The Average Salary of a Band on a Cruise Ship
Working musicians looking for a change of pace from the standard bar scene or wedding reception may seek work with a cruise line for several weeks out of the year. A tight, versatile band that can move seamlessly from one musical genre to another stands a better chance of finding consistent work. Pay for these types of gigs varies depending on the cruise line.
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Earnings
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics report that a small percentage of the 47,260 musicians nationwide worked as onboard entertainment for cruise lines. While no solid numbers figured into the 2009 report, the BLS did note that the median hourly wage for all musicians came in at approximately $22 dollars per hour. David Hahn, a writer for Musician Wages.com and a cruise line musician, reported earning weekly wages on average of $450 to $2000 dollars per week. Bands regularly work evening shifts anywhere from three to five sets a night, six nights a week, though some bands work during the day.
Benefits
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On top of a weekly salary, bands aboard cruise ships are provided with room and board, though most entertainers share a room with another band mate or ship personnel. Entertainers also take advantage of travel opportunities available, including leaving the ship on port stops. Additionally, cruise lines often pay travel expenses to and from the ship at the beginning and end of the band's contract.
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Band types
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Cruise ship musicians often play a variety of repertoire throughout their contract. Lounge bands may play everything from Top 40 to country, classic rock, jazz, or standards from the 50s and 60s. Bands that can alternate between charismatic performance and play unassuming background music may increase their chances of hire. Additional musician work includes orchestral, big band, classical or backing guest performers. The ability to sight-read music and improvise can increase the chances of hire.
Considerations
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While life on a cruise ship can be exotic for the first couple of weeks, working onboard for three to six months at a time might be tedious. Sharing quarters, limited access to phone calls and Internet and the confines of the ship's boundaries are job aspects to consider as an entertainer. Many bands may only work a few hours each night leaving ample time throughout the day to fill.
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