Why are tipping threads always removed

[UKCruiseJeff]

Although you cannot now see it, because the thread has been deleted (this is where we came in ... :D ) ... but f you google you will find it existed.

 

It was reported by a poster that they had discussed the crew fund with some staff and heard that Silversea crew asked for some replacement furniture in the crew lounge. This was provided by management but funded from the crew fund.

 

This is not where most feel the donation to crew funds should go. Most I think feel that the furniture for the crew is included in the fare.

 

Jeff

 

 

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Edited August 22, 2014 by UKCruiseJeff
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[Randyk47]

Although you cannot now see it, because the thread has been deleted (this is where we came in ... :D ) ... but f you google you will find it existed.

 

It was reported by a poster that they had discussed the crew fund with some staff and heard that Silversea crew asked for some replacement furniture in the crew lounge. This was provided by management but funded from the crew fund.

 

This is not where most feel the donation to crew funds should go. Most I think feel that the furniture for the crew is included in the fare.

 

Jeff

 

 

.

 

That was me and I'll have to say my initial reaction when I was told about the furniture that it struck me as not exactly what I thought the fund was for. I still feel that way, that basic crew comfort ought to be a matter of the ship and company responsibility. I can understand maybe buying something like a game console (ie, PlayStation, XBox) as a step beyond corporate responsibility but basic furniture? Seemed and still seems wrong to me.

Edited August 22, 2014 by Randyk47

[connlach]

It is made out in these threads that this relates only to Silversea. Other lines say exactly the same thing. As per the previous thread there is no sources to suggest they are not passed on, but if some post things enough times it starts to become fact. I would suggest if this is such an emotive topic for some people Silversea is not for you and would suggest you go to a line where gratuities are not included so you can be happy that the money you are paying goes straight to that individual. I would recommend not paying gratuities up front however, who knows where they go...........

[connlach]

That was me and I'll have to say my initial reaction when I was told about the furniture that it struck me as not exactly what I thought the fund was for. I still feel that way, that basic crew comfort ought to be a matter of the ship and company. I can understand maybe buying something like a game console (ie, PlayStation, XBox) as a step beyond corporate responsibility but basic furniture? Seemed and still seems wrong to me.

 

I agree with you here if this is the case, but please remember there is absolutely nothing to suggest this is actually the case, it was just someone who posted that they had spoken to someone in the crew. We have no idea what was being discussed, what the furniture was, and even if this story has any fact attached to it or of there is an alternative motive for posting this. I could post on here a multitude of things like the crew all get a 50% Christmas bonus. Doesnt mean it is correct though as I have no evidence to prove it.

[oregon50]

Jeff, have you ever known of a crew member to be directly employed by the cruise line? I have not. Not today, not ever.

 

More interesting to me are comments from long term SS passengers about lack of familiar crew faces.

[UKCruiseJeff]

I agree with you here if this is the case, but please remember there is absolutely nothing to suggest this is actually the case, it was just someone who posted that they had spoken to someone in the crew. We have no idea what was being discussed, what the furniture was, and even if this story has any fact attached to it or of there is an alternative motive for posting this. I could post on here a multitude of things like the crew all get a 50% Christmas bonus. Doesnt mean it is correct though as I have no evidence to prove it.

 

Absolutely. You believed this and it had the ring of truth about it and therefore so do I.

 

if Silversea charge for and include gratuities, but don't pass them on and if they control the crew fund and "steal" normal operating costs from their crew fund that people have thoughtfully contributed to then, what does one conclude about Silversea management?

 

:)

[connlach]

Absolutely. You believed this and it had the ring of truth about it and therefore so do I.

 

if Silversea charge for and include gratuities, but don't pass them on and if they control the crew fund and "steal" normal operating costs from their crew fund that people have thoughtfully contributed to then, what does one conclude about Silversea management?

 

:)

 

IF is the very important word in your statement as you have no idea. If Seabourn or Regent do the same what do you conclude about their management?

[UKCruiseJeff]

I agree with you here if this is the case, but please remember there is absolutely nothing to suggest this is actually the case, it was just someone who posted that they had spoken to someone in the crew. We have no idea what was being discussed, what the furniture was, and even if this story has any fact attached to it or of there is an alternative motive for posting this. I could post on here a multitude of things like the crew all get a 50% Christmas bonus. Doesnt mean it is correct though as I have no evidence to prove it.

 

Do you believe that the gratuities included in the fare are passed on to staff? If so, why do you believe that? If you do not, does it concern you?

[UKCruiseJeff]

IF is the very important word in your statement as you have no idea. If Seabourn or Regent do the same what do you conclude about their management?

 

I conclude exactly the same. Why would I not do so?

[Randyk47]

I agree with you here if this is the case, but please remember there is absolutely nothing to suggest this is actually the case, it was just someone who posted that they had spoken to someone in the crew. We have no idea what was being discussed, what the furniture was, and even if this story has any fact attached to it or of there is an alternative motive for posting this. I could post on here a multitude of things like the crew all get a 50% Christmas bonus. Doesnt mean it is correct though as I have no evidence to prove it.

 

Again, I'm the one that had the discussion with the crew member about the crew fund. The discussion with the crew member started with my wife and I asking the crew member, whom we'd gotten to know fairly well during 18 days on the ship, about how and where could we donate to the crew fund. They very properly explained how and where we could make the donation. However, the discussion went on to discuss the use of the fund. The furniture mentioned was something like a new couch and a couple of overstuffed chairs, nothing unusual in my mind. I will caveat, like I did in the original post, that I have no proof that the crew member was or wasn't telling us the truth. I have no nefarious agenda or alternative motive for sharing the discussion.

[connlach]

I conclude exactly the same. Why would I not do so?

 

Exactly

[UKCruiseJeff]

Exactly

 

Do you feel that we as wealthy people have a moral responsibility to not "turn a blind eye" to those that look after us to ensure that that they are adequately paid and also ensure that they are not cheated out of cash that we have specifically entrusted to cruise lines to pass on to them?

Edited August 22, 2014 by UKCruiseJeff

[specialcruisegirl]

Jeff, have you ever known of a crew member to be directly employed by the cruise line? I have not. Not today, not ever.

 

.

 

Yes.....but many moons ago.

[Travelcat2]

You are correct - crew members are not employed directly by the cruise line. This was explained to us last month onboard a Regent ship during a question and answer session with the Captain and General Manager.

 

It is my understanding that the wages of crew members on all-inclusive luxury cruise lines are considerably higher than on cruise lines where the tip is not included. So, the crew is paid more and the passengers pay a higher fare.

 

From my standpoint (the standpoint of not wanting to pay extra for anything), I would prefer that the fare be increased to cover higher wages for the crew. I'm sure this will be a very unpopular view.

[UKCruiseJeff]

Self deleted! :)

Edited August 22, 2014 by UKCruiseJeff

[connlach]

Do you feel that we as wealthy people have a moral responsibility to not "turn a blind eye" to those that look after us to ensure that that they are adequately paid and also ensure that they are not cheated out of cash that we have specifically entrusted to cruise lines to pass on to them?

 

Do you agree that by going on a cruise you are helping to support people who may otherwise be unemployed. Are you also suggesting cruise line are involved in holding people against their will? Do you ensure you provide gratuities to anyone you deem not wealthy. Perhaps someone on the tills at the shop? How do you define wealthy, where do you draw the line?

[UKCruiseJeff]

Do you agree that by going on a cruise you are helping to support people who may otherwise be unemployed. Are you also suggesting cruise line are involved in holding people against their will? Do you ensure you provide gratuities to anyone you deem not wealthy. Perhaps someone on the tills at the shop? How do you define wealthy, where do you draw the line?

 

 

I know I shouldn't ... but I will respond.

 

Do you agree that by going on a cruise you are helping to support people who may otherwise be unemployed.

 

Yes

 

 

Are you also suggesting cruise line are involved in holding people against their will?

 

No

 

 

Do you ensure you provide gratuities to anyone you deem not wealthy.

 

No

 

Perhaps someone on the tills at the shop?

 

No. To be honest I do not go shopping when abroad and in the UK we have minimum earnings and benefits.

 

 

How do you define wealthy, where do you draw the line?

 

People that go on SS cruises are wealthy.

[Randyk47]

Do you feel that we as wealthy people have a moral responsibility to not "turn a blind eye" to those that look after us to ensure that that they are adequately paid and also ensure that they are not cheated out of cash that we have specifically entrusted to cruise lines to pass on to them?

 

Not sure I'd characterize myself as wealthy but as a consumer I expect to a certain level that when I'm charged for a service or item I get that service or item. Sometimes, like in the case of an item, that's pretty obvious while a service can be somewhat transparent and harder to verify. If I seriously thought or knew for sure that a company was diverting funds then I'd complain and most probably not do business with them.

[UKCruiseJeff]

Not sure I'd characterize myself as wealthy.

 

I understand. But on the scale of 0 to 100% of worldwide citizen wealth, where do you believe you are?

 

I'd say that it was unlikely that you were not in the top 1 or 2 percent.

[Randyk47]

I understand. But on the scale of 0 to 100% of worldwide citizen wealth, where do you believe you are?

 

I'd say that it was unlikely that you were not in the top 1 or 2 percent.

 

Never really thought about it that much. Obviously we have sufficient income to cruise occasionally but we work for it. :) Now excuse me while I'll go stand on a street corner with my plastic bucket labeled "Will Cruise with Dollars". :rolleyes::D

[Observer]

 

It is my understanding that the wages of crew members on all-inclusive luxury cruise lines are considerably higher than on cruise lines where the tip is not included. So, the crew is paid more and the passengers pay a higher fare.

 

This is my understanding as well. And the crew appreciate the predictability of their compensation. They do not have to worry about several months of "underpaid" work because loads are light and tips are fewer.

[UKCruiseJeff]

This is my understanding as well. And the crew appreciate the predictability of their compensation. They do not have to worry about several months of "underpaid" work because loads are light and tips are fewer.

 

Understanding from whom?

[Silver Spectre]

As an alternative to reading this thread watch the Monty Python sketch 'The Argument'.

 

The content is remarkably similar but MP is more amusing.

[Travelcat2]

While most of us want to do whatever we can for people on the ship who are trying to support their families, it is important to remember that the lowest paid crew members on the ship are not the ones you see every day -- the ones that generally get the tips. They are washing and ironing laundry, washing dishes, etc. This is why I support higher wages and giving to the crew fund rather than individual tipping.

 

Really suggest that someone ask a Silversea crew member who they are employed by. Although I am only 100% certain of who employs most of the Regent crew, I would be surprised if Silversea was the direct employer of their crew.

 

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind -- just providing food for thought.

[Silver Spectre]

While most of us want to do whatever we can for people on the ship who are trying to support their families, it is important to remember that the lowest paid crew members on the ship are not the ones you see every day -- the ones that generally get the tips. They are washing and ironing laundry, washing dishes, etc. This is why I support higher wages and giving to the crew fund rather than individual tipping.

 

Really suggest that someone ask a Silversea crew member who they are employed by. Although I am only 100% certain of who employs most of the Regent crew, I would be surprised if Silversea was the direct employer of their crew.

 

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind -- just providing food for thought.

 

On SS 'V Ships or more exactly V.Group' is the major employer. The Boutique, Spa and Casino are franchised and the SS Artists are employed by Choozi Entertainment.

Edited August 22, 2014 by Silver Spectre
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