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How much do cruise ship housekeepers make?

Based on our data, it appears that the optimal compensation range for a Housekeeping Attendant at Msc Cruises Sa is between $30,667 and $36,522, with an average salary of $33,494.



Excellent question. Cruise ship housekeepers, more accurately referred to as Cabin Stewards or Cabin Attendants, have a unique pay structure that differs significantly from land-based jobs.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of their earnings:

1. Base Salary: Low to Moderate

The monthly base salary is typically quite low, often ranging from $500 to $1,200 per month. This is because a large portion of their income is expected to come from gratuities (tips).

2. Gratuities (Tips): The Major Component

This is where cabin stewards earn the bulk of their income. Tips are either: Automatically added to each guest’s onboard account daily (typically $16-$18 per guest, per day, which is pooled among the cabin and dining staff). Sometimes given directly in cash by guests.

A cabin steward is usually responsible for 10-20 cabins (with 2-4 guests each). Their share of the gratuity pool can add $2,500 to $4,500+ per month to their income, depending on the ship’s occupancy and tipping policies.

3. Total Monthly Compensation

When you combine base salary and gratuities, a typical monthly income for a cabin steward ranges from: $3,000 to $5,500+ per month.

4. Critical Context: “Take-Home” Pay

The figure above is gross income. The unique advantage is that living expenses are minimal while on contract: Free: Housing (shared cabin), food, medical care, and transportation between ports on the ship. D

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