how to become a cruise ship captain uk

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How to Become a Cruise Ship Captain

Last Updated: July 10, 2023 Approved

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 16 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 286,422 times. Learn more...

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. The skills required of a captain include communication, customer service, delegation, and organization. The US Department of Labor Statistics expects the demand for ship captains to go up by 17 percent until 2016, but the competition for cruise ship captain positions will remain competitive. In fact, you may need to finish 4 to 8 years of schooling and obtain decades of experience to qualify. If your dream is to become a cruise ship captain, begin your preparations now and create a backup plan for alternate careers that use the same set of qualifications.

Receiving the Right Education

• In the United States, many aspiring captains attend a Maritime High School, which are generally located on the coasts or Great Lakes. Maritime High Schools are competitive in admissions and follow a particular curriculum established by the U.S. Maritime Administration, emphasizing English, math, and science with additional courses in maritime skills, law, and career training. Because this is such a competitive line of work, a diploma from a Maritime High School is highly recommended to increase your chances of becoming a cruise ship captain.

• The US Government recommends three units of math (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry); three units of English; one unit of physics or chemistry; and eight additional units in additional math and/or science, foreign languages, economics, and social studies.
• If possible, look for part-time work (during evenings, weekends, and summer breaks) in a shipyard or on board a ship or sea-going vessel of any kind. You will learn about ship parts, worker roles, chain of command, and ship repair, as well as gaining experience on the sea, which will help you to know for sure that a career as a captain is ideal for you. If you do not live near the sea or large lakes, try to find summer work on board a ship.

• A diploma and an above-average grade point average in high school are necessary for admission to a Maritime Academy, and even if you do not choose to attend an academy or college, you must have a high school equivalency to gain additional career experience at the helm of a ship.

• Attending a Maritime Academy is the fastest track to move up the ladder on a maritime vessel. Maritime Academies in the United States include California, the Great Lakes, Maine, Massachusetts, Texas A&M, and the U.S. Merchant Academy. These are funded by the United States Maritime Administration to ensure that the government has a steady stream of properly trained merchant marine officers. [1] X Research source
• In the event that you cannot find a position as a cruise ship captain (which is unfortunately a high chance, given how competitive the industry is), a diploma from one of these schools can help you find employment with the US government or as a merchant marine captain. If you are based in another country, seek naval education or experience, according to the best path in your region.

Obtaining Needed Experience and Certifications

• If possible, try to get an internship on a cruise ship. This will help you gain experience and determine that this is the right career choice for you. If you have the opportunity to do more than one internship while in college, try to get one on a cruise line and one on a commercial or government ship. This will help you to see the difference in these career paths.

• Although your career goal is captain, you have to start on the deck to gain needed experience. If you did not get a Bachelor's degree, you will have to spend thousands of hours -- and many years-- gaining experience as a deckhand before you can move up the ship hierarchy and become a deck officer or third mate, which qualifies you to take exams to become a captain. If you did get the Bachelor's degree, you can skip the deckhand stage altogether. [2] X Research source
• The exams test your knowledge and readiness and also entail a thorough background check, including a review of your criminal record and citizenship as well a physical exam and vision and hearing evaluations. There are fees associated with these credentials, ranging from $50 to $100 USD. [3] X Research source

• A Master's degree is not always necessary to get a position, but because cruise ship positions are highly sought after, it might make a difference in your job search. Many cruise ship captains do not have a Master's degree. You will have to decide if your experience is enough or if you could benefit from a Master's degree on your resume; for instance, if you did not attend a maritime high school or Marine Academy, and/or if you have not had many years of experience on a vessel, you may need the additional education to be a viable candidate for a position on a cruise ship. [4] X Research source

• Certification exams require physicals, vision tests, drug screenings and written and practical exams. Merchant marine academies train their students in the topics that will be featured on these exams. People who gain their qualifications through experience may need to take exam prep courses to ensure they pass the exams. There are fees associated with these credentials, ranging from $50 to $100 USD. [5] X Research source

• The marine captain's license also qualifies you for positions with the United States government, including the Coast Guard. [6] X Research source

Finding Work

• In the vast majority of cases, marine captains are promoted after serving as deck officer or third mate on that ship. The time until promotion varies by organization and company, as well as by your own performance in each position.

• For example, most officer positions for Norwegian Cruise Lines are given to Norwegian citizens. The exception is their ship Pride of America, which only hires American citizens. [7] X Research source You will need to check the website of cruise line companies to find out their hiring requirements for particular job openings.

• Continue working as a merchant marine captain. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this industry are growing with an expected rate of 14% growth between now and 2022, outpacing the number of new captains available, so the odds of finding a position in a freight ship are much higher than the odds of finding a position as a cruise ship captain. [8] X Research source
• Consider joining the U.S. Armed Forces or working for the U.S. government. Particularly if you attended a State Maritime Academy, the United States seeks capable and well trained captains who can meet its national security needs. [9] X Research source

Community Q&A

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma/GED certificate
• Merchant marine degree
• Deck hand experience
• Rating exam prep course
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential
• Merchant Mariner Credential
• Marine captain's license
• Marine captain experience

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.marad.dot.gov/education/maritime-academies/
• ↑ http://www.allaboutcruisesandmore.com/how-to-become-a-cruise-ship-captain
• ↑ http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=ae63e8c8b8556b036cfde87e4a7bb8de&rgn=div5&view=text&node=46:1.0.1.2.10&idno=46
• ↑ http://study.com/articles/Ship_Captain_Job_Duties_and_Information_About_Becoming_a_Ship_Captain.html
• ↑ http://study.com/become_a_ship_captain.html
• ↑ https://www.ncl.com/about/careers/shipboard-employment/faq
• ↑ http://study.com/articles/Become_a_Boat_Captain_Step-by-Step_Career_Guide.html

About This Article

To become a cruise ship captain, start by focusing on getting good grades in math, English, and science courses in high school so you’ll be eligible to attend a Maritime Academy after you graduate. While you’re still in school, try to find a job in a shipyard or on board a ship to learn the ins and outs of being at sea. Then, while you’re attending a university, apply for an internship to get practical experience and make connections. After graduation, look for a job as a third mate or deck officer on a ship to develop the qualifications you’ll need as a captain. To learn how to qualify for the marine captain’s licensing exam, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Start your career at sea as a Cadet

P&o cruises and sister-brand cunard are two of the most iconic british cruise brands, brought to life by colleagues at carnival uk., every year we help hundreds of people start their career at sea through a number of exciting cadetship training programmes., if you’re in school, college or university and starting to think about your future, carnival uk can offer you all the adventure and opportunity you’ve been looking for., it’s an exciting way to meet new people, pick up fantastic skills, start your seafaring career and, most importantly, gain experiences that’ll stay with you for a lifetime., when you join as a cadet, you’ll take part in all kinds of activities, and you’ll also have the opportunity to travel, gain top qualifications, and get paid for it too. we’ll even pay your tuition fees to help you stay debt-free while you train with us., so, whether you’re looking for a foundation degree, a full-time career, or just want to meet new people and see some of the world, you’ll find the all the opportunities you need at carnival uk., choose your cadet career.

NEW! Engineer Graduate Cadetship

If you have an engineering qualification (either mechanical or electrical) you can fast-tack your Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.

Engineer Graduate Cadetship programme available at South Shields Marine School and Warsash Maritime Academy.

Engineering Cadet

We support cadetships on both the HND (High National Diploma), Foundation Degree and the Scottish Diploma.

As a Engineer Cadet, you will learn about the running and maintenance of the ship’s engine room and all of its mechanical equipment. You will need the ability to evaluate the problems arising in the complex high-tech world of a modern cruise ship, make prompt decisions and take effective corrective measures.

As a Deck Officer Cadet, you’ll learn how to navigate by both traditional and modern means, supervise the crew at a variety of tasks, and ensure the overall safe operation of the ship.

Electro-Technical Cadet

This MNTB programme leads to the award of a Foundation Degree and MCA UK Certificate of Competency. We also support a HND (High National Diploma) programme for electro-technical cadetships.

As an Electro-Technical Cadet you will learn about the running and maintenance of the ship’s electro-technical equipment. That includes everything related to the electrical generating plant, electronic/automated control systems, bridge navigational equipment and entertainment system s.

Just search ‘Cadet’ in the ‘What’ box to see all Cadetship opportunities .

Study at any of these maritime colleges

South Tyneside College, South Shields

South Tyneside College (South Shields Marine School) offers programmes across the whole spectrum of marine education and nautical sciences, including navigation, and marine engineering and electrical engineering.

Glasgow College of Nautical Studies

Glasgow College of Nautical Studies is situated in the heart of Glasgow on the south bank of the River Clyde. It’s famous School of Marine and Mechanical Engineering is dedicated to giving you the highest quality education and training available.

Fleetwood Nautical College, Fleetwood

Fleetwood Nautical College is one of the top Nautical colleges in the country. That’s why it’s been designated as a National Beacon of Excellence and was recently re-accredited for the Charter Mark in recognition of the excellent service it provides.

Warsash Maritime Academy, Southampton

Part of Southampton Solent University, Warsash Maritime Academy provides internationally recognised certification programmes for both Deck and Engineer Officers from Cadet level to Master (Captain) and Chief Engineer.

How To Become a Cruise Ship Captain: Qualification, Lifestyle & Responsibilities

If cruise ships look like giant palaces or flashy kingdoms afloat on the ocean, adorned with all their glitz and glamour, it wouldn’t be an overstatement that the captain in command of these ships is undoubtedly the king of these floating kingdoms.

The captain undoubtedly, as it is in the case of cargo ships too, has the overall and overriding responsibility of everything related to that ship across departments and holds the highest office on the ship.

Unlike cargo ships though, cruise ships have multiple departments, divided across deck, engine, hotel and entertainment. Although each department has its own leader, they all have to report to the captain ultimately.

Related reading:  Engineering Department Onboard Cruise Ships – A Detailed Guide

Therefore, the role of the captain becomes much more diverse and complex than on cargo ships. A cruise ship captain needs to excel in leadership, management, multi-tasking and decision-making skills in order to be able to successfully preside over the everyday operations of the cruise ship.

While the position of a cruise ship captain is an extremely lucrative, honourable and prestigious rank to hold, it is not without its share of responsibilities. The captain is responsible and answerable for every operation & incident that occurs on the ship under his command.

From manoeuvring the ship in and out of ports, narrow channels , rough seas and heavy weather to overseeing guest comfort and satisfaction, hygiene, quality, food, safety and security, managing ship and shoreside staff, steering committee, managing surveys and coordinating with departmental heads for everyday operations, the captain has to be capable to do it all.

The responsibility of a captain is so huge that they are directly answerable even for mishaps and accidents involving their ships.

Related Reading: How Are Cruise Ships Powered?

Failure to effectively manage crisis situations, make quick & informed decisions and prioritize the safety of lives can be detrimental to the career or in the worst case, the future life of the captain.

The above was highlighted in the case of the captain of the cruise ship Costa Concordia , which met a terrible fate in 2012.

The above vessel capsized after hitting rocks near the island of Giglio near the Italian coast on 13th January 2012. This occurred when the captain ordered the helmsman to steer the ship closer to the island for a maritime salute, a manoeuvre which although the ship had done successfully many times previously was to prove fatal on that night.

Reportedly due to miscommunication between the captain and the Indonesian helmsman, the ship steered closer to the island than usual and by the time the captain realized this and ordered course correction, the ship hit a rock which caused a 174 ft to tear on the port side.

The ship, thereafter started taking in water rapidly and 5 compartments including the engine room got flooded, the ship lost power and started drifting.

Due to wind, loss of propulsion and steering and rapid flooding, the ship changed direction, ran aground and also started listing severely to the starboard side.

The captain, who even after realizing that the ship was flooding, did not immediately call for evacuation or help. In fact, on being contacted by the coastguard, he gave inaccurate information that the ship was only experiencing a loss of power and requested tug assistance.

The result was that by the time he finally gave the order for an evacuation, the ship had started listing severely. In fact, crew members on realizing the grave situation and the captain’s indecision had already launched many lifeboats .

The captain’s indecision, mismanagement of the crisis and concealment of information, in this case, caused the loss of 32 lives as due to the increasing list, more lifeboats could not be launched.

To make matters worse, he fled from the ship even when more than 300 people still remained on board, while it started listing. This included passengers and many crew members.

Despite repeated calls and even orders from an Italian coast-guard officer reminding him of his responsibilities as the captain and for him to return on board, he did not return and shirked from his responsibility of ensuring the safe evacuation of all crew and passengers.

Although with the help of the coastguard and other ships, almost all the remaining persons were eventually evacuated by the next morning, the captain was charged with dereliction of his duties and responsibilities, abandonment of the vessel along with his crew, causing the accident and the death of so many people.

He pleaded guilty despite initially denying and calling himself a scapegoat and was sentenced to a 16-year prison term. Therefore, through the above case, we can understand that how critical the captain’s responsibilities are.

It’s clear that how so ever rosy a captain’s chair and his paycheques may seem, it’s still a highly responsible job as he is accountable for not only his own actions but the actions of other crew-members as well on board his ship.

Qualifications required to become a cruise ship captain

The qualifications required to become a cruise ship captain are not much different from that of merchant ship captains.

A degree or diploma in Nautical Science is followed by onboard training as cadets or apprentice officers lasting several months.

Thereafter, the aspiring candidates are considered eligible for the 2nd Mate examination, on passing which they are qualified to work as 3rd Officers onboard cruise ships.

Further qualifications are acquired by passing subsequent Nautical examinations for Chief Mate and thereafter, Master although there could be some differences in the rules and procedures from country to country.

A Nautical officer on cruise ships too rises through the ranks subject to passing these examinations and also onboard promotions, which depend on performance and experience.

The journey from a Third Officer to a Captain can take several years (usually 15-20 years) as an officer may have to serve at many intermediate ranks for considerable periods of time.

The intermediate ranks are namely Second Officer, First Officer-Navigation, First Officer-Environmental (in many cruise lines this rank is specifically known as Environmental Officer), Chief Officer, Chief Officer-Safety (This rank is also known as Safety Officer), Staff Captain and Captain.

Brief description of ranks on Cruise Ships

Captain: In-command and overall in-charge of the ship. Assumes total responsibility and overriding authority, especially in the matters of safety, security and environmental protection.

Staff Captain: Second in command on board and in charge of the deck/nautical department. Serves as deputy to the captain and should be ready to step into the captain’s shoes in case of unavailability of the captain, emergencies & unforeseen circumstances.

Chief Officer (Safety): Overall in charge of all safety-related equipment, plans, procedures, training and drills onboard.

Chief Officer: Overall in charge of deck operations and maintenance.

Environmental Officer: In charge of overseeing all environmental operations viz. garbage segregation, waste collection & disposal, documentation (ensuring upkeep and updating of environmental record books), upkeep of company environmental policies, local laws of the port state pertaining to environmental protection, environmental training and drills.

First Officer (Navigation): The senior watchkeeping Officer in charge of the Navigational watch on the bridge. Responsible for all navigational and watchkeeping related issues and upkeep of documentation pertaining to them.

Second Officer: Also, an Officer in charge of a navigational watch.

Third Officer: First assistant to the senior watchkeeping Officer in charge of the bridge i.e., First or Second Officer. He reports to the First/Second Officer during a navigational watch on the bridge.

Cadet: Trainee navigational officer, usually a degree or diploma holder, fresh out of a maritime navigational training institution.

Apprentice Officer: Usually a trainee who is undergoing his onboard training as part of a maritime curriculum where the training forms a compulsory part of his degree/diploma course.

The above is a general description of the various ranks of the nautical/deck department and their duties and responsibilities, onboard passenger ships. This is only to give an idea and these ranks and/or duties may vary slightly from company to company.

Related reading:  A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks

Lifestyle and salary of a cruise ship captain

The captain undoubtedly, enjoys a status of a king on board passenger ships, being the ship’s supreme commander, as we have seen and therefore, enjoys many perks and benefits.

These may include five-star accommodation onboard akin to deluxe passenger suites, room-service, company-sponsored first-class flight travel, short contracts of about 2 months and paid vacations, amongst others.

The salary that a cruise ship captain earns is usually in the range of 15000-25000 USD per month, depending upon rank experience, seniority and company pay scale.

To conclude, it would just be fair to say that although a cruise ship captain enjoys a high pay package and many perks and facilities, and is valued as a prestigious position, what comes along with all that glitter is a mountain of responsibility and accountability not only towards his own work but also towards the actions of each and every crew-member on the ship he commands.

He has to lead by example and epitomize excellent management skills in a multifaceted, multi-skilled and multi-disciplinary cruise ship, which has many hundreds of crew-members and thousands of passengers at any given time, as all the crew will look up to him as an inspiration.

He has to ensure that he runs a tight ship by coordinating efficiently with each department on board and the company shoreside.

He also has to make sure that the ship is up-to-date with all the inspections and certifications, is in compliance with all international, flag state and port state rules and regulations.

Most importantly, he should be capable of handling extreme pressure, as he may have to tackle accidents and sudden emergencies (like what happened to the Costa Concordia) and will have to make quick decisions that may impact thousands of lives onboard.

And finally, if after everything, he is unable to salvage his vessel, he will be the one to make the decision to abandon ship and ensure that each and every soul on board is evacuated to safety before himself, because as the captain, he should be the last person to leave the ship, unlike in the case of the Costa Concordia .

Therefore, the crown of the captain may be engraved with many precious jewels, but there is no doubt that it sits heavy on his head!

You might also like to read:

• The Ultimate Guide To Join Merchant Navy
• Watch: Merchant Navy Salary: How Much Do They Earn?

Joining The Merchant Navy After Class 12th in India

• 8 Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy
• 10 Reasons Why a Career in Merchant Navy is Unlike Any Other

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Whether you see yourself as a Deck or Electro-technical Officer, an Engineer or part of a cruise ship crew, we'll show you the way. Merchant Navy training blends hands-on learning on board a shipping industry vessel, and university- or college-based study. With course fees and living costs covered by your sponsor.

At every step there's support to make the best of your talents. You'll come away with professional seafaring certificates, an educational qualification and technical skills — the start of a maritime career full of international travel and incredible journeys. Where will a career at sea take you?

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Being part of 21st-century seafaring turns everyday work into extraordinary adventures. But don’t just take our word for it. Speak to one of our lively and inspirational ambassadors at your school or youth group by requesting a visit.

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From prestigious cruise liners to high-tech bulk carriers - every ship is different. Along with the range of roles on board. You could be a Navigation (Deck) Officer or an Engine Room Rating, a member of a catering crew or an engineering team.

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Worldwide travel. A close-knit team. Skills to last a lifetime. These are just some of the things that inspire people to embark on a career at sea. Read the stories to find out more about life and work in the Merchant Navy, at every level.

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Careers: How to become a cruise ship captain

From passing iconic landmarks to challenging manoeuvres, former sea cadet Captain Steve Holland shares his experience of working at sea

How did you become captain of a cruise ship? 

I started a cadetship (an apprenticeship programme) with Princess Cruises after leaving school in 1999.

Is it what you always wanted to do? 

At school I wanted to be an airline pilot. I didn’t intend to work at sea, but my background and free time was always taken up by being on the water.

I was a sea cadet, joining as a junior and making my way up to Petty Officer Cadet before volunteering as an instructor until starting my cadetship.

Sea Cadets started me on sailing, powerboating, and offshore power courses on the Earl of Romney (a Marine Society training ship). This all helped me in starting my cadetship – I had already done most of the initial training, especially the seamanship side, which I still use! 

What does being captain involve? 

I’m responsible for the safety of the ship and navigation, as well as motivating the crew in their safety and environmental responsibilities. 

“I had already done most of the training at Sea Cadets, especially the seamanship, which I still use today” 

What do you do on an average day?  

Sea days start with checking the navigational progress during the night and checking in with the on watch bridge team and the weather. Next, I walk through the ship to catch up with the head of the hotel department and then down to the engine control room to speak with the Chief Engineer.

Then there are meetings or conference calls for company updates. Passenger functions take up the rest of the day, usually lunch with the most frequent passengers, attending onboard weddings or renewing marriage vows.

It finishes with a change of uniform to greet regular cruisers, then night orders and checking the weather at our next port before the end of the day.

What’s the best part of your job? 

Arriving at sunrise into some of the most amazing places in the world – passing the Statue of Liberty in New York or berthing in Quebec near the iconic hotel Château Frontenac. Another highlight is manoeuvring the ship into many challenging ports around the world.

What’s the most difficult part? 

When the weather forecast is bad and you have to change ports or timings, and then having to deal with the disappointment that our passengers feel, though most are very understanding about it.

Would you recommend being a cruise ship captain as a career to sea cadets? 

I would certainly recommend a career in the merchant navy, especially on passenger ships.  You have the chance to progress at your own pace and travel the globe as you work, with so many different people from around the world.

Do you have any other career goals? 

One day I would like to be Commodore of the Fleet (the most senior captain), which I could achieve if I stay in command long enough, or work in our training centre to help the next generation of seafarers.  

Images: Steve Holland, Alamy Images

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Captain (Ship's Captain)

Job description.

The Ship's Captain has the overall responsibility for - and command of the ship, its passengers, cargo and the crew. They will ensure procedures are followed and safety measures are adhered to. They will also be responsible for the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo.

Vessels that Captains command can vary greatly with assignment and experience - from small to medium fishing and leisure boats to barges, ferries, freighters and cruise ships.

Entry Requirements

To become a Captain you will have at least 5 years in a lower position on a ship.

Initially you could join the merchant navy as an officer cadet or marine apprentice from the age of 16 onwards. 

The Merchant Navy Deck Officer job description provides further details of how to get started.

Required Skills

• Confidence with the ability to lead and motivate others
• Technical abilities
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to travel
• Good problem solving abilities
• Good maths skills
• Ability to keep calm in emergency situations
• Observation and recording skills
• Resourcefulness and flexibility

Salary Range

£40,000 - £100,000

Next Steps...

• Find an apprenticeship (National Apprenticeships Service)
• Find a course (National Careers Service)
• 6th Form & college courses - Norfolk (Help You Choose)
• Labour Market Information (LMI)
• CV Tips and Templates

4 Organisations that may offer similar jobs

• Maritime Careers /
• Careers Professionals /

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are particularly suited to the maritime sector because so many jobs require the mix of practical learning and theoretical study which is at the heart of the apprenticeship model.  From managing a busy port to catering on a cruise ship, from navigating the open sea to lifting a customer’s yacht ashore to clean it, from building a fast ferry to driving it, the maritime sector offers a wide and growing range of apprenticeships as the starting-point for some very rewarding careers.

Apprenticeships are jobs which mix practical learning on-the-job alongside a more experienced colleague, and more theoretical study.  They’re designed to give apprentices a strong foundation for their career, and the fact that so many senior people in the industry started their careers as apprentices is powerful evidence of just how successful apprenticeships are.

And they’re not just for school leavers like the apprenticeships of the past.  Many people join the maritime sector after doing something else first, and an apprenticeship offers an excellent foundation, with training to a standard agreed nationally by employers.  More than that, there are some apprenticeships for people who re-train after gaining substantial experience first, such as the marine pilot apprenticeship, which enables someone who’s been to sea to gain the additional skills they need to become a pilot.  

Governments throughout the UK are keen to encourage businesses to offer more apprenticeships, providing subsidies to all sizes of business, whether they pay the Apprenticeship Levy or not.

For individuals, apprenticeships have the major attraction that apprentices get paid (in many cases, well-paid) while they are learning – rather than accumulating debt as students do. 

Apprenticeships are currently available for crew in the shipping sector (particularly ferries and cruise ships), with roles both on deck and in the engine room, for crew on the Thames and other inland waterways (leading to the Boatmaster licence), and for workboat operatives (mostly supporting the construction sector). 

There is a specialist boatbuilding apprenticeship covering both building and repair for all types and sizes of boats and yachts.  And there are many related apprenticeships in the engineering field.

Ports offer apprenticeships for port operatives and a wide range of engineering and other roles.

In marinas and boatyards there are apprenticeships for the people who move and maintain, and clean customers’ boats and yachts.

And there’s a huge range of apprenticeships in the Royal Navy, and in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (the civilian fleet which supplies Royal Navy vessels at sea). 

The list of maritime apprenticeships growing all the time - see below for the current list. 

List of Apprenticeships

More infomation

The Maritime Skills Alliance has further information on apprenticeships in inland waterways, marinas and boatyards, marine pilotage, the Merchant Navy, port operations (stevedoring), the Royal Navy, sea fishing and workboats.

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Working on a cruise ship

The cruise industry is more than a job, it's a lifestyle bursting with excitement, travel, and endless opportunities. Discover if you have what it takes to apply

With cruise line companies constantly trying to build bigger and better ships, there are always opportunities to work at sea for those who wish to do so. From accommodation, bar work, fitness, entertainment, childcare and retail, these roles can be found aboard every cruise liner.

Why work on a cruise ship?

Working on a cruise ship has many advantages, the most obvious being the opportunity to travel the world. As an onboard member of staff, you'll visit destinations such as the Caribbean, South America, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia.

When working on a cruise ship, your accommodation and food expenses are covered and as you're usually onboard for at least six months of the year, you can save a lot of money without having to worry about rent or other living expenses. Additionally, you keep whatever you earn as disposable income.

Another advantage of working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to make connections and build relationships with people from various backgrounds. You'll forge new friendships and make international contacts that will be valuable throughout your career.

Cruise line companies invest time and money into training their employees, which presents excellent opportunities for career progression. Once you're onboard, you'll be encouraged to seek promotion, and your hard work will be recognised.

Are there disadvantages to working on a cruise ship?

While working on a cruise ship seems like an attractive prospect, it's not for everyone. While accommodation and living expenses are taken care of, salaries are often low. You'll also have to work long hours, with little time off. Homesickness can also be a challenge, making it a difficult experience for some.

Living quarters on a cruise ship can be cramped, and you'll have to adapt to living in small spaces with other crew members. It's also hard to achieve a good work-life balance as you're confined to the ship for most of the time, with no option to clock off and go home like those working on land.

What jobs are on offer?

Whether you have experience in hospitality, entertainment, or IT, there's likely a role tailored to you:

• Accommodation - keep cabins clean and guest areas comfortable. This department suits those with a passion for hospitality . Positions include laundry staff, cleaners, and stewards.
• Food and beverage - bartenders, waiters, waitresses, and chefs are needed to provide meal services to passengers.
• Casino - experienced croupiers can find excellent opportunities dealing cards and managing table games.
• Deck and engine - these technical roles are ideal for individuals with engineering degrees or relevant experience. Strong language skills can be a bonus.
• Entertainment - singers, dancers, activity hosts, and qualified swimming instructors are needed alongside holiday representatives ,  tourism officers  or  tour managers .
• Fitness and beauty - qualified professionals in hairdressing, massage therapy, personal training , and other beauty services provide treatments to passengers.
• IT - keep the ship's IT systems running smoothly. If you have a degree or experience in information technology , this could be your ideal role.
• Management - lead the way and oversee various onboard operations. Cruise lines offer management positions for individuals with experience or qualifications in business, leisure, travel, or tourism management. Discover how to answer common  management interview questions
• Medical - ensure the wellbeing of passengers and crew. Doctors ,  nurses  and  paramedics are essential roles on every cruise ship.
• Children's services - keep young passengers entertained and safe. Qualified nannies and experienced children's entertainers are in high demand.
• Retail - on-board shops will employ graduates with experience working in a  retail  environment to sell duty-free goods or other onboard merchandise.

Cruise lines offer both seasonal and full-time work, and often promote from within, so starting in an entry-level position can open doors to advancement. Employers value strong administrative, management, customer service, and sales skills.

Which cruise companies can I work for?

Cruise ship jobs are available with a variety of cruise companies, including:

• Avalon Waterways
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Disney Cruises
• Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
• Holland America Line
• Marella Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Saga Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Titan River Cruises.

What qualifications do I need?

Working on a cruise ship can be highly competitive, so it is important to have relevant qualifications and work experience to make your CV stand out to potential employers. The qualifications required for a particular job in the cruise industry depend on the position and the cruise company you are applying to. Entry requirements can vary between different cruise operators, so it is essential to do your research before applying.

For IT, management, and medical roles, it is likely that you will need to have at least a degree-level education. A degree in an engineering subject can be useful for those interested in working in the engine room. On the other hand, professional qualifications are typically preferred if you want to work as a chef, beauty therapist, personal trainer, or nanny.

When it comes to accommodation, bar and restaurant staff, and entertainers, some previous experience in a similar role is usually required. However, it is possible to get a job on a cruise ship with no qualifications or experience, but you will need to be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Basic safety training is essential for anyone working on a cruise ship, and it includes personal survival techniques, basic firefighting, and first aid. These training programmes are incorporated in the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. In addition, you must also pass and hold a seafarer's medical certificate. Many ports around the world also have various visa requirements that you need to fulfil.

If you are interested in pursuing further education, you can search postgraduate courses that can help you advance your career in the cruise industry.

How do I get a cruise ship job?

As a minimum, you will need to:

• be 21 years old
• possess the necessary qualifications for the desired position
• hold a valid passport
• maintain a clean criminal record
• demonstrate English language proficiency.

Before applying for jobs , thoroughly research the cruise line you're interested in. Understanding their offerings and target market is essential. Each company has a unique brand identity, so familiarise yourself with their mission statement.

Many large cruise lines utilise recruitment agencies for hiring. Ensure you understand both the agency's and the cruise line's application procedures.

Most applications involve submitting a CV and cover letter , or completing an online form. Be sure to tailor your application to the specific role, highlighting your relevant experience. This is crucial, as competition can be fierce with hundreds of applicants per position. For entertainment roles, it's important to include a professional photograph. Remember, you're applying to the cruise line, not a particular ship.

There will likely be several application stages and these may include a  video  or  telephone  interview before you receive an invitation to be  interviewed  face-to-face.

Personality is a key factor in selection - applicants should possess a positive and can-do attitude, as cruise lines seek confident, outgoing team players with a passion for exceptional customer service.

Find out more

• Gain an insight in to the leisure, sport and tourism sector .
• Learn more about travel and tourism courses .

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How I got my job... travelling the world

Welcome to Glamour's weekly column, How I Got My Job , featuring one woman with an amazing job, and the real route to get it. Looking for career inspo? For this week's instalment, captain Kate McCue shares her CV...

Who? Kate McCue, 37.

What? First female US captain of a cruise ship. She is responsible for Celebrity Summit, a 91,000-ton, 965-foot ship, which sails between the eastern United States and Bermuda.

My parents took me on a cruise to the Bahamas, aged 12, and, seduced by the glamour of travelling to exotic destinations, I fell in love with the idea of working on a ship. I wasn’t an overly ambitious student – achieving mostly B grades – but my goal was always to attend maritime university.

The ratio of male to female students was 15 to one, something they’re still trying to balance. I also took a celestial navigation course. Every summer we went on a training cruise to get experience, travelling to amazing places like Easter Island.

After university, I started as a third mate with Disney Cruise Line. It was an entry-level position, assisting the first officer with the driving of the ship, inspecting safety equipment and helping plan voyages. For a first job, it was well paid – no living costs. I worked three months on and two off, sailing mostly around the Caribbean.

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I joined here as a second officer – it was a bigger company with more room for promotion. I was never bored – one day I’d be sailing to Alaska; the next, Australia, with regular opportunities to go ashore. In 2004, I progressed to first officer and had to drive the ship for eight hours a day. It needs a high level of concentration (there can be a lot of shipping traffic), so you break it into two four-hour shifts with eight hours’ rest in between. The scariest moment was having to rescue some refugees from Cuba.

Every time you complete 365 days of sailing, you go to college to upgrade your licence. Here I got my Chief Mate and Master’s Licence (it enables you to take over control of the ship, should you need to).

By Danielle Sinay

By Francesca Specter

By Charley Ross

I returned to work as chief officer, the most experienced first officer on the ship. I was responsible for helping train the crew in the use of lifeboats, and ship maintenance. In 2011, I was promoted to staff captain – second in command. My main areas of expertise were safety, security and making sure the ship looked beautiful. I was also like a headmaster – if any of the 900-strong crew had problems, they’d come to me.

I was contacted by Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, who asked me to apply for the job of captain. I’m now in charge of the ship. Guests can be surprised to learn their captain is a woman, but there’s never been any negativity. The best part of the job is meeting so many diverse people. The hardest thing is remembering the names of 2,000 new guests!

Figure out what you love doing and find a way to make money from it. I’m passionate about my job, and my husband (a ship engineer) and I will often go on a cruise on our time off.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Work hard, persevere and be patient. You’ll get there.

Change is good. Embrace it, or get left behind. I’m always shaking things up based on customer feedback.

By Lian Brooks

We make money helping people book cruises, and from advertisers / affiliate partners. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How To Become a Cruise Ship Captain

Many people enjoy exploring open water and desire the freedom to live their life on the sea. For these reasons, individuals are drawn to being a cruise ship captain. In order to have this job, it requires a lot of work and training. Cruise ship captains seem to have a glamorous job and this is another reason why people aspire to have this vocation. However, the reality of being a cruise ship captain is far less glamorous and involves a lot more work.

Roles and Responsibilities Of a Cruise Ship Captain

Cruise ship captains have a lot of responsibility and they are known as the "master" of their ship. This job is far from easy, but can be extremely rewarding. Cruise ship captains are in charge of overseeing their crew of thousands of people to be sure that every gets done and is compliant with both international and local laws. Other responsibilities include maintaining and utilizing complex navigational systems and engines, watching the embarkment and disembarkment of passengers to ensure that every person is accounted for and knowing that safety equipment and measures are working. Additionally, cruise ship captains must enforce safety procedures, navigate the ship and communicate with ports and other nearby vessels. Another skill that is important for cruise ship captains is the ability to socialize. It is important for cruise ship captains to socialize with passengers, such as making small conversations and even hosting dinners. As the cruise ship captain is in charge of the ship, many people will report to them, such as the hotel manager, cruise director and the head engineer. The cruise ship captain is the point person and responsible for the safety of the ship and its passengers. It is evident that the role of a cruise ship captain is a large amount of responsibility and hard work.

What Education Do Cruise Ship Captains Need?

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. It is preferred that the bachelor's or master's degree is obtained through a maritime college or academy. Additionally, it is critical that individuals have an in-depth and holistic understanding of logistics, navigation, maritime and safety laws and management. Furthermore, it is critical that potential cruise ship captains have extensive training. Cruise ship captains must receive a captain's license from a federal maritime authority. However, receiving this license can take up to ten years. It takes more time to become a cruise ship captain than a brain surgeon. For most cruise ship captains, they earn their bars 18 to 22 years after beginning the process.

Exams and Certifications For Cruise Ship Captains

Maritime academies train potential cruise ship captains, which is the fastest way to receive training. However, some academies require service in the armed forces. After the four-year program, potential cruise ship captains receive their bachelor of science degree and a Coast Guard license as Third Mate. In order to become certified, potential cruise ship captains need a Transportation Work Identification Credential that is provided by the Transportation Security Administration that helps to locate cruise ship captains. Additionally, cruise ship captains need their Merchant Mariner Credential that is attained through the Department of Homeland Security. Both certifications entail physical examinations, drug tests, written exams and a vision test. Additionally, it is required for potential cruise ship captains to complete their captain licensure exams. After at least 10 years of work experience, individuals are able to take this exam.

Skills All Cruise Ship Captains Must Have

It is important that a cruise ship captain has a wide variety of skills, as they are not only navigating the boat, but are responsible for overseeing employees to guarantee a safe arrival. Important skills include leadership abilities, customer service and communication skills. Additionally, it is important that they have knowledge of administrative abilities so they can run the ship efficiently. Other necessary skills include analytical and problem-solving abilities, staying calm in stressful situations and the ability to work successfully under pressure.

Questions People Have About Cruise Ship Captains

- Can Captains Marry People at Sea?

Yes! They can, if they have the required legal rights. In reality, weddings at sea are pretty uncommon. However, cruise ship captains can conduct the ceremony if they are ordained. In order for a cruise ship captain to preform the marriage, they must be a judge, a justice of the peace, a minister, or a legally recognized officiant such as a Notary Public.

- How Long Are Cruise Ship Captains At Sea?

It depends on each individual cruise. It is critical that cruise ship captains can be on a ship for extended periods of time, as it is not uncommon for a cruise ship captain to be on the sea for weeks, or even months.

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• Home: Explore careers

Cruise ship steward

Alternative titles for this job include cabin steward.

Cruise ship stewards clean and service cabins on board cruise ships.

Average salary (a year)

Typical hours (a week).

36 to 40 seasonal

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

How to become a cruise ship steward.

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• applying directly

College courses which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
• Level 2 Diploma in Customer Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Direct Application

You can apply to work as a cruise ship steward directly with cruise lines , or through specialist recruitment agencies .

There are no formal requirements, but experience of working in a hotel, restaurant or bar can be useful. GCSEs in English and maths will be helpful.

Customer service is an important part of the role, so most cruise liners will expect you to have worked in a customer service job before.

As you'll be travelling around the world, it may be helpful if you can speak a second language.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a desire to help people
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

In this role you could:

• show guests to their cabins
• take food and drink orders
• supply fresh linen
• vacuum floors
• replace mini bar items and provide a bill
• replace stocks and supplies

Working environment

You could work on a cruise ship.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience you could progress to a supervisor post, like assistant housekeeper or head steward.

You could also move into other areas like working as a croupier in the casino, or entertainment or restaurant work.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england.

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a cruise ship steward right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

L2 - certificate in understanding excellence in customer service for hospitality - yr 1 of 1 (ncfe).

• Provider: SOUTH THAMES COLLEGES GROUP
• Start date: 23 September 2024
• Location: MORDEN

Travel & Tourism with Hospitality - Level 3 - Year 1

• Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
• Start date: 09 September 2024
• Location: Halesowen

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Not what you're looking for?

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Let your Dreams set sail! How to become a cruise ship captain.

A big Hello to all the readers! Today we are again meeting up with another exciting topic.  What do you know about Ships captains? We hope you do know something! But being a cruise ship captain is much more enjoyable. So, we have gathered a lot of helpful information about who a  cruise ship’s Captain   is and how to become one. So if any of you are with the thought of becoming one, we hope this information will support you. Let’s find out How to become a cruise ship captain .

Who is a cruise ship captain?

A cruise ship captain is a mariner who has the license to operate a vessel. He holds full responsibility for the ship he commands. Apart from using the boat, the Captain is also responsible for their crew and passengers. A ship captain’s decision is the final decision for everyone on board, including officers, mates, staff, and passengers. He has to take responsibility for almost everything regarding the operations of the ship, the passenger’s needs, and the crew. Therefore, this is not a simple task.  Becoming a cruise ship captain   is a lot of responsibility that it shows. So, if anyone wishes to take up this position, he needs to be fully qualified and updated on all aspects of the job role.

Suppose you look into more detail about the responsibilities and the job role of a cruise ship captain. In that case, Ship captains are the prominent persons responsible for the ship’s passengers and safe cargo transportation. They should be knowledgeable in using navigational aids to determine the ship’s speed and location. The Captain directs the ship’s piloting and avoids hazards. Cruise captains must ensure that the crew and the staff strictly follow all maritime protocols and safety regulations. Also, he has to supervise the maintenance of the ship’s engines and other related equipment for general upkeep. Keeping to the vessel’s security plan is another responsibility of the Captain. It also includes procedures for safeguarding refugees, hijackers, pirates, and terrorist threats. The cruise captain has to conduct searches and maintain restricted areas for the ship’s safety.

The cruise ship captains never forget to greet and socialize with guests through their professional responsibilities. They have to record the ship’s movements, passengers, and cargo. Maintaining the ship’s certificates and documentation is one of the primary duties of the cruise captain. They also have to ensure that the vessel complies with immigration and customs laws.

How do you become a cruise ship captain ?

Have you ever thought of   how to become a ship captain ? First, let us see the requirement to become a ship captain. It is no easy task, dear readers. There are a ton of needs to fulfill. The good thing about this is that you can travel worldwide.

If you want to take up a ship captain’s role, you need to fulfill the below qualifications. The Ship Captains are expected to have skills essential for performing their duty well. If you are interested in the job role, it is necessary to learn more about it and its responsibilities. 

To be a ship captain or the Captain of a cruise ship, there are certain levels of Education. So for those wondering,  “ What are the requirements to be a ship captain? ”  Here, we have listed out the essential requirements to get an idea of how to lead the way towards your dream.

Cruise ship captain requirements

• The most important thing is completing your secondary or high school education. Most students who would love to take up the challenge of being a ship captain work in shipyards as part-timers or during the summer breaks to understand how things work in a vessel. This way, most students try to get exposure before moving entirely into the subject and specializing in it.
• Once you have completed secondary education, you can join a well-reputed Maritime academy for the next level of Education on shipping. Most US academies allow you to obtain a four-year Bachelor of Science degree. And the qualification you get from other academies is equivalent to this most of the time. 

It is the fastest track to  become a cruise ship captain.  Maritime Academies in the United States are in California, the Great Lakes, Maine, Massachusetts, Texas A&M, and the U.S. Merchant Academy. The United States Maritime Administration funds these institutes to ensure that all those who enter these institutes are well qualified. And it makes the government have a steady stream of well-trained merchant marine officers. 

After completing the Maritime school, if you cannot find a position as a cruise ship captain, which is very difficult due to the demand, you can at least join as a merchant marine captain through the US government. But if you base in another country, you can receive naval Education or experience, according to the best path in your country or region.

• The next important thing is that you need to get the required training and hands-on experience. It is best to find an internship on a ship while studying in the maritime academy. Most maritime students need to have practical experience for graduation. 

Many Maritime Academies have good relationships with the government and local mariners. It is a path to find an ideal internship for your interests.

Getting an internship on a cruise ship will help you gain experience, and you can see if this is the ideal career for you. Suppose you are lucky and capable of handling more than one internship while in the academy; get one on a cruise line and another on a commercial or government ship. It will help you to understand the difference in these career paths. 

• Once you are qualified to form the maritime academy, you can apply for a position as a third mate or even a deck officer on a small vessel for initial experience. Most maritime academies help you find your first job to develop qualifications for a better career path. 

Although your career goal is to be a cruise ship captain, you have to start on the deck to get an overall experience. If you have not got a Bachelor’s degree, you will have to spend many hours and many years to gain experience as a deckhand before moving up the career ladder. Becoming a deck officer or the third mate will qualify you to take exams to become a captain. But if you have a bachelor’s degree in the related subject, you can avoid the deckhand stage altogether and straightaway moves forward.

• Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the related field is necessary if your only goal in the career path is to become a cruise ship captain. A Master’s of Science degree in maritime engineering, marine science, or a related field is an added advantage. But before applying for a program, you should make sure the school offers courses specifically for captaining a cruise ship. If you can Achieve top grades during your studies, you will be able to get to your goal quickly. Many cruise ships only hire captains at the top of their graduating classes list.

Dear readers, also remember A Master’s degree is not always necessary to get a position or a job offer. But because cruise ship positions are highly demanding, it might be an added advantage if you qualify. Many cruise ship captains do not qualify for a Master’s degree but get to the goal through experience. You should decide if your experience is enough or if you could benefit from a Master’s degree. If you have not attended a maritime high school or Marine Academy or if you do not have many years of experience on a ship, you may need the additional qualifications to be a viable candidate to apply for a position on a cruise ship.

us cruiser captain skills

When you think of a cruise ship captain, we all get an image of an intelligent personality. Do you know   how to become the Captain of a cruise ship  with all the needed skills? Here we have mentioned a list of a few qualities that the person should possess as a Cruise ship captain.

Usually, a cruise ship captain must have various skills, from leadership, customer service, communication, and administrative abilities. He should also have good interpersonal skills to deal with people. The Captain of a cruise ship is the primary person responsible for everything. They are the highest officials on board, and all the other staff is answerable to the Captain. And the Captain makes the final decisions and directs all activities on the ship through direct or indirect leadership. Another critical skill a cruise ship captain should have is intensely analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to be calm in an emergency. You never know the type of emergencies that will arise in the next minute. So, the Captain has to be ready to face all such situations and to be able to thrive working under pressure.

We have listed below personality details so that the readers can get a quick but clear idea of what type of a person the cruise ship captain should be.

• A Personality with a positive vibe
• Energetic and enthusiastic
• Able to solve the problems
• A robust Team Player
• Good sailing experience
• Should be excellent in customer care
• Well maintained work ethics
• Have Excellent Communication Skills.
• Should be able to Manage all personnel.
• Ensure safety when loading and unloading cargo at ports.
• Control and maintain the inventory
• Provides security where needed
• Should be able to hire and fire.
• Ready to Respond to possible threats from terrorists or pirates.
• Make sure all immigration issues are appropriately resolved.
• Well educated on the legal aspects of the 

How much do cruise ship captains make?

Now dear readers, we come to the essential part of the discussion. 

At the end of all this, you expect a good salary. So here is some vital information on this aspect. 

Cruise ship captain salaries have been changing over the past years. Simply, it has been increasing! But the current trends in the cruise industry make it difficult to project with certainty. The pandemic also has a significant role to play in these changes. But as always, it is expected that cruise ship captains will continue to be the highest-paid officials at sea. The salary range starts from $50,000 for captains of small ships offering day cruises out of ports like San Diego or Miami up to about $200,000. The cruise ship captains on the most significant vessels such as Royal Caribbean Oasis of The Seas or Carnival’s Mardi Gras cruise ship stand at the highest end. The average cruise ship captain salary for a central cruise line is normally between $110,000-$150,000.

Dear readers, did you know ship captains’ salary is different from city to city because their salary depends on the cost of living? When the Expenses are higher in certain cities, the wages there will also be higher. It makes the ship captains live in that location as then they do not have to fly in or travel each time they are called to work. The captains who work out of busy ports in larger cities get more money than others.

Did you know that other positions earn more than a cruise ship captain? An architect captain gets an annual salary of $91,389. But an international cruise ship captain gets about $82,873 per year, while a port captain earns about $76,894.

When considering a captain’s massive responsibility, there is a good side when you initially see it as a low scale. Usually, the average salary goes up according to years of experience.

• For 0-5 years-the annual salary is USD 59,00
• 5-10 years of experience -earns a yearly salary of USD 80,000
• For 10-20 years experience- working on a cruise ship, you will earn USD 97,000
• Over 20 year-will potentially obtain a salary of USD 113,000

Also, we need to remember that the factors that influence salary vary according to the ship’s size and its company. Normally the Commanders of military boats doing day excursions can expect USD 50,000. But a top-notch luxury cruise captain can earn USD 150,000.

So, we hope you readers understand the basic  salary of a cruise ship captain . We have drawn a few comparisons so that the picture is more apparent.

FAQs about being a cruise ship captain.

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

 Becoming a cruise ship captain is a step-by-step process with a lot of experience and academic knowledge. One must go through all these critical stages to come to the end goal of becoming a cruise ship captain. So, it might take 18-22 years.

Typically the Cruise ship captains have to receive a captain’s license from the federal maritime authority. But note that obtaining this license can take up to ten years. It takes a lot more time to become a cruise ship captain than any highly skilled professional like a brain surgeon. So, most cruise ship captains get their bars 18 to 22 years after beginning the process. We hope this explanation is enough for you to know, “ how many years does it take to become a cruise ship captain?”

• How to become a cruise ship captain in the UK?

As in any other country, A degree or diploma in Nautical Science is essential to become a cruise ship captain UK. Also, they need to have onboard training as cadets or apprentice officers lasting several months. After this training, the potential candidates are considered eligible for the 2nd Mate examination. When they get through this examination, they are qualified to work as 3rd Officers onboard cruise ships. After that, they will get to move towards the goal of becoming a cruise ship captain, which will need a few more academic qualifications and training before taking up the job.

• What is a cruise ship captain quarter?

There are significant benefits of being a cruise ship captain. Traveling around the world is one of them. 

As a captain, you also have the privilege of having your cabin. The Captain’s cabin is the most luxurious and the biggest of all. It is Also known as the Captain’s quarters. The house is usually located directly behind the bridge or somewhere near it. It is mainly to provide quick and easy access .

• Who is the youngest cruise ship captain?

  Now, this is some exciting news. Surprisingly, the youngest cruise ship captain is a female as well! Captain Kate McCue is the Master of the Celebrity Summit, a 91,000-ton cruise ship. Last year she made a record as the first American female to captain a mega-ship for a cruise line. Still being at the age of 38, she tops the list among the youngest to reach the status of Captain, a position often held by an elderly male. 

• What is the cruise ship captain’s salary per month?

According to the latest records, the average monthly payment for a Cruise Ship Captain in the United States is $4,519 a month.

• What is the cruise ship captain’s salary- in the UK?

Cruise ship captains get an average salary of £39,836 per year. It is similar to an average of £15.78 per hour or roughly £837 per week. 

So dear readers, we shared a lot of exciting information for those who love to be a cruise ship captain or are interested in finding out more on this subject. We hope this created the perfect picture of who a cruise ship captain is, the responsibilities, the level of educational qualifications required, and the ideal personality you should have. 

Stay tuned for more exciting facts on more unique topics! Till then, happy dreaming of being a cruise ship captain!

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What are cruise ship pilots, and what do they do?

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If you’ve sailed on a cruise ship of any size, you’ve probably seen pilot boats pull alongside the vessel, and you might have watched curiously as one or two people climbed onto the ship via a rope ladder. Have you ever wondered who these people are and what they do once they’re on board?

They are marine or ship pilots, experts on the waterways and ports you are entering or leaving. They come aboard to safely guide your cruise ship into and out of the harbor.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

To learn more, TPG chatted with two experts in the industry. Clayton L. “Clay” Diamond is the executive director-general counsel of the American Pilots’ Association, whose pilots are responsible for handling over 90% of the larger ocean vessels (cruise ships and cargo vessels) in international waters. We also spoke with Edouard Petitson, Norwegian Cruise Line’s port captain director. Based at Norwegian’s Miami headquarters, Petitson is responsible for many port-related matters, including pilotage.

Diamond and Petitson gave us the inside scoop on what happens once a cruise ship pilot is on board and how they interact with the captain and crew to help them safely navigate the ship into or out of port.

What does a cruise ship pilot do?

In ports in the U.S. and around the world, a pilot boards the ship 10 to 20 miles offshore via a pilot boat, which can be anywhere from 65 to 100 feet long. While on board, the pilot gives orders to the captain or helmsman regarding the best way to steer the ship to navigate the offshore channels and waterways until the cruise ship docks.

Marine pilots also pilot vessels from the dock to a “pilot boarding area,” where they transfer to the pilot boat. The pilotage can be as short as two to three hours or as long as eight to 10 hours.

Alaska has a different situation since cruise ships sail so close to the shoreline and icebergs during nearly all their transit. Vessels sailing in these waters will typically be under pilotage the entire time by using two pilots. This type of piloting arrangement is typical in places like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

What qualifies a pilot over the ship’s captain to direct a ship into port?

“Marine pilots are the most highly trained mariners in the world,” says Diamond.

After many years of working in the maritime industry as a pilot apprentice and training in the waterways where they work, they are experts in their ports. Ship pilots must be able to chart the pilotage ground from memory, including the channel, landmarks, docks, buoys and any hazards to navigation.

“A pilot also has comprehensive knowledge of the local environments such as the hydrographic, wind and currents and tidal conditions,” Petitson adds.

Ship captains who sail into different ports around the world do not have the comprehensive knowledge and training that marine pilots do in one specific port. Essentially, marine pilots are maritime specialists in their port of expertise.

Related: How is cruise ship speed measured, and how fast is a knot in miles per hour?

Does every port have a pilot?

There are only a handful of ports in the world where pilotage isn’t mandatory. In Miami and all U.S. ports, pilotage is compulsory and provided by local pilots for all inbound and outbound ships.

A state regulatory board oversees the number of pilots needed in each port. The board determines the number based on the port’s shipping and cruise traffic. The goal is to have enough pilots working to avoid delays.

What happens in foreign ports? Do all pilots have to speak English?

All pilots around the world are required to speak English.

“In certain destinations where English is not the primary language,” Petitson explains, “the pilot can communicate in their native language with other ships in the channel, traffic control and other pilots to eliminate possible misunderstanding, especially in an emergency situation.”

Related: Boat vs. ship: What’s the difference? The annoying mistake some cruisers keep making

If the pilot and captain disagree, who has the final say?

The captain is always in charge of the vessel and the safety of the crew and passengers as the cruise ship is navigated into or out of port. If a disagreement arises, the captain will take over navigation until the situation is resolved.

Is the job dangerous?

If you’ve watched videos of pilots boarding ships by ladder, or have seen them jump from a moving ship to a pilot boat alongside, you’ve probably wondered how safe the process is.

Diamond tells us that the ladder has been deemed the safest way to board and disembark ships. The American Pilots’ Association focuses on safety and routinely works with the U.S. Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organization to improve and enhance the regulations for the ladders and pilot transfers. However, eight marine pilots have been killed since 2006.

Related: Are cruises safe? Here’s what you need to know about cruise ship security and safety

How do you become a cruise ship pilot?

Individuals interested in becoming a ship pilot, or a pilot candidate, typically attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, or one of the six state maritime academies in the U.S. After completing the program, a pilot candidate will spend anywhere from eight to 14 years on ships to gain firsthand experience at sea.

Once they have earned their master’s credential, they can “master” a ship or become a captain. It’s usually during this time when a candidate enters a pilot apprenticeship program, which can take up to seven years to complete. Becoming fully licensed, where an individual can pilot the world’s largest ships, can take an additional four to five years.

Are there many female marine pilots?

No. The number of female pilots with an unlimited tonnage master’s credential is .01% overall. The number of female pilots in the APA is 4%-5%. Diamond tells us that the number is considerably better than what you’ll find in most other countries, but the APA would like it to be higher.

Bottom line

When you see that small pilot boat pull next to one of those giant cruise ships, you now know that the person coming on board to guide that ship safely into port has spent decades in education and training — and most of their career has been spent learning to expertly navigate one specific port. You can feel safer knowing that your captain can rely on a local expert to help guide the ship into or out of port.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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