Crew Pay Revealed!

[sail7seas]

I don't see where this would be any different at all.

 

Theoretically, "people" are paying part of her DH's salary too ... those people who are his customers/clients, etc. So, would it be appropriate, say, for a client to ask his lawyer what he earns in a year? Of course not. Or, how about a doctor ... "what did you rake in this month, sir?"

 

I don't think it's any of our "dammed" business what the crew makes. I also don't think we need to pity them either for their hard life.

 

When we accept employment, we accept it based on pay and benefits. That pay and those benefits are between us and our employers and really none of anyone else's business ... with the possible exception of elected officials and perhaps the heads of non-profit agencies.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

Exactly.

[SakeDad]

Lafinvegas Vegas has shows so far superior to cruise ships I think it would be frustrating to work a ship.

I think you meant this to me, SakeDad, as Lisa hasn't been on this thread. I stage managed shows in casinos in Vegas for 7 1/2 years and doing shows on a ship is very much the same. The difference is no one at the casino wanted me to go run the 21 tables, piano bars, meeting rooms and lounges and pool and dessert parties and set up and strike the bands and help run AV which is NOT what I do or what I was hired for (nor what I was getting paid for). The shows, at least on the Eurodam, were high quality and high tech so I had to know my business when it came to running those shows or I could easily kill someone. I know my job and put 5 shows up in 3 weeks successfully and I'm proud of that:) ....but the pay they give barely met that much less all the "extras" they decided I needed to do once on board.:mad:

 

I MUST stress that I knew the pay I was getting before I signed on and while it was not what I make on land I was fine with it as I very specifically stated what I would and wouldn't do in the job and HAL/Stilletto (still not sure who hired me!:rolleyes:) agreed with me. So when they changed the job on me THAT is when I had problems and quit. So I never complained about the pay, just that they tried to change my job after I got to the ship.:cool: (There are MANY MORE reasons I quit but this is not the thread for them)

[Paul123]

Exactly.

 

Ignorance is bliss...

[westboroatty]

Under AYWD, I wonder how the dining room steward is paid? I'm assuming that the math the dining room steward did was similar to the math the cabin steward's (number of people at table times number of nights or meals).

 

Under the old system, the steward could rely on having eight people at at table of eight, even if those eight people were four couples who were traveling together. My impression of AYWD is that there are no set table assignments, the steward gets what he gets. He may be assigned two tables with eight chairs in the dining room. He may have a party of eight one night and a party of six the next. Since he is paid by the nose, he would want to keep the larger parties coming back to his table.

 

That would explain Abdul's (our server's) desire to have my family (a party of eight that liked to eat early) coming back to his table. We were generally polite and didn't ask for anything weird like low salt caviar. We ate early, so he could serve another set of passengers and make more money. He went so far as to arrange for a stading reservation for us at his table and was genuinly concerned whed we did not show up for dinner in the dining room. We even went so far as to tell him when we were eating at the Pinnacle or onshore.

 

Abdul told us that he had been serving on Holland America's ships for 25 years. His contract was for one year and that he was on the ship for 10 months. He was not happy about having to work in the Lido for breakfast and lunch. He said that he would like at least one meal off. He loves his job and is very good at it. We saw that Abdul was properly compensated for his services over and above the auto-tip.

 

Rick

[cruz chic]

I don't see where this would be any different at all.

 

Theoretically, "people" are paying part of her DH's salary too ... those people who are his customers/clients, etc. So, would it be appropriate, say, for a client to ask his lawyer what he earns in a year? Of course not. Or, how about a doctor ... "what did you rake in this month, sir?"

 

I don't think it's any of our "dammed" business what the crew makes. I also don't think we need to pity them either for their hard life.

 

When we accept employment, we accept it based on pay and benefits. That pay and those benefits are between us and our employers and really none of anyone else's business ... with the possible exception of elected officials and perhaps the heads of non-profit agencies.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

Boy that is really a stretch Rita:rolleyes: . Here in Canada the salaries of key personnel are published in the financials of the company so it appears several people are wondering what others make. It's a topic of conversation at our company fairly often. Like I say...if you guys don't want to know...fine....go on to the next thread. If I see one more beer thread I think I'll puke. Therefore I guess I better try and shut those threads down because I don't want to hear about it.

[sail7seas]

I don't see where this would be any different at all.

 

Theoretically, "people" are paying part of her DH's salary too ... those people who are his customers/clients, etc. So, would it be appropriate, say, for a client to ask his lawyer what he earns in a year? Of course not. Or, how about a doctor ... "what did you rake in this month, sir?"

 

I don't think it's any of our "dammed" business what the crew makes. I also don't think we need to pity them either for their hard life.

 

When we accept employment, we accept it based on pay and benefits. That pay and those benefits are between us and our employers and really none of anyone else's business ... with the possible exception of elected officials and perhaps the heads of non-profit agencies.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

 

Ignorance is bliss...

 

 

You ask your doctor/lawyer their annual income? :eek:

[Paul123]

You ask your doctor/lawyer their annual income? :eek:

I thought the reason the question of CREW pay comes up so often on these threads is because it is thought by many people that most of the crew's remuneration package is low. It appears that many people seem to be inquisitive to know how low. I hardly think that doctors or lawyers quite fit that low paid image somehow...LOL. As I said maybe ignorance is bliss.

[sail7seas]

My only point is what is it our business if the pay is low or high or somewhere in between. It obviously is acceptible to the crew/stewards or they would not have signed on and accepted the contract.

 

What we think is adequate pay is of no concern to anyone but ourselves.

What does it matter for us to know what THEY consider to be adequate pay. I think it merely voyeurism.

 

I see no approriateness in the reference to ignorance. I don't feel ignorant for not wanting to know someone's (a group of crew's) income.

 

JMO......

[GmaPajama]

Looks like I'm a member of the minority here, but I said it as soon as the OP put this up, and I'll say it again.

 

Sorry I can't share in the excitement of finding out how much a crew member might earn. It makes no difference to me, and I consider anyone else's salary none of my business. Even if my cabin steward was making 6 figures, I'd still tip him generously. :)

 

It's nobody's business.

[Jgomez65]

Since most people who work in cruises come from other countries, the salary they make on the ships not only allows them to save money, but also to support their families back home.

For example people from the Czech Republic make around $700.00 a month, while Philippines make around $450.00. That is a huge difference compared to $1,500.

I think the worse part of the job is not the salary or the long hours, but the separation from family and loved ones.

[ssminnow]

I pay gilligan in coconuts

mr howell has all the cash.

[Jimbo59]

I would like to know if the waiters, room stewards, etc. actually get the $3.50 per person per day - or if management is skimming off some part of the auto-tips. Under the old system passengers gave tips directly to the waiters, room stewards, etc.

[ssminnow]

I think the worse part of the job is not the salary or the long hours, but the separation from family and loved ones.

 

are they taken hostage and forced to work?

not to be harsh.....but it's not like they are shipwrecked and stuck on a island.

[jtl513]

Under AYWD, I wonder how the dining room steward is paid? ... Since he is paid by the nose, ...

Is that the case now? I suspect that with AYWD all of the Hotel Service Charge funds for dining room stewards goes into a pool to be divided equally.

[hammybee]

Have you never in your life fallen for an employment agency come-on ad, only to find out when you sit down in their office that no specific job offering the advertised amount of money really exists? I have ... and I don't believe this one. :(

 

I have not fallen for it but I am aware that employment scams abound. This particular agency seems to recruit for RCL brands and NCL as well as Starboard who operate the shops. Why would anyone apply to an agency when all of these companies do their own recruiting. Where is the value added?

 

Here is a link to a Carnival Casino Division recruiting website. Take note of where their recruiting events are held.

 

http://www.oceancasinojobs.com/

[hammybee]

Is that the case now? I suspect that with AYWD all of the Hotel Service Charge funds for dining room stewards goes into a pool to be divided equally.

 

Cruise lines have been pooling tips for about 50 years according to that long time cruise line management poster who is known to many on this board.

 

The overwhelming majority of restuarants in the U.S. also pool tips or require the wait staff to tip out a defined percentage of each check to the behind the scene folk.

[cf_chuck]

I suspect that with AYWD all of the Hotel Service Charge funds for dining room stewards goes into a pool to be divided equally.

 

I hope that is the case.

[jtl513]

Cruise lines have been pooling tips for about 50 years according to that long time cruise line management poster who is known to many on this board.

I was questioning westboroatty's assertion in post #29 that they are "paid by the nose" ...

 

Why would anyone apply to an agency when all of these companies do their own recruiting. Where is the value added?

I know that a couple of the companies I've worked for in my life don't do their own advertising of jobs, but prefer to use employment agencies to pre-screen applicants. Unless somebody knew enough (or was lucky enough) to walk into the personnel office at the right time they would not be aware of some specific job openings.

[fireman845]

Does anyone else want to share there occupation and salary with the others?? Some of us do mind, while others don't... It really doesn't matter...

[hammybee]

I know that a couple of the companies I've worked for in my life don't do their own advertising of jobs, but prefer to use employment agencies to pre-screen applicants. Unless somebody knew enough (or was lucky enough) to walk into the personnel office at the right time they would not be aware of some specific job openings.

 

I understand. I am talking about cruise line employment.

[cf_chuck]

My only point is what is it our business if the pay is low or high or somewhere in between. It obviously is acceptible to the crew/stewards or they would not have signed on and accepted the contract.

 

What we think is adequate pay is of no concern to anyone but ourselves.

What does it matter for us to know what THEY consider to be adequate pay. I think it merely voyeurism.

 

From the HAL site (emphasis mine):

 

"To ensure that the efforts of all of our crewmembers are recognized and rewarded, a Hotel Service Charge of US$10 per passenger is automatically added to each guest's shipboard account on a daily basis. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. The Hotel Service Charge is paid entirely to Holland America Line crewmembers, and represents an important part of their compensation."

 

Since I'm free to adjust, I would like to know what the impacts might be by making this decision. Since the HSC represents an important part of the compensation, I would like to understand what the meaning of "important" is. Which crew members get a piece of the pie?

 

If you consider this voyeurism, fine. I consider it making an informed set of decisions based on the information published by the company whose product I am purchasing.

[cf_chuck]

So there have been numerous questions about how much does various members of the crew make, and you know you really would like to know :D .

 

Well here you go, an actual job posting from Craigslist!

 

"Get on board with the best job at sea!

 

Now recruiting seasonal and full time Youth Staff to work/live onboard a cruise ship for weeks or months at a time. Work with the best activity programs at sea! Travel and visit beautiful ports of call.

 

Minimum hiring requirement: 3 to 5 years working with youth ages 3 to 17 yrs of age in a YMCA, School or similar background.

Must be 21 years of age.

 

Please note that we are able to conduct interviews via webcam if a recruitment trip is not scheduled in your area.

 

Just Cruis'n Recruitment Team

www.cruiseshipemployment.ca

 

Ensure you subscribe to our site for your free E Book to assist you in determining a career at sea!

 

Location: Onboard a cruise ship

Compensation: 1250.00 US to 1560.00 US per month - room, board and medical insurance is provided

This is a contract job."

 

Cheers,

 

 

All one has to do is a bit of googling to reap many references to approximate pay. Here are a couple after about 10 mins research:

 

http://www.cruiselinesjobs.com/eng/wages/

http://www.cruiseshipjob.net/joblistings/

[twinkletoes4445]

And that is what the debate is..... both sides of the subject.

 

It is rare when we would all agree but it is valuable IMO for all sides to give their opinion.

 

I respect your opinion and your right to it and I'm sure you feel the same about those who respectfully disagree with you.

Some folks do not 'feel safe' posting an opposing opinion but it never bothers me to do so if I disagree with the one side being posted. I'll take the heat. ;)

 

 

 

 

Some folks don't feel safe because they're afraid of being eaten alive. We know it doesn't bother you. lol

[world~citizen]

And that is what the debate is..... both sides of the subject.

 

It is rare when we would all agree but it is valuable IMO for all sides to give their opinion.

 

I respect your opinion and your right to it and I'm sure you feel the same about those who respectfully disagree with you.

Some folks do not 'feel safe' posting an opposing opinion but it never bothers me to do so if I disagree with the one side being posted. I'll take the heat. ;)

 

I most certainly do respect the opinion of those who respectfully disagree with others. So do most others.

 

Smooth sailing...

[twinkletoes4445]

I most certainly do respect the opinion of those who respectfully disagree with others. So do most others.

 

Smooth sailing...

 

I agree. I respect the opinion of others who "respectfully" disagree with others. The vast majority of posters here are able to accomplish this task. Some aren't. :)

 

I find this thread interesting since our tips are a vital part of the salary certain employees take home.