, actors, dancers, and choreographers. They also rehearse with cast members. In preparing for shows, the cruise director consults with stage managers and technical crews, ensuring ideal acoustics, lighting, and set props.
While entertaining is certainly fun, the job has a serious side, too. Office work includes number crunching, tracking the entertainment budget and bills.
Currently, the cruise director salary ranges from $5,800 to $7,500 per month. The highest-paying cruise jobs require at least five years in the recreation or entertainment industry, preferably shipboard. Additionally, employers favor applicants with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality.
3. Chief Purser
As head of a ship’s accounting department, this senior officer handles all financial transactions concerning guests. For example, when passengers allocate tips, the chief purser ensures they’re awarded to intended departments and crews. When voyages end, the chief purser updates all guest accounts.
Onboard employees receive their pay from the chief purser, either in cash or via direct deposit to their bank accounts. Likewise paid are concessionaires, such as shops and kiosks. However, their earnings are commission-based. The chief purser also receives and counts cash delivered to a vessel by armored car.
This supervisory role includes managing crew pursers, a ship’s money collectors. Crew pursers gather money from Internet Cafés and vending machines, restocking them as needed. The Purser’s Office resides in a ship’s main lobby. From this central location, the office coordinates guest boarding and departure, including customs clearance.
This job requires a background in accounting and five years of managerial experience in the hospitality field. The monthly salary averages $4,200, typically with a one-year contract. Here, Chron explains the hiring process.
4. Hotel Director
Also called a hotel manager, this officer is largely responsible for guest satisfaction. Several departments are under their wing, namely Food Service, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Concessions, and the Purser’s Office. In this capacity, the director tracks departmental inventories, revenues, and budgets.
When service issues arise, the hotel director assists in resolving them. For instance, working with the Purser’s Office, they help to reconcile guest billing and payment problems. Since job happiness affects crew performance, the hotel director strives to maintain pleasant working conditions.
To uphold high performance standards, the hotel director ensures that all service staff is well-qualified. The Concessions Department plays a key role. This division, run by third-party vendors, hires and trains ship employees in the spas, casino, boutiques, gift shops, and photography departments.
Currently, the average monthly salary for a hotel manager is $5,540. The educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree in hospitality. To qualify for the highest-paying cruise jobs, applicants need a minimum of three years at a full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship, in a supervisory context.
5. Human Resources Manager
Excluding concession workers, at the helm of shipboard staffing is the human resources (HR) manager. Although similar to a land-based corporate position, the cruise setting poses unique challenges. Crew members are multinational, working and living in limited space. Many ships average 2,000 employees. With such sizeable crews, maintaining harmony and quality service requires strategic planning.
To this end, the best HR managers provide extensive on-boarding, equipping new hires with the skills needed to perform their particular duties. If employee conflicts arise, the HR manager helps to smooth ruffled feathers. Additionally, they design programs for staff training and development, performance evaluation, promotions, compensation, and compliance with company and berthing policies.
To bolster staff morale, the HR manager conducts regular social events. Wellness programs diffuse tension and stress. Working with the hotel director, they affirm crew value by ensuring well-appointed cabins, fitness centers, crew decks, and recreation rooms. To prepare crew members for leadership roles, the HR manager provides customized coaching.
Currently, shipboard HR managers earn between $5,000 and $6,500 monthly. For the highest-paying cruise employment, one needs a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration, along with at least three years in HR management.
Best Prosperity
For those with a degree in hospitality, among the highest-paying cruise ship jobs are executive chef, cruise director, chief purser, hotel director, and human resources manager. While the positions of captain and safety officer pay more, they require graduation from an accredited maritime training institution.
This field is ideal if you’re a hard-working, service-oriented team player. Crew members work between 45 and 60 hours per week, depending on their responsibilities. Also, you must be comfortable with compact quarters and time away from family and friends. However, in any of the above jobs, you’ll be well-compensated while working in a breathtaking ocean setting.
So, if you feel called to cruise employment, earn your degree and log a few years of related job experience. Then, cruise lines will eagerly hire you, welcoming you aboard!
FAQs
What is the highest paid position on a cruise ship? ›
It comes as no surprise that the ship's captain has the biggest salary from working on a cruise ship. The master of the vessel has a huge responsibility for ship safety for crew and passengers along with navigation. The captain can earn almost $100,000 manually depending on the cruise line and experience.
What is the salary in cruise ship jobs? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $102,500 and as low as $14,500, the majority of Cruise Ship Worker salaries currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) to $58,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $90,000 annually across the United States.
Can you make a lot of money working on a cruise ship? ›A cruise ship crew member for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise Line can earn an annual average between $16,000 to $20,000. For leadership staff onboard cruise ships, the annual salary can be much higher from $30,000 to $100,000.
What is the best cruise ship line to work for? ›- Royal Caribbean. As one of the biggest cruise lines in the industry, Royal Caribbean offers a great package to those seeking to join their team. ...
- Cunard. ...
- MSC Cruises. ...
- Disney Cruise Line. ...
- AIDA Cruises.
- Cabin steward.
- Deckhand.
- Bartender.
- Activity coordinator.
- Bellperson.
In general, bell staff can expect to work from eight to 12 hours a day in generally safe and pleasant on-board conditions. They can expect to earn between $1,300 and $1,600 per month, according to the Cruise Ship Jobs website in 2022.
How much does a housekeeper make on a cruise ship? ›Salary range: $3000-3800 U.S. per month, depending on percentage of gratuities (tips). Language skills required. Salary range: $2500-3400 U.S. per month, depending on percentage of gratuities (tips).
How many hours a day do cruise ship workers work? ›Your daily work schedule while onboard will depend on your particular position, but you can expect to work seven days a week and anywhere between 10-13 hours per day.
How much do waiters make on cruise ships? ›The salary range for a Cruise Waiter job is from $28,846 to $38,010 per year in the United States.
Do cruise ship employees get free food? ›Do cruise ship employees get free food? A majority of cruise ship lines offer their employees free food throughout the duration of their contracts. There's typically a special kitchen on the boat that prepares food for staff members. Employees may eat in separate dining areas, depending on their classifications.
Is working on a cruise ship worth it why? ›
On cruise lines, the answer is: A LOT! The pay on cruise ships is actually one of its best benefits. You might think you could be earning around the same amount in a similar job on land, but as all of your needs for your life at sea are catered to by the cruise line, there are next to no expenses for you.
Is it tax free to work on a cruise ship? ›Vast numbers of people working at sea, presume they do not owe tax or need not declare their income as they do not reside in a particular country. Whilst there may be no tax to be paid with regard to your income from employment at sea, more often than not HMRC will still expect to receive a declaration of this income.
Which type of ship pays best? ›Highest Paying Tanker Ships in Merchant Navy
Seafarers sailing onboard Tanker ships are paid more than those sailing in dry ships such as Bulk carriers, RO-RO ships, and Container ships.
- Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 78.98. MSC Cruises. ...
- Royal Caribbean International. Score 72.49. Carnival Cruise Line. ...
- P&O Cruises. Score 76.61. Azamara. ...
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 76.63. Star Clippers. ...
- Grand Circle Cruise Line. Score 89.47. ...
- Atlas Ocean Voyages. Score 88.78.
Q: Is there age limit? A: NO! There is no strict age limit; however there are certain guide lines related to recommended age of applicants for shipboard employment. All applicants with no exception must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
What is the lowest job on a ship? ›Ordinary seaman
The lowest ranking personnel in the deck department. An ordinary seaman (OS) generally helps out with work that able seamen do. Other tasks include standing lookout, and generally cleaning duties.
TEAMWORK – A crew member or manager who has previously worked on ships are serious team players. They have worked in environments where no single employee is responsible for success, but instead the team is.
How much do housekeepers make on Royal Caribbean? ›Average Royal Caribbean group Housekeeper monthly pay in the United States is approximately $4,938, which is 139% above the national average.
How much does Royal Caribbean pay staff? ›Average Royal Caribbean group Crew Member hourly pay in the United States is approximately $18.43, which is 44% above the national average. Salary information comes from 11 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.
How much do room stewards make on cruise ships? ›
Average Carnival Cruise Line Steward monthly pay in the United States is approximately $5,271, which is 183% above the national average.
Who cleans your room on a cruise ship? ›A cabin steward on a cruise ship is the person responsible for cleaning and maintaining your stateroom during your cruise. Sometimes referred to as a cabin attendant, the steward will make your bed and clean the bathroom each day while you are out.
How much does a dishwasher make on a cruise ship? ›Average salary
Does this salary seem accurate? The average salary for Dishwasher at American Cruise Lines in the United States is $3,911 per month, which is 75% above the national average.
On ships, you live where you work. Unlike life on land, there is no rent to be paid or monthly utility bills that need to be taken care of. All basic living expenses are covered at sea for crew members: accommodation, water, electricity, and food.
Can you bring family if you work on a cruise ship? ›Yes, you can work onboard a cruise ship if you have a child. A huge percentage of people working on cruise ships have kids. Most of those kids are not onboard though. The majority of crew member that have children have family members at home taking care of them while the crew member works onboard.
Do cruise workers get their tips? ›The Carnival website states: “100 per cent of your gratuities are distributed to the crew who you interact with, such as your stateroom attendants, dining, bar and culinary services staff, as well as others who work behind the scenes to enhance your overall cruise experience.”
Do you get overtime on a cruise ship? ›Overtime pay does exist on cruise ships depending on the contract. It could be given based on working over a certain number of hours in a day (e.g. 10) or in a week (e.g. 70). The amount that overtime pay is depends greatly on the job and base wage of that crew members position.
What happens if you don't tip on a cruise? ›What happens if you don't tip on a cruise? Most cruise lines work on the basis that the crew members' pay structure is based on receiving tips. If you choose not to tip, for whatever reason, you are impacting the salaries of the crew who have served you so well during your cruise.
Do bartenders on cruise ships make good money? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $95,500 and as low as $13,000, the majority of Cruise Ship Bartender salaries currently range between $21,000 (25th percentile) to $52,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $87,000 annually across the United States.
What is the salary of Carnival bar waiter? ›Average Carnival Cruise Lines Waiter salary in India is ₹ 1.9 Lakhs for experience between 3 years to 14 years Waiter salary at Carnival Cruise Lines India ranges between ₹ 0.7 Lakhs to ₹ 4.3 Lakhs. According to our estimates it is 37% less than the average Waiter Salary in Sports & Recreation Companies.
Can you smoke on a cruise ship employee? ›
Smokers have thought time on cruise ship. First of all there are two places where you can smoke, that is Crew Bar and Crew Open Deck. When you are on duty you usually have 30 minutes break.
Can cruise ship employees drink? ›A little known fact: Some cruise lines will also allow the crew to bring on (some) alcohol – and they're allowed to consume it on board. If you cruise regularly, you know that most cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring alcohol onboard to consume.
How much does it cost to live on a cruise ship for a month? ›“All-inclusive living fees” come on top of the purchase price, starting at around $2,100 a person per month, covering things like food and drinks from the ship's restaurants and bars, laundry, fitness classes and medical checkups.
Is working on a cruise ship hard? ›The crew members on a cruise ship are extremely hard working people that bring smiling faces to the services they provide, but working on a cruise ship is anything like a job on land.
Is it better to be higher on a cruise ship? ›The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
Is it better to be at the back of a cruise ship? ›The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.
Do cruise ship employees get free room and board? ›What is this? Cruise lines cover the cost of food and a place to stay for crew members working onboard. On top of their pay, crew members on a ship can expect to receive a variety of benefits, such as: Accommodations.
Do cruise ship employees get free WIFI? ›All Cruise Lines offer internet access for crewmembers by using Wi-Fi access and access from the onboard crew internet cafés. Unlike before when crew members had only access per minute, today cruise lines offer various packages such as Social media package and all internet access charged by Megabytes.
Is working on a cruise ship lonely? ›In reality, it's very lonely to be an employee on a cruise ship. Even though you're surrounded by thousands of guest and coworkers, Bruns shares that it can still be an isolating experience. It gets worse as Bruns calls his time working aboard the Carnival cruise ship as the loneliest he's ever felt in his entire life.
What is high wages? ›SUMMARY. Approximately 15 percent of all jobs in the United States pay high wages, defined as paying at least 50 percent more than the overall average wage.
What is the highest salary in maritime industry? ›
Highest reported salary offered at Shipping is ₹50lakhs. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹37lakhs per year. The top 1% earn more than a whopping ₹50lakhs per year.
How much is the salary of Able Seaman per month? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $5,375 and as low as $2,167, the majority of Ordinary Seaman salaries currently range between $2,708 (25th percentile) to $4,041 (75th percentile) across the United States.
Who is the highest rank on a cruise ship? ›Captain / Master
The Captain is the highest ranking officer and the Master of the cruise ship. He/she has a full authority to make executive decisions in order to preserve the life and safety of the ship's personnel and guest and must apply extreme care and proper judgement according to...
Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas has officially been named at her new homeport, nine months after she first started sailing. The largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean International's Wonder of the Seas, has finally been officially christened in a ceremony at her new homeport, Port Canaveral in Florida.
Which end of a cruise ship is the best? ›Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.
Where do cruises make the most money? ›Each ticket sale goes toward most of the expenses, leaving a small profit behind per ticket, meaning onboard sales are where the cruise lines truly make a profit. Deals will be given often, hoping you will spend some on board with your saved ticket money.
How much do cruise workers make? ›How much does a Cruise Ship Worker make? As of Mar 3, 2023, the average annual pay for a Cruise Ship Worker in the United States is $49,005 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.56 an hour. This is the equivalent of $942/week or $4,083/month.
Do cruise ship captains make a lot of money? ›ZipRecruiter reports that the annual pay for 2022 for cruise ship captains is $54,229 per year. It also reports that annual salaries can be as high as $100,000 to as low as $17,500. Such a great fluctuation in salary is reflective of the skill level, years of experience, location, and cruise line.
How much does a cruise ship steward get paid? ›Average Carnival Cruise Line Steward monthly pay in the United States is approximately $5,271, which is 183% above the national average.
How much does a 1st officer on a cruise ship make? ›1st Officer - Navigation Salary Range:
$5500 to 8000 U.S. per month depending on the cruise line. Possibilities for promotion to a Staff Captain position.
How much does a cabin steward get paid? ›
Average salary for a Cabin Steward in India is 4.5 Lakhs per year (₹37.5k per month).
Who is the number 1 cruise line? ›- Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 78.98. MSC Cruises. ...
- Royal Caribbean International. Score 72.49. Carnival Cruise Line. ...
- P&O Cruises. Score 76.61. Azamara. ...
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 76.63. Star Clippers. ...
- Grand Circle Cruise Line. Score 89.47. ...
- Atlas Ocean Voyages. Score 88.78.
The average Carnival Cruise Line salary ranges from approximately $19,444 per year for Customer Service Representative to $145,885 per year for IT Manager. The average Carnival Cruise Line monthly salary ranges from approximately $1,208 per month for Chef to $7,838 per month for Physician.
What is the maximum age limit to work on a cruise ship? ›Q: Is there age limit? A: NO! There is no strict age limit; however there are certain guide lines related to recommended age of applicants for shipboard employment. All applicants with no exception must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
How many hours do cruise ship workers work? ›Your daily work schedule while onboard will depend on your particular position, but you can expect to work seven days a week and anywhere between 10-13 hours per day.
Is working as a steward hard? ›Realistically, as a Steward, your work days will be long and hard. You will work a new position each week, sometimes in Dining and sometimes in Housekeeping. You will work a lot of hours, but there are good breaks each day that allow you a chance to relax.
How long is air steward training? ›This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
What is the highest salary for cabin crew? ›Highest salary that a Cabin Crew can earn is ₹15.0 Lakhs per year (₹1.3L per month). How does Cabin Crew Salary in India change with experience? An Entry Level Cabin Crew with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹5 Lakhs per year.