viking cruise ship captain salary

How Much do Cruise Ship Captains Make? (Salary 2024)

Have you ever wondered how much does a cruise ship captain make a year? The exact amount can vary depending on several factors, including experience, the size and prestige of the ship, and more.

It’s estimated that cruise captains make an average of $96,000 a year. Some may even earn upwards of $200,000 per year while at the other end of the spectrum for small vessels and those newly promoted to the position make approximately $50,000 annually.

Read on to see how we arose at these figures and the various factors that influence the amount.

What is the Average Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

According to Comparably , a US Cruise captain on average earns a US$93,328 annual salary.

Another source of cruise captain salary data is from Payscale which indicates a ship captain’s average salary at US$ 96,347 a year.

From their stats, we can see they estimate the bottom 10% earn $48,000 a year and the top 10% $190,000 a year.

Interestingly they also break down estimated earnings by “Pay by Experience Level for Ship Captains”.

On average the ship captains with under 10 years of experience earn on average of US$70,000 to $77,000 a year, compared to those with over 10 years expecting to earn US$98,000.

Bear in mind the Payscale stats are based on “ship captains” and not specifically cruise ship captains, but we can expect the earnings to be in the right ballpark as they are on par with the Comparably stats.

However, this is just an average, and as you most likely know there is a wide range of cruise ship sizes, from those that carry 100 to 200 passengers to mega-ships that carry and are responsible for over 5000 passengers as well as 1500+ crew members.

So in this post, we look at the factors that influence a cruise captain’s annual salary and how much they make a year plus a look at some of the added perks of the job to be added on top.

Average Cruise Ship Captain Salary Per Month

Taking the average salary of cruise ship captain at US$93,328, this equates to a monthly average salary of US$ 7777.33.

We have also worked out the monthly salaries for those cruise ship captains earning higher annual salaries as follows:

• $125,000 a year equates to US$ 10,416 a month
• $150,000 a year equates to US$ 12,500 a month
• $175,000 a year equates to US$ 14,583 a month
• $200,000 a year equates to US$ 16,666 a month

Factors That influence Cruise Captain Pay

There are a number of factors that have an impact on how much a cruise captain can expect to get paid a year.

Years of Experience

One of the most important factors determining a cruise ship captain’s pay is their experience.

A newly qualified captain with little experience can expect to earn much less than a captain who has been sailing the seas for many years.

It’s not unusual for a cruise line to require that a captain has at least 10 years of experience before they can be considered for the role, including a number of those as Staff Captain, which is the second in command.

Quite simply, the more years of experience they have as an actual captain, the more they can expect to be paid.

Size and Prestige of Vessel

The next big factor is the size and type of vessel they are the captain of.

Generally, the larger the vessel, the more responsibility the captain has and the higher their salary will be.

Of course, there are other types of vessels such as smaller luxury cruises or cruise ships that have to navigate particularly difficult waters. These types of cruises will often pay their captains a little more to account for the extra skills and experience required.

Company Size

The size of the company can also affect a cruise ship captain’s salary.

For example, a small company that only operates one or two vessels will not be able to pay its captain as much as a large corporate company with dozens of ships.

However, it is worth noting that some of the smaller companies may be more willing to negotiate on salary and offer other perks, such as a share of the profits, which can make up for the lower salary.

The final factor we want to mention is location.

Captains who are based in Europe or North America will generally be paid more than those based in other parts of the world, such as Asia or South America.

This is because the cost of living is higher in these regions and companies need to pay their captains enough to cover their basic expenses.

Extra Benefits/Perks of Being a Cruise Captain

As well as a well-paid salary, a cruise captain may also be entitled to the following perks:

• Luxury suite accommodation which includes rooms for guests
• Room and Laundry service
• Use of the ship’s facilities, such as the gym and spa
• Free flights
• Paid Holidays
• Health and Dental plans

What is a Cruise Ship Captain?

A cruise ship captain is a hugely responsible role overseeing all crew departments involved in the overall operation of the vessel.

The captain is in charge of many aspects including navigation, safety, security, maintenance, crew, and passengers.

They need to have an in-depth knowledge of maritime law and be able to navigate using both modern technology and traditional methods.

The captain is responsible for maintaining the ship to a high standard and ensuring that all aspects of safety and equipment are in good working order.

It’s a role that can take years of maritime experience and training to achieve.

Responsibilities of a Cruise Captain

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for the lives of everyone on board as well as the safe operation of the vessel.

The captain of a cruise ship is also responsible for the crew and will need to ensure that they are properly trained and aware of their roles and responsibilities and carry them out to the best of their ability.

Let’s look in more detail at each of the main roles of the captain of a cruise ship.

Navigation of the Cruise  Ship

The most obvious role of the cruise ship captain is to navigate the vessel to required destinations.

The captain will also be responsible for charting the course of the ship, taking into account weather conditions and other factors that could affect the safe passage of the vessel.

In addition to this, the captain will also need to determine the speed of the ship and make sure that it is within the safe limit to reach destinations at the correct time.

The captain will also be responsible for making sure that the ship stays within the safe waters and does not stray into dangerous areas, avoiding any hazards that could potentially damage the ship or put the lives of those on board at risk.

This will also include making the decisions of when to leave ports in the event of passengers not onboarding on time, and possibly leaving them behind.

Safety of Passengers and Crew

It is also the responsibility of the captain to make sure that the ship is compliant with all maritime regulations.

The safety of the passengers and crew is the responsibility of the captain and in the event of an accident should be the last person to leave the ship, putting the safety of all passengers and crew before themselves.

Oversea Ship Maintenance and Operations

The cruise ship captain is in charge of overseeing the seaworthiness of the ship, ensuring correct maintenance and engineering operations of the vessel are upheld to the highest standards while at sea.

This includes making sure that all safety equipment is in good working order and that the crew is properly trained in its use.

The captain will also be responsible for inspecting or reviewing reports from heads of relevant departments of the ship on a regular basis to ensure that it is seaworthy and fit for purpose.

In addition to this, the captain will also be responsible for managing the ship’s paperwork and certificates.

Local and International Customs and Immigration Laws

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for making sure that the ship complies with all local and international customs and immigration laws.

This includes making sure that all passengers have the correct documentation to travel to their destination and that they are adhering to the customs regulations of each country that the ship visits.

The captain will also need to make sure that the ship has the correct documents and certificates to dock at each port.

The captain may not deal with these issues first-hand, but it’s their responsibility to ensure the crew in the relevant departments are adhering to the rules and regulations as required.

Cruise Ship Security

The captain is responsible for making sure that the ship is secure at all times and that there are adequate security measures in place to protect the passengers and crew from any potential threats.

This includes ensuring that there are security personnel on board as well as CCTV systems and other security measures.

In addition to this, the captain will also need to make sure that the ship is compliant with the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS) an international maritime security measure that was introduced in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

There are many possible security issues a ship could encounter including piracy, stowaways, and terrorist threats.

It is the responsibility of the captain to make sure that the ship is prepared for any eventuality.

The captain of a cruise ship may also be responsible for dealing with unruly or even criminal activities and felons which may have to result in a passenger being imprisoned in the cruise ship jail or brig as they are otherwise known.

As well as possibly making decisions as to whether a passenger should be kicked off the ship.

Dealing with Emergencies

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for dealing with any emergency situations that may arise during the voyage.

This includes anything from medical emergencies to fires on board the ship.

The captain would also oversee any incidents such as death on the cruise and the use of the onboard morgue .

In the event of an emergency, the captain will need to make sure that the correct procedures are followed and that the safety of all passengers and crew is paramount.

The captain may not deal with the emergency directly, but they will be responsible for coordinating the response and giving orders as necessary.

Managing the Crew

The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for managing the crew and making sure that they are adhering to the rules and regulations of the ship.

The cruise ship captain is the head of ship with a number of heads of departments and officers having to report or communicate issues to the ship captain.

These include but are not limited to:

• Staff Captain
• Safety Officer
• Environmental Compliance Officer
• 1st Navigation Officer
• Chief Security Officer

The captain will also need to deal with any disciplinary issues that may arise amongst the crew.

Attend Onboard Social Events

The captain of a cruise ship is usually required to attend various social events that are held on board the ship.

This includes things like cocktail parties, dinners, and balls.

The captain may also be required to give speeches at these events.

While attending these social events is not strictly part of the job, it is considered to be good practice as it helps to foster good relations with the passengers.

Marrying Couples

One of the more unusual duties of a cruise ship captain is to officiate at weddings that are held on board the ship.

This is often seen as a romantic gesture and many couples choose to get married on a cruise ship because of this.

However, it is important to note that not all captains are legally able to perform marriages.

Work Schedule On Call 24/7

Another factor to bear in mind is that the captain of a cruise ship is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This means they may be called upon at any time to deal with an emergency or problem.

While there are usually other officers who can take over in the event of an emergency, the captain is still responsible for the ship and its passengers.

Cruise captains tend to work in rotation, working 8 to 10 weeks on the ship followed by 8 to 10 weeks off-ship all covered by the salary.

How  to Become a Cruise Ship Captain

To become a cruise captain, you will need a master’s degree in maritime studies and 10 to 15 years of experience working in various positions on ocean vessels.

Captains will need to have passed the Federal Maritime Authority captain’s license exam once they have 10 years of experience.

Some of the skills that are required for this job include:

• Top-level people skills
• Strong leadership
• Good communication

Captains also need to be able to maintain their composure and act decisively in an emergency.

Does a Cruise Captain Have to Go Down With the Ship?

In the event of a  disaster, it is the captain’s obligation and legal duty to be the last man off the ship.   The captain should stay on board for as long as possible ensuring that all passengers and crew are evacuated safely in the event of such an emergency.

One recent well-known case was that of the  Costa Concordia in 2013. In this instance, captain Francesco Schettino left the ship while passengers and crew members were still on board and ended up being one of the first to reach dry land.

He was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment, of which one year was attributed to his actions of abandoning passengers.

Thankfully these kinds of disasters are extremely rare events and the vast majority of cruise captains are worthy of their important and well-paid role on the ship.

How Many Captains are on a Cruise Ship?

There is only ever one captain at a time on a cruise ship. The captain usually takes the position for a set period of time, anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. Although it varies depending on the cruise line.

Often there will be two captains rotating work contracts on the ship. While one is on vacation, the other captain takes over.

Often a captain is on the ship for a few years at a time, usually with an eye to moving up to a bigger ship in the fleet should the opportunity arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest paid cruise captain.

According to Payscale the highest pay for a ship captain is US$190,000 annual salary. In reality, this could be over $200,000 in some cases.

What is a Mega Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

We would expect captains of some of the world’s largest mega-cruise ships  to be paid the highest annual salaries in the range of $170,000 to $200,000. A Captain of a mega cruise ship will have many of years experience.

Cruise lines with mega cruise ships:

• Royal Caribbean
• Costa Cruises
• P&O (their largest ship Iona)
• Carnival cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruises
• Princess Cruises

Many of which have cruise ships with the capacity to carry over 5000 passengers.

How Much Does a Disney Cruise Captain Make a Year?

Disney cruise ships are captained by some of the most experienced and veteran captains in the business. It is not known exactly how much they earn, but we would expect them to be amongst the highest paid with an annual salary in excess of $150,000.

What is a Royal Caribbean Captain Salary?

A Royal Caribbean Cruise ship captain salary is not publicly known or shared, but we would expect the captain of one the world’s largest cruise ships to be one of the highest-paid with an annual salary possibly excess of $190,000 to $200,000 a year.

These would be captains of Royal Caribbean largest ships:

• Wonder of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas

Captains of smaller ships in the fleet would be expected to earn less, but most probably above the average at a higher rate of 120,000 to $150,000+ annual salary

What is a Carnival Cruise Captain Salary?

A Carnival Cruise captain salary has not been publicly shared, as most individuals prefer to keep their salaries private.

With a fleet of at least 24 ships, the salaries would vary, depending on various factors, one of which being the size of the ship. Some of the larger Carnival Cruises ships are twice the size and have double the capacity of smaller ships in the fleet.

Can Women Be Cruise Captains?

Females can become cruise ship captains, although the numbers are very low. In fact, there are only a handful of female captains working for the major cruise companies.

The most notable is Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Edge. She is the first American woman to be appointed captain of a mega cruise ship. 

What is Captain Kate McCue Salary?

Captain Kate McCue salary would be in the region of $150,000 to $190,000 a year. Celebrity Cruises are a premium cruise line with luxury modern cruise ships. As a captain of Celebrity Beyond, a luxury Edge class cruise ship it would be expected that Kate McCue would be one of the highest paid cruise ship captain.

As the most public well-known cruise ship captain, she no doubt earns extra from her large social media following.

The role of the cruise ship captain is a highly responsible and demanding one, with many different duties and responsibilities including the safety of the ship, its crew, and passengers.

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How Much Do Viking Cruise Ship Captains Make?

By Michael Ferguson

Viking Cruise Ship Captains are some of the most experienced and well-trained seafarers in the world. Not only do they hold a deep knowledge of both maritime and commercial laws, but they also possess a wealth of experience navigating through hazardous weather conditions.

They also possess excellent communication and leadership skills, which are essential for managing a large crew on board. It’s no wonder that Viking Cruise Ship Captains are highly sought after in the cruise industry, with their salaries reflecting their high level of expertise.

A Captain’s salary on a Viking cruise ship is determined by a number of factors, including experience, seniority, and the size and type of vessel they are commanding. An entry-level Captain can expect to earn around $80,000 per year while more experienced Captains can command salaries upwards of $150,000. However, these figures can vary significantly depending on the cruise line and the location.

The Captain’s working hours depend largely on the length of the voyage. While shorter voyages may only require a few days or weeks at sea, longer trips can last for months. During these trips, Captains will usually work long hours as they must be constantly monitoring navigation systems and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board.

In addition to their salaries , Viking Cruise Ship Captains may also receive additional benefits such as medical coverage, paid vacation time and bonuses. These bonuses may be based on performance or other criteria determined by the cruise line.

Becoming a Viking Cruise Ship Captain requires extensive training and experience as well as passing a series of tests to become certified. Those who wish to pursue this career path should be prepared to invest in extensive training courses in order to become fully qualified.

Overall, Viking Cruise Ship Captains make an impressive salary due to their experience level and expertise. With hard work and dedication, those interested in this career path can look forward to commanding high salaries while enjoying the benefits that come with being at sea.

Conclusion : How Much Do Viking Cruise Ship Captains Make? Viking Cruise Ship Captains make an impressive salary due to their high level of expertise.

Entry-level captains can expect to earn around $80 000 per year while more experienced captains can command salaries upwards of $150 000 depending on the cruise line and location. In addition to their salaries captains may also receive additional benefits such as medical coverage paid vacation time and bonuses which may be based on performance or other criteria determined by the cruise line.

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Cruise Ship Life

All about cruise ships

How Much Do Cruise Ship Captains Make? (2023 Salary Insights)

Introduction.

Ever pondered over a cruise ship captain’s annual salary? Several factors, including experience, vessel size, and prestige, influence these figures.

Average Cruise Ship Captain Salary

• Estimations: Cruise captains earn around $96,000 annually, varying between $50,000 for new positions to over $200,000 for seasoned professionals.
• Data from Comparably and Payscale: Aligning at $93,328 and $96,347 per year, respectively. The salary range spans from $48,000 to $190,000.
• Experience-Based Earnings: Captains with over 10 years’ experience earn about $98,000, while those with under 10 years make $70,000 to $77,000 yearly.

Monthly Income Breakdown

• $93,328 annually equates to a monthly average of $7,777.33.
• Higher annual salaries translate to:
• $125,000/year = $10,416/month
• $150,000/year = $12,500/month
• $175,000/year = $14,583/month
• $200,000/year = $16,666/month

Factors Influencing Cruise Captain Pay

• Experience: More years as a captain result in higher pay.
• Vessel Size and Prestige: Larger or specialized vessels equate to higher salaries.
• Company Size: Larger companies generally offer higher pay but smaller ones might negotiate additional benefits.
• Location: Captains in regions with higher living costs earn more.

Additional Perks

• Besides salary, captains enjoy perks like luxury accommodations, free meals, onboard facilities usage, free flights, paid holidays, and health plans.

Cruise Ship Captain Responsibilities

• Navigating the Ship: Charting courses, managing speed, and ensuring safe passage.
• Safety and Security: Compliance with maritime regulations, overseeing safety equipment, and handling emergencies.
• Ship Maintenance: Supervising engineering operations and ensuring seaworthiness.
• Customs and Immigration Compliance: Ensuring the ship adheres to international laws at ports.
• Security Measures: Overseeing onboard security against potential threats.
• Emergency Response: Coordinating responses to emergencies and ensuring passenger safety.
• Crew Management: Handling crew issues and overseeing department heads.
• Social Engagements: Attending and sometimes speaking at onboard events.
• Officiating Ceremonies: Conducting weddings held on the ship.

Becoming a Cruise Ship Captain

• A master’s degree in maritime studies and 10-15 years’ ocean vessel experience are requisites.
• Essential skills include leadership, communication, and crisis management.

Myth and Reality: A Captain’s Duty in Disasters

• Despite legends, captains are legally bound to ensure passenger and crew safety before their own.

Can Women Be Cruise Captains?

• Few females hold this role, with Captain Kate McCue being a notable figure.
• Her salary is likely around $150,000 to $190,000, notably due to her role and social media presence.

Being a cruise ship captain demands immense responsibility, with duties spanning safety, navigation, crew management, and compliance with international laws.

here are some FAQs regarding cruise ship captains and their salaries:

• Experience, vessel size, company size, and geographic location are crucial factors. More experienced captains on larger or specialized vessels in high-cost living areas tend to earn higher salaries.
• Yes, captains often enjoy perks like luxury accommodations, free meals, access to onboard facilities, free flights, paid holidays, and comprehensive health plans.
• A captain’s duties encompass navigation, ensuring safety and security, overseeing ship maintenance, compliance with customs and immigration laws, managing the crew, handling emergencies, attending social events, and even officiating onboard ceremonies.
• Aspiring captains typically need a master’s degree in maritime studies along with 10 to 15 years of experience working on ocean vessels. Essential skills include leadership, communication, and crisis management.
• Yes, captains are on call round the clock, ready to handle emergencies or problems as they arise. They typically work in rotations, spending 8 to 10 weeks on the ship followed by an equivalent time off.
• Yes, although the number of female cruise ship captains is limited. Captain Kate McCue is a prominent example, being the first American woman to captain a mega cruise ship.
• In the event of a disaster, it is the captain’s legal duty to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew before prioritizing their own evacuation.
• Estimates suggest that captains of the world’s largest cruise ships could earn annual salaries ranging between $170,000 to $200,000.
• Yes, salaries can vary based on the cruise line’s size and the scale of their operations. Larger companies often offer higher salaries, but smaller ones may negotiate additional perks or profit shares.
• Apart from steering the ship, captains often officiate weddings held onboard, attend social events, manage emergencies, and oversee the ship’s compliance with international laws at various ports

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The Untold Truth About How Much a Cruise Ship Captain Earns (And What They Do)

On every cruise, you will find a Captain. The Captain is well known for being the person in charge of sailing the ship but a captain’s job is much more than this.

In this article, we explore everything that a cruise ship Captain does and look at how much a cruise captain can expect to earn.

What is a Cruise Captain?

A cruise captain is responsible for the overall cruise operation.

The safety of the guests and crew is primarily the responsibility of the captain and the captain is in charge of sailing the cruise ship between ports.

The captain also is in charge of various social activities onboard and is usually a recognisable face on most cruises.

Being a cruise captain is an incredibly difficult and demanding job, cruise captains often work for long periods and are responsible for many things onboard the ship.

Cruise Captain Job Roll – What do Cruise Captains do?

Piloting the ship and avoiding hazards.

The primary focus of a cruise ship captain is to make sure that all guests and crew get from point A to point B safely. 

Safety is the primary motivator behind everything that a cruise ship captain does.

A notable example of where this wasn’t the case was the Costa Concordia disaster of 2012 where the captain decided to take a different route closer to land.

The cruise ship hit a rocky sea bed, capsized and 32 people lost their lives.

Traditionally a captain must always ‘Go down with the ship’ meaning that the captain shouldn’t leave the ship until the last person on board has left.

Once again, this wasn’t the case in the Costa Concordia disaster, captain Francesco Schettino abandoned the ship with guests still onboard.

Supervising the Maintenance of Various Pieces of Onboard Equipment

On a cruise ship, you’ll find various teams who will look after different parts of the ship, the engines, and navigational equipment, for example.

The cruise ship Captain is generally speaking the person who oversees all of this and has the final say on most things. Cruise ship Captains have to have a wide knowledge on a variety of subjects.

Rather unsurprisingly the job of a cruise ship captain also comes with a lot of paperwork!

Marrying Couples and Shaving Heads

It’s quite common for the captain of a cruise ship to be a prominent part of guest’s weddings if they choose to get married on board. They also conduct wedding renewals.

What is less common is shaving the heads of passengers!

That said, I let the captain of the cruise ship shave my head, yes really! I was taking part in ‘Brave the Shave’ to raise money for a cancer support charity.

We raised £5000 and you can watch the video here:

Managing a Large Team of Officers and Crew

On every cruise ship, you’ll find a variety of staff members who work on the bridge.

There are usually quite a few officers, safety officers, and cadets, all of whom work together to ensure a smooth safe sailing.

The Captain is the head of this hierarchy and can often have many crew members beneath them. The crew will take turns working in shifts to ensure that the bridge is always manned.

Each crew member will have specific tasks and jobs to complete and the Captain oversees each member to ensure that everything is done correctly.

The rank of the officers/captain can be seen on their epaulettes. An epaulette is a shoulder piece on an item of clothing, generally speaking, the more stripes the more senior the member of the team is.

Enforcing Security Plans

All crew members onboard cruise ships have drills and procedures that they have to practice in case of emergency. On cruise ships, there are drills for almost anything that you can think of.

The most common would be a situation like a fire or a flood – but cruise ships do also practice Pirate Drills in case of Pirate attacks. The cruise ship captain is in charge of safety and security plans like these.

To learn more about the very rare instances of cruise ships being attacked by Pirates, check out the video below:

At the Muster Drill which all guests must attend the captain usually plays a prominent role and will speak to the guests over the overhead tannoy.

It’s ultimately the responsibility of the Captain to make sure that their ship complies with legal obligations and having all guests attend Muster is part of this.

To learn more about muster drills, including what happens if you don’t attend, check out this post:

What is a Muster Drill on a Cruise? Everything You Need to Know (REVIEW of Traditional and Virtual Muster Drills)

Social Events

A big part of the Captain’s job is to attend social events around the cruise ship. You’ll often see the Captain interacting with guests and they may make some form of welcome speech at the start of the cruise.

Top tip: The Captain’s welcome drink is a great place to go if you’d like a free drink! You can usually pick up a drink (or two) just by being in the right place at the right time so it’s well worth attending.

The captain will also have photos taken with guests and may even dine with a select group of guests.

My favourite cruise ship captain is Captain Wesley who you’ll find on P&O ships, meeting him was a delight! You’re in for a treat if you cruise with P&O and have Wesley as a captain …

Tannoy Announcements

Cruise ship Captains will often be responsible for speaking to guests over the tannoy and explaining things about sailing – such as the cruise route, weather, and speed.

A Cruise Director will usually do the most announcements -informing guests about the entertainment and events going on onboard.

To learn more about cruise directors, including how to become a cruise director, check out this post:

What Do Cruise Directors Do? How Much Do They ACTUALLY Earn?

Do River Cruise Ships Have Captains?

All river cruise ships have Captains but because river cruise ships are much smaller they don’t require the large bridge team that ocean ships have.

A river cruise ship will usually only have one Captain who will be responsible for all of the sailing of the ship.

The river cruise Captain has similar responsibilities when it comes to safety and planning.

The Captain will usually introduce themselves at the start of the cruise and may also attend farewell drinks at the end of the voyage.

On many river ships, you are able to see and speak to the Captain when he is steering the ship from the Wheelhouse on the top deck – as long as you don’t distract him, of course!

Find out more about river cruising in the video below:

How do You Become a Cruise Captain?

To become a cruise ship Captain you must have a good education and put in the time required to learn the skills needed.

Most cruise ship Captains will have a degree in something like maritime science, maritime engineering, or something similar.

After graduating most cruise ship Captains will find a job at sea and spend many years working their way up through the ranks. The majority start as cadets before progressing on to become officers and eventually Captains.

Cruise Captain Entry Requirements:

What skills do you need to become a cruise captain.

Cruise captains must be organized, strong leaders and have the highest quality communication skills.

It’s important to be able to stay calm under pressure as well as multitask.

Cruise captains are at sea for long periods of time and must be able to work at all hours of the day.

Public speaking and being personable is always a bonus and appreciated by guests.

Are You Able to Visit The Captain On The Bridge of a Cruise Ship?

Usually, No!

Sometimes you are able to take a “Behind the scenes tour” of the the ship, but these rarely include a bridge tour.

Sometimes you can be specially invited onto the bridge of a cruise ship, you may then be lucky enough to meet the Captain or some of his senior crew. This happened to me onboard Symphony of the Seas.

When I cruised on the luxury ship Emerald Azzurra, which only has 100 passengers, I was able to go to the bridge whenever I wanted as they have an “Open bridge policy.”

This Open Bridge policy isn’t something that is possible on most Ocean-going cruise ships, that hold thousands of passengers.

Find out all about that memorable cruise below.

What is the Salary of a Cruise Captain?

The average salary of a cruise Captain is $130,000 per year. Salaries range from $52,000 to $190,000. This is dependent on the Captain’s experience, and the cruise line for which they work.

According to Cruise Critic ( source ) the average salary of a cruise ship Captain is $150,000 per year.

Pay Scale ( source ) estimates an average salary of $52,000 – $127,000 per year.

The National ( source ) suggests between $153,379. per year.

The Guardian ( source ) estimates a salary of $164,000- $190,000 per year.

There is, of course, a lot of variety within the salary of cruise Captains.

The size of the ship that the Captain is sailing and the size of the company that the Captain works for will make a difference to the salary he receives.

Generally speaking though, the captain is one of the highest-paid members of the crew on board – and rightly so!

What Other Perks Do Cruise Captains Receive?

In addition to salary cruise captains receive a number of other perks:

• Accommodation on the ship free of charge
• Family staying onboard
• Meals onboard
• Laundry and Housekeeping
• Discounts, often on cruises and/or shops onboard

Because Cruise captains live at home for long periods they are usually able to send the majority of their salary home and have very little onboard expense.

Another big perk to mention is that cruise ship captains get to visit some amazing places on their journeys.

Related Questions:

How much did the Costa Concordia Captain Make? 

It’s estimated that the captain of the Costa Concordia earned between $52,000 and $190,000 per year.

Before You Go

Another place you rarely get to see the inside of are the ship’s lifeboats. Find out more about what would happen in an emergency, what food they keep onboard, water supplies and more in this “behind the scenes” tour:

Inside a Cruise Ship Lifeboat (Crew Tour) – Emergency Food, Engine, Seating Plan and More

Find out all about the obstructed view cabin I had onboard Spectrum of the Seas. The view was 50% yellow lifeboat! Find out what I thought of that here:

Obstructed View Balcony Cabin – This Controversial Cabin Surprised Me!

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Viking Cruises

Viking cruises salaries.

Viking Cruises's median salary is $108,540 for a Data Scientist. Levels.fyi collects anonymous and verified salaries from current and former employees of Viking Cruises . Last updated: 4/30/2024

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Similar company salary, faqs about viking cruises company, 1. how much does viking cruises in the united states pay.

Viking Cruises pays its employees an average of $110,258 per year. The average salary at Viking Cruises range from $97,023 to $124,634 per year.

2. Do Viking Cruises employees get a higher salary than other similar companies?

The salary at Viking Cruises is lesser than Adventure Collection companies. The highest salary package reported for an employee at Viking Cruises is $124,634 per year, meanwhile the highest salary package reported for an employee at Adventure Collection companies is $141,754 per year.

3. How much does Viking Cruises pay compared to Adventure Collection companies?

The average annual salary at Viking Cruises is $110,258, or an hourly wage of $53, in comparison to Adventure Collection companies which pays $125,416 per year or $60 per hour.

What is a Typical Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

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Cruise ship captains are responsible for the entire operation of a cruise ship. Their role is demanding, requiring years of experience, special skills, and long hours.

A cruise ship captain’s salary is $98,000. A captain’s salary depends on the vessel size, years of experience, and cruise line.

Cruise ship captains also receive benefits such as their cabin accommodations, food, flights, drinks, housekeeping, and more.

Keep reading to learn more about how much money cruise ship captains make.

Table of Contents

What is a Cruise Ship Captain Salary?

An average cruise ship captain’s salary is $95,000 , in a salary range of $50,000 to $190,000 . New cruise ship captains may start at $50,000, while more experienced captains can make over $150,000.

The exact salary for a cruise captain depends on the captain’s experience, education, the cruise line they work for, and the size of the ship they sail.

There is a wide range of estimates on cruise ship captains’ salaries. Below are some estimates for cruise ship captain’s salary:

• Comparably estimates the average cruise ship captain’s salary at $93,328 annually.
• Payscale estimates a ship captain’s average salary at $94,484 per year.
• Indeed.com estimates a cruise ship captain’s annual salary of $47,491.

The captain is the highest-paid crew member on a cruise ship. That’s because cruise ship captains have a demanding job that requires them to be on call 24/7.

A captain is responsible for the entire operation of the cruise ship. Not to mention, the captain is responsible for the thousands of lives on the vessel and the cruise ship’s safety.

The ship’s captain’s responsibilities include:

• Ship navigation
• Engine room operations
• Equipment maintenance
• Crew training
• Guest Services
• Ship entertainment
• Responding to emergencies
• Social events
• Ensuring the safety of guests, crew members, and the vessel

The size of the cruise ship is a significant contributor to a captain’s salary. Captains of mega cruise ships earn more than those piloting small luxury vessels.

Not all cruise lines pay the same, either.

Generally, the largest cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Carnival, pay captains a higher salary than smaller cruise ship operators.

Cruise ship captains work on contract. A typical contract sees captains work for two months on the ship and take two months off between deployments.

Factors Affecting The Salary of a Cruise Ship Captain

Becoming a captain in the cruise industry requires a lifetime of hard work, training, and dedication.

I asked our captain how he became a cruise ship captain when we sailed on Serenade of the Seas . He first began working on ships at the age of 18. And it wasn’t until he was 33 that he received his Master’s license, which qualified him to become a captain. He spent two decades operating cargo ships before getting a job on a cruise ship .

I asked the captain why he chose to make the change, and he said that cruising offered the chance to see more of the world .

Here’s how to become a cruise ship captain.

Experience is the most important factor determining the average salary of a cruise ship captain. It takes decades for captains to acquire the knowledge, experience, training, and certifications required to become a licensed captain.

Most cruise ship captains begin their careers at entry-level positions and climb to the rank of captain.

Aspiring captains take on roles as deck officers or third mates and work their way up. The onboard training they receive is essential to gaining the knowledge required to captain a vessel.

After receiving the Master Mariner Certificate , you can captain a commercial vessel. Most captains find work in the military, Coast Guard, or cargo transportation before becoming cruise ship captains.

More experienced captains are better prepared to handle the demanding responsibilities of managing a cruise ship. So, captains with more years of experience receive higher salaries.

The Cruise Ship Matters

The size, passenger capacity, and prestige of the cruise ship play a role in determining the salary of a cruise ship captain.

Captains of larger cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , receive higher salaries than smaller cruise ships. Larger ships have more responsibilities as the captain has more crew members to manage and more passengers to look after.

Not to mention, larger vessels present navigational challenges , especially during mooring.

It takes decades of experience before a captain can helm the largest cruise ships in the world.

Some cruise ships have a unique prestige about them. For instance, the Queen Mary 2 is the world’s last ocean liner and carries a certain elegance in the minds of its guests. The ship’s prestige means that the QM2’s captain is paid more than they would on a similar-sized vessel.

Not All Cruise Lines Pay The Same

Cruise lines have different ideas of determining the salary of the captains of their fleet. Larger cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line pay their captains more because they can afford the higher salary.

The biggest cruise companies in the world want the best captains piloting their ships. So, more prominent cruise companies pay higher salaries to attract the most experienced captains.

Your Location Plays a Role

Like other crew members, cruise ship captains come from around the world. Captains from North America and Europe are paid more because they have a higher cost of living.

There are few people qualified to captain a cruise ship. So, cruise lines must recruit internationally to find the most suitable and experienced captains.

Perks and Benefits of Becoming a Cruise Ship Captain

Life at sea as a cruise ship captain includes exclusive perks and benefits. Here’s a deep dive into some perks and benefits of becoming a cruise ship captain:

• Competitive Salary : A cruise ship captain’s salary is generally the highest-paid position among cruise ship workers. The competition between cruise lines to hire the most experienced captains creates one of the highest-paying jobs in the maritime industry.
• Accommodation : Captains enjoy living in spacious cabins near or adjoining the bridge. A captain’s stateroom is less luxurious than the passenger suites, but they are the largest and most comfortable crew staterooms. The captain’s quarters usually feature multiple rooms, a kitchen area, a large bed, and high-quality furnishings.
• Meals: All meals are included. But unlike other crew members, the captain can order food from the ship’s higher-end restaurants. They can also dine in the restaurant if they wish, instead of the crew hall.
• Travel Opportunities : Captains get to sail to some of the planet’s most beautiful and sought-after places. Few jobs take you to the sun-kissed Mediterranean ports or the icy fjords of Alaska. While a captain’s schedule is busy, they often have time to explore the ports of call.
• Generous Leave Periods : Maritime jobs have unique schedules. After extended periods at sea, cruise ship captains enjoy long breaks, sometimes several weeks or months. The gap between contracts allows captains time to spend with family and recover from their demanding jobs. Many captains work on a two-month contract followed by one or two months off.
• Prestige and Recognition : The captain’s uniform itself commands respect. Being the figurehead of such a massive vessel is a well-respected career. Captains are well-respected figures not only among the crew but also among the passengers.
• Health and Fitness Amenities : Captains have access to fitness facilities. The state-of-the-art gyms ensure they can maintain their physical health even at sea.
• Family Benefits : Senior officers, including captains, can bring their families on board at no extra fee. The captain’s family can experience the cruise ship like any other passenger. The captains’ long work hours mean they don’t see their family much. But it’s an incredible perk, considering captains can spend up to six months at sea, away from their families.
• Laundry and Housekeeping : Cruise ship captains enjoy complimentary laundry and housekeeping services. The services ensure the captain’s living quarters remain pristine and their uniforms freshly laundered without everyday chores distracting from their already busy schedules.

What Qualifications are Required to Become a Cruise Ship Captain

Becoming a cruise ship captain requires years of training, education, and experience . Steering a colossal vessel across boundless oceans and ensuring the safety of the passengers, crew, and ship.

It takes around 15 to 20 years to become a cruise ship captain.

A captain’s education begins at a recognized maritime academy or university. Candidates pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Science or Nautical Science. The formal education teaches navigation, naval laws, ship construction, and safety at sea.

After graduating, aspiring captains must get several certifications mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) . Essential are the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), and often, a Master Mariner Certificate .

The career path from a deck cadet to a captain is long. It requires 15 to 20 years of experience and progressive advancement through the ranks of Third Officer, Second Officer, and Chief Officer before becoming a captain. Each position brings increased responsibilities and a chance to learn the skills required to helm a vessel.

Building a network with experienced mariners and gaining insights from mentors in the industry is invaluable. Participation in industry associations and networking at maritime events can bolster an aspiring captain’s knowledge and opportunities.

Being a captain is more than navigating waters. Captains of cruise ships must be able to lead a diverse crew and ensure the well-being of thousands of passengers. Experience in leadership positions and solid communication and crisis management skills are essential for a successful career as a cruise ship captain.

How Many Hours Does A Cruise Ship Captain Work?

Cruise ship captains work up to 12 hours a day , although this can extend to 12 to 16 hours, depending on the vessel’s size and itinerary. The exact number of working hours varies with the type of cruise line, vessel size, and the specific itinerary of the voyage.

Maritime Labour Convention 2006 regulates the working hours of cruise ship captains. The convention stipulates that the maximum work hours can not exceed 14 hours in any 24 hours and 72 hours in any seven days.

The daily working hours are irregular. Weather conditions, travel itineraries, and unexpected emergencies demand the captain’s attention at different times of the day and night. So, a captain rests whenever they find downtime.

Cruise ship captains work on shorter contracts than most crew members. The shorter contracts help captains avoid burnout from their demanding duties.

A typical contract for the captain is two to three months of work. After the contract finishes, captains return home for two to three months of rest.

Marcello De Lio

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The picture for your site that appears in a Goodle search for cruise ship captain shows someone with 2.5 stripes on their sleeve. That is not a captain…who would normally wear 4 stripes.

Thanks for correcting that mistake. I got so excited by the great photo that I forgot to check that it was a captain. I’ve now updated the featured image to one of a cruise ship captain.

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Cruise Ship Captain Salary: How Much Do Captains Make?

Tired of working that nine to five? Maybe it's time you took a vacation. Better yet - what if you could take a vacation while you were at work? Seems impossible until you think about the life of a cruise ship captain. These guys get to sail the seven seas in the lap of luxury and get paid for it. So if you were thinking of a career change, this might be it.

But for as fun and exciting as a cruise ship captain's life might seem, you still need to put food on the table. So you gotta ask - how much is a cruise ship captain salary? Find out whether this exciting new career can earn you as much as (or more) than your current line of work with this comprehensive guide.

How Much Does a Cruise Ship Captain Make in the US?

Wondering what kind of salary cruise ship captains make? Well, cruise ship captains have one of the best salaries of any professional in all of the maritime industry. Of course, annual salaries fluctuate depending on a range of factors.

So how much does a cruise ship captain make?

Well, recent data from the United States of America states that a cruise ship captain can earn upwards of $200,000 a year or $16,500 a month .

However that figure represents cruise ship captains in the upper crest. More often, captains on cruise ships earn an average salary between the range of $110,000 to $150,000 per year which admittedly still isn't that bad. That's roughly $12,000 per month.

How Much Do Captains on Cruise Ships Make in the UK and Australia?

How do cruise ship captains in other countries compare to the US? In the UK, the country logs around 2 million cruise ship passengers annually. Even more surprising, a data report states that roughly 5% of all Australians go on an annual cruise. So it's safe to say that the cruise industry is booming in both of these locations.

That said, cruise ship captains who find themselves in these countries are in the position to earn just as much as US-based cruise ship captains. In fact, data claims that UK-based cruise ship captains earn an average salary of US$140,000 per year or US$11,500 a month, while Australian captains can make an average of US$95,000 to US$100,000 a year or US$8,500 a month.

Which Cruise Liners Offer the Highest Salaries?

One of the factors that will make the biggest impact on salaries would be the brand of the cruise ship liner you work for. So it goes without saying that choosing to work for a well-established cruise liner brand also puts you in a better position to earn a better salary.

Here's a list of the best paying cruise liners for applicants looking to max out their potential cruise ship captain salary:

Royal Caribbean

The Royal Caribbean Cruise has a fleet of 20 cruise ships and is one of the biggest lines in the industry. Because their ships can accommodate thousands of guests at a time, the liner has the leverage to keep their prices reasonable for the average passenger.

They offer European, Caribbean, and Alaskan destinations at an average of under $300 per person.

Celebrity Cruises

These cruise liners don't accommodate quite as many passengers at a time as the the previous liner, but this allows a more intimate experience for cruise guests.

The liner also charges much less money, with some of their trips an average of just $130 per person.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Offering an opulent sea cruise experience, the Regent Seven Seas Cruises are known for their ultra comfortable and sophisticated liners that deliver a truly lavish vacation.

They have 34 cruises exploring some of the most beautiful destinations across the globe, including trips to Barcelona, Jerusalem, and Athens.

Seabourn Cruise

Their luxurious cruise packages combine comfort, style, and relaxation, letting guests enjoy serenity and calm that maximizes tranquility. Their destinations include the ever popular Caribbean, but they also have trips that explore Africa, India, the Arctic, and New England.

The company claims they offer the best value for money despite their price per head.

Crystal Cruises

With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, the Crystal Cruises guarantee that every need, whim, and fancy will be met. The luxury cruise liner claims to offer 6-star service along with a world class dining experience that's said to be far superior compared to any other cruise liner's.

Prices per head may be steep, but past guests say the money is well worth it.

Factors Affecting a Cruise Ship Captain's Salary

Some cruise ship captains get a salary of as little as $50,000 a year, while data shows that some liner's offer to pay their captains an average of up to $400,000 annually or $35,000 a month.

So what's with the wide range?

There are various factors that can impact the salary that a chief gets, including:

Cruise Liner

Of course, the brand of the cruise ship liner you work for will significantly impact the amount you get.

Companies like the Royal Caribbean have budget packages for families and passengers with limited resources. But then again, they also have high end options like the Allure of the Seas which is considered the most expensive liner to date.

Serving as the cruise ship captain for these high end lines can definitely bump up your salary.

The bigger the cruise line size, the more passengers it can carry on board. That means more people pay money to be on board, and the cruise ship ends up earning more to pay its workers.

But there are special cases. For instance, some luxury cruise liners will deliberately accommodate less guests despite its size to make the ambiance more exclusive. This also entails that guests pay a premium price for the elite treatment and accommodations.

Just like any other job, your employer will pay more the longer your years experience. Cruise ship captains increase in value with more hours worked on board.

While newbie skipper might earn salaries between $50,000 to $60,000 per year, the average tenured cruise line captain stands the opportunity to earn upwards of $100,000 in salaries since cruise liners are more willing to pay for experience if it guarantees that their ship will be in good hands.

Benefits of Being a Cruise Ship Captain

Maybe you're just toying with the idea of changing careers, or maybe you're seriously considering ditching the desk job for something a little more exciting. Whatever the case, there are loads of perks to being a cruise ship captain, including:

Very few professionals can say that every day at work feels like a vacation. Cruise ship captains get to travel to all the corners of the world while enjoying the most exclusive facilities on a cruise.

Of course, it can still get tiring after so many hours at the helm. But with picturesque scenes of the sea or ocean at every turn, it's hard not to enjoy the everyday grind.

Cruise ship captains can get paid a lot of money. And the longer you're in the business, the bigger the salary you stand to earn.

Very few people can claim that they get paid to travel on ships, and cruise ship captains find themselves in the position to say exactly that.

Unlike other cruise ship crew members that have to interact with guests, the chief gets to sit at the control room the entire day without having to worry about addressing passenger concerns onboard.

Sure, problems may get escalated to the captain, but they can usually be resolved by the crew before it gets that bad.

As the head of the ship, the cruise ship captain is responsible for calling the shots.

It can get stressful at times since you can work odd hours, but being the head of the vessel comes with the perks of special treatment and respect that crew members, staff, and guests are almost obligated to serve.

What Does a Cruise Ship Captain Do?

So what exactly does a cruise ship captain do? Well, there's a big responsibility under a cruise ship captain's belt that can be condensed into just four items:

Navigation and Boat Operation

The ship captain is responsible of making sure you're on the right course to your destination. They use technical data from a variety of instruments to fulfill this responsibility.

Cruise ships need routine maintenance and repairs onboard even while they're underway. The cruise ship captain is in charge of making sure the right crew members and staff are delegated at the necessary sites of repair.

Overseeing Proper Procedures

There are various steps to making sure that the cruise ship is working in proper order. Captains are responsible of making sure that every crew member and staff fulfill their duties.

Safety and Security

The ship captain is mainly responsible for everyone onboard and their safety, security, and comfort. In the event of an emergency, the captain is the one who will call the shots.

Requirements for Cruise Ship Captains

Are you qualified to become a cruise ship captain? Here are some education and work requirements that you should have at the ready if you're looking to get a job as the captain of a cruise:

• Education: Master's Degree in Marine Engineering or Marine Science
• Captain's license from a Federal Maritime Authority
• Preferably no significant medical conditions
• An average or at least 10 years experience in a relevant field
• Pass an exam through your chosen cruise liner
• Any relevant certifications or proof of hours of training

Tips on Becoming a Cruise Ship Captain

According to statistics, cruise line captain jobs are expected to grow by 8.8% by 2026. This means that you might be able to snag a job as the ship captain of a cruise if you play your cards right.

So if you're serious about the career change, here are some tips to get you started:

• You can't expect to be hired as a captain of the crew right away. Start from the bottom and work your way towards the captain title.
• Get as much experience as possible. The more skills you have, the better your chances of getting promoted to captain.
• Attend seminars and courses that can give you certifications that improve your captain resume.
• Demonstrate the right attitude. Captains need to be calm, collected, and quick on their feet.
• Last but not least: keep fit. The job can be physically demanding - staying healthy and fit should make it easier to keep up with the requirements of the work involved.

Life on the Seven Seas

The life of a cruise ship captain is without compare. Operating a massive vessel all while making sure that everyone else is doing their job can be a serious task that not everyone can handle.

So if you were lured in by that enticing cruise ship captain salary, there's a lot more to think about than just the pay. Are you qualified for the job? Consider all the angles before you quit your nine to five.

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