Advice needed - lost job

[retired714]

One thing to remember, when you are on the ship you are not eating at home, or driving your car. That should free up some funds or at least know there will be some in your bank account when you get home. Sorry this happened, but as much as possible relax and enjoy your trip!

[sfaaa]

One door closed, another door opens. Such is life. Stay positive, keep the faith, go on your cruise and good things will eventually happen.

[broberts]

...

It is very sad that some people choose to not pay the minimum suggested. Some travel agents and some countries choose to include tips in their pricing. If not included they should be paid. This has nothing to do with North American standards.

 

What I find sad is that a single individual in a distressing situation receives more condemnation for contemplating a reduction in gratuities than the cruise lines do for not paying their hard working employees a decent and livable wage.

[rickays]

I feel quite sorry for the OP. To have this happen so close to a planned holiday would be quite devastating and at age 60 it will be very difficult to get another job. By the sounds of it they have also lost thousands of dollars in lost pay and holiday pay and I know unemployment benifits are very low. We do not know their full circumstances and if they have mortgage payment etc still to be paid therefore we should not be judgemental. This is their first cruise and maybe it will be the last that they can ever afford.

 

:) OP if you are still reading this forum I wish you all the best. If you can at all manage it I would like you to still do the cruise even if it means that you have to reduce the amount of gratuities that you pay. People on this forum can be quite adament that gratuities must be paid but I think in your circumstances if you can just pay a small amount it is quite acceptable (I will most probably be blasted for that comment, but that is only from some people) If a calculation is done, a steward cleaning 18 cabins with 2 people per cabin at the cruise line recommended rate of $3.50 per person per day, would make $3780 per month. We know they dont receive this amount so therefore I would say about 40% of people dont pay gratuities. Your circumstances are more unusual than someone who just doesn't want to pay. So please, think about the cruise and try to put all the worry behind you. Enjoy your cruise and celebrate you birthday and if you have any more questions, please ask as most people are nice on this forum, there is only a few that are really judgemental and insist things must be just so.

[ithaca gal]

The OP CLEARLY wrote:

 

Would it be very rude of us if we were to reduce the gratuities and then make our own bed and tidy the cabin?

 

How is it judgmental to give an honest answer (or, an honest opinion) to this question??? Just because the answer is not what the OP wants to hear does not make the reply JUDGMENTAL.

 

Sail had the guts to say what many of us were thinking, then gets pilloried by the OP and others for answering the original question.

 

By the way, reducing the gratuities and making your own bed does NOTHING to make up the loss in tips to the behind the scenes people. Would the OP be willing to help out in the kitchen and laundry too? Sounds ridiculous, but if doing your own chores makes up for reducing the gratuities then the "sweat equity" needs to be extended beyond the OP's cabin.

 

I will probably be thrown under the bus along with Sail but here's the deal: Don't ask questions that you really don't want to hear the answers to!

 

(I agree that selling items at a yard sale or Ebay is an Excellent way of bringing in a few (or many) dollars if a little effort is put in.)

[SadieN]

It's s good thing OP found CC. She forgot about getting visas.

THAT would have been a disaster. Flying to port and not being allowed to board because of missing paperwork.

[notentirelynormal]

Seeing you asked if it would be rude.......

 

Yes, sadly, it would be rude of you to make your own bed, I'm blunt enough to respond. It is tantamount to washing your own dishes when you eat in a restaurant, or going into the kitchen to pick up your lunch and carry it to your table. It is the steward's job to make your bed, clean your bathroom and he earns his tips by doing the best job he can for you.

 

I am not unsympathetic but am a realist. If the budget is so very tight that you cannot meet your responsibilities on the ship, perhaps you might consider saving a bit longer in the future before booking an optional trip. We all have budgets and I am in no way criticizing that but am suggesting all of us should probably be sure we have a bit of a cash cushion to fall back on just in case of exactly what happened to you. If you can't afford the tips, you can't afford the trip and likely could not at the time of booking.

JMO and said, in all sincerity, with kindness and understanding.

 

 

100% spot on. Thanks for saying it like it is for so many of us.

 

I have to wonder what the OP had planned for each port. Not sure where they are going but if it isn't a beach day I can't see them doing any type of excursions. There is almost no point in them going to just stay on the ship or stand at the pier. One day in port can easily cost double what the tips would be. However, OP says they have saved up the money for their excursions so maybe they could stay on the ship just once and pay their tips.

 

Saying they will make their own beds borders on silliness and insulting. Please, will they also cook, help put out the food in the buffet, maybe do a little laundry etc.

 

I've been unemployed for over 3 years now and I know how you feel. My unemployment benefits ran out over 2 years ago. I still, however, would never ever consider not paying the tips. If I can afford the game I need to play it fairly.

 

I'm a born Canadian and it always rubs me the wrong way (and I find it embarrassing) when I hear a fellow Canadian say.... oh, I didn't tip because we just don't do it in Canada. Get a grip. I have never been in a restaurant in Canada where a tip wasn't expected. Never taken an excursion where a tip wasn't expected. It is a cop out for those too cheap to pay, plain and simple. Sadly members of my family fit into this category. Luckily they have never said it to my face.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Personally I would not spend the $70 on coffee cards rather than paying the workers their money. On a 10 day cruise the tip would come to $230. Not spending the $70 towards coffee cards but towards the tips brings that amount down to $160. I think you can live without special coffee for a bit and be fair to the workers. It's not like the coffee is that bad. This money is the crew wages. Think how you feel about losing your wages and then how fair it is to them to lose theirs.

 

 

Please note I didn't intend my comments about gratuities and coffee cards to be read as "do this and do that". They were separate statements and I did point out that removing grats wasn't ideal.

 

But to many Aussies used to drinking freshly made espresso-style drinks, the standard coffee served onboard is truly awful. We'd rather go without than drink it.

[Duck Duck Cruise]

double post

Edited March 16, 2015 by Duck Duck Cruise
double post

[Duck Duck Cruise]

I have friends that work for two different cruise lines and I know what they are paid and how the tips are pooled and shared with the crew. And I do know how hard they work.

 

That said, if I were in the OP's fragile situation I would absolutely cancel the auto tipping. There will be another time in the future when they are on their feet again and can more than make up for it by tipping the crew (maybe even a little extra).

 

Bottom line...........they have paid for 99% of the cruise already. If I were them I would go and have a relaxing time while they can because when they return home there will be plenty of stress to worry about.

 

My heart goes out to them and I wish them much success and good luck in the future........Who knows, maybe they will meet someone on the ship they can network with for a job!

[OzKiwiJJ]

Sadly, I think a few people responding to the OP's questions have not read or understood the OP's situation so I will assume that is the reason for their less-than-nice responses.

 

Remember:

1. The OP has never cruised before and therefore cannot be expected to know how a cruise ship operates.

2. The OP has paid for their cruise and other travel costs and probably will not be able to recover all or most of that money paid.

 

Some of us have tried to offer ideas that may make it possible for these unfortunate folk to have their holiday, even though some of those ideas are less than ideal.

 

IMHO Slamming the OP for asking possibly naive but genuine questions is just plain rude.

 

2newcruzers, I really do hope you decide you can afford your cruise. You may have to forego excursions in the Asian ports. For the Australian ports you can just go ashore and putter around but I understand some of the Asian port stops are a long way from the towns they are visiting but do check the Ports of Call boards just in case.

 

Life on board ship is relaxing and fun, and the food is very good on Princess. In many ways, if you can put your troubles aside for the duration of your cruise, it may give you some much needed time out, time to refresh your souls.

 

As others have mentioned, do take into account the day-to-day expenses that you won't incur while onboard the ship, and add those to your budget for the cruise.

 

Luckily Diamond is departing from the OPT so you will be able to get the train from the airport to Circular Quay. It will cost $17 (Adult) or $13.60 (Senior) for a one way ticket - it's high because of the ridiculous Airport Station Access Fee. You could catch a bus from the airport to Mascot Station, then catch the train, which will reduce the fare considerably.

 

In Singapore you will have to get a taxi, I believe, as the cruise port is a long way from the nearest SMRT station - it's about 2.3kms if it's the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. However I'd recommend just getting the taxi to the nearest SMRT station and going by train to your hotel if the hotel is also near a station.

 

Best wishes.

Edited March 16, 2015 by OzKiwiJJ

[OzKiwiJJ]

I don't know what type of cabin you booked but you might like to check with your TA to see if there is anyway you could downgrade the cabin and have the difference credited to your onboard account. I realise it is unlikely since it's so close to the sail date but the cruise is showing cabins available in all categories. If your TA could talk to a sympathetic person at Princess it might be doable.

[icat2000]

I'm on the same cruise as the OP and my heart goes out to them. Losing your job and no way of recovering the money even though you have travel insurance is heartbreaking.

 

I felt some of the comments were uncalled for. As the above posted stated this is their first cruise and they are not used to everything like seasonal cruisers. We should cut them a bit of slack.

 

Now I was able to pre pay my cruise tips which works out as $240.35 AUD per person much cheaper than if you were to convert it as $11.50 x 19 x 2. (US437 = AUD 572,

 

So this is what I worked out might be your likely expenses.

 

1. Pre pay the tips at $240.35 AUD each I think you can do this up to 2 days prior to sailing.

2. Visas costs. $31 x 2 (Vietnam) $35 x 2 Indonesia. Total US $132) $173 AUD

3. Airport transfers: Sydney to OPT $AUD 17 x2

4. Airport transfers: Singapore to Airport say allow $50 US $65 AUD

 

So bare minimum $760 AUD. But allow say $800 AUD to cover anything else.

 

I hope you can cruise with us.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Good point about prepaying the grats, Sarah.

 

Funny how it ends up being so much cheaper that way. :)

[riddle]

So sorry for your job loss. Have been through it and it can be quite devastating. If you can, use the cruise to regroup, look at your options once home, etc. The cruise is also great for networking if that is in your personalities.

 

Also, forget souvenirs, no one needs them, and keep out of the casino at all costs.

 

Well wishes to both of you and do celebrate those birthdays!

[Flatbush Flyer]

One door closed, another door opens. Such is life. Stay positive, keep the faith, go on your cruise and good things will eventually happen.

 

 

Reality check please. Emergency fund needed to open another door.

[Velvetwater]

Original poster, we are not all abrasive so I hope your are at least still reading the good advice been given.

 

 

Go on the cruise (paying tips or not)

 

This is why:

 

The sad fact of this situation is no matter what happens someone loses money whether it is you or the ship staff. US citizens hold very dear to their tipping system and when events like this happen it really shows that an honest price and fair wage is needed across the service industry but I digress. Now since you have no income coming in and the stewards will (one could hope some will tip even more so they do not lose out) I would say that it is better for you to not pay them if it really is going to hurt you.

 

I do realise the economical background cruise ship workers come from and the hardships they face but from my viewpoint they would loose out if you cancelled anyway so its a tough choice. As you said if you helped with your own room and whatnot it would make their job easier.

 

Explain why you are removing the tips though so the crew do not get reprimanded.

 

I will get grief for this but it is a difficult situation that does not arise often.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Not sure if original poster is still reading, or will be back. She has posted the same question now on the cruise roll call.

[BullDawg91]

What I find sad is that a single individual in a distressing situation receives more condemnation for contemplating a reduction in gratuities than the cruise lines do for not paying their hard working employees a decent and livable wage.

 

 

I do think they should just raise the rates and cut out gratuities except as you see fit to reward service. However, it is well known that the cruise employees do depend on the tips so it would be a shame for a passenger to spend money on other things at the expense of tips.

[boating girl]

As a Canadian, that comment about Canadians not tipping is not true. Having worked in the service industry in the past, I make sure that I tip well as this is often a significant portion of one's earnings.

 

OP, I feel really bad for you and totally understand that you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. I am also sorry that some posters choose to speculate/comment on your financial situation other than the concerns of this trip. It really is none of our business.

 

I didn't mean to slight Canadians. I know they tip. I didn't make my point well. Some people use various excuses not to tip I love my friends but will never understand their excuse. I agree that the OP's financial history is not our business. I wish them the best and truly hope they csn go since they can't get their money back.

[KSprite01]

What I find sad is that a single individual in a distressing situation receives more condemnation for contemplating a reduction in gratuities than the cruise lines do for not paying their hard working employees a decent and livable wage.

 

Likely because this wasn't a thread about whether the cruise lines should build tips into the cruise prices. (I think they should.) But until they do, I don't consider it an "optional" fee in the way that a coffee card, alcohol, shore excursions, specialty dining, gambling, photos, etc. are optional. These folks work 12-16 hour days, with interrupted sleep, for 10 months as a time without days off and their primary source of payment are these optional tips. Thus, I can’t support people encouraging others not to pay them - particularly as it sounds like the OP was willing to pay money to bring on coke/wine.

 

Sadly, I think a few people responding to the OP's questions have not read or understood the OP's situation so I will assume that is the reason for their less-than-nice responses.

 

Remember:

1. The OP has never cruised before and therefore cannot be expected to know how a cruise ship operates.

2. The OP has paid for their cruise and other travel costs and probably will not be able to recover all or most of that money paid.

 

Some of us have tried to offer ideas that may make it possible for these unfortunate folk to have their holiday, even though some of those ideas are less than ideal.

 

IMHO Slamming the OP for asking possibly naive but genuine questions is just plain rude.

 

….

 

In Singapore you will have to get a taxi, I believe, as the cruise port is a long way from the nearest SMRT station - it's about 2.3kms if it's the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. However I'd recommend just getting the taxi to the nearest SMRT station and going by train to your hotel if the hotel is also near a station.

 

Answering questions asked by the OP isn’t “slamming” the OP. The OP asked if it was rude, people responded politely and basically said, “Sorry, but yes.” The OP may not have known about how a cruise ship operates in terms of payment of certain of their employees, but they’ve now been educated. (As a side note, I don't think the tips themselves should have been a surprise. I started cruising not that long ago, and I recall it was pretty clear they were going to be expected.) Then the OP got mad at not receiving the hoped-for answer and essentially huffed off. I don't think it's very nice to ask a question and waste the time of people responding, when the OP was not genuinely interested in hearing the answers.

 

OP, if you go, look into splitting a taxi in Singapore with others from your roll call who might have similar schedules. (Also consider looking into other rolls calls for other cruise ships in the area that day too.)

[AZ Ocean Lover]

I work in Human Resources and have been involved (both on the giving and the receiving end) of layoff notices. Some we cushioned with a nice severance package and others nothing. What the OP is going through is very typical. Anger is a very common stage people have to move through in order to move on. In her posts she seemed almost desperate in looking for a solution and when it looked like she wasn't going to be able to go based on popular opinion she lashed out.

 

I would tell her to go, pay what you can in gratuities, act on the good suggestions to raise some funds so she doesn't feel like she is dipping into savings that might be needed later.

 

The reason I say this is one time my husband and I both lost our jobs within the span of one month. We stood looking out the window into our backyard as they were digging a pool ( A POOL !! - talk about frivolous) that couldn't be stopped. We both got jobs within a couple of months and life has been good to us. This was fifteen years ago and we still enjoy the pool. This is a bump in the road that you will recover from. Take the vacation and cherish the memories.

[donaldsc]

I work in Human Resources and have been involved (both on the giving and the receiving end) of layoff notices. Some we cushioned with a nice severance package and others nothing. What the OP is going through is very typical. Anger is a very common stage people have to move through in order to move on. In her posts she seemed almost desperate in looking for a solution and when it looked like she wasn't going to be able to go based on popular opinion she lashed out.

 

I would tell her to go, pay what you can in gratuities, act on the good suggestions to raise some funds so she doesn't feel like she is dipping into savings that might be needed later.

 

The reason I say this is one time my husband and I both lost our jobs within the span of one month. We stood looking out the window into our backyard as they were digging a pool ( A POOL !! - talk about frivolous) that couldn't be stopped. We both got jobs within a couple of months and life has been good to us. This was fifteen years ago and we still enjoy the pool. This is a bump in the road that you will recover from. Take the vacation and cherish the memories.

 

I hate to tell you and you are perfectly aware that things are significantly different now then they were 15 years ago. There is a lot more long term unemployment. Many jobs are gone forever and when people do get jobs, they are often at lower pay. If you are older, it can be extremely difficult to get a job.

 

Your answer while well meant is very poly-Annish (sp?).

 

DON

[DirtyDawg]

Not sure if original poster is still reading, or will be back. She has posted the same question now on the cruise roll call.

 

Maybe she posted on the Roll Call because their was lots of Aussies on it and, as we all know, Aussies are nicer.:D

 

Lots of honest answers on this thread but not a lot of diplomatic honest answers.:rolleyes:

[Sailor_Sally]

While I feel sympathetic towards new cruiser my answer is much different for someone 60 than someone late 20's or 30's . At that age you can bounce back and get another job pretty quickly or you can move back with your parents or a million other things to tied you until a new job comes along . It is much harder to get a job at 60 and frankly if money is that tight they should rethink the cruise and stay home and start unemployment pay now .Maybe the cruise line would give them a credit to be used on a later cruise ? Sorry New cruiser but that is just my opinion.

Edited March 16, 2015 by Sailor_Sally