Note: All salaries are approximate and in USD - If you are non-US, you will be paid onboard in cash - no deductions! If you are a US citizen, some cruiselines typically deduct some taxes, paying you onboard as well.
***Cruise Director
The Cruise Director is responsible for all onboard entertainment. The position involves supervising staff within the Entertainment department and some administration. Cruise Directors occasionally perform as well, so they must be good entertainers.
Previous experience in cruise ship or land based entertainment is usually required. Ideally, the Cruise Director has some previous experience in a position of a Cruise Director Assistant or Cruise Staff.
Salaries range from $4000 up to $7000 per month.
***Assistant Cruise Director/Activities Manager (Title depends on the cruiseline)
The Assistant Cruise Director assists the Cruise Director in all his/her responsibilities: co-ordinate passengers' activities programme, supervise Cruise Staff, etc. He/she is expected to socialise with passengers and host and/or participate in onboard activities.
Salaries range from $2500 to $3000 per month.
***Cruise Staff
These are entry-level positions within the Entertainment Department, suitable for enthusiastic extroverts only. Cruise Staff are expected to socialise with passengers, play games, dance, call bingo numbers, get passengers involved in social and entertainment activities. Occasional Cruise Staff performance duties may be required as well.
Salaries range from $1800 to $2300 per month.
***Casino Staff
Various positions within casinos on cruise ships. Previous experience from onshore or onboard casinos required, usually a minimum of 2 years with a good knowledge of at least 2 games.
Casinos are closed while they are in a port - this leaves the casino staff plenty of free time for onshore visits.
***Casino Manager
Responsibilities include accounting and managing staff. Previous experience in the role is always required. Salary ranges from $2400 to $4200 per month.
***Casino Dealer / Croupier
Candidates for this position must hold a certificate from a casino school or at least 2 years experience of the same position with a good knowledge of at least 2 games (blackjack, poker, craps, baccarat or roulette). Salaries range from $1600 to $2400 per month.
***Casino Cashier
Casino Cashier is responsible for receiving and paying out money in a casino onboard a cruise ship. Good cash-handling and record-keeping skills are required. This position involves a great degree of responsibility. Salaries range from $1400 to $2000 per month.
***Slot Technician
This position involves the general maintenance and repair of slot machines onboard a cruise ship. At least 2 years experience is usually required. Salaries range from $2500 to $2800 per month.
***Dive Instructor
Dive Instructors guide passengers on diving excursions and provide diving instructions in the onboard swimming pool. All diving instructors are required to hold NAUI, SSI or PADI certificates, as well as CPR and First Aid certificate. Salaries range from $1700 to $2600 per month.
***Disc Jockey / DJ
DJs work only at night. Good knowledge of various music genres from all decades is required. Previous experience in hotels is useful, as well as any additional experience with lighting and sound equipment. Contracts usually last 6 months. Salaries range from $1700 to $2000 per month.
***Guest Entertainer
Entertainment positions on cruise ships are extremely popular. All entertainers who wish to perform on cruise ships should prepare their media packs - video (VHS, DVD) or audio (CD) presentations. Cruiselines receive dozens of media packs (profiles, portfolios, resumes) a week. Only the "best of the best" get hired. Relevant experience in performing on stage is required.
For Guest Entertainer singers, magicians and comedians, salaries range from $3500 to $6000 per month. Singers, Magicians and Comedians are required to have enough good material for at least 3 different thirty-50 minute shows.
***Musicians/Groups
Solo performance artists, usually pianists. Provide background music in lounges, lobbies, and dining rooms. Salaries range from $1600 to $3000 per month. Duos and Quartets earn about $2000 - $2600 per month for each member.
***Port /Shopping Lecturer
Lecturers give public speeches and shopping recommendations on various ports of calls to the passengers onboard cruise ships. They often represent onshore stores. Lecturers work closely with other departments and shops onboard, as well as cruise and excursion staff and shoreside shop owners. Strong sales and public speaking skills are required. Salaries are often commission-based and range from $3000 to $4000 per month.
***Shore Excursion Manager
Cruise lines offer their passengers short trips and excursions on land. The Shore Excursion Manager is responsible for supervising excursion staff, as well as promotion and arrangement of excursions. Previous experience in tourism is usually required for this position. Salaries range from $2300 to $3600 per month.
***Youth Counsellor
Ships will employ a "skeleton crew" of Youth Counsellors year-round. They hire additional youth counsellors for the high peak vacation times. Many students and teachers are hired for this position. Previous experience of childcare as well as safety training is required. typically the age range for the Youth Program is 3-17, broken down into age appropriate groups.
