Juan David Daza is a former Carnival Cruise Line bartender who surprised many by revealing he could make a large amount of money from tips in a single day.
I must admit that, despite hearing many strange things about cruises, this news surprised me as well, given that the amount we’re talking about is quite high.
For this reason, I decided to do some in-depth research to verify whether it is actually possible and to reveal once and for all how much cruise ship workers earn in tips.
Life as a Carnival Cruise Bartender
If you have already been on a cruise, you will have noticed that bartenders on cruise ships interact with hundreds of guests daily. And obviously, high guest interaction can translate into impressive tips.
Juan’s story is an example of a complete change of life. Originally from Cali, Colombia, he spent about three years working as a bartender on cruise liners.
Evidence suggests it was with Carnival Cruise Line, given photos of him in front of ships like Carnival Conquest and Carnival Paradise.
As I always say, remember that life at sea is not easy. It involves long working hours, chatting with passengers, always being friendly, and above all, staying far away from all your loved ones.
Juan embraced this role wholeheartedly. In fact, it was on a Caribbean cruise in March 2020 that he met a passenger named Jessica from Wyoming, who would later become his fiancée.
At the time, Juan was tending bar at the ship’s casino, entertaining guests with his engaging personality. Jessica later recalled that their initial encounter was completely wholesome:
“Scout’s honor, we didn’t even hook up. Not even a peck,”
She said, explaining that their early connection was purely friendly. This chance meeting during a cruise, just before the pandemic halted sailings, sparked a long-distance romance that changed Juan’s life.
The pause in cruising due to global shutdowns didn’t pause their relationship. Jessica visited Juan in Colombia when borders reopened, and their bond grew stronger.
The couple got engaged in January 2023 and welcomed a baby boy not long after. Juan even moved to Wyoming to be with Jessica and help raise her two sons from a previous marriage.
Yet, despite settling into family life on land, Juan said he missed life at sea and that the excitement of cruise ship bartending had truly gotten into his blood.
The $900-a-Day Tip Claim: Myth or Reality?
Now let’s move on to the crucial question. One of the most eye-popping aspects of Juan Daza’s story is his claim that he sometimes earned up to $900 in tips in a single day while working on board.
He made this revelation during a tell-all episode of 90 Day Fiancé, the reality TV show where his relationship with Jessica was featured.
When the host asked why he was so eager to return to cruise work, Juan’s answer was simple and surprising. He said that on a good day, he could probably make $900 in tips.
To put that in perspective, if a bartender could earn that much frequently, it would add up to a substantial sum over a typical six-month cruise contract.
At $900 per day, the math comes out to roughly $164,700 in tips over six months – though Juan clarified that days like that were exceptional, not everyday occurrences.
Still, even the possibility of such high tipping days raises eyebrows. Cruise ship tipping culture is known to be generous, especially for crew members in guest-facing roles, but Juan’s earnings “raised the bar” on what we imagine is possible.
Of course, $900 days are not the norm for every bartender. From what I knew, bartenders could make around $2,000–3,000 in tips per month, which is about $80 per day. So how could this bartender have reached those numbers? Let’s find out together!
ALSO READ: The Real Salary of Waiters on Cruise Ships
The Secret to Big Tips
So how did Juan do it? Well, according to him, it took more than just mixing great cocktails to rake in those kinds of tips. He had a few secret strategies.
First, he made sure to engage guests one-on-one. He emphasized eye contact and a well-timed, flirtatious wink as part of his service, a tactic he said worked especially well with female passengers.
Oh, I forgot to add that he is young and attractive, an aspect that we probably shouldn’t underestimate.
In addition, he understood that many people come on a cruise looking to unwind and have fun, and he saw his job as helping create that fun.
Whether cracking jokes, remembering regulars’ favorite drinks, or offering a warm smile after a long day of excursions, he aimed to make the time at his bar a highlight of the guests’ vacation.
The last thing I believe made a difference? The high-traffic venues.
He was a bartender at the casino bar, which is usually the busiest one and the most profitable on the entire ship.
ALSO READ: 10 Tipping Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise
An Inspiring Journey for Cruise Fans
So, in the end, it was a combination of factors that led to such a high figure, which we can confirm isn’t the normal average.
However, Juan David Daza’s story still resonates with many cruise fans and crew members because it shows how a cruise ship job can change your life in unexpected ways.
He started out as just another friendly bartender on a Carnival ship, and his willingness to go the extra mile for guests demonstrates the value of personal touch in hospitality.
I just want to add that I’ve seen some very nasty comments about this story recently. Probably from people who are jealous of these figures.
I’m just happy if cruise ship workers manage to earn good money. These are people who have little and go to work on cruise ships to try to change their lives or help their families.
Better them than some of the celebrities I see around who earn millions and have no talent whatsoever.
Oh, and don’t forget to have a look at the other 7 Secrets Cruise Workers Don’t Tell Passengers.