Can you make a living 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. Who can earn the most money working on a cruise ship?



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The amount of money you can make working on a cruise ship depends on the position and experience. Generally, entry-level positions such as wait staff or housekeeping will earn around $1,000 to $2,500 per month. More experienced positions such as bartenders or chefs may earn up to $4,000 per month.

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Is there a cruise ship you can live on? There are several cruise ships designed for permanent living. The World is the only one sailing currently but more are coming soon. MV Gemini is the most affordable option, with apartment purchase prices starting at $1,000,000 plus $65,000 per year for fees.

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As of Sep 27, 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.

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The cost of living onboard a cruise ship varies depending on the type of cabin you choose and the amenities you desire. Generally, retirees can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 per month for accommodation, meals, entertainment, and other activities.

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In short, it depends on the cruise line. We recruit seasonal staff to work anywhere from 2-weeks to 4-months. Seasonal contracts are a great way to see if ship life is for you!

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Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward.

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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.

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There are no holiday entitlements, but crew members can choose when they take the six- to eight-week break that automatically comes with longer contracts.

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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.

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There is an enormous amount of pressure that crew members deal with every single day at sea. It is essential to maintain sanity and a clear mindset when working on cruise ships, regardless of the daily difficulties and high-stress levels that life on board the ship inevitably brings.

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The Cons of Working on Cruise Ships
  • There are no days off. On ships, weekends and holidays don't exist. ...
  • You work long hours. ...
  • Contracts are 4-9 months long. ...
  • You're on call 24/7. ...
  • Small living quarters. ...
  • No privacy. ...
  • It's like college all over again. ...
  • The food is not the same for crew and guests.


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Crew members are responsible for any taxes due to their country of origin. Only United States citizens or employees that reside in the USA will have US federal taxes deducted from their pay. Depending on your employment contract and the country where you are a citizen will determine how you are paid onboard also.

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As of Aug 3, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Cruise Waiter in the United States is $14.94 an hour.

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With the current restrictions, many of the cruise lines are now offering free internet for the crew.

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The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

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  • “Support Staff” Cruise Ship Jobs. Depending on the cruise line, length of cruise, and itinerary there will sometimes be Support Staff or Supplemental Staff onboard a cruise ship. ...
  • Tailors. ...
  • Carpenters. ...
  • Printer. ...
  • Fire Safety Attendant. ...
  • Wiper.


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A particularly large number of employees come from developing countries in Asia and South America. People from the Philippines account for almost 30% of all employees in the global shipping industry.

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  1. Test It Out First. Try a few cruises with different cruise lines. ...
  2. Meet With a Financial Planner. ...
  3. Talk to an Agent. ...
  4. Buy a Cruise Residence. ...
  5. Leverage Your Long-Term Status. ...
  6. Understand Your Medical Care Options at Sea. ...
  7. Rehome Your Pets. ...
  8. Make Plans to Stay in Touch.


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