They must ensure orderly, clean, attractive, and immaculately maintained rooms, service areas, corridors, etc. on their assigned floor. Cabin Stewards: Average Salary of $650-$1,150 monthly, including gratuities. If they work on a luxury cruise line, they may receive over $2,000 each month with tips.

In 2026, the salary for a cabin steward on a major cruise line typically ranges from $2,200 to $4,500 per month, depending on the cruise line and the amount of tips received. A significant portion of a steward's income comes from "Auto-Gratuities" or pooled tips added to passengers' onboard accounts. On luxury lines like Seabourn or Silversea, the base salary is higher (often $3,500+) because tipping is sometimes officially "included" in the fare. On mainstream lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, the base pay might be lower (around $1,200–$1,800), but stewards can earn substantial bonuses through excellent service ratings and direct cash tips. It is important to remember that while the salary may seem modest by Western land-based standards, stewards have zero living expenses while on contract—their food, medical care, and "rent" are fully covered. In 2026, most stewards work on 6-to-9-month contracts, often working 10–12 hours a day with no full days off, making it a grueling but effective way to save a large sum of money in a short period.