What Cruise Ship Crew REALLY Get Paid (According to Crew Members Themselves)

Crew salaries are one of the most debated topics in the cruising world, and a new video from Cruising As Crew has only added fuel to the discussion. In the video, Lucy, who spent 10 years working aboard cruise ships, breaks down exactly how crew are paid, how tips and commission really work, and why two people doing the same job can earn wildly different amounts.

This article pulls together the key insights from her video, along with real quotes and examples from crew members across different departments. If you want the full breakdown in Lucy’s own words, you’ll find the video linked below, but if you’re after a clear, honest look at what crew really earn at sea, read on.

A collage of three TikTok screenshots featuring cruise ship crew members discussing pay and working conditions. The first shows a young man speaking from his cabin, the second shows a woman answering a question about saving money on board, and the third shows another woman explaining how crew pay is tracked and calculated.

Why Crew Pay Is So Confusing (And Why Social Media Gives the Wrong Idea)

If you judge crew salaries by TikTok alone, you’d think everyone at sea fits into one of two camps: the people earning eye-watering amounts, and the people counting loose change. The reality is far more complex. Salaries vary hugely depending on the job you do, the cruise line you work for, and how much commission or tips your role involves.

Where you’re from also plays a massive part. A dollar earned on board stretches much further for crew from countries with lower living costs, while those from places like the UK or Australia don’t feel the same financial boost. When that money is sent home, exchange rates can make a modest salary feel life-changing, or barely enough to justify the contract.

@scardanielle Replying to @donnabhan0 Again this is my personal opinion of how I saved money during my first contract. Another thing u forgot to mention is that sometimes you’re honestly too tired to even get off the boat during your time off and would rather sleep in, and then that’s another day that you’re saving money. It really is how you wish to spend your contract and your wages! 🥰💰#cruiseline #disney #crewmember #wages #savingmoney #tips #shiplife #dcl #dreamjob #cruisetok ♬ original sound – Scarlett | DCL🛳️✨❤️

How Cruise Ship Pay Actually Works

Fixed Monthly Salaries (Not Hourly Pay)

Despite how it might look from the outside, cruise ship crew aren’t paid by the hour. Instead, they work under fixed contracts that outline the maximum number of hours they can work each day – usually around 11. Every time a crew member starts or finishes a task, whether it’s a full shift or a ten-minute job, they clock in and out using a special card.

Those hours are logged for compliance, not for calculating pay. Even if some days run long due to bad weather, emergencies or end-of-night discrepancies, and other days are quieter, the monthly salary stays exactly the same. It’s a set amount agreed before the contract begins, regardless of how busy (or unpredictable) life at sea becomes.

Example: $1,500 Per Month for 77 Hours a Week

One crew member in the video was completely upfront about her earnings: she worked a contract capped at 11 hours a day, seven days a week, which comes to 77 hours. For that, she earned $1,500 a month. When you break it down, it’s less than $5 an hour.

But crew don’t tend to measure the “value” of the job this way. The focus isn’t on the hourly rate, but on the bigger picture: the ability to travel, meet people from around the world, and save money thanks to having almost no living expenses.

@shelovesshetravels Reply to @insaineaz don’t forget I also don’t have to pay rent or other utility bills I would have on land! 😌 #shiplife #lifeonboard #cruiseship #cruiseshipcrew #seetheworld #seatheworld ♬ original sound – Kaitlyn Rawls

Jobs That Earn More: Commission, Sales & Specialist Roles

Commission-Based Jobs

Some of the highest earners at sea aren’t paid their main income through salary alone, but through commission. Roles in the shops, photo department, art gallery, 4D simulators and Diamonds International can bring in serious extra money depending on how well sales go each cruise.

The bonuses can be sizeable too. In good weeks, some crew bring in an additional $1,000 to $2,000 per cruise on top of their regular pay. It’s unpredictable and depends heavily on passenger spending, but for those who thrive in sales, it can turn a fairly modest base salary into something much more impressive.

Tips: The Hidden Goldmine

For many crew, tips are where the real earning potential lies. Some staff might make around $100 per cruise, while others in guest-facing roles can pull in $1,000 or more depending on how generous passengers are. It varies wildly from one sailing to the next.

The key factors are the ship, the itinerary and the type of guests on board. Wealthier cruisers tend to tip more, premium itineraries usually bring higher spending power, and certain homeports are known for producing far better results than others. In the right role, on the right ship, tips can transform a standard salary into something far more lucrative.

@davis_travels Cruise ship tips #crewcabintour #crewlife #zambiantiktok🇿🇲 #southafrica #fyp ♬ original sound – davis 🛳️✈️

The Ship You Work On Makes a Massive Difference

Why Galveston Is the Holy Grail for Crew Pay

Not all ships – or homeports – are created equal. Some are known for attracting guests who spend far more on board, and Galveston, Texas, is one of the best examples. Sailings from Galveston often draw wealthier, older passengers who tip generously and happily splurge on jewellery, art and onboard experiences.

By contrast, cheaper itineraries from busy ports like Miami tend to produce lower earnings, simply because the passenger mix is different. Cruise lines know this too, which is why crew with excellent reviews and strong performance are more likely to be assigned to higher-earning ships next time around.

Example Variations

The difference can be huge. One crew member in the video explained that she earned around $5,000 a month on one ship, then moved to another vessel with a different itinerary and saw her income jump to $9,000 a month – without changing her role at all. The job was identical, but the guests were not, and that alone doubled her earnings.

Typical Salary Ranges Across Departments

@amboliviaa How much do cruise ship workers really make? #cruise #cruising #cruiseship #cruisetok #cruiser #cruiseshipcrew #shiplife #cruiselife #workingatsea #northsea ♬ original sound – Amber Olivia🛳️

Cruise ship pay spans a huge range, and the department you work in makes a big difference. Entry-level roles generally start between $1,000 and $1,500 per month, with youth staff typically earning between $1,500 and $2,000 or more depending on the season.

Restaurant stewards and other guest-facing service roles often bring in far more thanks to tips, while those in senior positions or high-commission sales jobs can reach five-figure monthly earnings. In rare cases, some crew members report taking home between $11,000 and $14,000 a month, showing just how wide the gap can be across the ship.

Why Many Crew Still Feel Wealthier at Sea

Almost No Living Expenses

One of the biggest reasons crew feel financially better off at sea is that their essential living costs drop to almost zero. Accommodation is completely free, and all meals are provided in the crew mess, with some staff receiving perks that allow them to eat in guest areas too. With no rent, no utility bills and no commuting costs, a much larger portion of their income can go straight into savings.

What Crew Do Pay For

That doesn’t mean life on board is entirely expense-free. Internet access is one of the main costs, and it can be surprisingly pricey. Crew also pay for small extras such as snacks, toiletries, bar drinks and the occasional specialty coffee. Many also choose to spend money during port days, whether that’s grabbing a meal ashore or picking up essentials.

@gagegriffin_travels
♬ original sound – gagegriffin_travels

Real Example of Daily Spending

One crew member broke down his usual daily spend: $12 for internet and $1.72 for two sodas. When it comes to alcohol, crew bars offer heavily discounted prices, with beers costing around $1.50 and cocktails typically between $2 and $3. Even with these small extras, most crew still find it far easier to save money at sea than they ever could on land.

@bryanjamescruises
This is the MINIMUM I spend each month. Sometimes I go a little wild and buy an extra hour of internet 👀, or get a McChicken when we dock in Florida.
♬ original sound – Bryan James

Can Crew Actually Save Money Working on Cruise Ships?

Despite the low hourly “equivalent” pay, many crew save far more at sea than they ever could at home. With no rent, food bills or transport costs draining their wages, a large portion of their income can go straight into savings. One person in the video said she saved £5,000 during a single contract, while others had built up $20,000–$30,000 in their early twenties.

The challenge comes later. After living in the cruise ship bubble, returning to normal life on land can feel like a financial shock. Suddenly there’s tax, rent, fuel, grocery shopping and all the everyday expenses that simply don’t exist at sea. For many former crew, that adjustment is the moment they realise just how much they were able to put away when ship life covered almost everything for them.

@jodylzimmerman And that’s only a dancers salary🤐😭 #cruiseshipjobs ♬ original sound – jodylzimmerman

How Crew Are Paid (Cash, Bank Accounts & Delayed Paychecks)

Cruise lines have largely moved away from handing out cash, and most now pay crew into onboard accounts such as Brightwell, OceanPay or MicroWallet. Depending on the company, wages are usually issued twice a month, although there’s often a one-week delay due to internal cut-off dates. This means the first paycheck can look smaller than expected until the cycle evens out.

Some departments, particularly those earning commission or performance bonuses, receive additional pay cycles to cover those extra earnings. However, these onboard accounts aren’t known for great exchange rates or fees, which is why many crew transfer their money out as quickly as possible into their own bank or services like Wise, where the conversion costs are far more favourable.

Should You Work on a Cruise Ship for the Money?

Working on a cruise ship can be financially rewarding, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. The biggest earning potential comes with time: staying long-term, moving up the ranks or securing a contract on a high-earning ship can all lead to impressive monthly income. But if you’re the type who fixates on hourly rates, ship life will probably frustrate you.

For many crew, the real value isn’t just the pay – it’s the ability to save money easily while travelling the world and experiencing something completely different from life on land. Several people in the video said working on cruise ships was “the best thing they ever did,” not because it made them rich overnight, but because it offered a unique mix of adventure, community and financial breathing room.

Watch the Full Video

If you want to hear directly from the crew members featured in this article, you can watch the full video here:

They dive even deeper into pay structures, tips, savings and what life is really like working at sea. Feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions in the comments — we’d love to hear how this compares to your time on board.

Final Thoughts

Crew salaries will always spark debate, partly because the numbers can swing from modest to eye-watering depending on the job, the ship, and the itinerary. What’s clear from the crew themselves is that life at sea isn’t just about the pay packet. It’s a lifestyle that offers travel, community and the chance to save far more than most people can on land.

For some, it becomes a long-term career with serious earning potential. For others, it’s an unforgettable chapter of life that teaches resilience, independence, and a new way of seeing the world. Either way, understanding how crew pay really works helps cut through the myths — and gives a more honest look at the people who keep cruise ships running every day.