The Real Salary of a Cruise Ship Captain (Plus the Perks)

Ever dreamed of being the one at the helm, steering a massive cruise ship across glittering oceans? It sounds like the ultimate job, commanding a floating city, exploring the world, and (hopefully) earning a salary to match.

But here’s the question: just how much does a cruise ship captain really make? You might think the travel perks would mean lower pay, but with the huge responsibility of thousands of passengers on board, surely the paycheck is impressive… right?

Typical Cruise Ship Captain Salary

On average, cruise ship captains earn around $108,000 per year – but the range is wide. A brand-new captain might start at roughly $50,000, while the most experienced captains at the biggest cruise lines can make up to $400,000 once bonuses are included.

It’s a solid income, but maybe not as sky-high as you’d expect given the responsibility of keeping thousands of passengers – and a billion-dollar ship – safe. Captains don’t get days off while on board, and reaching the top of the pay scale takes decades.

Take Captain Mickael Degerlund, for example. He began his career as a deck boy at 16 and didn’t earn his Master’s licence (the qualification to become captain) until he was 30 – after 14 years of training and experience.

Reported averages vary by source, but most put the figure in the $92,000–$96,000 range. In 2025, US pay site Payscale lists it at $107,893, while UK job site Indeed says $88,730. Interestingly, Indeed’s number is slightly down from previous years – possibly because more new ships mean more entry-level captains on the lower end of the scale.

Here’s how those salaries break down…

What’s in Your Wallet? Factors Affecting a Captain’s Pay

Experience Counts

The biggest factor in a captain’s paycheck? Experience.

Cruise ship captains don’t just wake up one day and get handed the keys to the bridge. They’ve worked their way up through years, often decades, of related roles, proving they can keep calm when the seas (or passengers) get rough. A captain with a long track record is a valuable asset, and cruise lines will pay more to keep them from, well, jumping ship.

That’s not to say newer captains aren’t capable; you can’t land the role unless you’re ready for it, but the longer you’ve been steering a vessel safely, the more you can command in salary. And with more ships launching every year, the top talent is in high demand.

Related reading: Cruise Ship Worker Shares Payslip Revealing the Amount He Gets Paid Per Month

Prestige of the Ship

Not all ships are created equal, and the more prestigious the ship, the bigger the paycheck for the captain. Some ships are icons in their own right, with reputations that make them stand out in the cruising world. Captaining one of these high-profile ships comes with extra pressure, so cruise lines are willing to pay more for someone who can handle it without breaking a sweat.

Take Icon of the Seas, for example, the largest cruise ship in the world. It’s the crown jewel of its fleet, and the cruise line wants a captain who can manage a ship that valuable and famous. That level of responsibility often comes with a salary boost.

Size of the Ship

Bigger ships mean bigger responsibilities, more passengers to keep safe, more crew to manage, and more challenges to navigate. While officers and crew handle the day-to-day operations, the captain is ultimately the one ensuring that a massive floating city arrives in each port without incident.

Naturally, cruise lines don’t hand over the helm of the world’s largest ships to brand-new captains. These assignments go to those with years of experience under their belt – and with that level of trust comes a higher salary.

Size of the Company

It’s not only the size of the ship that matters, the size and success of the cruise line itself also play a big role in a captain’s salary. The biggest names in the industry, like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, have the budget to pay more and the incentive to secure the very best talent.

With millions of passengers sailing each year, these companies need top-tier leadership at the helm. Paying competitive salaries helps ensure the most skilled captains are steering their ships, and not working for the competition.

Location, Location, Location

Cruise ship captains come from all over the world, but where they’re based can influence their salary – even though they might spend months living aboard. Captains from regions with a higher cost of living, such as North America or Europe, often command higher pay.

It’s simply how the job market works. Cruise lines recruit globally, and while they can fill many crew roles from lower-wage regions, there’s a limited pool of qualified captains worldwide. That scarcity means captains from the US, Canada, or Europe can often negotiate a more generous salary.

Gender

It may come as a surprise, but a captain’s salary can sometimes vary depending on gender. One captain of a well-known luxury cruise ship, who asked to remain anonymous, told my friend that in certain cases, women are paid more than men.

According to him, this isn’t about ability, but rather “PR reasons.” Here’s what he had to say…

So, Who’s Cashing In the Most?

In most cases, the captain is the highest-paid person on board – but not always. Senior officers like the Chief Engineer or Hotel Director can sometimes earn more if they have greater experience, and cruise ship doctors are also among the top earners.

Then there are commission-based roles, like the art auctioneer. On a luxury ship, selling high-value art pieces, an auctioneer’s earnings can soar well above the captain’s salary. Still, once a captain has built up years of experience, they typically hold the top spot on the ship’s pay scale.

Becoming a Captain

The path to becoming a cruise ship captain is long – and for good reason. Requirements vary by country, but you’ll generally need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science or Maritime Science, followed by years of specialised training and the right licenses to work as a ship’s officer.

Most captains spend around four years at university before moving into hands-on maritime training. From there, it’s a climb through the ranks – often with additional qualifications along the way – until you’re ready to serve as a senior officer under a captain. On average, it takes 15–20 years from entering the industry to finally wearing the captain’s stripes… and even then, you’ll likely start at the lower end of the pay scale.

The Captain’s Working Hours

Cruise ship captains work hard – really hard. A typical day can run 12 to 16 hours, every single day, for 10–12 weeks straight. Then they get a similar-length break before their next rotation, to avoid total burnout.

Even when they’re “off duty,” they’re never truly off the clock. If there’s an emergency at 3 a.m., you can bet the captain’s getting the call. And during their months on board, there are no days off – it’s a solid block of work before they step off the ship for their well-earned break.

Related reading: How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Really Earn? The Truth About Their Pay

Perks of Job

It’s not all about endless hours and the weight of responsibility. Being a cruise ship captain does come with its share of perks. Let’s peel back the curtain on some of the captain-exclusive benefits, shall we?

Prime Quarters

While it might not match the luxury suites passengers enjoy, a captain’s quarters are a world away from standard crew cabins. Typically located right next to the bridge, they often include multiple rooms, a big-screen TV, a private kitchen area, and high-quality furnishings – a comfortable retreat after a long day at the helm.

Family Time, Ocean Style

One of the nicest perks? Captains can usually invite their partner or family to sail with them for free.

Of course, with the captain working long hours, it’s not like they’ll be lounging by the pool together all day. But family members can come aboard for a few days at a time, making it easier to stay connected and avoid those long stretches apart.

Meals

Like all crew members, captains get their meals included, but their dining options are a little more flexible. Rather than being limited to the crew mess, they can order from the ship’s restaurant menus and even dine in the passenger restaurants if they choose.

No Laundry Days

Captains don’t have to worry about everyday chores like doing laundry or tidying their cabin. Both laundry services and housekeeping are included, freeing them up to focus on running the ship and maybe grabbing a rare moment to relax.

The Bottom Line

Cruise ship captains are well paid, but it takes years of training, experience, and hard work to reach that level. The job also comes with some built-in financial advantages: room and board are included, so expenses can be much lower, especially for single captains without dependents on land.

In some cases, captains may even qualify for reduced taxes if they spend enough time outside their home country each year. Put all that together, and those salaries look even more appealing. Still, if you’re aiming for the captain’s chair, be prepared – it’s a long journey to the top.

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