Waiter and assistant waiter

[Deb Vitous]

What does each do that a tip is called for on both? Thanks.

[HDawson228]

Work their fannies off for you.

[SNUMBER6]

>From: (HDawson228)

>Work their fannies off for you.
>

On French Night ... I mentioned how much i liked Escargot ... and how very good
it was this time ...
Guess who got a specially made "even better" extra one with the main course
since they had ran out ... but he convinced the chef to make one more ...

They care and look to please ... moreso than anywhere else ...

Be seeing you
In the Village
Number 6

[Deb Vitous]

For example.............. :)
(My sister is asking - i wanna give her an answer good enough to make her
quiet!)

"HDawson228" > wrote in message
...
> Work their fannies off for you.

[Kowboyguard]

One is like a busboy for the waiter, both work as a team for you and deserve
every penny of any tips, this is one of the hardest jobs on the ship and both
work 60plus hours not only serving you but also doing the midnight buffets,
breakfast and island bbqs,

[Lee Silver]

Deb:

> What does each do that a tip is called for on both? Thanks.

The waiter is reponsible for taking your order, getting and serving your food --
hopefully learning your eating preferences. He/she is also the person who
introduces him/herself to you, and usually gets to know your name. He/she also
covers for the assistant if the ass't is slow, overly busy, etc.

The assistant waiter fills the water, gets the bread, serves the coffee, clears
the table between courses. If you're a juice/ice-tea drinker he/she will also
get that, get any condiments that might be needed for a particular course.

--
// Lee Silver
// Information Concepts Inc.
// http://www.information-concepts.com

Facilitating the automated conversion of Data into Information
since 1982

[Deb Vitous]

A GOOD answer. Thanks Lee!!! :)


"Lee Silver" > wrote in message
et...
> Deb:
>
> > What does each do that a tip is called for on both? Thanks.
>
> The waiter is reponsible for taking your order, getting and serving your
food --
> hopefully learning your eating preferences. He/she is also the person who
> introduces him/herself to you, and usually gets to know your name. He/she
also
> covers for the assistant if the ass't is slow, overly busy, etc.
>
> The assistant waiter fills the water, gets the bread, serves the coffee,
clears
> the table between courses. If you're a juice/ice-tea drinker he/she will
also
> get that, get any condiments that might be needed for a particular course.
>
> --
> // Lee Silver
> // Information Concepts Inc.
> // http://www.information-concepts.com
>
> Facilitating the automated conversion of Data into Information
> since 1982
>

[sheree]

the waiter takes your order, serves your meal etc
the asst waiter brings your drinks, bread, does the dressings, clears the
table etc

they work as a team

--
Sheree
'
"Deb Vitous" > wrote in message
...
> For example.............. :)
> (My sister is asking - i wanna give her an answer good enough to make her
> quiet!)
>
> "HDawson228" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Work their fannies off for you.
>
>

[Sue and Kevin Mullen]

sheree wrote:

> the waiter takes your order, serves your meal etc
> the asst waiter brings your drinks, bread, does the dressings, clears the
> table etc
>
> they work as a team
>

And both work very, very hard!!

sue

[[email protected]]

For which they are VERY well paid.

On 17 Sep 2003 17:53:18 GMT, (HDawson228) wrote:

>Work their fannies off for you.

[[email protected]]

They probably earn more than you do.

On 17 Sep 2003 18:25:08 GMT, (Kowboyguard) wrote:

>One is like a busboy for the waiter, both work as a team for you and deserve
>every penny of any tips, this is one of the hardest jobs on the ship and both
>work 60plus hours not only serving you but also doing the midnight buffets,
>breakfast and island bbqs,

[Kowboyguard]

Actually I have worked on a ship for year, with Disney, and yes they do make
good money MOST of the time, but no, not more then me, thanks though.

[GRL]

On Carnival the head waitress for our table said they work seven months on
(essentially daily) and 3 or 4 months off (go home and live a real life).
Don't know what their basic wage is, but figuring ~$3 per person per day in
tips with four 8-person table seatings a day that makes about $100 a day in
tips plus whatever the hourly wage is plus whatever the extra tip people
leave is. Let's say $150+ a day or about a K-buck a week. This is not bad,
especially considering that (from what I saw) many of the people doing the
work are from relatively low wage countries (e.g. Eastern Europe, Caribbean
islands, India, etc.) They have to buy their own uniforms (which are not
cheap).

Now, having said that, they earn every cent of it as they REALLY hustle and
work hard to earn those extra tips. We had two young Rumania and Bulgarian
ladies as our Waitress/Assistant-Waitress and they were very, very good and
made the dining experience a pleasure.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Kowboyguard" > wrote in message
...
> Actually I have worked on a ship for year, with Disney, and yes they do
make
> good money MOST of the time, but no, not more then me, thanks though.

[GRL]

What is your guesstimate of "very well paid" and its basis?

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
> wrote in message
...
> For which they are VERY well paid.
>
> On 17 Sep 2003 17:53:18 GMT, (HDawson228) wrote:
>
> >Work their fannies off for you.
>

[HDawson228]

Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. they work 12 hours a day,
seven days a week and 6 to 8 mo contracts. That's 6 to 8 mos away from the
wife and kids and living in a cabin, smaller than guest cabins with 3 other
crew memebers. When they aren't serving in the DR they usualy can be found at
one of the other dining venues such as the buffet and serving gormet bites late
night or working the late night buffet.

[GRL]

"Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. "

You must be joking!

A month???

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"HDawson228" > wrote in message
...
> Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. they work 12 hours a
day,
> seven days a week and 6 to 8 mo contracts. That's 6 to 8 mos away from
the
> wife and kids and living in a cabin, smaller than guest cabins with 3
other
> crew memebers. When they aren't serving in the DR they usualy can be
found at
> one of the other dining venues such as the buffet and serving gormet bites
late
> night or working the late night buffet.

[HDawson228]

Not kidding. Tips from guests ARE their income.

[Howard Garland]

Deb Vitous wrote:

> A GOOD answer. Thanks Lee!!! :)

So be sure to tip them, Deb. And if you get wonderful service, it's
appropriate to tip more than the recommended amount.

Howard

[DaFlaBear]

Don't forget there is also a 15% tip automatically built into all
beverage orders.
On my last cruise (a couple of weeks ago on the Explorer) my assisant
waiter brought out my wine ($44 Mondavi Napa Chard) and Evian ($3.50, I
think) orders each night.
Does anyone now how this tip is split up or is it?

[GRL]

Wow. They really DO need those tips. Explains the hustle. They are
independent contractors.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"HDawson228" > wrote in message
...
> Not kidding. Tips from guests ARE their income.

[Deb Vitous]

I thought the auto 15% was on ALCOHOLIC beverages. It's on soda as well?


"DaFlaBear" > wrote in message
...
> Don't forget there is also a 15% tip automatically built into all
> beverage orders.
> On my last cruise (a couple of weeks ago on the Explorer) my assisant
> waiter brought out my wine ($44 Mondavi Napa Chard) and Evian ($3.50, I
> think) orders each night.
> Does anyone now how this tip is split up or is it?
>

[DaFlaBear]

Yep, any beverage you must pay for includes it.

" No one promises you tomorrow".... Walter Payton, 10/7/84.

[DaFlaBear]

Deb,
I may be only partially correct on that.
I know they charged the tip on a diet coke and Evian in the dining room.
I don't know if they do in Johnny Rockets or that 24 hour Pizza/light
snack venue.

[Annie Noname4]

When buying drinks on board ship,you must watch the servers very
carefully,my husband ordered a "COORS LIGHT",signed for it because it
was so dim in the showroom.when we got back to our roo ,she had rung up
11 coors and added a tip which came to 50 some dollars,you can be sure
we are more careful now,and we did get it strightened out.
Annie

[Deb Vitous]

so the beverage card is prolly a better deal?

"DaFlaBear" > wrote in message
...
> Yep, any beverage you must pay for includes it.
>
> " No one promises you tomorrow".... Walter Payton, 10/7/84.
>

[Mason Barge]

On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 17:04:09 -0400 (EDT), (Annie
Noname4) wrote:

>When buying drinks on board ship,you must watch the servers very
>carefully,my husband ordered a "COORS LIGHT",signed for it because it
>was so dim in the showroom.when we got back to our roo ,she had rung up
>11 coors and added a tip which came to 50 some dollars,you can be sure
>we are more careful now,and we did get it strightened out.
>Annie

This happened to me in a bar/music hall once -- I put a $1.50 tip on
the credit slip and the waitress changed it to $11.50 after I had
signed it. Luckily I had saved the original.


Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln

[Rob Holland]

Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
etc. Here's one of the web sites:

http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html

Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
really like to know what the wages are.

Later,
Rob

On 18 Sep 2003 03:16:21 GMT, (HDawson228) wrote:

>Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. they work 12 hours a day,
>seven days a week and 6 to 8 mo contracts. That's 6 to 8 mos away from the
>wife and kids and living in a cabin, smaller than guest cabins with 3 other
>crew memebers. When they aren't serving in the DR they usualy can be found at
>one of the other dining venues such as the buffet and serving gormet bites late
>night or working the late night buffet.

[Jeff H]

"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
...
> Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
> the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
> month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
> etc. Here's one of the web sites:
>
> http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html
>
> Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
> really like to know what the wages are.
>
> Later,
> Rob
>

Rob,

If you really believe they are $900-$1100 per month plus tips (as stated by
your link), go for it. I will say however, working on a cruise ship is not a
summer job.

Jeff

[Rob Holland]

Jeff:

Do you have first-hand knowledge of the wages of cruise wait staff?
Can you provide a cite as to what the wages are?

Here is another link from a CCL-affiliated staffing agent:

http://www.cruise-staff.com/i.cfm/4/

It says minimum starting pay is $1000, right in line with what the
other web site says. I looked it up in the Dept. of Labor Occupational
Handbook, but it doesn't distinguish between merchant marine ships and
cruise ships.

Later,
Rob

On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 17:48:09 -0700, "Jeff H" > wrote:

>
>"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
...
>> Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
>> the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
>> month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
>> etc. Here's one of the web sites:
>>
>> http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html
>>
>> Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
>> really like to know what the wages are.
>>
>> Later,
>> Rob
>>
>
>Rob,
>
>If you really believe they are $900-$1100 per month plus tips (as stated by
>your link), go for it. I will say however, working on a cruise ship is not a
>summer job.
>
>Jeff
>

[Deirdre Saoirse Moen]

In article >, Rob Holland
> wrote:

> Do you have first-hand knowledge of the wages of cruise wait staff?
> Can you provide a cite as to what the wages are?
>
> Here is another link from a CCL-affiliated staffing agent:
>
> http://www.cruise-staff.com/i.cfm/4/
>
> It says minimum starting pay is $1000, right in line with what the
> other web site says. I looked it up in the Dept. of Labor Occupational
> Handbook, but it doesn't distinguish between merchant marine ships and
> cruise ships.

DOL handbook isn't relevant because few cruise ships are US flagged, and
wages are one of the reasons.

In 1991, my contract as a purser required 70 hours per week and offered
pay of $1700/month, however I got another position on shore instead.

Don't know about waitstaff though.

--
_Deirdre http://deirdre.net
"Dogs may have kept us company on the hunt, but it was the cats who
insisted we invent houses and discover fire." -- Khiem Tran

[Charles]

In article >, Rob Holland
> wrote:

> It says minimum starting pay is $1000, right in line with what the
> other web site says. I looked it up in the Dept. of Labor Occupational
> Handbook, but it doesn't distinguish between merchant marine ships and
> cruise ships.

I don't see wait staff listed as any of the positions currently offered
or closed for $1000 starting pay.

--
Charles

[Rich Cacace]

Just send them your $29.95 to put in your application & let us know how
you're doing in about 6 months. While the inf. they provide might not be a
direct lie is sure is exaggerated. The salary mentioned is probably what
they earn including tips. Sure they get food but it's certainly not the
same as what you eat on a cruise. They get a room (inside small cabin &
share it with 3 guys). Laundry & bar allowance - sure, probably 10 or 15 %
off some hiked up price & there expected to have a clean uniform on every
shift. I've never met anyone working from the US except for the cruise
director & a few women running some craft projects. I imagine you would
also have to pay taxes when you return home.
"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
...
> Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
> the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
> month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
> etc. Here's one of the web sites:
>
> http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html
>
> Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
> really like to know what the wages are.
>
> Later,
> Rob
>
> On 18 Sep 2003 03:16:21 GMT, (HDawson228) wrote:
>
> >Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. they work 12 hours a
day,
> >seven days a week and 6 to 8 mo contracts. That's 6 to 8 mos away from
the
> >wife and kids and living in a cabin, smaller than guest cabins with 3
other
> >crew memebers. When they aren't serving in the DR they usualy can be
found at
> >one of the other dining venues such as the buffet and serving gormet
bites late
> >night or working the late night buffet.
>

[Rob Holland]

On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 20:42:11 -0700, (Deirdre
Saoirse Moen) wrote:

>In article >, Rob Holland
> wrote:
>
>> Do you have first-hand knowledge of the wages of cruise wait staff?
>> Can you provide a cite as to what the wages are?
>>
>> Here is another link from a CCL-affiliated staffing agent:
>>
>> http://www.cruise-staff.com/i.cfm/4/
>>
>> It says minimum starting pay is $1000, right in line with what the
>> other web site says. I looked it up in the Dept. of Labor Occupational
>> Handbook, but it doesn't distinguish between merchant marine ships and
>> cruise ships.
>
>DOL handbook isn't relevant because few cruise ships are US flagged, and
>wages are one of the reasons.

Agree.

>In 1991, my contract as a purser required 70 hours per week and offered
>pay of $1700/month, however I got another position on shore instead.
>
>Don't know about waitstaff though.

Thanks for sharing your firsthand information. The $1700 is in line
with what I found in most wage range estimates, although the wage
would probably be lower or that particular job not offered to a
first-time cruise employee.

Thanks again,
Rob

[Rob Holland]

Charles:

I didn't see that they listed pay for any of the service level jobs.
However, on the Fact Sheet it states:

"Pay details vary significantly from position to position – as a basic
starting point, you could expect to earn a minimum of USD$1,000 per
month in cash"

There is no mention as to whether this includes tips for the wait
staff. I don't know the answer. That's why I asked the question. Can
you provide first hand information or a reliable reference?

Later,
Rob

>Pay details vary significantly from position to position – as a bas
On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 00:33:17 -0400, Charles
> wrote:

>In article >, Rob Holland
> wrote:
>
>> It says minimum starting pay is $1000, right in line with what the
>> other web site says. I looked it up in the Dept. of Labor Occupational
>> Handbook, but it doesn't distinguish between merchant marine ships and
>> cruise ships.
>
>I don't see wait staff listed as any of the positions currently offered
>or closed for $1000 starting pay.

[Rob Holland]

Rich:

You obviously didn't read the cite I referenced. From the web site:

"Waiters, stewards, and bartenders earn $900 to $1,100 per month plus
tips (which often double the base wage)."

Can you cite any references that this statement from the web site is
incorrect or "exaggerated"?

Later,
Rob




On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 12:07:55 GMT, "Rich Cacace" <richcacace-REMOVE TO
> wrote:

>Just send them your $29.95 to put in your application & let us know how
>you're doing in about 6 months. While the inf. they provide might not be a
>direct lie is sure is exaggerated. The salary mentioned is probably what
>they earn including tips. Sure they get food but it's certainly not the
>same as what you eat on a cruise. They get a room (inside small cabin &
>share it with 3 guys). Laundry & bar allowance - sure, probably 10 or 15 %
>off some hiked up price & there expected to have a clean uniform on every
>shift. I've never met anyone working from the US except for the cruise
>director & a few women running some craft projects. I imagine you would
>also have to pay taxes when you return home.
>"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
...
>> Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
>> the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
>> month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
>> etc. Here's one of the web sites:
>>
>> http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html
>>
>> Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
>> really like to know what the wages are.
>>
>> Later,
>> Rob
>>
>> On 18 Sep 2003 03:16:21 GMT, (HDawson228) wrote:
>>
>> >Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. they work 12 hours a
>day,
>> >seven days a week and 6 to 8 mo contracts. That's 6 to 8 mos away from
>the
>> >wife and kids and living in a cabin, smaller than guest cabins with 3
>other
>> >crew memebers. When they aren't serving in the DR they usualy can be
>found at
>> >one of the other dining venues such as the buffet and serving gormet
>bites late
>> >night or working the late night buffet.
>>
>

[Rich Cacace]

Why then do you never see an American citizen working as a waiter on a
cruise ship if the wages are all that good? If you read "Cruise Ship Blues"
by Ross Klein I think you'll get a better view of the working conditions on
cruise ships although I think some of his examples are a bit over
exaggerated. The pay scale of the workers is still much better that
anything they could expect to make at home if they don't mind the hours &
being away from their families for 6 to 8 months at a time.

"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
...
> Rich:
>
> You obviously didn't read the cite I referenced. From the web site:
>
> "Waiters, stewards, and bartenders earn $900 to $1,100 per month plus
> tips (which often double the base wage)."
>
> Can you cite any references that this statement from the web site is
> incorrect or "exaggerated"?
>
> Later,
> Rob
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 12:07:55 GMT, "Rich Cacace" <richcacace-REMOVE TO
> > wrote:
>
> >Just send them your $29.95 to put in your application & let us know how
> >you're doing in about 6 months. While the inf. they provide might not be
a
> >direct lie is sure is exaggerated. The salary mentioned is probably what
> >they earn including tips. Sure they get food but it's certainly not the
> >same as what you eat on a cruise. They get a room (inside small cabin &
> >share it with 3 guys). Laundry & bar allowance - sure, probably 10 or 15
%
> >off some hiked up price & there expected to have a clean uniform on every
> >shift. I've never met anyone working from the US except for the cruise
> >director & a few women running some craft projects. I imagine you would
> >also have to pay taxes when you return home.
> >"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
> >> the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
> >> month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
> >> etc. Here's one of the web sites:
> >>
> >>
http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html
> >>
> >> Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
> >> really like to know what the wages are.
> >>
> >> Later,
> >> Rob
> >>
> >> On 18 Sep 2003 03:16:21 GMT, (HDawson228) wrote:
> >>
> >> >Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. they work 12
hours a
> >day,
> >> >seven days a week and 6 to 8 mo contracts. That's 6 to 8 mos away
from
> >the
> >> >wife and kids and living in a cabin, smaller than guest cabins with 3
> >other
> >> >crew memebers. When they aren't serving in the DR they usualy can be
> >found at
> >> >one of the other dining venues such as the buffet and serving gormet
> >bites late
> >> >night or working the late night buffet.
> >>
> >
>

[Rob Holland]

On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 17:24:56 GMT, "Rich Cacace" <richcacace-REMOVE TO
> wrote:

>Why then do you never see an American citizen working as a waiter on a
>cruise ship if the wages are all that good?

Rich:

Good question and part of the overall question I am trying to find the
answer to. Maybe it's the US tax bite that makes the money not worth
the effort required. Maybe the trade unions representing the workers
make it impractical for a US citizens to get the jobs. I don't know
the answer.

As to whether "wages are all that good", the only person that can
answer that is the individual working the job. What may be a good wage
to one person may not be to the other. A "good wage" is relative to
many other factors. $1000USD a month may not seem like a good wage to
a US citizen with a college degree. However, it may seem like a
fortune to a college graduate from another country.

> If you read "Cruise Ship Blues"
>by Ross Klein I think you'll get a better view of the working conditions on
>cruise ships although I think some of his examples are a bit over
>exaggerated.

IMO, Klein let's his dislike of capitalism bias his writings. He may
have some valid points, but I don't view him as a credible source for
unbiased information. Look at the list of other books published by his
publisher. It gives me the impression the publisher is agenda oriented
and not particularly interested in balanced views.

> The pay scale of the workers is still much better that
>anything they could expect to make at home if they don't mind the hours &
>being away from their families for 6 to 8 months at a time.

Agreed. It's a choice that only the individual can make. In my line of
work their are crews that move from project to project all over the
country. They are extremely well paid, but it's tough on those with
families.

What strikes me as odd is that in most any job, it's easy to find
resources to give a fairly decent range of wages. Not so with the
cruise industry, outside of the ship's staff positions. The original
post I responded to claimed that wait staff is paid $50-70 a month,
which I found hard to believe. I did some research to verify that
claim and could find none.

Later,
Rob

>"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
...
>> Rich:
>>
>> You obviously didn't read the cite I referenced. From the web site:
>>
>> "Waiters, stewards, and bartenders earn $900 to $1,100 per month plus
>> tips (which often double the base wage)."
>>
>> Can you cite any references that this statement from the web site is
>> incorrect or "exaggerated"?
>>
>> Later,
>> Rob
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 12:07:55 GMT, "Rich Cacace" <richcacace-REMOVE TO
>> > wrote:
>>
>> >Just send them your $29.95 to put in your application & let us know how
>> >you're doing in about 6 months. While the inf. they provide might not be
>a
>> >direct lie is sure is exaggerated. The salary mentioned is probably what
>> >they earn including tips. Sure they get food but it's certainly not the
>> >same as what you eat on a cruise. They get a room (inside small cabin &
>> >share it with 3 guys). Laundry & bar allowance - sure, probably 10 or 15
>%
>> >off some hiked up price & there expected to have a clean uniform on every
>> >shift. I've never met anyone working from the US except for the cruise
>> >director & a few women running some craft projects. I imagine you would
>> >also have to pay taxes when you return home.
>> >"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >> Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
>> >> the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
>> >> month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
>> >> etc. Here's one of the web sites:
>> >>
>> >>
>http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html
>> >>
>> >> Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
>> >> really like to know what the wages are.
>> >>
>> >> Later,
>> >> Rob
>> >>
>> >> On 18 Sep 2003 03:16:21 GMT, (HDawson228) wrote:
>> >>
>> >> >Salaries are usually between $50 and $70 per month. they work 12
>hours a
>> >day,
>> >> >seven days a week and 6 to 8 mo contracts. That's 6 to 8 mos away
>from
>> >the
>> >> >wife and kids and living in a cabin, smaller than guest cabins with 3
>> >other
>> >> >crew memebers. When they aren't serving in the DR they usualy can be
>> >found at
>> >> >one of the other dining venues such as the buffet and serving gormet
>> >bites late
>> >> >night or working the late night buffet.
>> >>
>> >
>>
>

[Charles]

In article >, Rob Holland
> wrote:

> The original post I responded to claimed that wait staff is paid
> $50-70 a month, which I found hard to believe. I did some research to
> verify that claim and could find none.

I have talked to quite a few cruise staff members from different
employment catagories on different cruise lines on my cruises and those
are the wages they told of for wait staff. The real income of the wait
staff and cabin attendents is from the tips.

--
Charles

[Mason Barge]

On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 11:34:32 -0400, Rob Holland
> wrote:

>Rich:
>
>You obviously didn't read the cite I referenced. From the web site:
>
>"Waiters, stewards, and bartenders earn $900 to $1,100 per month plus
>tips (which often double the base wage)."
>
>Can you cite any references that this statement from the web site is
>incorrect or "exaggerated"?
>
>Later,
>Rob

Well, I can do my part to add to the confusion.

Base salaries vary widely between cruise lines. In general, waiters
and stewards get next to nothing in salary except on Holland American
and luxury lines. Same for drink servers on Carnival, for instance,
who can make $150+ per day in tips.

Highest average tip income probably goes to Carnival stewards at @
$3500-4000 per month, but they work their butts off -- many of them
hire an assistant out of their pocket.

Some workers do make in the neighborhood of $1000 per month, without
little or nothing in tips.

Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln

[Howard Garland]

Mason Barge wrote:

> Base salaries vary widely between cruise lines. In general, waiters
> and stewards get next to nothing in salary except on Holland American
> and luxury lines. Same for drink servers on Carnival, for instance,
> who can make $150+ per day in tips.

Interesting Mason, on two of my HAL cruises, I learned from some deck
help (the guys who set up chairs, bring drinks, and work some of the
bars at night) that their base salary was $4/day for a 12/hr day.

Howard

[GRL]

At least one of the statements may not apply to Carnival. On a cruise a
month ago on the Destiny a crew member (waiter) told us that they must pay
for their own uniforms. On a tour of the galley, a price list was posted
that gave the cost of uniforms.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
...
> Jeff:
>
> Do you have first-hand knowledge of the wages of cruise wait staff?
> Can you provide a cite as to what the wages are?
>
> Here is another link from a CCL-affiliated staffing agent:
>
> http://www.cruise-staff.com/i.cfm/4/
>
> It says minimum starting pay is $1000, right in line with what the
> other web site says. I looked it up in the Dept. of Labor Occupational
> Handbook, but it doesn't distinguish between merchant marine ships and
> cruise ships.
>
> Later,
> Rob
>
> On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 17:48:09 -0700, "Jeff H" > wrote:
>
> >
> >"Rob Holland" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> Are you sure your figures are current? I have found several places on
> >> the web stating that wait staff and bartenders earn $900 to $1100 per
> >> month plus many perks such as food, lodging, laundry, bar allowance,
> >> etc. Here's one of the web sites:
> >>
> >>
http://www.summerjobs.com/jobSeekers/resources/APlus/cruise_earnings.html
> >>
> >> Can you provide a definitive cite for your $50 to $70 per month? I'd
> >> really like to know what the wages are.
> >>
> >> Later,
> >> Rob
> >>
> >
> >Rob,
> >
> >If you really believe they are $900-$1100 per month plus tips (as stated
by
> >your link), go for it. I will say however, working on a cruise ship is
not a
> >summer job.
> >
> >Jeff
> >
>

[Rob Holland]

Mason:

Let me add even more to the confusion.

The International Transit Worker Federation (ITF) has established
minimum pay standards (among other things) for the cruise employees.
It states that the minimum pay for a waiter/steward is $941 per month.
But if I'm reading it right, this can include tips.

http://www.itf.org.uk/seafarers/policy/miami_guidelines_e.htm

ITF does have a presence at Port Canaveral, so does this mean any of
the cruise lines adhere to this labor agreement? Also, do any of the
cruise lines back out tips from base pay? If I tip in cash, how does
the cruise line have a record of what my waiter/steward received from
me? It will sure make me tip in cash, if the cruise line is backing
this amount from their pay.

If a cruise line is backing out tips, I can see how the EFFECTIVE base
pay could be very low. If this ITF information is correct, it seems
the cruise industry works on a guaranteed monthly wage, rather than a
direct pay schedule.

Later,
Rob

<snip>

>
>Well, I can do my part to add to the confusion.
>
>Base salaries vary widely between cruise lines. In general, waiters
>and stewards get next to nothing in salary except on Holland American
>and luxury lines. Same for drink servers on Carnival, for instance,
>who can make $150+ per day in tips.
>
>Highest average tip income probably goes to Carnival stewards at @
>$3500-4000 per month, but they work their butts off -- many of them
>hire an assistant out of their pocket.
>
>Some workers do make in the neighborhood of $1000 per month, without
>little or nothing in tips.
>
>Mason Barge
>
>"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
> -- Abraham Lincoln

[leone]

Rob Holland > wrote in message >...
> On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 17:24:56 GMT, "Rich Cacace" <richcacace-REMOVE TO
> > wrote:
>
> >Why then do you never see an American citizen working as a waiter on a
> >cruise ship if the wages are all that good?
>
I have many friends who have worked or do work on cruise ships.
1. The wages are not that good for the average crew memeber. If you
are starting out and from the W. Indies expect about $500/month at
most. The beginning jobs pay no tips. Only after several contracts
[each contract is 4+ months] you MAY get a chance for a tip paying
job. Once you get the tip paying job your contract pays a smaller
salary. You work 12 to 16 hours+ a day, 7 days a week.
2. The cruise lines hire only their highest ships officers
directly. The vast majority of the crew are suppiled by foreign
"crewing agents". It is much the same system that US farmers use to
hire immigrant workers to pick your vegetables.
3. Because the cruise ships, though based in the US, are not US
flagged they don't have to obey US maritime labor laws. All the major
cruise lines utilize "Flags of Convienence" Liberia, Panama, Bahama,
Marshall Islands etc to skirt US Coast Guard requirements and US
maritime issues.
4. Risk management depts., ship classification groups [DNV, Lloyds
etc] and the insurance companies are the main things protecting the
safety of the passengers. Liability is a major concern of course. The
crew?? They mostly come from poor countries and have no rights. It is
best to avoid having US workers on board as they come with certain
responsibilities and rights the cruise line had rather not assume. BUT
one must have a certain number of Americans on board when sailing from
US ports or there will be PR problems, it just doesn't look good!
Sorry, but that is the way it is!!

[Mason Barge]

On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 19:33:29 -0400, Rob Holland
> wrote:

>Mason:
>
>Let me add even more to the confusion.
>
>The International Transit Worker Federation (ITF) has established
>minimum pay standards (among other things) for the cruise employees.
>It states that the minimum pay for a waiter/steward is $941 per month.
>But if I'm reading it right, this can include tips.
>
>http://www.itf.org.uk/seafarers/policy/miami_guidelines_e.htm
>
>ITF does have a presence at Port Canaveral, so does this mean any of
>the cruise lines adhere to this labor agreement?

I don't know this for a fact, but I would be surprised to learn that
the ITF has contracts with ANY of the major cruislines, or at least
those that sail under Flag of Convenience. It requires overtime
payments for waiters and stewards, for one thing -- so they'd be
punching in and out. If the ITF had a contract with say Carnival,
you'd be hearing constantly about pay disputes, grievance procedures
for terminations, etc. (I used to practice labor law and you can
usually tell a unionized operation if you pay much attention to it.)

But yes, the $941 includes tips.

Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln

[leone]

Mason Barge > wrote in message >...
> On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 19:33:29 -0400, Rob Holland
> > wrote:
>
>> I don't know this for a fact, but I would be surprised to learn
that
> the ITF has contracts with ANY of the major cruislines, or at least
> those that sail under Flag of Convenience.

True. No major cruise lines have any contract with any labor
organization except the crewing agaents who charge the cruise lines
$xxx for each crew member and pay the crew member $XX. The cruise line
avoids HR and other issues that way. The crewing agents have a
bottomless pool of applicants from 3rd world countries at very low
cost to the cruise lines. Working for a cruise line beats being a
prositute or street hustler in a 3rd world country which is the other
choice most crew members face. However, once on board some crew
members find they have to resort to prosituion or bribery to advance.
It is an entirely different world below the "guest" cabins. But it
makes it possible to cruise for $100 a day and that is what the public
wants.
L.