Cruise Ship Musician

Cruise ship performers live and work aboard the ship and entertain guests throughout voyages. A wide range of styles and ensemble types are employed, including: solo pianists, small classical chamber groups, small jazz bands or combos, big bands, and even full orchestras. Artists in this line of work need to have confidence in their performance skills, flexibility, endurance, and to master a variety of repertoire to make it through multiple performances a day.

Musicians aboard cruise ships are often hired on contracts lasting about six months and receive free housing and meals in addition to a salary. Employment agencies list job openings and host auditions for those roles. Those who enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and a rigorous performance schedule can thrive working aboard cruise liners. The most successful musicians in this field are social by nature, they engage with fellow musicians and guests aboard the ship. This is an invaluable skill set in the relative isolation of living on a ship for six months at a time.