Dreamsofriveriamaya

For me it was in the early 990's on SS. Ocean Breeze.. Going through the panama Canal, then sailing & docking off the Achipelgo Islands, ( known as The San Blas Islands) seeing the indians in their own handmade Canoes come out to greet the ship, & their children jumping in the ocean to catch the quarters we would throw to them from the ship. Then at the end if the day, as the sun was setting over the mountains as the ship pulled away, seeing the silhouette of a few Kuna Indians paddling back home to their grass huts, infront of an orange sun set, passing the grass huts, with the faint view of the lush green mountains in the background.. Truly Story book right out of Peter Pan..

I used to work for Dolphin Cruise Lines ( out of Aruba) on the SS.Ocean Breeze 92', Seeking ANYTHING from that Ship in 92, 93.. Including old photos w staff/ crew..

Ahoy there! Aybody know where I can view Menus for the MDR of the Navigator? Thanks

the people who clear tables in the buffet area. places like the taco place or pizza place.

 

The original thred was about how much does the crew make... So I am directly speaking of this..

so in short, maybe the contracts have since changed since my last conversation, MAYBE... But either way.. You can get a good feel for life on ships-- Not easy..

So let's tip them as well a we can.. ( not making any assumptions who does & who does not) just trying to gently let everyone know, incase they are re- thinking tipping.

:) Peace..

Here is another link:https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1059

Cruise Critic: We know cruise ship crew work extremely hard, but what are the hours like for a crewmember working in the restaurant, and what did the job entail?

 

Brian David Bruns: During the training phase, the first month, we were working a minimum of 12 hours a day, plus homework ... seven days a week. So it would average 14 to 15 hours a day, break for lunch, break for shower, but even on our breaks, we were constantly studying. This schedule was done intentionally because the line wants you to know right away how tough it is. They want to weed folks out who won't be able to handle it.

Once you're officially working on the ship, regular shifts are three shifts a day, seven days a week, 80-plus hours a week, with no days off for eight months. There's not a set schedule because every itinerary is different, but on a regular weekly sailing, you're going to work breakfast, lunch and dinner -- with probably a lunch off. On some ships, every other week you'd get two of those lunches off. That, of course, is all you get, ever. When I worked on Carnival Legend, which did eight-day cruises, I would have one lunch off every eight days. That's it. NOT a happy time.

CC: Can you talk a little about what a crewmember earns and how tips play into it?

 

BDB: Tipping is serious stuff. It represents well over 95% of what the crew makes. Carnival gave me something around $60 a month or so when it was all said and done. "Salary" also included the cabin you share, plenty of food and two crew parties a month. There was also an unfulfilled promise of medical care, but I knew several waiters who either got sick or had some sort of chronic condition who were immediately sent home indefinitely without pay. A few women who became pregnant while working onboard were immediately sent home without pay, as well. I don't remember the exact amount, but it was less than $80 for sure.

Tips were everything. Auto-tips were a Godsend, because anyone who thinks he/she tips enough voluntarily is usually wrong. The auto-tips were figured by how many guests are assigned to your dinner section. If you had a small section, say only 18, you were constrained by that number. The biggest sections were 22 or 24, which are a whopper of a section. But there is a lot more money to be had for that extra strain during dinner. Thus, even if the guests don't go to dinner, you get those auto-tips. They are automatically split between you and your assistant waiter for the cruise. Since you work breakfast, lunch, midnight buffet, and room service without any specific pay, those tips are well earned even if the guest opts out of the dining room constantly (by going to the supper club, for example, or eating in port).

I am not aware of Carnival ever taking a slice of this particular pie. And the timeclocks the waiters use nowadays? You don't get paid by the hour, they are just there to prove that they are not slaves.

CC: Besides the long hours, what's the hardest part of the job?

 

BDB: I really pride myself on being adaptable ... cheery under any circumstances. What was hard for me was that I'm very opinionated. I come from an environment of empowered people, empowered employees. On the ship, any new ideas -- memos to superiors to improve the job, for example -- were met with absolute concrete walls. They shut me down, even when it was my job, as the assistant maitre d, to try to improve things. I sent them countless reports, memos for improving efficiency. All were ignored. Then they would say, "We didn't get enough reports for you!" They didn't give a *&^%^ about any of that stuff. They literally promoted this guy who was always drunk -- I mean missing shifts while in his cabin vomiting. You're suppose to earn a set of stripes -- and it usually takes three years to get an extra half stripe [the next level up in crew hierarchy] -- but they immediately notched him up after a couple weeks. He was great at what he did ... when he made it to work!

This is from another Forum on here: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1059

 

Hhttp://globalnation.inquirer.net/143023/seafarer-protection-act-shields-cruise-line-owners-not-seafarersere

I'm sure that does happen but they are still different contracts. Not a single 2 year long contract. Back to back contracts are also voluntary, not required.

 

How Do you Know? Have you spoken to a crew member from the Philippines? Have you spoken to all the Crew members? Remember there are often third parties who contract these crew out.. So the contracts vary according to your position; Entertainment, Housekeeping/ Stewards, Engineers are all hired with very different & unique terms & conditions. Look.. The point is that these Crew Members sacrifice so much here, & work VERY long hours under VERY difficult circumstances.. & While MANY of you do tip them for their hard work, & recognize their hard work... Many do NOT.. especially those from other countries who normally don't tip in their countries. Also, I have seen or heard of even people from the US who feel like " I spent enough on this Cruise", or I overspent, let me get my bill down, & then cut the gratuity..

and I just wanted to open people's eyes to the Crew member's life. These are NOT exaggerations.. I make it a point to get to know the Crew & staff VERY well when ever I sail. I am genuine when I say I care & have the most up most respect for them, & the hard work they do, so we can enjoy ourselves & be pampered.

"yes, this is true.. but many times.. the crew can only return home every two years.. after the contract.. so that is 2 years of not seeing your kids, and your spouse."

 

 

 

 

Why do people make up stuff like this. This is completely untrue. I guess you have never had a conversation with a crew member. Most contracts are 6 months, extensions can be requested.

 

I used to work on ships.. In addition, I do have conversations with Many crew members. Contracts differ depending on the position and the country where the crew member are from.. yes.. in Philippines i met many Philippine crew, Bartenders, wait staff, and crew stewards.. Engineers are often on different contracts.. it depends on how you get hired.. ( 3rd party?) and your country..Philippines is very expensive , so they like them to do 2 year contracts.

the $4000/month, is only for 8 months a year, so while it's not a poverty level job, it is still a minimum wage job,

Is that how much the waiters make? I doubt that they make that much.. probable no where near that, if I had to guess..( but I dont work for pay roll, never have.)

Seems very high..

of course it was many moons ago I worked on ships, but I do hope, & I am glad that that the pay is better regulated.. I would hate to think of 100% of the gratuity money not going exactly where it's intended. I'd like to think it is.

I can't say for sure about other cruise lines, but I know that Carnival also pays the roundtrip airfare for crew members to return to their home countries in between their contracts. If a crew member opts not to take the trip -- which was the case with our tour guide, whose boyfriend lived in the States -- they get the equivalent amount as cash.

Judging from my experiences with their hard-working crew personnel, this is a well-deserved perk.

yes, this is true.. but many times.. the crew can only return home every two years.. after the contract.. so that is 2 years of not seeing your kids, and your spouse.

 

 

 

I

 

If you’ve drawn other conclusions from this thread then you’re not learning very quickly.

 

No certainly no.. I just know that there ARE many people on here.. who just have no idea on how hard these guys work.. so when I get the opportunity to shed some light on how things are run.. I like to.. Also, there are many people who are not " a custom" to tip.. so I am explaining why..

but you did ask, if they made an hourly salary.. So I'm telling you how it works & why.. but also anyone else who comes across this thread to hopefully Change their generosity when they receive good service, or when the ones who decide to cut their expenses by cutting gratuity..

Because there are people from all nationalities, & backgrounds who think it's ok.. regardless of good service to cut out the gratuity.. It was in no way to mention you or to imply.. :hearteyes: Sorry for any misunderstanding.

When you do the math it comes out about $5400 so are you saying that staff is not getting the full amount? The US crew has to pay taxes on there income but $4000 a month is a good wage. Not sure about your state but here in Michigan there’s lots of jobs that work 12 hour shifts & weekends/holidays for less pay.

Break down the amount of service/ tip based employees in the entire ship..

then take into fact the amount of hours worked ( you would be SHOCKED if you knew how many hours per week they work!

Now..Divide that hourly.. They make VERY little.. It is sad.. see my remarks below.

, I hope someone can explain to how or why the tips are done the way they are done. I guess Im wrestling with if Im tipping correctly. Im fine with the $12.95 a day. I usually just split it differently. To me it should be alternative zero, housekeeping, $2.95 and dining $10.

 

Well, I can tell everyone here.. that I actually have a Unique View point on this subject, because back in the early 90's I actually was a Cruise Ship Staff member.. ( all though I did not have a tip based position.. therefore.. my pay was salary..

When I worked on board for 2 years.. ( 1 ship, weekend bahamas Cruise, & the other 2 differnt 7 day cruises ( Panama Canal) out of Aruba.. so back to back 14 days.. I got very close to my fellow Ship mates, & we were like family.. Working on Ship is kind of like living in a small town, You know people Very well. so I got to know their stories.

Here are some facts based upon my experience in my 2 years on board..

1) ** Crew & Staff are NEVER paid hourly-- but monthly salary.

2) Crew & staff NEVER have a day off- ( unless they are sick, & have Dr. notes

3) If staff are sick too often, or for too many consecutive days they are SENT HOME.. & unpaid leave. So, most of the time they DON"T call in sick, in fear for being sent home!

4) Crew & Staff work 7 days a week, 14-16 hours + a day!!!.. ( Cabin stewards, house keeping, bartenders & waiters have VERY physically challenging jobs.. working VERY long hours with VERY little tie off.. some only getting a chance to get off ship 1- 2 times a week for a few hours ( If they are lucky & not too tired!

5) They often work odd hours like 5 Early in the morning work for several hours, have a few hours of rest, & have to go back for the night shift.. then often working very late.

6) Many Crew/ Staff come from VERY poor countries, Make VERY little money. & send most money home to their children, & spouses.

7) Crew & staff living conditions are usually separated.. kind of like 1st, 2nd class, 3rd class.. with different sections for crew.. ( 3rd class) often dark, down below ship, cramped quarters.. ( sometimes 4-6 in one room, with shared bathroom, staff; pursers, Cruise Director, Cruise staff.. Entertainment staff, Spa staff, Casino ( staff) 2nd class often have a bit better accomodations, but still share a room, & bathroon with at least 1 other staff & often are allowed in public areas & have more privledges, these are paid a higher wage. Officers Captain.. 1st class.. have their private quarters & the best privledges, but also work VERY hard, long days 7 days a week.. these are Salaried as well. ( ** of course they dont refer to them like that, but their accommodations & privileges are like that.. based on a unspoken hierarchy... 8) They give up so much.. often not going " home" for 1-2 years!

9) They work around the clock For you! Smiling.. working wether they are sick, happy, or sad!

10) ** My opinion.. " If you CAN afford to go on vacations, Take a Cruise, Go out to Eat,... you CAN afford to tip! Please.. these are human beings.. not robots.. Treat them the Best you can!! Thank you!

If the service is AT&T, received texts are free.

 

Good to know, Thanks Clara!

yeah... that's a pain.. too bad you cant get your voice mail on board from any location.

if all else fails.. do you know if you can receive/ access your voice mails from other locations on the ship?

I'm thinking you could use that to keep in contact.. & its free :)

Yeah the thought of a thousand incoming text from the Bf back home scares me...

thanks Bob & Clara!! :hearteyes:

Lol.. your funny Bob... ( " fun to watch them fight over 1 device).. yeah.. good point(y)

Any idea though how much for 6 devices! Holy cow:eek:

As I mentioned, get a one device package and let the four them share it. Wait until the second day and buy Surf package on board (save another $13 that way).

Yes! That's what I'm planning.. What is the Surf package?? Thanks.

I don't recall the model, but they were pretty nice Motorola GMRS models.

 

If you can live with just a few texts per day, you can use the Cellular at Sea (ship's cell tower) capability. Nothing to sign up for, cost is $0.50 per text for AT&T and Verizon (confirm if you have another carrier), charged by your cell carrier.

I like that Idea the most Clara.. thank you!:* I think I will stick to the text idea.. ( providing our carrier has that option) if not I will Call around.. maybe buy some cheap phones..

But I will reinforce a strong rule.. about limitations.. ( not for conversation)

other wise.. $$$

True, better to bite the bullet and get unlimited VOOM.

 

If I got the Voom package for my entire group that x 6!!! Any idea what that price would be!

that would pay for a whole cruise for another person! lol..

Maybe if I Keep a very strict rule of " only text for emergencies?? I do have 1 girl going who is crazy about keeping in touch w the Bf back home.. I have 1 internet package, & I told her she can borrow my lap top..

1 or 2 a day to send f/b messages.. But to get them all Wifi would be alot of $$$$

We have had bad luck with walkie talkies. Once we get separated by a few decks, communication was poor to impossible.

Wich ones did you use? I heard some were better than others? I just found out the Ship I will be on ( Navigator of the Seas) does not offer this RQ app.. The price of the internet x 6 is outrageous! ( Even on sale) One thing I 've sailed usually w Carnival.. and their internet packages were actually affordable and they also have a system that allows you to communicate on board for a very reasonable price.. but now that i'm booked with RCC.. I 'm already finding myself nickeled and dimed to death.. and I have not even boarded!

i went on one cruise with 4 teenage kids and spent a good portion of my cruise looking for the kids.. they run around so much, that its hard to locate everyone.. would love to have something. to help. but at the same time.. I'm trying to have another family Vacation & I dont want the kids, ( or myself) to get caught up on our phones.. So Im personally deliberately avoiding having internet for all of us.

I see that there are walkie talkies that text.. anyone know anything about those? i also dont want to be annoying to fellow passengers, w loud devices.