How much time off do you get working on a cruise-ship?
Henry Morales
Published Feb 25, 2026
At the end you will have a break of around 6-8 weeks before returning to ship. Full-time staff are generally expected to work on ship for more than one contract so if you want to do a one off cruise, a seasonal contract may be more suitable.
How much is the salary working in cruise-ship?
Monthly wages range from $1,500 to $8,000 or more. Again it is important to remember that you have the opportunity to save most of the money you earn, unless you spend too much time in the bars, the casinos or spend too much when you are in port.
Where do cruise-ship employees live?
Staff members live on the upper crew deck, except for the captain and other officers, who live right behind the bridge – the room where the ship is steered, usually on deck eight or nine, forward. Their corridor of private staterooms is behind a secure door.
Is it worth it to work on a cruise ship?
Working on a cruise ship is a great way to save money and also a great way to spend money. I could save one third of my salary easily and have a decent amount to spend during the month before the next pay day.
How much does it cost to live on a cruise ship?
Cruises starting at a few hundred dollars for a week are common. At first glance, it seems like living on a cruise ship would be amazingly affordable. After all, a cruise for $500 a week would cost only $26,000 to sail for a year. For many people, that would be cheaper than living on land!
How many hours do you work on a cruise ship?
Bar staff worked between 12-16 hours, sometimes more, they had some of the hardest work on the ship I believe. Cabin Stewards and cleaning staff had set times to clean rooms a few times a day, but were pretty much on duty for most of the day in case one of their assigned guests called for a cleanup.
Are there cruise ships that you can live on?
Blue World Voyages is promising to create a ship that is unlike any other cruise ship at sea. Blue World Voyages’ first 350 passenger cruise ship will debut in 2019 and will have 26 cabins you can purchase as a home, a lap pool in the ocean, beds by the pool deck so you can sleep under the stars, and staterooms for solo travelers.