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

Ever wondered how much cruise ship workers actually make? One crew member has lifted the curtain, and let’s just say, it’s more than just free sunsets and buffet dinners.

Chris Wong, a British casino host aboard Royal Caribbean ships, has shared his payslips online, revealing just how much he pockets each month while working at sea. With over 110,000 YouTube subscribers and a decade of ship life under his belt, he’s built a career that’s part hospitality, part high-seas hustle, and his earnings might surprise you.

Who Is Chris Wong?

Chris Wong isn’t your average cruise ship worker. Since 2013, he’s been employed by Royal Caribbean, starting out in the gift shops before moving into the casino department, where he now works as a casino host.

In 2019, he began vlogging his life at sea. Armed with an old camera and zero subscribers, he started documenting what it’s really like to live and work on a cruise ship. Fast-forward to 2025, and his channel is now one of the biggest in the cruising world, with a loyal fanbase.

How Much Does He Make on a Cruise Ship?

In a recent YouTube video, Chris revealed exactly how much he earned in January 2025, complete with screenshots of his payslips. Royal Caribbean crew members are paid every two weeks, and Chris received $2,890.21 in the first half of the month and $1,450.09 in the second.

That totals $4,340.30 for January — not bad for a job that includes free accommodation, meals, and no utility bills. “That’s a lot of money, especially when you’re not paying rent or car payments,” he explains in the video. “It’s actually pretty difficult to earn that kind of salary back in the UK right now.”

Why the Pay Fluctuates

Chris explains that his salary isn’t fixed; it varies depending on several factors. His earnings include a base salary, commissions, and tips, which fluctuate depending on the ship and itinerary.

“Bigger ships and US-based itineraries tend to bring in more money,” he says. During Caribbean season, for example, guest spending and tips are often significantly higher compared to cruises in Australia or Europe. So even if the role stays the same, the location can make a big difference.

His Biggest Paycheque Yet

While $4,000 a month is impressive, Chris revealed that his highest earnings actually came while he was in a lower-ranked position.

During his time as an assistant casino host on Icon of the Seas, he pulled in nearly $5,000 in one month, thanks to high tips and generous commissions during a particularly lucrative Caribbean run.

That’s more than he currently earns in a more senior role on a ship sailing in Australia. “It’s not always about the job title,” he says. “Where the ship is and who’s sailing matters just as much.”

Life Onboard Means Lower Expenses

One of the biggest perks of working at sea? Very few living expenses.

Chris notes that while he’s on board, he doesn’t pay for rent, utilities, or a car. “I just pay for my phone bill, internet, and whatever I buy when I go ashore,” he says. That means most of his earnings go into savings, or the occasional treat.

With the added income from his YouTube channel, he’s been able to build a healthy financial cushion while travelling the world.

What’s Next for Chris?

Now on his 11th contract with Royal Caribbean, Chris isn’t rushing to return home. He says the idea of starting over in the UK just doesn’t appeal.

“With the cost of living right now, it’d be hard to earn this kind of money back home,” he explains. For now, he’s happy working and living at sea, growing his YouTube channel and sharing the realities of ship life.

Final Thoughts

Chris Wong’s journey shows that working at sea can be more than just a job, it can be a lifestyle and a financial opportunity. With low expenses, a decent salary, and a thriving side hustle, he’s created a path that works for him.

He puts it best:

“To earn this much back home, I’d have to start from scratch. Why would I give this up?”

“I just started filming with zero views — and now I’m here.”

“I didn’t think anyone would care about cruise ship life. Turns out, a lot of people do.”

As for what’s next? Even he’s not sure. But if the last five years are anything to go by, the adventure’s far from over.

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