How do you become a cruise ship captain?

How do you 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.

Can a woman captain a ship?

Female captains make up just under 3% of cruise ship captains worldwide – but this number is slowly growing.

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 easiest job on a cruise ship?

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.

Is there a age limit to captain a ship?

Must be at least 19 years old. Must be able to document 360 days of experience on a vessel. (See: What Counts as Sea Service) 90 days of sea service must be within the last 3 years of when you apply.

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 are on a cruise ship?

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.

What makes the most money on a cruise ship?

Generally, the highest-paying jobs on cruise ships are held by officers, department heads, and those working on commission. However, many other variables affect earning potential, such as cruise line, ship size, clientele, tips awarded, and prior job experience. Contracts are another factor.

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.

How hard is it to become a ship captain?

Captains of ships typically have many years of experience in other roles before they assume the leadership position of captain. This helps them to build up their practical knowledge around the ship and understand how each crew member contributes to the smooth functioning of the ship when it sets sail.

What are the perks of being a cruise ship captain?

How old are most ship captains?

The average age of male Ship & boat captains & operators in the workforce is 41.9 and of female Ship & boat captains & operators is 34, and the most common race/ethnicity for Ship & boat captains & operators is White.

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'.

What is the lowest salary on a cruise ship?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $102,500 and as low as $14,500, the majority of Cruise Ship Worker salaries currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) to $58,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $90,000 annually across the United States.

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.

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.

Do cruise ship workers get days off?

There are no holiday entitlements, but crew members can choose when they take the six- to eight-week break that automatically comes with longer contracts.