How Much Do Cruise Ship Bartenders Make? (2023 Salary Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

How Much Do Bartenders Make On Cruise Ships?

Cruise ships are a popular vacation destination for people of all ages. With their endless amenities, beautiful surroundings, and exciting activities, it’s no wonder that cruise ships are a great way to relax and have fun. But what about the people who work on cruise ships? What are their salaries like?

In this article, we’ll take a look at how much bartenders make on cruise ships. We’ll explore the factors that affect bartender salaries, and we’ll provide some tips on how to get a high-paying bartender job on a cruise ship.

So if you’re thinking about a career as a cruise ship bartender, read on!

Position Average Salary Source
Bartender $75,620 Payscale.com
Head Bartender $86,020 Payscale.com
Bar Manager $96,780 Payscale.com

Factors Affecting Bartenders’ Salaries on Cruise Ships

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

  • Experience: Bartenders with more experience will typically earn more than those with less experience. This is because they have a greater knowledge of the job and are able to work more efficiently.
  • Location: Bartenders who work in more popular destinations, such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean, will typically earn more than those who work in less popular destinations. This is because the cost of living is higher in these areas and cruise lines need to pay their employees more in order to attract and retain talent.
  • Company: The cruise line that a bartender works for can also affect their salary. Some cruise lines are known for paying their employees more than others.
  • 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 bar they work in.

Average Salaries for Cruise Ship Bartenders

The average salary for a cruise ship bartender varies depending on the factors listed above. However, a general rule of thumb is that bartenders can earn anywhere from \$20,000 to \$60,000 per year.

  • By experience: Bartenders with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average of \$20,000 per year. Those with one to three years of experience can expect to earn an average of \$25,000 per year. Bartenders with four to five years of experience can expect to earn an average of \$30,000 per year. And those with six or more years of experience can expect to earn an average of \$40,000 per year.
  • By location: Bartenders who work in popular destinations, such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean, can expect to earn more than those who work in less popular destinations. For example, a bartender who works in the Caribbean can expect to earn an average of \$35,000 per year, while a bartender who works in Alaska can expect to earn an average of \$25,000 per year.
  • By company: The cruise line that a bartender works for can also affect their salary. Some cruise lines are known for paying their employees more than others. For example, a bartender who works for Carnival Cruise Line can expect to earn an average of \$30,000 per year, while a bartender who works for Royal Caribbean International can expect to earn an average of \$40,000 per year.
  • 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 bar they work in. Bartenders who work on larger ships, with more passengers, and in more upscale bars can expect to earn more than those who work on smaller ships, with fewer passengers, and in more casual bars.

The salary of a cruise ship bartender can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. However, a general rule of thumb is that bartenders can earn anywhere from \$20,000 to \$60,000 per year. If you are interested in a career as a cruise ship bartender, it is important to do your research and compare the different cruise lines to find one that offers the salary and benefits that you are looking for.

Additional Resources

  • [Cruise Ship Bartender Salary](https://www.indeed.com/salaries/Cruise-Ship-Bartender-Salary)
  • [How Much Do Cruise Ship Bartenders Make?](https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/cruise-ship-bartender-salary)
  • [Average Cruise Ship Bartender Salary](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/salary/cruise-ship-bartender-salary)

3. Benefits of Working as a Cruise Ship Bartender

Working as a cruise ship bartender can be a rewarding and exciting experience. There are many benefits to working on a cruise ship, including:

  • Travel

One of the best things about working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel to new and exciting destinations. Cruise ships visit all over the world, so you’ll have the chance to see some of the most beautiful and exotic places on earth. You’ll also get to meet people from all over the world, which can be a great way to learn about different cultures.

  • Free Accommodation

When you work on a cruise ship, you’ll typically be provided with free accommodation. This means that you won’t have to worry about paying rent or a mortgage. You’ll also have access to all of the ship’s amenities, such as the pool, gym, and restaurants.

  • Free Food

Another perk of working on a cruise ship is the free food. You’ll be able to eat as much as you want of the ship’s delicious food, which is typically prepared by world-class chefs.

  • Other Benefits

In addition to the above benefits, there are a number of other perks to working on a cruise ship. These include:

  • Paid vacation
  • Pension plan
  • Medical insurance
  • Opportunities for advancement

4. Drawbacks of Working as a Cruise Ship Bartender

While there are many benefits to working as a cruise ship bartender, there are also some drawbacks to consider. These include:

  • Long hours

Cruise ship bartenders typically work long hours, often 10-12 hours per day. They may also be required to work on weekends and holidays.

  • Difficult working conditions

Working on a cruise ship can be physically demanding. Bartenders must be able to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. They must also be able to work well under pressure and deal with difficult customers.

  • Homesickness

Working on a cruise ship can be isolating. Bartenders may spend months at a time away from their family and friends. This can lead to feelings of homesickness and loneliness.

  • Other drawbacks

Other drawbacks of working as a cruise ship bartender include:

  • Low pay
  • Unpredictable work schedule
  • Risk of injury

Working as a cruise ship bartender can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it’s important to be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks before you make a decision. If you’re looking for a job that offers travel, free accommodation, and free food, then working on a cruise ship may be a good option for you. However, if you’re not prepared for long hours, difficult working conditions, and homesickness, then you may want to consider another career path.

How much do bartenders make on cruise ships?

The average salary for a bartender on a cruise ship is $60,000 per year. 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:

  • Competitive salary: Bartenders on cruise ships earn a competitive salary, which is often higher than what they would earn in a land-based job.
  • Free room and board: Cruise ship bartenders are provided with free room and board, which can save them a significant amount of money.
  • Travel opportunities: Cruise ship bartenders get to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic destinations.
  • Opportunity to meet new people: Cruise ship bartenders meet people from all over the world, which can be a rewarding experience.

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

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

  • Long hours: Bartenders on cruise ships work long hours, often 10-12 hours per day.
  • Working in a confined space: Cruise ship bartenders work in a confined space, which can be challenging for some people.
  • Dealing with demanding customers: Cruise ship bartenders often have to deal with demanding customers, which can be stressful.

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
  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 1 year of experience as a bartender
  • A willingness to work long hours
  • The ability to work in a confined space
  • The ability to deal with demanding customers

How can I become a bartender on a cruise ship?

There are a few ways to become a bartender on a cruise ship. You can:

  • Apply directly to a cruise line: Cruise lines often post job openings on their websites. You can also contact a cruise line directly to inquire about job openings.
  • Attend a bartending school: Many bartending schools offer programs that can prepare you for a career as a bartender on a cruise ship.
  • Get experience working as a bartender: The best way to get experience working as a bartender is to work in a bar or restaurant. This will give you the skills and experience you need to work as a bartender on a cruise ship.

What are the best cruise lines for bartenders?

There are many great cruise lines for bartenders. Some of the best cruise lines for bartenders include:

  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises

These cruise lines offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and the opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic destinations.

bartenders on cruise ships make a median salary of $75,940 per year. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn will vary depending on your experience, the cruise line you work for, and the location of your ship. If you’re interested in a career as a cruise ship bartender, it’s important to do your research and make sure you have the skills and experience that employers are looking for. With hard work and dedication, you can enjoy a rewarding and lucrative career as a bartender on a cruise ship.

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.