How Much Do Cruise Ship Captains Make? (2022 Figures)
How much do cruise ship captains make? These are the questions that have been plaguing the minds of cruise enthusiasts and professionals alike. Most cruise ship captains have a good salary. Cruise ship captains are responsible for the overall cruise ship operation, which includes transportation, safety, and passenger service activities.
The captain's primary responsibilities include transportation of guests, crew, cargo and supplies. Cruise ship captains make between $50,000 to $150,000 per year depending how much experience and education the captain possesses. In addition to their salary, cruise ship captains can make a commission if they are chosen to be an officer on a ship or receive a bonus if they are promoted to commander, cruise director or cruise captain
What does a cruise ship captain do?
A cruise ship captain is responsible for the overall cruise ship operation, including safety and transportation plans, passenger safety, cruise ship operations, passenger accommodations and transportation between cruise ship locations. A cruise ship captain is responsible not only for the cruise ship, but also for the ports and airports in which the ship may dock.
Cruise ship captains are responsible for all aspects of passenger transportation, including transportation between ports and airports. Cruise ship captains have wide-ranging education, certifications and maritime experience required by their job.

How much do cruise ship captains make each year?
As one of the most prestigious positions on a cruise ship, the salary of a cruise ship captain can vary dramatically. Cruise ship captain salaries are typically based on a variety of factors, including the number of hours a captain works per year and the size of the ship. Besides the salary, the position may include other benefits, such as onboard accommodations and stock option packages. The compensation of a cruise ship captain can also depend on the cruise line, as salaries will vary from one line to another.
While there is no national average salary for cruise ship captains, many cities in California pay above average salaries. The highest salary for a cruise ship captain was $117,816 last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that cruise ship captains earn substantially more than airline pilots, whose average annual pay is $122,647. This is still a relatively low salary, but it does reflect a deteriorating economy for cruise line companies.

Where do cruise ship captains work?
To become a cruise ship captain, you need to have a strong educational background. Cruise ships usually hire the top 10% of the class. A bachelor's degree will take three to four years, while a master's or doctorate degree will take two to three years. You must be well-versed in maritime engineering and have the relevant experience. You can also start a career in the U.S. Navy as a third mate or deck officer.
In addition to being the most prominent figure on the ship, cruise ship captains oversee the ship's maintenance and operations. They also manage the food costs, entertainment, and other important aspects of the cruise experience. Although this position may sound glamorous, it requires many skills. Cruise ship captains are responsible for thousands of passengers' lives. It is essential that captains have extensive knowledge of many different topics.

Training requirements for cruise ship captains
The training requirements for cruise ship captains vary by company, but most companies require a minimum of six years of experience. These captains must have excellent leadership and communication skills, as well as knowledge of the oceans, tides, winds, and maritime engineering. These individuals must be able to command the logistical needs of a small city on the sea. Belinda Bennett was able to overcome doubts of others and her own fears of seasickness
Certification requirements of a cruise ship captain
Most jobs for cruise ship captains require a bachelor's degree. However, candidates without a bachelor's degree may opt to attend a maritime academy. A maritime degree program will help prepare a person for a captain's position, while an internship will build one's resume.
The Maritime Academy requires a diploma and an above-average grade point average. For those who don't want to attend a maritime academy, high school equivalency can do.
A good place to look to find high school equivalents is the National Center for Marine Transportation. Captains must have the proper certification. The US Coast Guard requires all captains to have navigational equipment, a captain's certificate, and a US Coast Guard safety certification.
Most cruise ships have one or more officers, safety inspectors and cadets who are required to obtain and maintain a captain's license and safety certification. To obtain a cruise ship captain license, you must obtain a degree in maritime science, maritime engineering or something similar. Captains must obtain a captain's safety certificate to operate vessels in international waters.
Education requirements for cruise ship captains
There are several educational requirements for aspiring cruise ship captains. Maritime high schools are usually located along the coasts or on the Great Lakes. Maritime high schools follow a curriculum developed by the U.S. Maritime Administration, with an emphasis on math, science, and English. Maritime schools also provide coursework and career training for those who want to pursue careers in maritime law or navigation. A high school diploma is also usually sufficient for admission.
Before applying for a cruise ship captain job, it is important to obtain excellent grades. Most cruise ship companies hire the top ten percent of their class. In addition, a master's degree may increase your chances of getting a job. A master's degree is not required, but it will give you an edge over your competition. Cruise ships generally hire captains who rank in the top five to ten percent of their class.
How much do cruise ship captains make each month?
A cruise ship captain's salary is often high, with some earning upwards of $35,000 a month and $50,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on experience, seniority, and the ship's brand. A captain's salary will depend on several factors, including the brand of the ship, the years of experience, and the pay scale of the company. And since cruise ship captains are always on call, it's not surprising that the average salary is high.
Favorite Resources
Our favorite resources are included below.
Job interview resources
- Common Interview Questions by Marquette University
- Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions by Marquette University
- Preparing for Job Interviews by the University of Kansas
- Mock Interview Handbook by CSUCI
- Interview Guidebook by Lebanon Valley College
Resume and cover letter resources
- Writing a Resume and Cover Letter by USC
- Resume Writing Tips by the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Resume and Cover Letter Guide by Harvard University
Job search resources

Interview Question and Answer Guide (PDF)
Download our full interview preparation guide. Complete with common interview questions and example answers. Free download. No email required.
Download PDFPopular Resources

Featured
35+ Phone Interview Questions & Best Sample Answers
Phone interviews have become a core part of the process when attempting to find a secured placement for an open position. Companies receive massive responses from potential candidates for any..

Featured
12+ Best Questions To Ask A Recruiter
Concerning a job search, you might receive numerous offers from your recruiters. Before you choose one, you need to assess all the conditions, for which it is vital that you know everything associated with the offered position..

Featured
Answering "What Makes You Unique" In A Job Interview
Answering this question during a job interview requires more than knowing why you are unique as an individual. Yes, the true scientific answer is made up of two main components: your..

Featured
250+ Ice Breaker Questions for Life
An ice breaker question is a question that’s asked from one person to another person in order to act as a conversation starter. It brings a connection...

Featured
10 Best Answers to "What Motivates You?"
Open-ended questions like “What motivates you?” can elicit a deer-in-the-headlights reaction from job candidates if they are unprepared. It’s a broad question and can leave the interviewer..

Featured
Answering "How Did You Hear About This Position" In An Interview
A lot of interviewers ask this question - how did you hear about this position? This way they can judge you if you are a passive or an active job seeker..

Featured
8 Best Thank You Emails After an Interview (Samples, Free Templates)
Writing a thank you note after an interview says a lot about you as a potential employee. Most notably, it says that you care about the opportunities presented..

Featured
Writing a Resignation Letter (How To Write It, Samples)
Writing the perfect letter of resignation is more of an art than it is a science. And we’re going to cover how to master that art form in this full guide..

Featured
How to End a Letter (Example Salutations, Sign Off's)
Knowing how to end a business note or email is an important skill to develop. It helps portray a sense of confidence, respect and tone to your message..