Imagine being paid to travel the world on a cruise ship. If you’re a waiter or waitress onboard these mega-boats, it’s not just a dream: it’s your life. But How much do cruise ship waiters make? Working as waitstaff on a cruise ship is a different ball of wax compared to doing the same at a restaurant, as you also live on the ship.
Given that your job responsibilities are more unique, you should anticipate earnings that are also not quite the norm. Let’s take a look together and understand what goes into a cruise ship waiter’s earnings.
What Is the Take-Home Pay for a Cruise Ship Waiter or Waitress?
According to late 2023 data from CrewCenter, the monthly base salary for cruise ship waitstaff is as follows:
| Cruise Line | Monthly Waiter Income | Yearly Waiter Income (Estimated) |
| Crystal Cruises | $2,900 | $34,800 |
| Celestyal Cruises | $1,300 | $15,600 |
| Disney Cruise Line | $1,540 | $18,480 |
| MSC Cruises | $1,700 | $20,400 |
| Princess Cruises | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| TUI Cruises | $1,700 | $20,400 |
| Silversea | $2,500 | $30,000 |
| Seabourn | $2,700 | $32,400 |
| Oceania Cruises | $2,900 | $34,800 |
| Royal Caribbean | $1,780 | $21,360 |
| Costa Crociere | $760 | $9,120 |
| Regent Seven Seas | $2,500 | $30,000 |
| Azamara | $2,400 | $28,800 |
| P&O Australia | $1,400 | $16,800 |
| Virgin Voyages | $3,225 | $38,700 |
| Holland America | $2,200 | $26,400 |
| Fred Olsen | $900 | $10,800 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $2,200 | $26,400 |
While some of the earnings here are a bit low, many cruise ships pay for their employees’ utilities, food, and room and board. Thus, even the lesser wages are still livable, while the higher earnings allow cruise ship waiters and waitresses to see the world without dipping into their savings.
Factors That Influence a Cruise Ship Waiter’s Earnings
So, why do some cruise lines pay twice as much as others when waiters and waitresses are essentially doing the same job? Here are some factors that affect what you can earn when working on a cruise ship:
- Commissions: Certain cruise ships may offer commissions on service for waiters and waitresses to collect. In that case, you could expect to earn a varying amount on top of your reliable monthly salary.
- Cruise Line Popularity: A more beloved cruise ship is going to get a lot of bookings throughout the year, meaning they can hire staff at more competitive rates. Their reputation also affects what they pay.
- Work Schedule: If you only work part-time versus full-time on the cruise ship, you’re limiting your earning potential. Since you live on the ship, you might as well work full-time if you’re able.
- Cruise Ship Itinerary: The more dining and drinking opportunities offered on the itinerary, the more chances you get to serve customers and collect gratuities.
- Job Title: Basic waitstaff will likely not earn as much as those employees working in more executive restaurant positions.
- Experience: The more abundant the job experience and certifications on your resume, the higher the salary you can ask for.
Do Cruise Ship Waitstaff Earn Tips? And If So, How Much?
As a cruise ship waiter or waitress, you can also expect to rake in the gratuities or tips in addition to your regular salary and possible commission payments. In this regard, working on a cruise ship is the same as being employed at any bar, café, or restaurant.
Due to the more upscale dining experiences provided on most cruise ships, you have a greater chance to make a good amount in tips per transaction. However, that very much depends on the vibe of the cruise ship.
For example, some ships have a family-friendly vibe, which will mean a lot of quick-dining and kiddie food establishments occupied by working families. You won’t earn as high of a tip compared to an upscale sit-down establishment on the ship.
So, how much can you expect in tips? More than at most restaurants, perhaps around $40 a table. However, tips aren’t guaranteed. You must do a bang-up job, being very attentive, friendly, and prompt to earn a tip.
Here are some more pointers for increasing your tips:
- Smile! It’s a small gesture that goes so far toward beginning the dining experience positively.
- Learn the menu (and try it all) and be ready to provide personal recommendations when your guests ask.
- Go out of your way whenever you can to make the dining experience more special. After all, a cruise ship vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many.
How much do Cruise Ship Waiters make – Wrapping Up
Cruise ship waiters and waitresses can earn a substantial living serving customers. The lowest monthly earnings you can pull is $900, and the highest is over $3,000. Of course, the amount you make varies depending on your experience levels, how much you work, and the cruise ship you’re hired by.
That said, between tips and possible commissions, and the fact that your living expenses are usually paid for by the cruise line, you can earn some good money working for a cruise ship and get a unique opportunity to see the world while you’re at it.
