A cruise director's salary generally ranges from about $56,000 to $120,000 per year, with averages around $65,000 to $88,000 annually depending on experience, cruise line, and ship size. Entry-level cruise directors earn closer to $50,000 to $60,000, while experienced ones can make over $100,000. Their salary may fluctuate based on bonuses and benefits such as accommodations and meals on board. Some sources report an average hourly wage around $42, which translates to roughly $87,739 per year. The role can be demanding but includes perks like travel and entertainment privileges. Higher- tier positions or those on luxury cruise lines tend to pay more.