Types of Cruise Ship Jobs: Roles, Salaries, and Eligibility for Seafarers

Cruise ships are floating cities that employ thousands of people from all over the world. Behind the glamour of guest entertainment and global travel lies a vast workforce divided into two main categories:

1. Crew (Deck and Engine Department)
2. Staff (Guest Service Operations)
   

Each department has its own responsibilities, career paths, and pay scales. This guide explores all types of cruise ship jobs, what they involve, and how much you can expect to earn if you plan to work on a cruise ship.

A. Crew (Deck and Engine Department) Cruise Ship Jobs

The Deck and Engine Department forms the backbone of a ship. These are the people who ensure smooth operations, safety, navigation, and compliance with maritime laws. To qualify, you must complete specialized pre-sea training at a D.G.-approved institution.

1. Captain / Master of the Ship

• Highest-ranking officer, ultimate authority onboard.
• Responsible for lives, safety, and executive decisions.
• Salary: US $9,000 – $13,000/month.
  

2. Staff Captain

• Second in command; head of the Deck Department.
• Assists and can replace the Captain when needed.
• Salary: US $6,000 – $8,000/month or higher.
  

3. Safety Officer

• Manages safety drills, firefighting, abandon ship training, and emergency protocols.
• Salary: US $5,000 – $8,000/month.
  

4. Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO)

• Ensures environmental laws and policies are followed.
• Focus on waste management, pollution prevention, and sustainability.
• Salary: US $1,000 – $6,000/month.
  

5. First Officer – Navigation

• Designated Officer of the Watch, oversees navigation and bridge watchkeeping.
• Reports to Staff Captain.
• Salary: US $5,500 – $8,000/month.
  

6. Second Officer

• Two-stripe Navigation and Watchkeeping Officer.
• Represents the Captain during their watch.
• Salary: US $4,700 – $7,000/month.
  

7. Third Officer

• Junior Watchkeeping Officer, supports navigation and safety operations.
• Reports to 1st or 2nd Officer.
• Salary: US $4,500 – $6,200/month.
  

8. Deck Cadet

• Entry-level position; assists in maintenance, port operations, mooring, and safety drills.
• Salary: US $1,500 – $2,200/month (increases with experience).
  

9. Chief Security Officer

• Three-striped officer overseeing ship security policies.
• Works closely with safety protocols and passenger security.
• Salary: US $3,000 – $5,500/month.
  

10. Deputy Security Officer

• Assists the Chief Security Officer.
• Handles monitoring and enforcement tasks.
• Salary: US $2,500 – $4,000/month.
  

11. Security Guard

• Conducts surveillance, checks passenger/crew areas, ensures safety compliance.
• Salary: US $1,200 – $1,800/month.
  

12. Bosun

• Senior crew member supervising deck hands, maintenance, and repair work.
• Salary: US $2,000 – $3,000/month.
  

13. Able Seaman

• Handles mooring, cleaning, painting, and safety equipment.
• Salary: US $1,600 – $2,200/month.
  

14. Ordinary Seaman

• Assists Able Seamen; entry-level manual labor tasks.
• Salary: US $1,000 – $1,400/month.
  

15. Firefighting Team Leader

• Leads firefighting crew, manages drills, ensures equipment readiness.
• Salary: US $2,500 – $3,500/month.
  

B. Staff (Guest Service Operations) Cruise Ship Jobs

Guest service roles revolve around hospitality, entertainment, and guest satisfaction. This department is highly diverse, with opportunities for chefs, performers, managers, and more.

Also Read: Seafarers Things to Check Before Signing Off from Ship: Complete Guide

1. Hotel Director

• Head of hotel operations, responsible for all guest services.
• Salary: US $6,000 – $10,000/month.
  

2. Head Chef

• Runs ship kitchens, manages menu planning, and supervises cooks.
• Salary: US $4,500 – $7,000/month.
  

3. Assistant F&B / Bar Manager

• Oversees food and beverage operations.
• Salary: US $2,500 – $3,500/month.
  

4. Waiter / Waitress

• Provides dining service to passengers.
• Salary: US $1,200 – $2,000/month (plus tips).
  

5. Bartender

• Prepares and serves beverages, manages bar stock.
• Salary: US $1,500 – $2,200/month (plus tips).
  

6. Chief Housekeeper / Assistant Chief Housekeeper

• Supervises cabin cleanliness, linens, and hotel standards.
• Salary: US $2,200 – $3,000/month.
  

7. Pursers

• Handle finances, accounting, and administrative services.
• Salary: US $2,500 – $3,500/month.
  

8. Casino Manager / Assistant Casino Manager

• Runs the casino operations, staff, and guest entertainment.
• Salary: US $3,000 – $5,000/month.
  

9. Supervisor / Pit Boss

• Monitors gaming tables, ensures fairness and compliance.
• Salary: US $2,000 – $3,000/month.
  

10. Gift Shop Manager / Salon Manager

• Oversees onboard retail shops and salons.
• Salary: US $2,200 – $3,500/month.
  

11. Cruise Director / Assistant Cruise Director

• Organizes entertainment schedules, passenger activities, and public announcements.
• Salary: US $3,500 – $6,000/month.
  

12. Music Director

• Coordinates bands, singers, and live performances.
• Salary: US $2,500 – $4,000/month.
  

13. Band Members and Dancers

• Provide entertainment in lounges, theatres, and events.
• Salary: US $1,800 – $3,000/month.
  

14. Youth Staff

• Supervises kids’ clubs, games, and youth activities.
• Salary: US $1,500 – $2,200/month.
  

15. Cruise Staff

• General entertainment staff, hosts games, trivia, and events.
• Salary: US $1,800 – $2,500/month.
  

FAQs About Cruise Ship Jobs

1. How do you get a job on a cruise ship?
Apply through cruise line websites, recruitment agencies, or concessionaire companies.

2. Do cruise ship jobs pay well?
Salaries vary widely—entry-level may start at $1,000/month, while senior officers can make over $10,000/month.

3. What are people who work on cruises called?
They’re commonly referred to as “crew members” or “staff,” depending on department.

4. What qualifications do you need?
Varies by job. Deck/engine roles require maritime training, while hospitality jobs often need prior industry experience.

5. Best cabin position?
Officers generally have single cabins, while most staff share. Higher ranks get better accommodations.

6. How many hours do cruise ship workers work?
Expect long hours—often 10–12 hours daily, with few full days off.

7. Do cruise ship workers get days off?
Yes, but usually shorter breaks or port leave rather than full weekends.

Conclusion

Cruise liners run like small cities, with each department crucial for operations and guest experience. From Captains to Casino Managers, every role matters. Salaries range widely, but the lifestyle offers unique travel opportunities, free accommodations, and career growth.

For students, exploring types of cruise ship jobs provides direction on where your skills fit whether it’s navigation, engineering, or guest entertainment. For professionals, it’s a chance to build a rewarding cruise ship career while seeing the world.

If you’re ready to work on a cruise ship, understanding these job categories and pay scales is the first step toward a future at sea.