The truth about cruise staff working conditions and pay?

[u2cruiser]

Read our take on last night's Cruises Undercover programme here: http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/blog/?p=6103

 

A very fair and balanced review, thank you.

[nellydean]

 

I thought they said that if gratuities were removed then the cruiseline paid the difference so that every crew member got the basic wage?...Why doesn't the cruiseline pay the basic wage in the first place and then tips are what they are meant to be...a bonus for excellent service!!:)

 

Because that would mean the cruise line having to put up the cost of cruises and then passengers would object to that which, going by these forums, is exactly what would happen - most seem to prefer to keep the wages of staff deliberately low, and then feel good about themselves because they are helping out the poor with their generous tips. It's outrageous.

[Jimmys Chippy]

Celebrity are registered in Africa so that they can bypass USA/UK employment rules. I'm shocked that so many of you are cold and uncaring. So it's ok to use slave labour then? Regardless whether $640 equals a sort of wage in the staffs homeland, they work for ten months/12 hours a day without one day off. Most of you are saying that's ok, they're better off than at home. They haven't much of an option, have they? I won't be cruising again. It's disgraceful.

 

 

Princess ships are registered to Bermuda so they too can bypass UK/US employment laws. They pay their staff around the same basic wage and the rest is made up in tips and I guess their working conditions are probably the same too. But you know that already, don't you, as you've posted saying as much for over three years, so why didn't you pack in cruising then?

[Jimmys Chippy]

Because that would mean the cruise line having to put up the cost of cruises and then passengers would object to that which, going by these forums, is exactly what would happen - most seem to prefer to keep the wages of staff deliberately low, and then feel good about themselves because they are helping out the poor with their generous tips. It's outrageous.

 

 

Raising the basic rate of pay might also lead to a decline in standards on the part of cabin crew feeling that they've been paid enough and don't need to put the effort in anymore.

[nordski]

And how many of these self righteous complainers who are so incensed about what the ship crews are being paid go out and purchase items made in third world countries where the pay is even worse than on cruise ships? I would wager that they all do, and conveniently ignore that reality as long as they benefit from it. Hypocrites!

 

Perhaps, but it's beneficial, in a free market, that the information re: remuneration be disseminated. For example, you are obviously aware that there have been a number of recent investigations into companies such as Foxconn in China. In fact, Apple made a recent effort to appear to distance itself from, and to ameliorate conditions in its Asian factories.

 

Of great value would be a show that compares worker conditions from fleet to fleet.

[Jenna109]

Well presented and balanced blog.

 

We recently returned from a Celebrity cruise. Tips for room stewards were $3.50 per person. So $7 x 14 means that our tips were $98. If he covered 10 cabins, though possibly more then for two weeks tips he got $980 plus extra tips - he tended to bring our room service. Tips for main waiter was slightly more and second waiter a little less. Excellent service.

None of these staff would have earned these wages in their own country. A typical high wage for a builder, living on site in a tin hut has been risen to 300 baht ( for the lucky ones - many earn only 100 baht a day)

This is about £2 or .$3. Perhaps people could look at the places many cruise staff come from to see poor living and working conditions. That is why they queue to get a job on the ships. Comparatively excellent working and living conditions, high rates of pay. Long hours yes, but no longer than they would work in their own countries. They now own computers, cameras etc and tour the world.

Why should I feel guilty for going on a cruise? Without cruisers many would be out of jobs and families certainly living in extreme dire conditions. Lets get real.

[Project_gal]

The undercover waiter's cabinmate, however, is breaking rules by smoking in the cabin...and his attitude towards Celebrity within the first 30 seconds of opening his mouth would be grounds for discharge from duty. I suspect that he had been pulled up a few times with an attitude problem and has a basic downer on the firm.

 

Thank you for confirming about the smoking. I thought I had seen that and meant to go back and look at the end but deleted the programme before I did.

 

Sue

[Madame X]

If anyone follows Celebrity Cruises on facebook, it would be very helpful if some of you would also post your thoughts on that site. There are many horrendous posts attacking Celebrity as a result of this program.

[u2cruiser]

Thank you for confirming about the smoking. I thought I had seen that and meant to go back and look at the end but deleted the programme before I did.

 

Sue

 

I noticed that too, and must admit I found that very worrying. Don't they have smoke detectors in crew quarters? :confused:

[Project_gal]

An excellent review. Thank you

 

Yes, I agree, excellent and balance review of a programme that was less so.

 

Sue

[Bobal]

I noticed that too, and must admit I found that very worrying. Don't they have smoke detectors in crew quarters? :confused:

 

I think it's probably more prevalent than we think. We were chatting to a bartender on a Royal Caribbean ship who had asked to move cabins - he told the company it was because he wanted to be with someone from his own country but it was because his cabinmate smoked in the cabin and the room stank.

[Christine Frances]

We will watch the programme tonight when our daughter who works on Celebrity ships can watch it too.

 

One thing I can confirm is that in all the three contracts she has done so far she has never had a full day off and it wasn't such a big deal either. Obviously she had time off and some days were less busy than others. The worst being the debark/embark days.

 

As for the programme, for us it probably wont be very enlightening.

 

I have seen our cabin stewards in port shopping, touring, sitting outside wireless hotspots on their computers chatting on Skype to families at home etc on numerous occasions. As Esprit notes, they don't get full days off but the guys we talked to were having fun ashore. One had mentioned that when they got back to the ship then someone else could get off. The stewards have been a good source of advice of where things could be had at different ports and at the best price:D

[fishin' musician]

I've not seen the program, but I do find the subject fascinating. I enjoy talking with the crew and trying to dig below the surface to find out more about their lives on the ship. Room stewards and wait staff typically do no get days off, however, they do have downtime each day and if in port they are free to come and go during their down periods. Those working the shops, casino, excursion desk, etc... only work when these facilities are open and thus have a much more leisurely schedule. Musicians probably have it the easiest as they are free except when they are playing.

 

I've had room stewards who've put their kids through college to become doctors, lawyers and dentists. Without the cruise industry their kids would not have this opportunity. Yes, it is a huge sacrifice to be away from your family for 6-8 months, and you can say all you want about low wages, but their families have a high standard of living relative to the average in their communities. I've also had room stewards in their 50s, so while mostly a young person's gig, there are exceptions.

[willow148]

Because that would mean the cruise line having to put up the cost of cruises and then passengers would object to that which, going by these forums, is exactly what would happen - most seem to prefer to keep the wages of staff deliberately low, and then feel good about themselves because they are helping out the poor with their generous tips. It's outrageous.

 

The undercover reporter earned £532.59 (about $800) in 5 weeks, including tips. He also got free bed and board, which is probably the equivalent of at least £100 per week, ie £500 (about $750) for the time he was on board - more, if you include things like utilities, heating and lighting, transport, etc., and considerably more if you compare it with London prices.

 

This is much more than I get to live on on a monthly basis - though to be fair, I don't work 70 hours a week.

 

I'd also like to know where cabin attendants were able to recruit 'assistants' from, if everyone was worked to the point of exhaustion - who had the time and/or energy to do extra work?

 

Don't crew quarters have recreational areas, with facilities provided? I'm sure I've seen on other documentaries that there are such provisions made.

 

I've never sailed on Celebrity before - in fact, I've only ever done one cruise, 3 years ago on Royal Caribbean - so I don't have any motive for supporting Celebrity against all the evidence - but then, I haven't really seen any convincing evidence.

 

Just my two-penny worth.

[moonglum]

Just back from the Summit and all the crew were of the same opinion that yes they worked hard and long hours but were grateful for the opertunities that they got. The Head Waiter admitted that he often stood on a corner and admired his car and house neither of which he would have had if he had not committed to a life on cruise ships. Pity C4 did not include that in their programme.

 

Channel 4 harped on about UK minimum wages which were totally irreravent in the scheme of things. I presume that they will now charter for all countries to pay their workers the UK minimum wage. They also featured the female who stated that it took her 25 minutes to clean the toilet in a cabin. Did she fall asleep on the job? Given the size of the toilets she cannot be serious.

 

Every staff member I have spoken to informed me that they loved life aboard and that they earned significantly more than they would at home. When you return to the ship at any port the terminal area is packed with crew members on laptops. How do you buy them if you area paid a pitance?

 

Typical crap programme by C4 showing one sided view which they wished to put across.

[Christine Frances]

Some info here on jobs and life onboard: http://www.celebritycareersatsea.com/#

[Esprit]

The undercover reporter earned £532.59 (about $800) in 5 weeks, including tips. He also got free bed and board, which is probably the equivalent of at least £100 per week, ie £500 (about $750) for the time he was on board - more, if you include things like utilities, heating and lighting, transport, etc., and considerably more if you compare it with London prices.

 

This is much more than I get to live on on a monthly basis - though to be fair, I don't work 70 hours a week.

 

I'd also like to know where cabin attendants were able to recruit 'assistants' from, if everyone was worked to the point of exhaustion - who had the time and/or energy to do extra work?

 

Don't crew quarters have recreational areas, with facilities provided? I'm sure I've seen on other documentaries that there are such provisions made.

 

I've never sailed on Celebrity before - in fact, I've only ever done one cruise, 3 years ago on Royal Caribbean - so I don't have any motive for supporting Celebrity against all the evidence - but then, I haven't really seen any convincing evidence.

 

Just my two-penny worth.

 

It is also worth pointing out that any UK citizen working on a cruise ship can obtain the Seafarers Earnings Deduction if they satisfy the qualifying period. This means they pay no UK income tax (unlike USA citizens).

 

The crew do have very good recreational facilities but being caught drunk is a dismissable offence (even off duty) as is flirting with passengers. Taking passengers to crew areas is also forbidden. My daughter had to get permission from the staff captain for us to see her crew cabin.

[Project_gal]

They also featured the female who stated that it took her 25 minutes to clean the toilet in a cabin. Did she fall asleep on the job? Given the size of the toilets she cannot be serious.

 

This also stood out for me. I have been in our suite when the bathroom has been cleaned and, although our suite bathrooms have been much larger than those in the staterooms, it has never taken 25 minutes. They have always done a much better job than I would have done. I guess this is why she had to pay others to do her job.

 

Sue

[juggles]

@Willow148...that works out to about £106 a week. They have two months off after their contract and still have to pay for their living expenses back home. So the money has to be spread out over that too

[Jenna109]

Just back from the Summit and all the crew were of the same opinion that yes they worked hard and long hours but were grateful for the opertunities that they got. The Head Waiter admitted that he often stood on a corner and admired his car and house neither of which he would have had if he had not committed to a life on cruise ships. Pity C4 did not include that in their programme.

 

Channel 4 harped on about UK minimum wages which were totally irreravent in the scheme of things. I presume that they will now charter for all countries to pay their workers the UK minimum wage. They also featured the female who stated that it took her 25 minutes to clean the toilet in a cabin. Did she fall asleep on the job? Given the size of the toilets she cannot be serious.

 

Every staff member I have spoken to informed me that they loved life aboard and that they earned significantly more than they would at home. When you return to the ship at any port the terminal area is packed with crew members on laptops. How do you buy them if you area paid a pitance?

 

Typical crap programme by C4 showing one sided view which they wished to put across.

 

 

Also recently returned from Summit and totally agree with your comments.

 

Also very evident were the staff with free time. We followed them to find the free wifi. Needless to say both themselves and families back home were well equipped with technology to use FaceTime or Skype. Someone must be making money somewhere!

[CI66774]

One of more posters suggest it is "slave labor" or "charity." This is ridiculous. These people voluntarily apply for these jobs. "Slaves" didn't have a choice and weren't paid. If you don't agree with the pay/working conditions - then DON'T CRUISE. It's very simple. Or you can try to lobby Celebrity to have the wages increased. This will result in an increased fare (with same gratuities added) and fewer people will be able to afford to cruise. Then the cruiselines will have to lay off these low paid workers and they won't have any income at all. Hmmmmmm - sounds like unintended consequences to me.

[excitedofharpenden]

Terribly one-sided. I knew where it was going early in the programme when the first words of the undercover waiter's room mate to him was "Welcome to hell". I have met many, many employees who whilst working very hard make a life for themselves on the ships and are happy with their lot. It's a shame they didn't show any of these people or the recreational activities laid on for the crew.

 

As far as the tipping thing goes I'd hope this programme will make some of the stiffers put their hands in their pockets and stop making the rest of us pay for it, but there'll be lots of excuses I'm sure and many still won't get it.

 

Phil

[highlandlassie]

Ok an example I work on a cruise ship - my monthly pay is $600 a month ( it’s in my contract, which you only get after you sail). I get 300 in tips the first month. The cruise line will then pay me $300 to make me up to $600.

 

The next month, I get 550 in tips ( this is in pre-paid tips) so the cruise line will pay me $50 to make up my monthly wage of $600.

 

SO IMHO it’s the passengers who are paying the staff their wages.

 

For the record cruise ships fly “THE FLAG OF CONVIENENCE “ last nights ship was USA/South African/Malta - if they(cruise lines) used UK as the flag of CONVIENENCE they(cruise lines) would have to abide by UK laws

 

 

JMO

[Jimmys Chippy]

Ok an example I work on a cruise ship - my monthly pay is $600 a month ( it’s in my contract, which you only get after you sail). I get 300 in tips the first month. The cruise line will then pay me $300 to make me up to $600.

 

The next month, I get 550 in tips ( this is in pre-paid tips) so the cruise line will pay me $50 to make up my monthly wage of $600.

 

SO IMHO it’s the passengers who are paying the staff their wages.

 

For the record cruise ships fly “THE FLAG OF CONVIENENCE “ last nights ship was USA/South African/Malta - if they(cruise lines) used UK as the flag of CONVIENENCE they(cruise lines) would have to abide by UK laws

 

 

JMO

 

Can you earn more than $600 per month if an excessive amount of tips are received? Also are these payment practices common across all lines?

 

 

Edit. Ah! This is hypothetical!

[CI66774]

Highlandlassie - it appears to be no different that waiters/waitresses (servers) in the US. Basically, they work for tips - that's the deal they enter into when they accept the job offer. I know some servers who make over $100,000 a year (very upscale restaurants).

 

I guess my question would be - why work for the cruiseline? Are they other benefits (i.e. travelling, etc.) that you like?