“How much will I earn?” is the first question every candidate asks – and the answer is more complicated than one number. Cruise pay depends on the cruise line, the ship, your position and, in many hotel jobs, on how guests rate your service. This guide explains how pay works and what crew typically report earning.
How cruise crew are paid
Crew pay is usually made of up to three parts:
- Base wage: the fixed amount in your seafarer employment agreement, usually in US dollars or euros.
- Service charges (gratuities): the daily amount many cruise lines add to guests’ accounts and share with service crew.
- Direct tips and incentives: extra tips from guests and bonuses linked to sales or reviews.
According to Cruise Critic, in housekeeping and food and beverage the base wage can be very low and gratuities can make up most of take-home pay. Senior officers, managers and executive chefs, on the other hand, earn a salary and do not depend on tips. Some back-of-house roles, such as laundry, are usually not included in the tip pool.
What crew typically earn
The figures below are reported monthly earnings from Cruise Critic. They vary widely between cruise lines and ships, and some include gratuities. Treat them as a guide, not a promise.
| Position | Reported monthly earnings (USD) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen cleaner | about $600 |
| Laundry attendant | from about $700, usually no gratuities |
| Assistant chef / trainee cook | $700 – $1,000 |
| Cabin steward | $650 – $1,150 (over $2,000 on luxury lines), including gratuities |
| Assistant waiter | $900 – $2,200, including gratuities |
| Experienced waiter | up to $3,000, including gratuities |
| Bar waiter | $1,200 – $2,200, including tips |
| Bartender | $1,800 – $2,500, including tips |
| Housekeeping supervisor | $1,300 and up |
| Executive chef | $4,000 and up |
| Food and beverage manager | $3,500 – $8,000 |
Another estimate, published by Eye of the Flyer using Crew Center data, gives monthly base pay ranges of $800–$2,200 for housekeeping and wait staff, $1,200–$2,500 for bar staff and $1,500–$3,000 for casino staff on major cruise lines, before tips.
Why many crew still save a lot
On board you pay no rent, no food, no transport and no utilities, and uniforms and medical care on board are provided. Many cruise lines also pay your flights to and from the ship. That is why crew who are disciplined can save most of their income during a contract – something that is much harder with the same salary on land.
What affects your earnings
- The cruise line: luxury and premium lines often pay more, especially in tip-based roles.
- Your position and rank: each promotion usually brings a clear pay rise.
- Guest reviews and sales: in restaurant, bar and housekeeping roles, good service directly increases income.
- Ship occupancy: a full ship means more gratuities to share.
Sending money home and saving
Most cruise lines pay crew on board or into a bank account, often through a crew payroll card. Before your first contract, ask your bank in Morocco or your home country which accounts can receive foreign-currency transfers and what the fees are, and compare money transfer services. Set a savings goal for each contract and avoid spending it all in the crew bar and ports. Tax rules depend on your country of residence and personal situation, so check with a qualified adviser.
Be careful with offers that promise very high wages for roles with no experience. Unrealistic pay is one of the most common signs of a cruise job scam.
Next steps
Compare positions in our guide to entry-level cruise ship jobs, then create your free profile and browse current vacancies.
