Monthly Earnings of a Cruise Ship Worker Disclosed - 'Aiming for Substantial Financial Reserves'

Monthly Earnings of a Cruise Ship Worker Disclosed - 'Aiming for Substantial Financial Reserves'

Jetsetting Across the High Seas: Breaking Down the Finances Behind Cruise Ship Employment

Working on a cruise ship might seem like a dream job, setting sail on a boat while exploring exotic destinations and getting paid for it. However, the reality is more complicated. There are numerous roles on board a ship that contribute to making the guests' experience unforgettable, but like any job, it's all hard work. So, the burning question remains: Do cruise ship workers earn enough to make the job worth it?

Let's take a closer look at the finances of working on a cruise ship. Chris Wong, a casino host aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, shared his earnings on YouTube. In January 2025, his total net pay was $4,340. While his earnings can fluctuate due to factors such as tips, commission, time of year, and specific ship, if we consider an average, he would put away approximately $52K annually.

Sounds like a decent wage, right? Given his position, Wong enjoys certain advantages that help him save, such as having his housing and food costs covered on the ship. With only small utility bills (like his phone and internet access) to worry about, he saves on expenses that an average person with the same salary would incur. Of course, Wong's earnings will likely differ from those of someone just starting their cruise ship career.

On the other hand, we have Alley Kerr, a former cruise ship dancer, who shared her experiences and earnings on YouTube. During her time on the ship, her guaranteed base pay was $3,800 per month. However, her specialties as an entertainer, which included dancing, vocal performance, and additional shows, added $1,000 to her monthly salary. Altogether, she estimated that at the end of her cruise ship career, she made an average of $6,500 monthly.

Between his earnings from his job and the money he makes from his YouTube videos, Wong states that he maintains a "healthy salary." The idea of leaving the cruise ship lifestyle and starting over in a new field doesn't appeal to him. In reply to those who inquire about his returning to his home country or getting a "proper job," Wong shares that such opportunities are hard to come by and pay less than what he currently earns.

Working on a cruise ship may not cater to those seeking to settle down and raise a family, but it is a fantastic opportunity for the travel junkie. If you've got a serious case of wanderlust and a desire to see the world without breaking the bank, a cruise ship might just be your ticket!

Considering a career on the high seas? One Reddit user offered her perspective after working as a cruise ship employee and traveling to dozens of countries. She reminisced over her time, cherishing the experience and friends she made along the way, echoing that she still misses it constantly.

Insight: Cruise ship workers' annual earnings vary significantly depending on job position, tips, commissions, the time of year, and ship location. The following break down of typical annual earnings by role and factors can be considered:

• Entry-level positions (Housekeepers, Waiters, Cooks): Monthly salaries range from around $1,000 to $4,000, with tips adding to the income for roles serving passengers directly.
• Specialist roles (Entertainers, Mechanical/Technicians): These employees tend to earn between $2,000 and $6,000 monthly.
• Casino hosts and commission-based roles: A casino host on Royal Caribbean, after about 5 years of experience, reported a monthly net pay of around $4,340, with the possibility of annual income reaching close to $52,000.
• Higher-ranking or skilled maritime roles: Ordinary Seamen in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $72,143, while Cruise Captains earn around $70,000 annually.

1. The diverse roles on cruise ships range from entry-level positions like housekeeping and waiting, to specialist roles such as entertainment and technical work, contributing to the guests' unforgettable experiences.
2. While the finances of a lifestyle focused on travel and exploring can vary greatly with the position on the ship, a YouTube user named Chris Wong, who worked as a casino host, shared an average annual salary of approximately $52,000, taking into consideration his covered housing and food costs.
3. Conversely, another cruise ship employee, Alley Kerr, who specialized in dancing and vocal performances, reported an average monthly salary of $6,500 during her career on the ship, factoring in her guaranteed base pay and additional earnings from her specialties.
4. Aside from careers on the high seas, travel and personal finance enthusiasts might find value in exploring career opportunities in the broader field of tourism, such as working for a tourist agency or in travel writing, offering great potential for continued adventure while earning a steady income.

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