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

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

How Much Do Cruise Ship Bartenders Make?

Cruise ship bartenders are responsible for mixing and serving drinks to passengers on cruise ships. They work long hours, often in high-pressure environments, but they can also earn a good salary. In this article, we’ll explore the average salary for cruise ship bartenders, as well as the factors that can affect their pay. We’ll also provide tips for aspiring cruise ship bartenders who are looking to get started in this exciting career.

The Average Salary for Cruise Ship Bartenders

The average salary for cruise ship bartenders is around \$70,000 per year. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on the cruise line, the ship’s size, and the bartender’s experience and qualifications.

Factors that Affect Cruise Ship Bartenders’ Salaries

The following factors can affect a cruise ship bartender’s salary:

  • Cruise line: The salary for cruise ship bartenders can vary significantly from one cruise line to another. Some cruise lines offer higher salaries than others, and the pay scale may also vary depending on the type of ship (e.g., luxury vs. budget).
  • Ship size: The size of the ship can also affect a bartender’s salary. Bartenders on larger ships typically earn more than those on smaller ships.
  • Bartender’s experience and qualifications: A bartender’s experience and qualifications can also affect their salary. Bartenders with more experience and certifications typically earn more than those with less experience.

Tips for Aspiring Cruise Ship Bartenders

If you’re interested in becoming a cruise ship bartender, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Get experience working in a bar or restaurant. The best way to learn the skills you need to be a successful cruise ship bartender is to get experience working in a bar or restaurant. This will give you the opportunity to practice mixing drinks, interacting with customers, and working under pressure.
  • Get certified. Many cruise lines require their bartenders to be certified by a recognized organization such as the National Restaurant Association. Getting certified will show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful cruise ship bartender.
  • Network. Attend industry events and connect with other bartenders. This is a great way to learn about job openings and get your foot in the door.
  • Apply directly to cruise lines. Many cruise lines have online job boards where you can apply for open positions. You can also contact cruise lines directly to inquire about job openings.

    Year Average Salary Source
    2020 $66,500 PayScale
    2021 $68,000 Indeed
    2022 $69,500 Glassdoor

    Factors Affecting Cruise Bartender Salaries

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

    • Experience: Cruise bartenders with more experience typically earn higher salaries. This is because they have a greater understanding of the job and are able to work more efficiently.
    • Location: Cruise bartenders working in more popular destinations typically earn higher salaries. This is because there is more demand for cruise bartenders in these areas.
    • Ship size: Cruise bartenders working on larger ships typically earn higher salaries. This is because there are more passengers to serve on larger ships, and cruise bartenders are responsible for a larger area.
    • Company: The cruise line that a cruise bartender works for can also affect their salary. Some cruise lines offer higher salaries than others.

    Average Cruise Bartender Salaries

    The average salary for a cruise bartender varies depending on the factors listed above. However, the following are some general averages:

    • Experience: Cruise bartenders with less than one year of experience typically earn around $20,000 per year. Cruise bartenders with more than five years of experience can earn upwards of $60,000 per year.
    • Location: Cruise bartenders working in popular destinations such as the Caribbean and Mediterranean Sea typically earn higher salaries than those working in less popular destinations.
    • Ship size: Cruise bartenders working on larger ships typically earn higher salaries than those working on smaller ships.
    • Company: The cruise line that a cruise bartender works for can also affect their salary. Some cruise lines offer higher salaries than others.

    The salary of a cruise bartender can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. However, by considering the factors listed above, you can get a better idea of what to expect in terms of pay.

    If you are interested in a career as a cruise bartender, it is important to have a strong understanding of the job and the industry. You should also be prepared to work long hours and be flexible with your schedule. If you are willing to put in the hard work, a career as a cruise bartender can be both rewarding and financially lucrative.

    How Much Do Cruise Bartenders Make?

    Cruise bartenders are responsible for mixing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to passengers on cruise ships. They work long hours, often in high-pressure environments, but they can also earn a good salary.

    The average salary for a cruise bartender is around \$50,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the cruise line, the ship, and the bartender’s experience.

    Cruise lines typically pay their bartenders a base salary plus tips. The base salary can range from \$20,000 to \$40,000 per year, depending on the cruise line and the bartender’s experience. Tips can make up a significant portion of a cruise bartender’s salary, and they can earn anywhere from \$10,000 to \$20,000 per year in tips.

    The ship where a cruise bartender works can also affect their salary. Bartenders who work on larger ships typically earn more than those who work on smaller ships. This is because larger ships have more passengers, and bartenders on these ships are responsible for serving more drinks.

    Finally, a cruise bartender’s experience can also affect their salary. Bartenders who have more experience typically earn more than those who are just starting out. This is because experienced bartenders are more efficient and can handle more customers.

    Here is a table that shows the average salary for cruise bartenders by cruise line:

    | Cruise Line | Average Salary |
    |—|—|
    | Carnival | \$45,000 |
    | Royal Caribbean | \$50,000 |
    | Norwegian Cruise Line | \$55,000 |
    | Disney Cruise Line | \$60,000 |
    | Princess Cruises | \$65,000 |

    Tips for Getting a Higher Cruise Bartender Salary

    There are a few things that cruise bartenders can do to increase their salary. These include:

    • Get experience. The more experience a cruise bartender has, the more they will earn. Bartenders who have worked on multiple cruise lines and in different positions will be more valuable to cruise lines and will be able to command a higher salary.
    • Work in a desirable location. Cruise lines typically pay their bartenders more if they work in desirable locations. For example, bartenders who work on ships that sail to the Caribbean or Europe will earn more than those who work on ships that sail to less popular destinations.
    • Work on a larger ship. Bartenders who work on larger ships typically earn more than those who work on smaller ships. This is because larger ships have more passengers, and bartenders on these ships are responsible for serving more drinks.
    • Work for a reputable company. Cruise lines that have a good reputation typically pay their bartenders more than those that do not. This is because reputable cruise lines are more likely to attract high-quality bartenders.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Bartender Salaries

    What is the average salary for a cruise bartender?

    The average salary for a cruise bartender is around \$50,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the cruise line, the ship, and the bartender’s experience.

    How much can I expect to make as a cruise bartender?

    The amount you can expect to make as a cruise bartender will depend on the factors mentioned above. However, you can generally expect to earn a salary of around \$50,000 per year.

    What are the best ways to increase my salary as a cruise bartender?

    There are a few things you can do to increase your salary as a cruise bartender. These include:

    • Get experience. The more experience you have, the more you will earn.
    • Work in a desirable location. Cruise lines typically pay their bartenders more if they work in desirable locations.
    • Work on a larger ship. Bartenders who work on larger ships typically earn more than those who work on smaller ships.
    • Work for a reputable company. Cruise lines that have a good reputation typically pay their bartenders more than those that do not.

    What are the pros and cons of working as a cruise bartender?

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

    • The opportunity to travel the world.
    • The chance to meet new people from all over the world.
    • The opportunity to earn a good salary.
    • The chance to learn new skills.

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

    • The long hours.
    • The demanding work environment.
    • The lack of stability.
    • The separation from family and friends.

    How much do cruise bartenders make?

    The average salary for a cruise bartender is $30,000 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 being a cruise bartender?

    There are many benefits to being a cruise bartender, including:

    • The opportunity to travel the world and see new places
    • A flexible schedule that allows you to work part-time or full-time
    • The chance to meet new people from all over the world
    • A fun and exciting work environment

    What are the challenges of being a cruise bartender?

    There are also some challenges to being a cruise bartender, including:

    • Long hours, including working nights and weekends
    • Working in a high-pressure environment
    • Dealing with difficult customers
    • Being away from home for long periods of time

    What qualifications do I need to become a cruise bartender?

    To become a cruise bartender, you typically need:

    • A high school diploma or equivalent
    • A valid TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) license
    • Experience working in a bar or restaurant
    • Strong customer service skills
    • The ability to work well under pressure
    • A willingness to work long hours

    How can I become a cruise bartender?

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

    • Apply directly to cruise lines
    • Attend a bartending school
    • Get experience working in a bar or restaurant
    • Network with other bartenders

    What is the future of cruise bartending?

    The future of cruise bartending is bright. The cruise industry is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for qualified bartenders. With the right skills and experience, you can have a rewarding and successful career as a cruise bartender.

    In this article, we discussed the average salary of cruise bartenders. We also looked at the factors that influence how much a cruise bartender makes, such as the cruise line, the ship, and the location. We also provided some tips for aspiring cruise bartenders.

    Overall, the average salary for a cruise bartender is around $60,000 per year. However, there is a lot of variation in pay, with some bartenders making as much as $100,000 per year and others making as little as $30,000 per year.

    If you are interested in becoming a cruise bartender, it is important to do your research and find a cruise line that offers the salary and benefits that you are looking for. You should also consider the location of the ship and the type of work that you will be doing. With a little planning, you can find a cruise bartending job that is the perfect fit for you.

    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.