The Ultimate Budgeting Guide for Cruise Ship Crew Members
When I first signed my cruise ship contract, I was convinced I’d save a fortune. Free housing, meals, and no Starbucks runs – it seemed foolproof. But my first paycheck? Gone. Mostly spent on clothes I convinced myself were “essentials.”
My first contract docked in Hong Kong daily, and the endless shopping malls were irresistible. By the end of my contract, I left a lot of my old clothes behind to make room for my new purchases – an oddly bittersweet moment.
Living onboard creates its own financial paradox. While your basics are covered, it’s all too easy to burn through earnings on crew bars, Wi-Fi, or port-day splurges. For me, the temptation to spend was real, but with some planning and mindful habits, I managed to save a good chunk of my salary later on.
Saving at sea doesn’t mean sacrificing fun, just spending intentionally. If I’d started earlier, I’d have saved more – and left fewer regrets (and fewer clothes) behind.
Why Budgeting Onboard Isn’t as Easy as It Seems
Living and working on a cruise ship might sound like the ultimate opportunity to save money, but it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
While your basic needs like housing and meals are covered, there are plenty of unexpected costs that can quickly eat into your paycheck.
The Unexpected Costs of Cruise Ship Life
Here are some of the sneaky expenses that caught me off guard:
Port-day spending: My first contract was docked in the same port in Hong Kong every day, and instead of splurging on experiences or souvenirs, my money went straight into fashion. The endless malls and boutiques were hard to resist, and I somehow convinced myself that every piece of clothing on sale was a “must-have.”
Crew bar temptations: After long shifts, the crew bar was the go-to spot to unwind and socialise. While there weren’t discounted drinks onboard, the prices were reasonable enough to tempt me into a “just one more round” mindset, which added up quicker than I expected.
Communication costs: I skipped the onboard Wi-Fi, which was notoriously slow and expensive, and instead bought local SIM cards at ports. While this was more cost-effective, it still became a recurring expense I had to factor into my budget.
Social events: I spent on the occasional crew events or celebrations – small but regular expenses that added up over time.
The Basics of Cruise Ship Budgeting
Budgeting onboard a cruise ship may seem straightforward, but sticking to it takes intention and discipline. Here’s a no-frills guide to managing your money effectively while working at sea:
Track Your Spending
The first step to getting a handle on your finances is knowing exactly where your money is going.
A simple way to do this is by keeping a list of your expenses – whether on your phone, in a notebook, or even just mentally tallying what you spend each day. The goal is to stay aware so you can spot patterns and adjust before things spiral out of control.
Set Savings Goals
Decide how much of your salary you want to save and stick to it.
For example, aiming to save 70% of your income means the remaining 30% is what you can safely use for discretionary spending, like meals, shopping, or the occasional splurge at port.
Even if your goal is smaller, consistency is key – start with a manageable percentage and increase it over time as you get into the habit.
Automate Your Savings
One of the easiest ways to ensure you meet your savings goals is to automate the process.
Since cruise ship salaries are typically paid in USD, set up regular transfers from your paycheck to your savings account, preferably in the same currency. This keeps things simple and avoids unnecessary conversion fees.
If you spend in different currencies while at port, consider using a multi-currency banking platform or account for your everyday transactions. This can help you minimise exchange rate losses and manage your spending more effectively while your core savings remain in USD.
By automating this system, your savings can grow consistently without needing constant attention.
Practical Tips for Saving Money Onboard
Saving money while living on a cruise ship doesn’t mean sacrificing every bit of fun or connection to the outside world. Here are some practical, low-stress ways to keep your spending in check while still enjoying the experience:
Port-Day Hacks
Go for hikes or walk in parks: Whenever I had the chance, I’d escape the crowds and enjoy some alone time hiking or strolling through local parks. It’s free, peaceful, and a great way to recharge.
Eat before leaving the ship: I usually ate onboard before heading out on shore leave. It’s not only cost-effective but saves time too. If you’re planning a longer day out, buying a simple sandwich to enjoy in the park is another great option.
Spend less on mementos: I tried to avoid overloading my cabin with souvenirs, focusing instead on the memories. Being less materialistic doesn’t just save money; it also keeps your luggage manageable.
Discover tips for embracing a minimalist lifestyle here.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Use an eSIM for multi-country connectivity: Staying connected was non-negotiable for me. I opted for an eSIM that covered multiple countries in the region, with a 3GB monthly limit. It’s pricier than buying local data, but it’s incredibly convenient – you don’t have to hunt for new SIM cards at every port. Plus, I used data sparingly for messaging and navigation only, making it last the whole month.
Check out my guide on choosing the best eSIM plans for cruise ship crew here.
Download content using Wi-Fi: To save data, I downloaded movies, shows, or large files using free Wi-Fi whenever possible. Keeping data use minimal ensured I stayed within my limit.
Crew Bar and Entertainment
Spend thoughtfully on social activities: The crew bar was an occasional indulgence for me – perfect for winding down and connecting with friends after long shifts.
Embrace solo downtime: More often than not, I preferred quiet evenings in my cabin, reading, journaling (something I wish I’d done more often!), or watching downloaded movies. It was a great way to recharge and reflect, without spending a dime.
Long-Term Strategies for Financial Success
Saving money while working onboard a cruise ship is just the first step – using it wisely to support your long-term goals is where the real strategy comes in. Here’s what I’ve learned (and wish I’d done better) to set myself up for financial success:
Invest in Yourself
Looking back, I was a bit naive about how I used my downtime onboard. I told myself I couldn’t dive into things like photography because I didn’t have a fancy camera (and let’s face it, cameras aren’t exactly cheap). But that was just an excuse.
Instead, I could’ve focused on developing skills that didn’t require expensive tools – like building my Excel skills or designing templates. These are practical, versatile skills that can lead to opportunities far beyond ship life. If I could go back, I’d spend less time procrastinating and more time investing in myself with things that were already within my reach.
Planning for Your Post-Cruise Life
I’ll admit, I wasn’t big on creating a detailed budget while onboard. My stingy tendencies (or let’s call them “minimalist vibes,” for a kinder spin) meant I naturally spent less. The setup helped too – free meals, no rent, and minimal daily expenses made it easy to save without much thought. But I know not everyone operates this way, and some might prefer a more structured approach to managing their money.
For those who aren’t naturally spend-averse, creating a simple budget could be a game-changer. Here’s an idea: break your salary into three buckets – needs, wants, and savings. Allocate percentages to each, such as 60% for savings, 30% for discretionary spending, and 10% for unexpected expenses. This way, you can still enjoy the perks of ship life (a fancy dinner in port or that tempting crew bar round) without losing sight of your financial goals.
For me, the savings I passively built up allowed me to launch post-cruise projects like my blog. Even though I didn’t have a strict budget, having those savings gave me the flexibility to explore new opportunities when the time came. If budgeting helps you get to the same place – without sacrificing too much fun – it’s worth considering!
Conclusion
Living onboard a cruise ship is like a crash course in financial freedom – if you play your cards right, you could walk away with a solid savings account. Whether it’s setting savings goals, cutting unnecessary expenses, or just tracking where your money goes, small steps can add up to big wins.
By the way, I’m working on an Excel budget template designed specifically for cruise ship crew. It’s simple, practical, and helps you see exactly where your money’s going. Keep an eye out – I’ll share it soon!
If you’ve discovered your own money-saving hacks, I’d love to hear them. What’s worked for you? I promise not to judge if they involve fridge magnets. 😉