14-hour days, for $42 a month

[Horace Horsecollar]

I saw an article about how U.S. companies hire workers overseas.

The article is Foreign workers stuck in worst U.S. jobs (The News-Press, February 16, 2004)

Here's a short excerpt that mentions Disney Cruise Line:
<blockquote>Currently, one of those hot spots is Eastern Europe, where one of five cruise workers now come from, industry officials said.

What is "desirable" there?

Disney Cruise Line’s "procurement ally" in Slovakia advertises dining room jobs that require 14-hour days, for $42 a month plus tips that could raise the monthly pay $2,300. Similarly, a cocktail waitress on Royal Caribbean’s ships could make $1,400 in a month of 10-hour days. </blockquote>

 

[lotsofboys]

They should laminate this excerpt and having it sitting on every plate in the dining rooms on the first night of each and every cruise Then maybe those people who don't feel the need to tip those hardworking servers will think again. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[rae519]

Thanks Horace -

I agree with lotsofboys - this should be posted or noted somewhere for those who think that they can just "forget" the tip.

For what the servers do for not only us, but the special needs passengers, they deserve their tips!!

Rae

 

[kcashner]

I'm glad to see that they don't over promise to the servers. My server actually told me that he gets more than this in tips, especially if everyone tips would tip as suggested. Unfortuantely, he's had entire seatings where one large party stiffed him!

Yes, you look at these figures and wonder why anyone would take these jobs. However, according to my favorite server, his maximum income at home (with a professional degree) would be about $500 per month. It's really amazing to learn the background the servers have. Many are professional people--we've had an engineer, a Ph.D. psychologist, and assistant with a degree in "hospitality studies," etc. They all seem to have at least a 4 year college degree, many have advanced degrees.

On our recent cruise, I tipped the "suggested" amount by charging it, then put some extra cash in the envelopes. I was totally amazed at the enthusiasm of the thanks I received on Sat. am (after they'd had time to open the envelopes). Obviously, what was a relatively small amount to me had made a large difference to them.

Does anyone else look at the other tables and think "I hope they understand how important tipping is..."
Kathryn

 

[outahere]

I have tipped at least the suggested amount on every cruise I've been on. If the dining room service is good, I add extra. The only bad service I've received was from a room steward on NCL. She was rude and seemed completely "put out" by any extra request, even though the cabins (all jr. suites or above) she was responsible for were only about half occupied that trip. I did not tip her the suggested amount and informed Guest Services about her attitude.

On our Wonder cruise, the room steward was great. He taught my DS how to make some of the towel animals and even gave him a few pages from their instruction manual along with a certificate. He was really surprised and grateful when I sent DS to find him on the last morning to give him an extra $50.

Most of the CMs work extremely hard and deserve every penney they get, and then some.