How Much Does A Captain Of Cruise Ship Make?

Learn how much cruise ship captains earn, what qualifications are needed, the responsibilities, training path, and top cruise lines to work for.

How Much Does a Cruise Ship Captain Make? Salary, Training & Career Overview

A cruise ship captain is the highest-ranking officer on a cruise liner and is ultimately responsible for the safety, navigation, and overall operations of the vessel. The role combines advanced technical maritime knowledge with people management and leadership. It’s a high-pressure job—but one of the most prestigious and best-paid careers in commercial maritime.

Here’s a complete breakdown of how much cruise ship captains make, the qualifications and training needed, what the job involves, and where to find the best employment opportunities.

Job Description: What Does a Cruise Ship Captain Do?

The captain commands the entire ship and oversees every department, from engineering and navigation to hospitality and safety.

Responsibilities:

  • Safely navigating and operating the ship

  • Managing the ship’s officers and crew (hundreds on large vessels)

  • Ensuring compliance with international maritime laws

  • Communicating with port authorities and maritime regulators

  • Overseeing passenger safety, security, and emergency procedures

  • Managing weather routing, docking, and logistical planning

  • Representing the cruise line to passengers and media

  • Signing off on all operational reports, safety drills, and onboard incidents

How Hard Is It to Become a Cruise Ship Captain?

Extremely hard. Becoming a cruise ship captain can take 15 to 20 years of maritime experience and training. Captains typically start as deck cadets and work their way through every officer rank on commercial or passenger ships.

It’s a highly competitive field requiring extensive certifications, leadership, and flawless safety records.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Exceptional leadership and decision-making

  • Calmness under pressure, especially in emergencies

  • Strong understanding of maritime law, engineering and navigation

  • Excellent communication, especially with multicultural crews

  • Confidence and accountability

  • Adaptability to different ports, cultures, and weather conditions

  • Professionalism – you’re the face of the cruise line on board

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes—this is a strictly regulated profession. The path to becoming a cruise ship captain includes:

Mandatory Training and Qualifications:

  1. STCW Certification – Basic Safety Training

  2. Deck Cadet Programme or maritime university (HND or degree)

  3. Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificate

  4. Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate

  5. Master Mariner’s License (Unlimited) – required to become captain

  6. Accumulate sea time at each rank (measured in months or years)

  7. ENG1 Medical Certificate – proves fitness for sea service

Career Path and Officer Ranks

Deck Cadet / Trainee - Entry-level maritime officer

Third Officer / Mate - Junior watchkeeper

Second Officer / Mate - Navigation officer

Chief Officer / Staff Captain - Second-in-command, manages crew

Master (Captain) - Has full command of the vessel

You must pass several oral and written exams set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and gain experience in command roles.

What Experience Do You Need?

  • 10–20 years at sea

  • Experience in watchkeeping, navigation, and crew leadership

  • Time in different officer roles on passenger or cargo ships

  • Excellent record of safety and incident-free sailing

  • Familiarity with large ship operations (1000+ passengers)

Benefits of Being a Cruise Ship Captain

  • Top salary in the maritime sector

  • Prestigious and respected position

  • Travel the world – see dozens of countries each year

  • Accommodation, food, insurance all provided at sea

  • Long periods off between rotations (2–4 months off)

  • Command autonomy – you run the whole ship

  • Opportunities in luxury, expedition, and mega-cruise markets

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Very long training and career ladder

  • Months away from family (2–4 month shifts)

  • High stress, especially in emergencies or bad weather

  • Full responsibility for passengers, crew, and vessel

  • Requires continual training and medical checks

  • No room for error – one mistake can end a career

Cruise Ship Captain Salary in the UK (and Globally)

Staff Captain / Chief Officer - £55,000 – £85,000

Cruise Ship Captain (small vessel) - £70,000 – £90,000

Captain (mainstream cruise line) - £95,000 – £130,000

Captain (luxury / mega-ship) - £140,000 – £200,000+

Tax Example (on £120,000):

  • Income Tax: ~£37,432

  • National Insurance: ~£5,732

  • Take-home pay: ~£76,836/year or £1,478/week
    (UK-based captains are usually taxed unless they qualify for the Seafarer’s Earnings Deduction.)

Note: Many captains are paid tax-free if they qualify for non-residency or seafarer exemptions depending on contracts.

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Cruise line size and brand – luxury lines pay more

  • Size and passenger capacity of the ship

  • Experience and number of years in command

  • Itinerary complexity – e.g. polar regions, tight ports

  • Nationality and flag state – some are taxed, others are not

  • Union agreements and contracts

  • Length and frequency of rotations

What’s the Future for This Role?

Strong demand, especially in:

  • Luxury and expedition cruises

  • Green and hybrid ship operations

  • Polar / Arctic command-certified captains

  • Eco-cruise and sustainability-focused fleets

  • Digital ship operations and automation (captains still needed to lead)

Captaincy will remain secure even as tech evolves—the role blends leadership, diplomacy, crisis management, and authority in ways no system can replace.

Best Cruise Lines to Work For

Royal Caribbean Group - Large fleet, mega ships, global routes

Carnival UK (P&O, Cunard) - UK-based with long-standing reputation

MSC Cruises - European-based, expanding fleet

Viking Cruises - River and ocean luxury

Hurtigruten - Expedition and polar cruising

Disney Cruise Line - High service and family experience

Silversea / Seabourn - Ultra-luxury small vessels

Fred. Olsen / Saga - UK-focused, smaller ships

Marella Cruises (TUI) - Popular UK leisure line

Final Thought

Becoming a cruise ship captain is a long game—but it’s one of the most rewarding and respected careers in maritime. You get the responsibility of commanding a floating city, the perks of travel, and a top-tier income. For those who love the sea and leadership, it’s the ultimate career at the helm.