Sara1975

On our Freedom of the Seas cruise about 4 years ago, we got a really pathetic table for 2. It was crowded and shoved in to a tiny place with other people who were trying to also have intimate tables for 2 right on top of us. I refused wine when the wine waiter came by and I always use my hands when I talk. It was nothing dramatic, just a wave of my hand, but a few minutes later I looked up and caught him mocking me and the other waiter laughing. Then they both turned towards me and realized i had seen it all. We didn't get much service, no drinks, not even water. They just stayed away as much as possible-we left before dessert and went to the Windjammer, which is wonderful on the FOTS.

Sorry that happened to you. I would bet if you just waved him off, without a "no thank you" or "no wine for me", he probably thought you were just being dismissive toward him and took offense.

Not a single person here knows how NCL divides up the money.

Then where do they come up with there numbers.

As well as what is the rate of pay back home if they can find a job.

 

One last thought: All cruise lines do everything possible to reduce the cost of operations, including registering ships to nations with lax labor laws that allow for long hours, low pay and few if any benefits.

So they don't having it any worse than those of us here in the United States that are looking for a job.

Don't all companies do every thing to reduce costs and make the most they can. There are a lot of companies here in the United States that do the same thing and actually don't pat taxes here, so I guess it is the same for a lot.

You will never know an individuals given circumstance. Some will be supporting families, some are looking for a nest egg for later, some just want to get out of their country, some are looking for careers in the industry, some prefer a compressed work schedule with more time off (work 6 months a year, see below)...

 

Now that said, lets use the Philippines as an example. According to the World Bank, average income in US Dollars was about $2500 for the year 2013 (different sites have the number much higher but look at median, not average - we'll use the average value).

 

Lets just say a steward has 15 cabins, and salary aside gets $10 per day per cabin in a combination of service charge, cash tips, etc. At $150 per day, they will make the annual salary in their country in less than 3 weeks. For a 3 month contract, they can make 4 years salary. Regardless of why they want the money, compared to options at home, especially those not requiring schooling (minimum wage for agriworkers is $1 per day) cruise ships offer good income, the tradeoff is long hours and tight living conditions as well as being away from family.

If the cabin attendant gets $10 as you say in your example. How much does the waiters get $2. I thought the gratuities were divided up differently. Thought room attendant got more like 3.50 for each cabin.

Didn't US national parks just ban them except in designated smoking areas?

Thanks to both of you for you help and especially for being so nice to this newcomer.

I'm going on my first cruise in 7 months. What is DSC. is it like tips. My mom went on a cruise when I was little and she said I will have to take money to tip at the end of the cruise. Was she teasing me.

Sorry I'm new to here and cruising.

Big yes for me