Cruise Ship Singer

by

Laila Orchard 25101006

To become a cruise ship singer, it requires a lot more than just the standard musical training you would assume you would need. You need a variety of certificates, as well as, visa’s, passports and medical tests to make sure that you are able to last the long days, hours and weeks you are at sea. You will need:

  • “Seafarer’s Medical Certificate: Attests to your physical and mental fitness. Is issued by an approved maritime medical practitioner. This certificate ensures that you are able to handle the challenges that come with working on a large vessel”  (2023). Warshaw Entertainment. [online] Warshaw Entertainment. Available at: https://www.warshawentertainment.com/blog/documents-and-certifications-are-required-for-musicians [Accessed 6 Jan. 2026].
  • “SCTW Certifications: The Standards of Training, Certifications and Watchkeeping sets the minimum training standards for people working at sea. It includes; Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention/Firefighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. It ensures you are able to handle any on-board emergencies and contribute to the overall safety of the vessel” (2023). Warshaw Entertainment. [online] Warshaw Entertainment. Available at: https://www.warshawentertainment.com/blog/documents-and-certifications-are-required-for-musicians [Accessed 6 Jan. 2026].

There are also a few other certificates and certifications that you will need that aren’t music related on a cruise ship. These are things like Passports and Visas and Maritime Security Awareness Training. 

In regards to what qualifications you would need to become a cruise ship singer, there aren’t any qualifications that you need necessarily. You will mainly need experience in performing, but as with any job, experience is appreciated. However, it is possible to obtain a job on a cruise ship with no prior experience, but this would lower your possibilities of being hired. “Specific qualifications for cruise ships depend on the position and cruise company you are applying for. Entry requirements can vary between cruise operators, so thorough research is essential before applying.” Nathan, D. (2025). Working on a cruise ship. [online] Prospects.ac.uk. Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/leisure-sport-and-tourism/working-on-a-cruise-ship/. 

When working on a cruise ship it is essential that you have many personal qualities and attributes that will lead to success. In regards to personal qualities, you will need to be approachable. This is not only with the team members that you will be working with, but also to the guests on the ship. You will be forward facing for most of the journey. This means you will be performing to them most nights, and during the day too. You will need to make sure that you are able to communicate well, be friendly and polite. You will also need to make sure that you are friendly and welcoming to your bandmates too. You will be working with them for the whole of your contract, so it is essential if you have issues with them, you are able to work well together. 

Making sure you have a variety of skills on a cruise ship is essential too. Cruise ships offer a variety of night and daytime entertainment, so it is essential you are prepared for all aspects. These include:

  • “Being a triple threat: Cruise audiences crave variety. Most cruise production require a performer that can sing, dance and act – the ‘classic triple threat’. Being proficient in multiple styles (Pop,Jazz,Musical Theatre) is a huge asset.” 5EM (2024). Essential Skills for Cruise Ship Performers. [online] 5emanagement. Available at: https://www.5entertain.com/post/essential-skills-for-cruise-ship-performers.

Other skills you may need when working as a singer on a cruise ship is; Making sure you are prepared for any situation, and quick changes to the set. Your team members may be too ill to perform or there may be changes to production. So you need to be able to make sure you are able to easily adapt and change things on the fly. You also need to make sure, no matter what situations you may be going through, that it doesn’t affect your performance.

There are a lot of duties and responsibilities when working on a cruise. You will not only be working behind the scenes, but also customer facing too. This means that the qualifications we spoke about previously will come into this. The Royal Caribbean Blog interviewed a performer working on a cruise, and this is what she had to say:  “On the first day of the cruise, we participate in the muster drill, which entails giving guests their safety briefing when they first arrive on the ship. We also have one mandatory dance class weekly from a volunteer cast member, so it’s something new every week!” https://www.facebook.com/royalcaribbeanblog (2024). A performer on a mega cruise ship reveals what working at sea is really like. [online] Royal Caribbean Blog. Available at: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/05/29/what-its-like-performer-cruise-ship.

This will also link into what a typical day on a cruise would look like, although they would all look different depending on the type of cruise and the day. A typical day would consist of: Rehearsals, Cabin inspections and more drills to ensure the safety of both the crew and the guests. Again, a typical day’s work will change depending on the type of cruise you are working on, and how many days you will be at sea. “An average week is different on every ship and itinerary! We are currently sailing in Alaska on 7-day cruises, so we can expect to perform two shows a night for two nights of the cruise!” https://www.facebook.com/royalcaribbeanblog (2024). A performer on a mega cruise ship reveals what working at sea is really like. [online] Royal Caribbean Blog. Available at: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/05/29/what-its-like-performer-cruise-ship.

The salary for cruise ship singers can vary. It usually depends on the benefits that you are given on board, your experience, as well as your contract length. Below is an average idea of wages, the benefits that may come included, as well as a usual contract length.

“Singers, $800-$2,000 per month, Contract Length 4-6 Months, Benefits may include: Room on Board, Travel expenses as well as health insurance”  Mortimer, F. (2025). How Much Do Cruise Performers Really Make? [online] NG Cruise. Available at: https://ngcruise.com/how-much-do-cruise-performers-make/.

The salary also changes depending on the cruise line you are working for, so it is important that you check your contract for any expenses you were not expecting to have to cover. Because of the many contributing factors that will affect your salary, it may be hard to manage. It is important that you are able to cover all of your outgoings, as well as making sure that you have money to cover all of your outgoings when you are not working during the off-season (which, again, depends on what cruise line you are working for, where it travels etc.) You will need to make sure that you are able to cover any rent when not on board. Usually, cruise performers will be at sea for most of the year, going from cruise to cruise, meaning it is important that you are spending money wisely. Another financial issue is that not all cruises pay the same. This means that it may be hard to juggle all of the expenses that you will have to cover, and make sure that you aren’t too picky with what you get paid, as auditioning for cruises can be a long  process. 


Contracts are a legally binding agreement between 2 or more people. Contracts are always used professionally in this industry. Cruise ship contracts will be in writing, making everything enforceable from the moment you sign. Contracts can vary depending on the length of the cruise, and where it will be travelling to. There are many different contracts that you can get when on a cruise ship as a performer.

“In short, there are “Guest Entertainer” Headlining Act Contracts, Lounge Performer Contracts and Cruise Ship Show Team, Party Bands and Band Member Contracts.” Entertainersworldwidejobs.com. (2017). How to Get Cruise Entertainer Jobs and Contracts. [online] Available at:

https://www.entertainersworldwidejobs.com/p/how-to-get-cruise-entertainer-jobs#What%20sort%20of%20cruise%20contracts%20are%20there [Accessed 6 Jan. 2026].

Headlining Act Contracts: 

“Contract pay is generally between $1500 – $2500+ (£1000 – £2000+) Per Week, for you to perform 1-2 shows total over the week in the theatre.” Entertainersworldwidejobs.com. (2024). Headline Act Cruise Ship Contracts $1500 – $2500+ (£1000 – £2000+) Per Week. [online] Available at: https://www.entertainersworldwidejobs.com/comedy-act-jobs/headline-act-cruise-ship-contracts-7831 [Accessed 6 Jan. 2026].

This contract is most likely the contract you would have to sign as a cruise ship singer. It means performing 1-2 times a week, as well as any rehearsals booked. When not performing you are classified as a ‘guest’ and have all of the perks that guests do. This does vary depending on the ship you are working on. 

A legal issue you could face when on a cruise ship are:

  • Contract issues: There could be some things written in your contract that you do not agree with, which could lead to disputes. It is important that you are able to read through your contract before you sign it. “Issues such as wage disputes, contract renewals, and grievance mechanisms need to be managed carefully. Ethical cruise companies ensure fair pay, timely compensation, and clear dispute resolution systems, often in collaboration with maritime labor unions.” Wagle, N. (2025). Working aboard a cruise ship offers a unique blend of adventure, cultural diversity, and round-the-clock operations. However, behind the glamorous façade of floating resorts lies a complex system of employee relations that demands careful management and strategic planning. [online] Linkedin.com. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/employee-relations-cruise-ships-challenges-best-practices-navid-wagle-wtbgf.

Contracts on a cruise ship do not allow for a lot of time off. Usually when the guests are allowed off, it means that you will be spending this time rehearsing sets for that evening or upcoming week. The usual 4-6 month contracts that you may have on a regular cruise, can lead to burnout and a desire for change. This usually means that singers and performers want to resign, but most contracts do not allow for that. This means that there may be arguments with on-board managers, and agencies that manage your contracts.  

When working on cruises, marketing and promotion are involved in both your personal life, as well as your professional life. When working on a cruise, another source of a somewhat constant income is social media marketing.

  • Making YouTube vlogs, or day in the life’s. This will show your audience what cruise ships are like from the perspective of a worker, and showing all of the things that can be expected when travelling  on these cruises.
  • Posting on your Instagram. The good thing about posting on instagram on a business page, means that you are more than likely to get put on the explore page. This means that you are likely to reach a larger audience. Instagram also pays you. This is not only another source of income, but also a way to attract further employers too.

Making sure you have a good social media presence is everything. It has become one of the most important things for a musician to understand. It is an essential way of marketing yourself, and getting your name out there in a competitive industry.

This is also a big part of working on cruise ships. Say you start a job on a new cruise; you will find that they will most likely use you (as well as other people) to promote the cruise. This might be: YouTube videos to look at the ship and what it offers, pictures of the cruise, and sometimes they will even do interviews with you, asking you to talk about the cruise and why you think it would be the best for them.

There are lots of promotional and marketing strategies that cruises use that will benefit the customer. One of the things they will tend to do to promote the cruise is; partner with travel agencies. It means customers get a better rate. It also means a good way of bringing in new customers. “A travel agent can find you great discounts on cruises and often perks and values you won’t see online.” Aaa.com. (2024). Advantages of Booking a Cruise with a Travel Agent. [online] Available at: https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/article/advantages-of-booking-a-cruise-with-a-travel-agent-CM946 [Accessed 7 Jan. 2026].

There are many personal challenges that you can face when working on a cruise. Firstly, it is likely that you will be away from home for long periods of time. This could lead to homesickness. Another personal challenge you could face when working on a cruise is the potential for long work days/hours. When doing many hours, even though you may get a few days off in-between, it does mean you are going to burn out. Burnout can cause fatigue, tiredness and sickness. Working on cruise ships means having to deal with strict rules. This means having to remember and understand them all. This is to ensure the safety of the guests, but also yourself.  Having strict rules when at work can cause a lot of anxiety.  “Job satisfaction on a cruise ship varies depending on factors like job role, ship, colleagues, and personal adaptability. Before considering a position on a cruise ship, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research into the associated job responsibilities and lifestyle to ensure they align with your preferences and expectations.” Crew-center.com. (2023). Crew Members’ Challenges While Living and Working on Cruise Ships | Crew Center. [online] Available at: https://crew-center.com/crew-members-challenges-while-living-and-working-cruise-ships.

When working on a cruise ship there are many career developing opportunities available. One of the main things that stands out to me is being promoted. This may be from a backing vocalist to a lead vocalist, or from lead vocalist to the auditioning team. Another career developing opportunity is being scouted. Depending on the cruise you are working on, and how popular it is, there is a chance that you find connections. This means that it is important no matter what to stay professional, and always put on the best show, even though this should always be the case. A good example of this is: Jane McDonald. She started working on a cruise as a singer, was on a documentary, and captured audiences hearts from then. “She shot to fame in the late 1990s after appearing on BBC’s The Cruise. From those early days to her career today, Jane’s journey has always been defined by talent, hard work and her unmistakable connection with audiences.”Jane McDonald. (2026). About. [online] Available at: https://jane-mcdonald.com/about [Accessed 7 Jan. 2026].

In conclusion, I feel like working on a cruise ship is the perfect career choice for me. Even though it is long hours, a lot of safety procedures, and small living quarters, I feel like the community of cruises and the hard work needed to be put in, is what draws me in.