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What Cruise Ship Crew REALLY Get Paid: Crew Salaries EXPOSED

Cruising As Crew
Cruising As Crew
πŸ…Authority
πŸ‘οΈ 71K viewsπŸ“… 8 months ago⏱️ 29:25

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creator explores the complexities of cruise ship crew compensation, addressing the disparity between high earners and those earning low hourly rates. The video explains that while some crew members earn significant commissions or tips, others may find their hourly pay falls below minimum wage. The creator notes that salary variability is driven by job roles, seniority, and the specific cruise itinerary, as certain routes attract wealthier clientele who tip more generously. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the financial advantages of living on board, such as free room and board and provided meals, which allow crew members to save more than they might on land despite lower base salaries. The creator also details the logistics of ship pay, including the use of company-provided bank accounts and the importance of managing exchange rates. Ultimately, the video concludes that while the hourly rate might seem low, the lifestyle offers unique opportunities for travel and cultural experience that many find more valuable than a traditional paycheck.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Virgin Voyages
Barely Crispy
All-time creator consensus for Virgin Voyages
A Nibble

This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & AdviceπŸ…Authority Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

If you think that you're going to go on board and you're going to obsess over your hourly rate, it's probably not for you.

I think there are some things in life that are just more valuable than money, which is experience.

Even though you're making $4 an hour, you still will be able to save more working on a cruise ship than you can working on land.

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“Look at the job 360 degrees including travel and lack of expenses rather than just the hourly rate.
βœ“Set up a TransferWise (Wise) account to handle currency exchange more efficiently.
βœ“Don't just work and sleep; spend a little money on shore excursions or local food to stay sane.
βœ“Transfer money out of cruise line bank accounts as quickly as possible.

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Low hourly pay β€” Focus on the lack of expenses (rent, food, petrol) and the travel experience.
Salary variability β€” Understand that pay depends on your home country, your role, and the ship's itinerary/clientele.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow much do cruise ship crew members actually make?
QIs the high pay shown on TikTok real?
QWhat are the expenses for crew members?
QHow do crew members get paid?
QIs it easy to save money working on a ship?

Topics Covered

Value Pricing3Β½ Happy BaconDining Buffet2 Happy BaconWifi Connectivity2 Sad BaconExcursions4 Happy BaconDining Bars Drinks1Β½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Galveston, Texas3 Happy Bacon
MiamiΒ½ Sad Bacon
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Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube