Do you need a degree to be a cruise ship captain?


Do you need a degree to be a cruise ship captain? The first step of becoming a cruise ship captain is obtaining your high school diploma. After that, it is required that candidates possess either a bachelor's or master's degree of marine science or marine engineering.


Can a ship captain marry you?

A ship's captain generally does NOT have the legal right to officiate a wedding at sea. In order for a Captain of a ship to perform a marriage at sea, he must also be a judge, a justice of the peace, a minister, or an officially recognized officiant such as a Notary Public.


What qualifications do you need to be a captain of a cruise ship?

A cruise ship captain is the master of a cruise vessel. Captains usually have a college degree along with years of experience in shipping or naval navigation. They must be very experienced in analyzing speed, weather conditions and other factors that affect a ship's navigation, while controlling a staff of officers.


What is the hardest job on a cruise ship?

Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward.


How many hours a day does a cruise ship captain work?

After each contract you will receive approximately 60 days of vacation before your next assignment. Your daily work schedule while onboard will depend on your particular position, but you can expect to work seven days a week and anywhere between 10-13 hours per day.


What is the lowest salary of a ship captain?

Ship captains earn an average yearly salary of $81,640. Wages typically start from $37,240 and go up to $159,690.


Can cruise ship captains bring their family?

But sometimes, chatting with family online isn't enough – so one of the best perks captains enjoy is having their family onboard the ship. Individual cruise lines will set their own policies on this but they may allow families to be onboard for extended periods of time, or to make occasional visits.


How many captains does a cruise ship have?

There are two captains on any cruise ship at all times. One is the Ship's Captain, and the second captain in command is called the Staff Captain. The Staff Captain will be on duty when the Captain is sleeping or needs to do an inspection, for example. The main authority will, however, always rest with the Captain.


Are ship captains in demand?

In the United States, the demand for cargo ship captains is expected to grow by 8% by 2029, while the demand for cruise ship captains is expected to decline by 9% due to the pandemic's impact.


What does code MIKE mean on cruise ship?

Oceania Cruises are known to use “Code Mike” instead of Alpha to signify a medical emergency. Celebrity Cruises use “Star Code, Star Code, Star Code”. Code alpha is a medical emergency.


How much does a Carnival cruise ship captain make?

To become the captain of a ship, extensive experience working on ships as well as numerous qualifications and certifications are required. What is this? Cruise ship captains can make, on average, between $90 000 and $140 000 per year.


What are the perks of being a cruise ship captain?

In addition to salary cruise captains receive a number of other perks:
  • Accommodation on the ship free of charge.
  • Family staying onboard.
  • Meals onboard.
  • Laundry and Housekeeping.
  • Discounts, often on cruises and/or shops onboard.


How long does it take to become a cruise ship captain?

A captain's license obtained by a federal maritime authority is required for the position. Obtaining this license may take 10 years. To put it in perspective, it takes longer to become a cruise ship captain than a brain surgeon. Most captains earn their bars in 18 to 22 years.


Do cruise ship captains sleep?

The captain's quarters will vary by ship but typically there'll be a separate bedroom and office space, so that the captain is able to switch off for a few hours of sleep without being in 'work mode'.


How long are captains at sea?

Master or Captain: As the leader of the entire vessel and its crew, captains are usually working full time for sometimes 3 months at sea, after which they will receive 3 months off.


How much do cruise ship captains make?

The amount of experience, the level of education, the grades they received, location, and company all can determine the year's salary. In general, a cruise ship captain salary ranges between $54,000 and more than $100,000. This may seem like a low pay scale considering the responsibilities that come with the job.


How much does a celebrity cruise captain make?

$57K. The estimated total pay for a Captain at Celebrity Cruises is $56,792 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $50,618 per year.


Do ship captains make good money?

Ship captains earn an average yearly salary of $81,640. Wages typically start from $37,240 and go up to $159,690.


What is the highest paid cruise ship captain?

The salaries of Cruise Ship Captains in the US range from $18,053 to $476,518 , with a median salary of $86,503 . The middle 57% of Cruise Ship Captains makes between $86,503 and $216,093, with the top 86% making $476,518.


Who is the highest paid person on a cruise ship?

It comes as no surprise that the ship's captain has the biggest salary from working on a cruise ship. The master of the vessel has a huge responsibility for ship safety for crew and passengers along with navigation. The captain can earn almost $100,000 manually depending on the cruise line and experience.