Can a Single Person Succeed as a Bartender or Server on Cruise Ships Like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines?

The Prospects of Earning a Living on Cruise Ships

Working as a bartender or server on a cruise ship like Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Lines is certainly a possibility, but the reality is somewhat different from what one might imagine in a Hollywood setting. Both roles involve long hours on their feet, dealing with service for hundreds of passengers each day, and reliance on tips. However, the actual earnings are more nuanced and divided among multiple staff.

Divided Tips and Working Hours

On cruises, server and bartender earnings are often split among several staff members. Each person responsible for a particular area or table works for a specific duration, typically around six to eight hours per shift. The tips collected during this time are then divided among the staff members working in that area. This system ensures fair distribution but can significantly reduce individual earnings. I, for example, used to work in a casino where I frequently received tips ranging from $10 to $200 per day. However, these tips had to be displayed and placed in a box, often under video surveillance. The benefit of this transparent system is that it reduces the risk of theft but also means that not all tips are entirely your own.

The Reality on the Ground

Let's break down the earnings of a server and bartender in a more realistic scenario.

As a server, your job is to serve breakfast, lunch, and two seatings of dinner every day. On a typical cruise, you might earn approximately $6 per day per couple at each table you serve. For a week, that would amount to $6 x 7 days $42 per week per couple. If you serve four couples, your weekly earnings could be $168. However, remember that you may have to share these earnings with other servers who are also on duty, as you can't serve all the tables yourself.

For a bartender, the story is a bit different. Tips are typically distributed among the team, and the actual earnings can vary significantly. If a bartender makes $15 in tips per drink and serves over 20,000 drinks during a seven-day cruise, the total in tips alone would be $30,000. However, this amount would be significantly reduced due to sharing with co-workers and the cost of sending a portion back home to support family members.

Conclusion

While the life of a bartender or server on a cruise ship can be rewarding, the financial benefits are more modest than one might initially think. Earnings are more a reflection of the collective efforts of the entire crew, not just individual performance. However, the unique experience and the opportunity to work in a vibrant, international environment should not be overlooked.

So, is it possible to make enough money working as a bartender or server on a cruise ship like Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Lines? The answer depends on your definition of 'enough.' While the earnings may not be as high as one might imagine, the role offers a unique lifestyle and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.