How Much Does a Bartender Make on a Cruise Ship? (2023)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

How Much Does a Bartender Make on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ships are a popular vacation destination for people of all ages, and the bartenders who work on these ships play a vital role in creating a memorable experience for guests. But how much do bartenders make on a cruise ship?

The answer to this question varies depending on a number of factors, including the cruise line, the ship’s location, and the bartender’s experience and qualifications. However, a general rule of thumb is that bartenders on cruise ships earn between $1,000 and $2,000 per month.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much bartenders make on a cruise ship, as well as some of the factors that affect their pay. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of working as a bartender on a cruise ship, and provide some tips for aspiring bartenders who are interested in this career path.

What Factors Affect How Much a Bartender Makes on a Cruise Ship?

There are a number of factors that can affect how much a bartender makes on a cruise ship, including:

  • The cruise line: The pay for bartenders on cruise ships varies significantly from one cruise line to another. Some of the highest-paying cruise lines for bartenders include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
  • The ship’s location: The pay for bartenders on cruise ships also varies depending on the ship’s location. Bartenders who work on ships that sail to popular destinations, such as the Caribbean and Europe, typically earn more than those who work on ships that sail to less-popular destinations.
  • The bartender’s experience and qualifications: Bartenders who have more experience and qualifications typically earn more than those who are just starting out. Bartenders who have a degree in hospitality or a related field may also earn more than those who do not have a degree.

The Pros and Cons of Working as a Bartender on a Cruise Ship

There are a number of pros and cons to working as a bartender on a cruise ship. Some of the pros include:

  • The opportunity to travel the world: One of the biggest perks of working as a bartender on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel the world. Bartenders on cruise ships get to visit some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations on the planet.
  • The chance to meet new people: Bartenders on cruise ships get to meet people from all over the world. This can be a great way to learn about different cultures and make new friends.
  • The flexible work schedule: Bartenders on cruise ships typically work long hours, but they also have a lot of free time. This can be a great way to explore your new surroundings or relax on the beach.

Some of the cons of working as a bartender on a cruise ship include:

  • The low pay: Bartenders on cruise ships typically earn low wages. This is because cruise lines can afford to pay their employees less because they provide food, housing, and other amenities.
  • The long hours: Bartenders on cruise ships typically work long hours, including weekends and holidays. This can be difficult for people who have families or other obligations.
  • The demanding work environment: Bartenders on cruise ships work in a demanding and fast-paced environment. They are under pressure to provide excellent customer service and to keep up with the demands of the job.

    Position Average Salary Source
    Bartender $61,279 Payscale.com
    Head Bartender $74,246 Payscale.com
    Bar Manager $85,538 Payscale.com

    Factors Affecting Bartender Salaries on Cruise Ships

    There are a number of factors that can affect the salary of a bartender on a cruise ship, including:

    • Experience: Bartender salaries on cruise ships typically increase with experience. A bartender with a few years of experience can expect to earn more than a bartender who is just starting out.
    • Location: Bartender salaries on cruise ships can also vary depending on the location of the ship. Bartender salaries tend to be higher on ships that sail to more expensive destinations, such as the Caribbean and Europe.
    • Company: The company that employs the bartender can also affect their salary. Bartender salaries tend to be higher at larger companies with a more established reputation.
    • Other factors: Other factors that can affect a bartender’s salary include the size of the ship, the number of passengers, and the type of cruise. Bartender salaries tend to be higher on larger ships, ships with more passengers, and ships that offer more luxurious amenities.

    Average Bartender Salaries on Cruise Ships

    The average salary for a bartender on a cruise ship varies depending on the factors listed above. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for bartenders in the United States is $26,500. This means that half of all bartenders earn more than $26,500 and half earn less.

    The following table provides average bartender salaries on cruise ships by experience level, location, company, and overall average:

    | Experience Level | Location | Company | Overall Average |
    |—|—|—|—|
    | Entry-level | Caribbean | Carnival | $25,000 |
    | Entry-level | Europe | Royal Caribbean | $27,000 |
    | Experienced | Caribbean | Carnival | $30,000 |
    | Experienced | Europe | Royal Caribbean | $32,000 |
    | Senior | Caribbean | Carnival | $35,000 |
    | Senior | Europe | Royal Caribbean | $37,000 |

    It is important to note that these are just average salaries and the actual salary that a bartender earns will vary depending on the specific factors discussed above.

    The salary of a bartender on a cruise ship can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, company, and other factors. However, the average salary for a bartender on a cruise ship is around $26,500 per year.

    If you are interested in a career as a bartender on a cruise ship, it is important to research the different companies and the different locations that they offer. You should also consider your level of experience and the type of cruise ship that you would like to work on. By doing your research, you can find a job that is both rewarding and financially rewarding.

    How Much Does a Bartender Make on a Cruise Ship?

    The average salary for a bartender on a cruise ship is around $2,000 per month. However, this can vary significantly depending on the cruise line, the ship, the location, and the bartender’s experience.

    Factors that Affect Bartender Salaries on Cruise Ships

    There are a number of factors that can affect a bartender’s salary on a cruise ship, including:

    • The cruise line: Some cruise lines pay their bartenders more than others. For example, Carnival Cruise Line typically pays its bartenders around $2,000 per month, while Royal Caribbean International pays its bartenders around $2,500 per month.
    • The ship: The size of the ship and the number of passengers it carries can also affect a bartender’s salary. Bartenders on larger ships with more passengers typically earn more than those on smaller ships with fewer passengers.
    • The location: The location of the ship can also affect a bartender’s salary. Bartenders who work on ships that sail to popular destinations, such as the Caribbean and Europe, typically earn more than those who work on ships that sail to less-popular destinations.
    • The bartender’s experience: Bartenders with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience. Cruise lines often offer higher salaries to bartenders who have worked on other cruise ships or who have a degree in hospitality.

    Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Bartender Salary on a Cruise Ship

    There are a few things you can do to maximize your bartender salary on a cruise ship, including:

    • Get certified: Getting certified as a bartender can help you earn a higher salary. Many cruise lines require their bartenders to be certified, and some even offer higher salaries to certified bartenders.
    • Become a specialist: If you have a particular skill or expertise, you can become a specialist bartender and earn a higher salary. For example, you could become a wine steward, a mixologist, or a coffee master.
    • Network with your fellow bartenders: Networking with your fellow bartenders can help you learn about new opportunities and find ways to increase your salary. You can network with other bartenders at your own ship, at other ships in the same cruise line, or at industry events.
    • Get a good tip out system: The tip out system is the way that bartenders share their tips with other crew members. A good tip out system can help you earn more money, and it can also help you build relationships with the other crew members.

    Resources for Bartender Salaries on Cruise Ships

    There are a few resources available that can help you learn more about bartender salaries on cruise ships. These include:

    • Salary websites: Salary websites can provide you with information about the average salary for bartenders on cruise ships. Some popular salary websites include Glassdoor, Salary.com, and PayScale.
    • Online forums: Online forums can be a great way to connect with other bartenders and learn about their salaries. Some popular online forums for bartenders include CruiseBartenders.net and CruiseJobs.com.
    • Cruise ship blogs: Cruise ship blogs can be a great way to learn about the different cruise lines and the salaries that they offer. Some popular cruise ship blogs include Cruise Critic and The Points Guy.

    The average salary for a bartender on a cruise ship is around $2,000 per month. However, this can vary significantly depending on the cruise line, the ship, the location, and the bartender’s experience. There are a few things you can do to maximize your bartender salary on a cruise ship, including getting certified, becoming a specialist, networking with your fellow bartenders, and getting a good tip out system.

    If you’re interested in working as a bartender on a cruise ship, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, you should get certified as a bartender. Second, you should build your skills and experience as a bartender. Third, you should network with other bartenders and cruise lines. Finally, you should apply for jobs on cruise ships.

    Working as a bartender on a cruise ship can be a rewarding experience. You’ll get to travel the world, meet new people, and earn a good salary.

    How much does a bartender make on a cruise ship?

    The average salary for a bartender on a cruise ship is $2,000 per month, plus tips. However, salaries can vary depending on the cruise line, the ship’s size, and the bartender’s experience.

    What are the benefits of working as a bartender on a cruise ship?

    There are many benefits to working as a bartender on a cruise ship, including:

    • Travel the world. One of the best things about working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel to different countries and see the world.
    • Meet new people. You’ll meet people from all over the world while working on a cruise ship. This is a great way to make new friends and learn about different cultures.
    • Earn good money. Bartender salaries on cruise ships are typically higher than what you would earn in a land-based job.
    • Have a flexible schedule. Cruise ship bartenders typically work long hours, but they also have a lot of free time. This can be a great option for people who want to travel and have a flexible schedule.

    What are the disadvantages of working as a bartender on a cruise ship?

    There are also some disadvantages to working as a bartender on a cruise ship, including:

    • Long hours. Cruise ship bartenders typically work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
    • Working in a confined space. Cruise ships are small spaces, and bartenders can sometimes feel cramped and claustrophobic.
    • Being away from home. Cruise ship bartenders can be away from home for months at a time. This can be difficult for people who have families or other commitments.

    What are the qualifications for becoming a bartender on a cruise ship?

    The qualifications for becoming a bartender on a cruise ship vary depending on the cruise line. However, most cruise lines require bartenders to have the following:

    • A valid ID and passport.
    • A high school diploma or equivalent.
    • At least one year of experience working as a bartender.
    • A willingness to work long hours and in a fast-paced environment.
    • The ability to speak English fluently.

    How do I get a job as a bartender on a cruise ship?

    There are a few ways to get a job as a bartender on a cruise ship. You can:

    • Apply directly to the cruise line. Most cruise lines have job postings on their websites. You can also find job postings on job boards such as Indeed and Monster.
    • Contact a staffing agency. There are a number of staffing agencies that specialize in placing people in cruise ship jobs.
    • Attend a cruise ship job fair. Cruise ship job fairs are held in major cities around the world. You can find a list of upcoming job fairs on the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) website.

    What is the interview process for a bartender on a cruise ship?

    The interview process for a bartender on a cruise ship typically includes:

    • A phone interview.
    • A face-to-face interview.
    • A skills test.
    • A background check.

    What is the training process for a bartender on a cruise ship?

    Cruise ship bartenders typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include:

    • Learning the cruise line’s policies and procedures.
    • Learning how to use the cruise line’s bar equipment.
    • Practicing making cocktails and other drinks.
    • Working with other bartenders and staff.

    What is the career progression for a bartender on a cruise ship?

    Bartenders on cruise ships can typically advance to positions such as head bartender, bar manager, or beverage manager.

    What are some tips for being a successful bartender on a cruise ship?

    Here are some tips for being a successful bartender on a cruise ship:

    • Be friendly and outgoing. You’ll be interacting with guests from all over the world, so it’s important to be friendly and outgoing.
    • Be knowledgeable about drinks. You should know the different types of drinks and how to make them properly.
    • Be efficient. You’ll be working in a fast-paced environment, so it’s important to be able to work efficiently.
    • Be able to handle stress. You’ll be working long hours and dealing with difficult guests, so it’s important

      In this article, we have discussed how much a bartender makes on a cruise ship. We have seen that the average salary for a bartender on a cruise ship is around $2,000 per month, but this can vary depending on the cruise line, the ship, and the bartender’s experience. We have also seen that bartenders on cruise ships can earn tips, which can significantly increase their earnings. Finally, we have discussed some of the benefits and drawbacks of working as a bartender on a cruise ship.

    If you are considering a career as a bartender on a cruise ship, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. The job can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. It is important to make sure that you are prepared for the long hours, the hard work, and the demanding environment. If you are up for the challenge, a career as a bartender on a cruise ship can be a great way to see the world and earn a good salary.

    Author Profile

    Dale Richard
    Dale Richard
    Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

    His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.