How do you get paid on a cruise ship?

Depending on the cruise ship, most crew members get paid through direct deposit with a bank chosen by the cruise line. Some banks have options to transfer money depending on the country.



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Many cruise lines have a direct deposit option for their employees working on cruise ships. This is typically set up before the crewmember even leaves home. Crew members may also choose to wire transfer money to their land-based bank account for a fee.

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Little to no cost of living 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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Most cruise lines offer their staff free room and board throughout the duration of their contracts. They often cover the costs of basic living expenses, such as water and electricity bills. This allows employees to travel wherever the ship goes, frequently visiting new countries during their free time.

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What will happen is the cruise line will fly you home, but will deduct from your wages what you owe, Jim Walker, a Miami-based maritime lawyer who represents cruise workers and passengers, told Insider. So it's a very punitive type of step if you try to quit and go home.

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Rather than working traditional five-day weeks, cruise-ship employees often work seven days a week for the duration of their contracts, which can range from about two months to 11 months. The hours can also be intense, from eight to nearly 20 hours a day.

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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.

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Virgin Voyages, one of Carnival Cruise Line's top competitors, pays its employees an average salary of $112,803 per year or $54.23 per hour. This is about $68,635 more than Carnival Cruise Line's average salary, and $33.00 more per hour than Carnival Cruise Line's average hourly pay.

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The salary range for a Cruise Waiter job is from $26,240 to $34,205 per year in the United States. Click on the filter to check out Cruise Waiter job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.

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FAQ on Cruise Staff Salary 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.

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Crew Off Hours Onboard a Cruise Ship Additionally, special events are routinely scheduled for crew to enjoy their time onboard. There are crew parties, BBQs, bingos, talent shows, and movie nights. Officers can enjoy additional facilities of the ship such as the pool deck, spa, gym, restaurants and bars.

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Can I bring a family member or friend onboard? Crew members who meet specific length-of-service criteria have the option of requesting relatives travel, a benefit that allows family members to sail onboard for a limited period of time. Some restrictions may apply.

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For the most part couples working onboard together is encouraged by the cruise line. This is because happy crew members will likely be more loyal to a cruise line and stay with them longer.

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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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Cruise ship workers are not supposed to hook up with passengers, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It is rare though – most crew follow the rules because they know they'll lose their job if they're caught. You won't be surprised to hear that cruise lines ban crew from having sex with passengers.

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There are crew cabins on several floors, from deck 00 — below sea level — to deck three, though the captain and bridge officers typically live adjacent to the bridge higher up.

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How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise: 8 Tips to Know
  1. Be Brave and Get Onstage for Free Prizes. ...
  2. A Spa Tour Just Might Come With Free Perks. ...
  3. Proving Your Cruise Line Loyalty for Free Stuff. ...
  4. Score Freebies Shopping on Your Cruise. ...
  5. Win Prizes at Onboard Trivia and Other Games. ...
  6. Attend an Art Auction for Free Bubbles.


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Policy – Guests are allowed to take spirits, wine, and champagne onboard, though most alcohol is included in the price of the cruise. Policy – Two bottles (750ml each or smaller) of wine or champagne per cabin are allowed. No beer or spirits may be taken onboard for consumption.

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