HOW MUCH MONEY DO CRUISE SHIP EMPLOYEES MAKE?

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

I am amused when people condemn the cruise companies for paying service staff $500 per month and make them work 10 to 12 hours per day. I live in Thailand and I can assure you it is normal to work 10 to 12 hours a day 6 days a week for almost every person and most of them make the minimum wage of $240 per month or less than $500 per month. So in a developing Nation you can see how it job paying $500 per month with the ability to make extra with tips would be fantastic

[@brontewcat]

It amuses me that because a person is from a developing country other people think it is okay to pay them less than a person from a developed country is paid. It is logic like that that kept women from receiving equal pay for equal work for a very long time (although the argument then was women didn’t have families to support so it was okay to pay them less (even if the woman was a single parent). Also the fact the working conditions in developing countries are atrocious doesn’t justify continuing the practice on cruise ships. Again the right to work an 8 hour day was something we fought for 100 years ago. Why are we more special and important. If we have 8 hour days, then why shouldn’t people in developing countries not have that right also?

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

@@brontewcat you have some very liberal ideas that are absolutely false especially your information about equal pay with women. Thomas Sowell , and Jordan Peterson are two very intelligent intellectuals that could help educate you on true facts. If you're really interested in knowing what you're talkin about. Also your little lecture about what people are paid in developing countries. Has to do with the folks at work on the boats are sending money back to their families in these countries. Life costs about one-third to one-fourth as much as it does in the USA in these countries. I just completed a 1 month long road trip staying in four and five star resorts. The cost for beautiful four and five-star Buffet breakfasts including beautiful boutique hotel rooms right on the beach here in Thailand was 1027 dollars for 29 nights. I have developed friendships with some of the waitstaff on the ship I have been on over 20 cruises. And these waiters are able to send back enough money to stockpile enough cash in these developing countries to actually open their own restaurants. From the salaries that they're paid on these ships. You have a lot to learn. But go ahead and be amused

[@brontewcat]

@@DavidWilliams-qr5yj It seems I have wasted a huge amount of money educating myself about issues relating to development, and then living and working in a poor country. I could have just gone onto the internet and learnt what others tell me, instead of relying on my own experience and reading. Yes people on these ships, and in many other parts of the world send money home so their families can have a better life. In fact in countries. These remittances form nearly 10% of The Philippines’ annual GDP. However just because they are earning more than what they earn at home is not a reason not to give better working conditions. Although they can live more cheaply in the Philippines or any other South Eastern Asian country does not mean they have the same quality of life as people in developed countries do. I will give an example of healthcare. Although free or highly subsidised care is available most people, unless very wealthy, do not have access to it because it is too expensive.

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

@@brontewcat yes it looks like you have wasted a lot of money. My Thailand wife pays less than $20 per month and receives free healthcare at government hospitals. Due to health issues she had to have a hysterectomy four years ago her total out-of-pocket expense was 30 u.s. dollars. That was because she requested a private hospital room and had to pay the extra for this private room. Her doctors are American trained and excellent Physicians the surgery went well and she had little-to-no post-operative pain she healed quickly and has had no issues since then she of course receives regular Medical check-ups looking for a basic health receiving Gynecology exams and breast x-rays free of charge. Trying to figure out where this expensive Healthcare is that your education taught you about. I'm going to end this conversation right here

[@brontewcat]

@@DavidWilliams-qr5yj That is Thailand, not the Philippines. The experience in the Philippines is quite different

[@brandongunn5367]

One time i was on a cruise with my family and my uncle is a very successful man, there was a man from hong kong that got along really well with my uncle and they even hung out when he wasn’t working and got hammered at the bar on our last night on the cruise at the dinining hall my uncle tipped him 1,000 dollars and he started crying and hugged him and he used that money to create a bussiness here in the US at south florida and now works with my uncle. Always promote kindness like that to people you could find your next bussiness partner to make money and possibly like my uncle did a great friend

[@vcox6551]

What’s the business name? I’m from south Florida! I wonder if I’ve heard of it or even passed by it

[@nathantrujillo471]

1,000 to start a business? Absolute pipe dream. But please pray tell what business I can start for 1 grand. Ima do it.

[@jonathanrolon5052]

Yea ur uncle has a secret life buddy he deff fell for what is called a LadyBoy these days smh lmfaoooooooooo u what business u can start wit 1000 shit I'll prob have about 10 business alread

[@sevitaral]

@@nathantrujillo471you can open an LLC for 800 minus taxes

[@thisizdub]

I've been on 11 cruises and I can confirm THEY WORK TIRELESSLY & I've never had an issue with anyone of them. They need to be well paid

[@WILLNEVERCONFORM]

Cruise ship staff are amazing. God bless you all and thankyou for making every day fantastic for us.

[@vonSoest]

If they were well paid most people couldn’t afford to cruise. There’s a reason they the ships that operate out of the US are all registered in for lands. I suspect the biggest one is that cruise lines are skirting all of the US labor laws.

[@jasonlee8156]

@@vonSoest That's true. the people who work on these ships are mainly foriegners from 3rd world nations. They get paid less than the average minimum wage in the U.S. which is why these ships are registered in foriegn nations. Because then these same ships do not have to comply with the U.S. labor laws. Nor do they have to pay U.S. taxes. I remember once going on a Hawaiian cruise years ago. I've never met so many Indonesians in my life as I did on that one ship. It was the Zandaam operated by Holland America.

[@johnh8705]

You could always reach into your pockets and pay them 🤷‍♂️.

[@WILLNEVERCONFORM]

@@johnh8705 everyone generously tips the crew.

[@dannyphame]

My wife and I recently went on a cruise two months ago. Many people working aboard the ship were from developing countries and gave THE BEST customer service. They worked long and hard and exceeded every expectation. They remembered my name as soon as they met me and remembered my drink as soon as I walk through the door. I became very personal with them and most of them were working to support families back at home. I tipped out each one of them that made it memorable and they have my upmost respect. Thank you for this informative video!

[@blucolife]

My room steward told me he cleans 40 rooms a day, so that's 40 names he has to learn. He was an awesome guy. I work in customer service as well, and I'm not as nice as those guys. They're very inspiring.

[@stevenstair1068]

I agree been on 20 Cruises and they work extremely hard and long hours with little pay,, but never heard a single one complain or not have a smile on there faces,, we appreciate them and always tip them well at the end of our Cruises..

[@kennedypham3692]

i've been on 21 and can confirm but better

[@Yccyhb]

This dude doesn’t blink!!!!

[@perrydan4858]

So ture

[@kenosabi]

These are the droids we're looking for.

[@jamesalva1339]

😂😂

[@LuckyStarr86]

😂😂😂😂

[@sharilynjones4446]

😂 You're right! Lol

[@peteschenck9655]

Good information. One thing that I know is that those employees laid off during the pandemic, many countries have no form of unemployment compensation. Your information has caused me to increase our tips. Thank you.

[@kryskay989]

Great info! The crew members are definitely one of the biggest parts of the cruise experience for me!

[@bochapman1058]

Honestly 87k for the captain seems really low. I’m not sinking with the ship for that little.

[@BayankongPilipitnas]

Filipino ship Captain working in a cargo ship is making 9000$ to 12000K a month How much more WHITE ship Captain in a Cruise Ship?

[@mamanemcakesandtreats3974]

Right! It should be 200k for the captains and 80,000 for the crew.

[@asadb1990]

​@@BayankongPilipitnasyeah they can really discriminate in the cruise ship industry. Based on race, country of origin, etc. Not to mention how much cut the recruiters in between make for the placements.

[@mtvjackass74]

Our waitress on RC Harmony of the Seas (dinner ticket) told us that she made $1500 a month on her contract, she was from the Philippines. She had told us that's good $$$$ in her country......

[@CYBERCATXO]

That's actually a lot in her country, average makes 3.5k per year

[@SRendog]

Basically a millionaire in her country

[@ramonadoll9658]

I have been watching lots of cruise videos lately, and I think this is one of the best, well researched, and very informative videos I have watched. Thanks for posting it. It really helps me when I think about how much I should be tipping and when I read about how much other people tip.

[@naidoo15]

With a leading cruise line I worked for....British third officer 28 thousand pounds, second officer was 30-35 thousand pounds, senior second was 35-40 thousand, first officer 45-50 thousand, Senior first officer 60-65 thousand, staff captain around 80 thousand and captain over 100 thousand.

[@titozz072]

Per contract? 6monhts or..?

[@nickeishasmall1076]

British is the worse Caribbean crew dont want 2 work there gratuity is part of our salary

[@nickeishasmall1076]

Crew members dont get day off the company need to pay more even now with the pandemic its hard on the ship i see guest taking service everyday twice a day dont pay the gratuity not even give u cash they are wicked

[@kathryncashner3294]

And due to a quirky law, British seamen are exempt from taxes "back home." IF you don't have family for whom you are maintaining a home on land, this can be a lot of money! If you continue to have living expenses "at home," it is a lot less!

[@daliborrajacic8445]

That's not a lot at all for a yearly wage.

[@kathryncashner3294]

You are very right that it depends greatly on the cruise line and the position, as well as the tipping practice on board. My favorite server (we requested him each time we cruised that ship) had a Ph.D. in his home country and spoke 7 languages. He told me that he earned 3-4 times as much as a server on the ship as he could at home, and this enabled his wife to stay at home with the kids and for him to purchase his flat at home. As per his goal, he worked a couple contracts beyond what it took to buy the apartment, and then left to work for NATO using his language skills. As a server, he got $50 per month from the line along with usual things like uniforms, care of the uniforms, etc. But his cruise line did not pool or share tips, so he got 100% of what people at his tables tipped him. I also spoke with a person on deck who identified his job as an "engineer." He said that he was working hard to improve his English so that he could move into an assistant server position because they earned a lot more money than people in his position did. Finally, I saw the actual pay slip from a theatre tech worker who had left the cruise line. I was frankly shocked at how low his pay was; basically at the level of minimum wage in the US! But, as he pointed out, he was single and the ship covered all his living expenses. He could live with his mother between contracts, and his home country charged no taxes on earnings outside the country. Many crew told us that the ship salary was a way that they could support extended family at home as well as save to provide for their own "after ship" lives, and that the hardest part was being away from family.

[@globright9127]

Ofc if you work that many hours, you should be expected to earn a decent wage, but working 10 or more hours per day is not safe nor healthy. Some cruise lines, if not all, expect their staff to work that many hours every day. I work in healthcare. I can make a ton of money too if i work 12 hour shifts everyday but that is not safe for me or my patients and it is not encouraged. I would be VERY wealthy if I worked long hours everyday but the money is not worth it. It's considered miniscule when your physical and mental health are jeopardized.

[@lennybuttz2162]

I've known college graduates who worked as servers in the U.S. because they made more in tips than at a professional job. Servers in a basic restaurant like Denny's or Perkins can make $200 in tips in an 8 hour shift. If you work at T.G.I.Fridays double that, if you work in Vegas then you're talking $800 to $2,000 for 8 hours. If you work in a fancy restaurant you can get some big tips but you have to work really hard and put up with a lot of B.S. and you may only serve a few guests so your per table tip is bigger but you don't wait on enough tables to make it worth it. If you get skunked by some snobby rich bitch you can end up without making gas money to get to and from work.

[@getoheisman1776]

#Facts# 12 hours in the health Care is foolish

[@olgaquirarte4946]

I truly appreciate all your information. It’s good to know, it makes me appreciate you and everyone that works and has worked in cruise ships much more. I also like your transparency and letting us know how much you made when you worked in a cruise ship. I do realize you did not have to share this information with us. Thank you so much!

[@RalphCurtis]

I worked on Cruise ship in the 90's RCCL and Carnival, I was a Lighting Tech and did Lighting and Sound on certain contracts, I made about 1200 per month, this was back in the 90's mind you. Great time of my life, I would recommend it for any young person.

[@strongthanyesterday]

How can I apply?

[@Jazzykatt23]

I wish I would’ve known about working on a cruise ship when I was younger. I would’ve loved it.

[@glendawebster8574]

Good info. Tipping is one of the hardest things to figure out. I know they need the money and you appreciate the work they have done but the cruise lines tack on the gratuity (should just include it in my opinion) then I wouldn’t feel like I am tipping double. Hard to do the right thing. Always a hearty discussion between my husband and I. 🤪

[@MikeHInCT]

Good morning Jay: I enjoy the variety of information you provide. Over my time in cruising I have spoken with many crew members about this subject without getting into specific salary discussions. Most indicated that during the term of their contract they made as much or more than they would make in a year in their home country. Most were sacrificing time with family but most had goals they were seeking to achieve. One dealer told me he made enough to support his wife and two children and still save over half his pay which he was investing in rental property so when he decided to leave the ship he would be able to retire. One used his savings to pay to buy an egg farm to support and provide jobs for multiple family members. I had a neighbor who retired and moved to the Philippines and said he was able to “live like a king” on less than a third of what it cost in Connecticut. One of the benefits of cruising is meeting people from all over the world.

[@amsmith123]

In the late 80s, I was a bartender on Cunard's QE2 ocean liner, we were paid $900pm plus a share of the auto 15% gratuity added to all bar checks, this was shared between all bartenders as some worked service bars in the restaurants so never interacted with guests. On average we were making $2000 - $3500 depending on the cruise. We worked 10hrs a day, usually split shifts to get a break and the contracts were only 3mths. Think it's changed a bit today. That was great money 35yrs ago as your room & food were included so you could save most of it.

[@anthonypaul6788]

You are right. I work as a dinning room waiter in the 80s.I make 3000 month easy

[@amsmith123]

@@anthonypaul6788 ...and $3k a mth was a lot of money back then, I used to get off the QE2 in Southampton after 3 months with $10k cash in my pocket & thought I was rich. A 3mth contract was the norm back then with officers only having to do 2. Couldn't do it today at 60. 😀

[@vickyburton2434]

$87k does not seem to be much for a captain of a ship who has worked years of training and a master’s degree.

[@lindaannechancler808]

More like a PhD! I am skeptical of that figure too. I know that on superyachts the rule of thumb is 1,000 per foot is the yearly salary, and then if they're doing charters too that number can get shoot up too.

[@tomwilliam5118]

I can really appreciate your videos your honesty and openness when commenting on the cruise line industry.

[@chim5010]

I have watched a lot of your videos. But I’ve never commented. Because I usually watch it on my TV. But I did want to mention how much I enjoy it. Thank you

[@corinaparson9870]

Very informative, know I understand why Carnival employees wants you to remember their name and write favorably on the survey. I assume every position got a flat rate. Thanks for the info

[@dawnturner8735]

Thank you for clearing that up, it’s the clearest and most consise explanation I have heard.

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

I live in long Beach California never been on a cruise ship and yet never miss a video This one was really enjoyable

[@tiaterlaje]

Long Beach is one of my favorite ports for the ease of the process -- I would be on a ship every month of I lived in Long Beach lol

[@ravpol1440]

I watched this whole video and he sure did not blinked not once lol

[@Just_A_Name14]

That’s a lie 1:32

[@andilemoyo8795]

He blinked again around 4kin

[@lungileluanda2792]

🤣🤣🤣 so true

[@debracook8859]

Thank you. You have laid it all out in layman’s terms. You are a gifted speaker.

[@CesarinPillinGaming]

Some info: Photographer average: 800 USD/m when paid by third party (plus additional sales). Photographer paid by Cruise Company (not third party) DCL: 1600 USD/m ( 1800/m if you do not count your "Vacations") Royal: 1400 USD/m

[@ahantoine]

Can you explain a little more when you say 3rd party as opposed to cruise company?

[@CesarinPillinGaming]

@@ahantoine In some cruise ships, you're actually sub contracted. Aka a company hires you, then they get hired by the cruise ship company. Example IMAGE. It used to control all the photographers on almost all the cruise companies. Now they are a shadow of themselves. Horrible pay made them very unattractive. Now most cruise ship companies hire the photographers directly.

[@ahantoine]

@@CesarinPillinGaming oh. Okay, understood. Thanks for the reply.

[@luisjaimehernandez5664]

i worked as a bar waiter/bartender for carnival cruise lines, i did so for almost 3 years, after all that time you get to understand the basics of how ship life works and how the income is distributed, since my first contract i decided i was going to work until i had enough money to study on another country, as the work conditions are insane. i have so much to speak about it that i dont think it can fit this textbox, it has its pros and cons, fortunately i was able to move on, while theres workers that get "wet" (thats how some of them call it) and they simply get so used that they dont know what to do in land, even they have family and friends. Some say you got to be crazy to work for years on the cruises, and at certain degree that was true, its hard to find mental stability on a job where you work every single day for 6 - 10 months

[@YizzERR]

No off days at all?? Also if you don't mind me asking, how was the pay as a bartender?

[@luisjaimehernandez5664]

@@YizzERR you get hours off, but most likely you will have to work at least 6 hours that day, people can request days off but in busy ships you are most likely to be asked to at least work part of the day, the pay depends highly on the ship, the location and the trip length. for shorter trips people is willing to give more tips and drink more, for longer ones not so much but you can still make something. this also depends on the cruise company, ive heard carnival is one of the ones who pays the higher to their bar staff. on my early stages i was making from 1 - 1.5k, every 2 weeks, after i got experience and knew what to do and took as much advantage of my time as i could then i was making up to 4k every 2 weeks, lmk if you need more info :)

[@maccoreels101]

@@luisjaimehernandez5664 can you tell me more im interested in joining so that i can complete some commitments. like what are the good entry level jobs, what experience should you have what ar the employers looking for just everthing i should know.

[@luisjaimehernandez5664]

@@maccoreels101 i just know about my job position, i was asked for 2 years of experience in bartending, and the employers hire for any cruise ship company, at least thats how it worked on me, im from Colombia so im unsure on how the hiring process would work in a different country.

[@luisjaimehernandez5664]

@@ihatejeffreecampbell i answered that in my previous replies ;)

[@TheSlavetoabunny]

Wow, I am shocked that a ship's captain would make so little for a position of such responsibility.

[@JSHIPLIFE]

What the Captains makes varies greatly, but from I’ve noticed is that they usually make around $100k/yr or more

[@kellyssong]

@@JSHIPLIFE Wow! $100,000 per month? That is extremely well paid.

[@cwess664]

@@JSHIPLIFE did you mean 100k per month?? Or is that per year?

[@JSHIPLIFE]

@@cwess664 Sorry.. Yes per year. Just made the correction

[@JSHIPLIFE]

@@kellyssong Sorry haha.. Per year

[@drguy629]

That's why we generously tip those that we interact with!

[@djemsonc1339]

But that is not kinda fair right? There is a lot of workers who work very hard to make your experience better, who work "behind the curtains", and they dont get any tip. 🙂

[@ezmealstravels9221]

Recently went on celebrity solstice cruise and prepaid all my tips, gratuities. Just hope the money 💵 goes directly to the workers. They truly work hard. God bless everyone 🙏

[@luchiebernardoalvior5800]

Thanks for sharing nice 2 know . When we go on a cruise we always give tips to stateroom person, waiter, asst. waiter , head waiter after the cruise to show our appreciation for a job well done 👍

[@99999myk]

I tip my room steward 5$/per day tip. I tip the waiters also, usually 5$ per meal. They work their asses off and don't make that much.

[@tamtamm84]

I love how you always go in such detail with an intelligent analysis to all your content , going on my first cruise next May to Alaska for mom’s birthday/ Mother’s Day both dates on cruise

[@johnhutchinson6080]

I have been on many cruises. The lady in the next cabin was trying to convince me the employees earn only about $2.00 per hour. I knew from talking to employees they were earning a lot more than that but I know he is not allowed to converse about these subjects. Down my hall way I spoke to a Croatian plumber who told me he was earning a lot more money than what he had ever earned in Croatia without telling me the exact dollar amount. He loved the job and his board and food was free. I spoke to an Indonesian steward from Java. He was telling me how excited he was in Alaska to not only see snow but mountains of it. He had never seen snow before and they were paying him to do it.

[@krab1791]

I find it interesting that you worked one show on your NCL contract. We cruise on Disney and a 7 night cruise will usually have 5-6 different Broadway type shows with various people taking turns playing the leads in different shows.

[@warsurplus]

Two points: What does "NCO" mean in regard to your performing arts contract? Also, in all the discussions of pay for various positions, you didn't mention that room and board are included or deducted for a small amount. So are these figures for pay net of room and board? And, if so, the pay should be discussed in that context. A person living in a city would have to pay rent, utilities, transportation and food. So even though the crew is captive to the confines of the ship during their contract, the crewmembers don't have the same expenses of living in a city. This should be part of the discussion I think. Thank you for the video.

[@Slasherx28]

NCO is non commissioned officer

[@Aerospace_Education]

The Captain only making less than 90k a year is pretty shocking. I would have thought that would have been 200k or more.

[@CYBERCATXO]

Maybe coz most of the time is sea day

[@johnfitzgerald7019]

Can you do a video on things crew might have to pay for? I expect beverages in your pubs. What about laundry? income tax? Transfers home or to the ship? I have heard that some have WIFI and others not. Fees? or Time periods off peak? I am used to seeing crew finding free wifi at ports to call home etc. Basically, general information on crew conditions so passengers may understand and not treat them light "servants".

[@LightOfReason7]

Thank you to all the wonderful crew members out there! Most all of you work very hard and do such a good job

[@bobkrakovich1851]

All hail J, all hail J. And they earn every penny they are paid. They are hard working individuals. Show me the money ! Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut

[@JSHIPLIFE]

I 100% Agree!

[@kaitieknipe4048]

I work in health care and do 16 hour shifts almost daily. I can relate to long hours of back breaking work. For the foreign people on board the money on the ship is probably twice what they would make in their home country. There should be a more uniform pay scale but like many jobs in any country experience and education plays a role in pay. Even in the US wages vary across the country. High cost areas pay more than cheaper rural areas. There's many factors like he mentioned in pay, plus workers aren't usually paying for rent, food, utilities etc when working on board.

[@B-RaDD]

I just got back from my FIRST cruise last weekend and my family asked one of the workers there about how the split their time throughout the year because they are on the ship for months at a time. And they did tell us that the cruise line does take care of a lot of the amenities like rent and I think they said food is at a discount. But our specific person said he also got his plane ticket to and from America paid for as well.

[@blucolife]

@@B-RaDD Food is free on the cruise, unless the employees want something special at the commissary. Even then, it's heavily discounted. A beer at the crew bar costs $1. Internet isn't free, but employees have their tricks, they might use the internet on a port day, or call their relatives from port instead of the ship. They do pay for the plane tickets of every employee, and hotel rooms since they might arrive a day or two before the ship leaves.

[@globright9127]

ALMOST - that's your key word here. You dont work daily obviously. You really can't compare your healthcare job to cruise staff. I'm assuming u live in America? If you live in America, there are labor laws that protect you. If you work 16 hours (everyday) with patients, you are negligent and put your patients at risk for malpractice. Cruise line staff work daily for 10 to 13 hours EVERY day! I understand they don't incur any food, housing, or utility cost but most foreigners send their money back home to their families so they can live and pay for those things. They also have to be gone for months at a time.

[@blucolife]

@@globright9127 They don't work 10 to 13 hours every day. It varies depending on the cruise, sea days, destinations, etc. I read about a guy who worked in Guest Services, and he worked 8 to 9 hours a day. Sometimes more. I can believe him, Guest Services wasn't open 24/7. Even the buffet isn't open 24/7 like in the old days.

[@globright9127]

@Gregory Smith well I'm currently on a cruise right now and asked my room service guy. He hardly has any time off. Some staff DO work 12 plus hours with little breaks. I already know that doesn't apply to all positions but from my personal observation, the same staff here work 12 plus hours. I see them from morning til night. They also rotate positions. If you look up employment for princess cruise, even their website states expect to work 10 to 13 hours everyday.

[@veronicabruhnke3437]

Every time I cruise I always tip cause they always give intuitive service going above & beyond. You take care of me & mines I’m definitely going to take care of you ✔️

[@sonteesontee4227]

@The Shiplife I cruise mostly with Celebrity Cruises and it seems that the entertainment staff has it somewhat better than other crew members. However; I have noticed that entertainers often wear many hats and perform other duties when they are not actually performing. I have seen them help out during muster drills, special events, etc. i take my hats off to you. You all are amazing. I enjoy your videos.

[@sspaght]

Thanks for the Wichita, Kansas shoutout!

[@John-oo8dn]

I find it hard to believe that a Captain of a a billion dollar ship, is making $90k. There is just no way. Maybe that's the base salary with bonuses that put them low six figures.

[@CYBERCATXO]

$19000 to $133499, I guess depends on nationality

[@robbiereed8339]

Always love this information. We appreciate and respect all crew members. Thank you for your services. #KeepBeingAwesome

[@frankb518]

Great Topic! Wife and I just went on the Oasis of the seas out Of Bayonne, N.J. TO Port Canaveral And Coco Cay and Nassau. its our 3rd cruise...... And I've Wondered this Myself.........Hope they get Paid Descent...... All the Ships crews I've come across seem thankful to be working!!! Very Thankful for their Hard work !

[@bearwonder1]

Idea for your merch.... "You know were I'm going with this" on a tee, mug, or bag

[@Sandra-mo8pd]

Thank you. I love all that you share about cruises.

[@SureHaveBeenDrinkin]

The man with no shoes felt bad, until he met the man with no feet.

[@cydneystephen2814]

Hey J. These wages are quite low. $87,000 for the captain?😳🤔. Ahhhh. Currency exchange makes a difference. Totally get where you’re going with the Philippine/US comparison. This was a very informative video. Lots of factors. Not black and white. Lots of grey in between. Thanks so much. Have a great day and see you next video.

[@supertouring1]

Thank you for the informative video. There are other great videos where crew members share frankly what they're making. I didn't include links as I'm not sure if that's allowed. This is the first time I've heard that some crewmembers have to pay fees similar to rent or food. I always thought crewmembers pay no living expenses other maybe internet internet/snacks/laundry which are considered optional.

[@floydkravits4495]

@@francoisedunne223 Joann Hunter 8

[@Gunships.]

that is 100% true the currency i am paid is $us and yes its only around $980 a month but where i am from that makes me high class

[@judysjourney4238]

Where you from

[@Gunships.]

@@judysjourney4238 i live in south africa, its very hard when the avg income per month in south africa is around $512 per month

[@jayislander]

What do you do

[@edwardfrias7135]

I worked Night Shift as dishwasher, I was making $700 weekly. I got off ship in the mornings. Never went to crew bar.

[@yohanauguste5249]

hey bro which cruiseline i worked with nowegian 4yrs

[@alishamaryleerichardson-go2106]

was speaking with a cabin attendant on an RC ship a few years back.. he indicated he would typically 'on average' make $1400 usd per week in gratuities. I was surprised ..hopefully he was being truthful..

[@kevinmanning1629]

This is great information. Royal is doing a huge Caribbean recruitment so it could be handy for sure.

[@shekabeats876]

So they want to underpay us

[@travelwithdebandnick]

wow that was really interesting :) thanks for sharing J :)

[@nancyt2539]

I've known this for years - that crew pay is based on a lot of factors and that $500 USD in Tampa Florida, is NOT the same value as $500 in that crew member's own country/region. Unfortunately, many Americans whom I've seen post all kinds of arguments on social media on this topic don't seem to be able to see beyond our country's borders. I've had nice conversations with a few crew and found out that they are paying for university, buying a car or building a home with the money they send back to their families in X country. If you compare pay and cost of living between a person living in New York City vs a person living in a small to medium sized city in Alabama for example, you will probably be surprised by the differences. If I made what people in NYC made while living in Florida, I might be considered to be making "a lot of money".

[@GRANDPRIXDUVAL]

And when the foreigners get cash tips from passengers who don’t know that, our $5-$10 tips is really like a $100 tip for them

[@I_Love_Quokkas]

That’s why even companies like carnival will tell you don’t tip more than a dollar on excursions and to most bartenders

[@GRANDPRIXDUVAL]

@@I_Love_Quokkas I agree. And even though they tell us I’m so you used to it, I have definitely left $2-$3 tips and gave the how keeper like $25 and completely forget he was Asian

[@I_Love_Quokkas]

@@GRANDPRIXDUVAL yeah I tend to not like tipping the way the US does it. But on the ship it made more sense. I had prepaid for drinks, but found really quickly by tipping every drink couple waiters in various areas of ship they would come by much more frequently to check on me and get drinks faster.

[@peacelife]

It would be a great pay for those who came from a developing countries for the hourly pay position. However, if you are from the U.S, it doesn't pay much especially if the position doesn't get tip. Don't forget that majority of the cruise registered international like in Bahamas so they get tax cut. You are responsible for tax so remember whatever you make a month have to cut that out. I was really excited when I got offer the front desk/CSR position at one of the big 3. The pay before tax was something about 1300/month. If you calculate 12hrs or more 6 days a week with that pay. I was also advise for sharing with 3 roommates in a big new ship. It was not worth it for me. I don't mind the sharing, but I would the pay to be higher for the hr/work. Higher positions like performers and such def have diff schedule and pay.

[@Just_A_Name14]

Idk man if you’re a high school graduate and want to take a year off and do some online studies while you’re on the cruise it’s a good job. You can see the world and it pays around 1k-1400 per month as a dishwasher That’s not bad for a month when you don’t have many expenses

[@jayislander]

@@Just_A_Name14which cruise pays this dish washer that much

[@Just_A_Name14]

@@jayislander the one I seen on a job search add. American cruise lines are paying a lot more than your third world country ones

[@toddhollerson6820]

I am pretty amazed, having been in the airline industry for decades, that the Captain of a cruise ship with thousands of people they are responsible for makes less per year than a Captain of an airplane who is responsible for a couple hundred people.

[@devonmcintyre8690]

That’s because you’re almost certain to die in a plane crash. Ships on the other hand have more chance of survival

[@ravindrasinghparihar1930]

No captain or chief engineer start as rating. There are rare such people. Almost everyone start as cadet and then get promoted as officer.

[@markferguson3365]

When you consider the Captain is the person who is ultimately responsible for a billion dollar ship and up to 6K lives, $87k is not enough! A freight Captain makes more!

[@NASHVEGASPOKER]

I just went on a cruise carnival sunrise.1 thing i can say is the work hard af.1 guy said you have to sign a 6month contract he was our house keeper and he make alot tips.i always wonted to know how much they make good vid

[@kamelhaj6850]

Chris Wong did an extensive video on this subject, as well. Btw, I just got caught up on your videos, J - after just returning from a cruise myself!

[@CesarinPillinGaming]

Chris technically earns more money with youtube royalties than his main job lol.

[@jeronwhite3113]

Man it’s ok to blink he must a had some strong coffee and chased it with a Red Bull before he filmed this video

[@PaulCashman]

You also have to factor in that, almost always, crew room and board is included free, as is any emergency medical services onboard. And, unless you are dismissed with cause, the travel expenses for being repatriated to your home country are borne by the cruise line, not by the employee, as is the cost for travelling TO your contract.

[@oimamochki]

Captain makes around $20k per month on Princess ships, bridge officers 6-12k, engine staff similar 3-12k, housekeepers with tips around $3k , same for waiters $3-4k, buffet and bar staff around $2k. Pursers 1500-5k Dancers $2-3k Singers $5k All per month Not to bad, hard earn money 💰 Fair trade

[@kellyssong]

Very interesting video, Justin. Thank you!

[@philipnguyen3107]

Supply and demand will define your salary just like in real life. The cruise director once made 10,000 a week. Also the maitre D.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@lindaannechancler808]

I don't think it happens anymore but years ago the cruise directors would get huge payoffs from shop owners in town for sending the passengers their way, HUGE.

[@wendygardener2316]

Thank you for that great video. I remember the wonderful crew members we met, and wonder how they are doing.

[@thrasherx9319]

Great content and delivery. Thanks.

[@skipt.5165]

TERRIFIC topic! Many thanks. You clearly did a ton of background research

[@JoshuaTraffanstedt]

Nice with the LA or New York to Wichita, Ks comparison lol. I moved to Salina, Ks back in 2017 and live pretty good. I moved here from texas and almost instantly i improved my income a couple dollars an hour just by moving here. After almost 8 years im making wayyy more than i would have had i stayed in texas. Whats cool is im paying about the same for everything too, so i make out much better every month. Something for young folks to think about. There are much better options out there.

[@pqppauloh]

I just had the interview and preparing all the papers required, I live in Brazil and I got a Bellboy position for USD 1000, for me it’s a lot talking about real, my salary in Brazil is like R$ 1500 (USD 250-300). With no cost of living or food? To whom is already used to working 6 days of the week with 44 hours/week, no counting the traffic time, 1 more day makes no difference.

[@jayislander]

Update

[@universalpsychic32]

Thanks for the shout out to us Kansas😎💪

[@twinkholland8392]

Love all your vids J!! Thank u for what u do. I saw someone else say this was good to know, so that, yes!, we will also increase tips. I concur.

[@robertstevenson7122]

Great expose’. A warning to anyone desperate for a job.

[@MrTrevorstuart]

Don't forget that Salaries for most crew members is tax free, and that accommodation and food is also not paid for by crew, a land base job would be taxed and then rent and utilities

[@djemsonc1339]

What are u talking about? 😆 I pay taxes and accomodation and food in Viking around 600 euros.

[@mursetalk]

There are contracts for nurses to make an average of $15,000 per month. Great info for crew ship work info you're putting out! If you know anyone from your past jobs from the medical side or culinary side that would be great!

[@doods20fer41]

$15,000 per month is a delusion

[@MrRobburdette]

@@doods20fer41 Travel nurses can reach that amount. Just look on indeed

[@bighurt1606]

My family and I are going on Symphony of the Seas in September. We’ve been several cruises. Can rate the ship and thank you for the info.

[@sonyamitchell7224]

Great information Jay

[@JSHIPLIFE]

Thanks!

[@TanDJServices]

Cruise ship DJ/Entertainment Staff around 2007, $1800 a month. Plus making an extra 300-500 a month from "helping" out at the art auction.

[@highdesert420]

I went on a Carnival cruise at the end of 1992. Chinese guy cleaning the rooms told me he earns $22 a week. I tipped him $20.

[@johnh8705]

That's insulting.

[@veralindqvist3944]

This such an informative video! Subscribed ❤

[@JSHIPLIFE]

Thank you!

[@TheeMademoiselle]

I went on an MSC Cruise and one crew member at the bar told me he mad BARELT $1000 a month but he was from the Caribbean so I believe it was based on his home country but the pay gaps were odd to compared to i.e the people doing massages

[@garygage104]

I always tip cash

[@lienecarter6411]

@@garygage104 he may have been revealing his base pay. Most bartenders make a combination of hourly salary and tips.

[@anthonypaul1633]

You work 12 _ 13 hours day. No day off . You don't tell a Cruise line company what you want. There give a contact and that it take it or leave it

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

Majority of Caribbean islands average $6000-$8000 per year income so five to $600 a month would be average pay. $1000 a month is outstanding! The problem with cruisers mouthing off about how much the help should be paid is they just don’t know what they’re talking about

[@anthonypaul1633]

I am from the cayman Islands the per capital income is more than Florida.

[@NightowlBB842]

Interesting video. One thing I may have missed was in regard to room and board. I did hear you say that in rare occasions a cruise line charges employees rent, but that isn't the norm, I don't think. People are concerned that the pay is low, but if you are comparing to a regular American job, you need to realize someone working on land is being paid enough to pay for housing and meals. Since those are provided on board a ship, the value of that is not insignificant, depending where you live. So wouldn't a more accurate evaluation of pay compare the shipboard salary to what someone living on land would net after paying for rent and groceries/eating out? And I have to say I am appalled at cruisers who say they have discussed salary with crewmembers on board. That seems incredibly rude and intrusive, even demeaning. Do these same people discuss pay with the hotel clerk, the server at their local steakhouse, the dental hygienist? Good grief!

[@botmonmon6089]

Not really. That would take the whole point of not having to pay rent or for food.

[@FlashyKam72]

Your hair looks good like this!

[@annat6249]

I understand that international cruise worker is under paid compare to well off country. I do a lot of charity so I researched and understand the pay in poverty or poorer families. Take Vietnam for example, the poor making $1 - $2 dollars a day. Good pay is $10 dollars a day. I think cruise job is low but it might come with benefits like working in cleaner conditions, maybe vacation, and maybe tips compare to their own country work. Keep in mind cruising is famous because it is cheap vacation. What do we expect from a cheap? Will cruiser willing to pay 2x so cruise employee get better pay? I would think many would say no. I usually tip cash to my room service, this give them a chance to keep it under the table. But then again, what about worker behind the curtain? Too much work…

[@PittsburghAfterDark]

My wife and I still tip by US tipping norms. 20% of the total for on board spa or food services. We typically take $300-400 in cash for tips. On the Allure of the Seas we had the same waiter every night who fawned on us in Coastal Kitchen. When I looked up what we gave him as a comparison to his national average wage we basically gave him a week’s salary to bring is 3 diet Cokes a night and an extra dessert two nights. While I do have a tinge of guilt at the disparity between our nations if I were in their position I would be loving working in the most beautiful dining room on the ocean with passengers tipping me on average a 3 month’s salary a week instead of working a call center.

[@comethrough6810]

I truly find it very weird, to pay a worker less for doing the same job because of the average expenditures back in their countries. Seems very much discriminatory. Also, living in post Soviet countries is kind of cheap, but the salary for us is no less than for Europeans.

[@DavidWilliams-qr5yj]

Discrimination is relative. I live here in Thailand and I tell my friends back in the USA that Thailand is like the USA in the 1950s and the 1960s the air hostesses are beautiful and young they are Pleasant and efficient once they get a little older they are removed from service. My Thailand wife commented when we came back to the USA and she said the lady is so old and she is fat and she's not happy LOL welcome to the service that you get from society that does not discriminate against age. By the way I always appreciate the young attractive efficient air hostesses in Asia when I come back to the USA I'm reminded oh brother

[@SM-xj3ue]

I work in cruise lines as a Cook. $835/month. But if I compare to Land its like 1/5 with massive srtess and not a single day off in whole 9 months contract. It feels very shame to tell about this.

[@TripReviews]

Many years ago....roughly about 20 years ago I knew casino dealers who had worked on Carnival, Norwegian and Crystal. Wages for all was similar. $15 a day plus tips or as otherwise known “tokes” which amounted to about $3000 a month which was pretty decent as your food and accommodations were included. Now at that casino dealers were off duty when the ship was in port, casino closed = time off. Now one guy had just quit his position as a dealer on Norwegian and he did not have anything good to say about it. They moved him into a room shared with 3 others who all worked different shifts, also gone was his time off when in port as they decided to download other duties on the dealers. His father passed away while he was at sea and it was up to him to find his way home and pay out of pocket for the flight also he had to quit his contract. Now 3 g’s a month was after calculation to Canadian dollars and since these people were not I.s people the taxes were not deducted and it was their own responsibility to report their income to revenue Canada,,,the people I knew did not report it.

[@montyboswell6509]

Great information, as usual. Thanks! Lois

[@homerepair419]

Keep up the great work you’re doing

[@NIGHTLIFEPLUG]

Good Content! Just subscribed today! 👍🏾

[@watchinyourback295]

Thanks for the breakdown man.

[@chrismurray2237]

ThTwas great to know. Thanks for sharing. Very informative. 🌺🌸

[@B-RaDD]

I just got back from my very a First Cruise and I did ask one of the workers there about how they spend their time throughout the year because they are on the boat many months of the year. But I didn't ask any specific numbers about pay but it sounded like they are happy with how they are compensated AND ALSO more so then anything everyone is just happy to be back at work because of the pandemic and the port cities all seemed to be happy as well.