"I am newer to my career, so I performed some research on the topic, hoping to gain an understanding of the average pay for service staff on a cruise line. The average I saw was 22,000 per contract, depending on experience. Although I have no prior experience working on a cruise line, I am no stranger to working long hours and performing consistently with a strong work ethic. When I equate the cost-of-living expenses involved with this lifestyle and compare it to my own, I would say this seems fair."

"I took note of the pay range detailed in the job posting. Based on my experience and performance level, I would say I fall in the upper-mid-level of that pay range."

Negotiating pay always comes down to an equation of substantiating your professional worth, and how their combined offerings ultimately reduce your cost-of-living expenses. So, if you are applying for a position shipboard, negotiating pay may be a bit more complicated, considering that life working on board a cruise ship includes free meals, room, and board. It also includes free activities, such as free gym access and free travel. Your experience level, current and projected pay at your current job, your interview performance, your work ethic conveyed through your interview preparation, and the unique skills you have to offer will equate to your professional worth. However, examining their pay range, and where you fall in that range based on your education and hands on experience, and how your current pay and benefits and cost-of-living compares to what you stand to gain from living shipboard, is a trickier equation than most other employment opportunities. So do your homework. Come prepared to present, with sincerity, what you believe you are worth. By doing so, you'll be placing the ball in their court and create the right atmosphere for open negotiation.

"I am currently earning 15/hour plus travel benefits and a robust health care plan. I am up for a raise to 17/hour in the next couple of months. I've read online that someone of my experience level would be the equivalent of 17-19/hour with the health and travel benefits."