How much do they make?

[Mike320]

Any idea how much the servers (head, server, asst server) and stateroom attendant?

I tipped over the suggested on all these positions but it didn't seem like they did that well in total in the end.

Mike

 

[kpgclark]

I don't know how much they make but think about these poor workers. They also do duty for breakfast and lunch and don't get tipped for that! I've wondered if being a server in Palo is considered a promotion too. Do you think they make more money as a server there?

 

[Mike320]

I don't know how much they make but think about these poor workers. They also do duty for breakfast and lunch and don't get tipped for that! I've wondered if being a server in Palo is considered a promotion too. Do you think they make more money as a server there?

Hi,
I totally believe that the Palo folks do better. It's considered a night out and I for one tipped $25 on top of my $20 fee. For brunch, I tipped $15 over as well.

When I thought about it, I should have given both servers more money. I agree, They work three shifts PLUS some of the deck parties and the Midnight buffets.

Lot's of work, not too much money...

Michael

 

[missmulan]

don't forget, they also go out on CC day to work the BBQ lunch!

 

[Mike320]

don't forget, they also go out on CC day to work the BBQ lunch!

They are working 7 days a week for up to six months straight! And they still smile and joke and do great work!]

 

[Verandah Man]

I could be wrong (someone correct me if I am), but I thought I read somewhere that the servers make something like $50.00 per month and they get room and board, that's why they rely so heavily on their tips.

 

[SandraLee]

There must be a 'standard' number of guests each server has per week. Anyone know what that number might be. You are not the sole family tipping that server. It would be interesting to know the number of people each server or room attendent are assigned.

 

[Mike320]

There must be a 'standard' number of guests each server has per week. Anyone know what that number might be. You are not the sole family tipping that server. It would be interesting to know the number of people each server or room attendent are assigned.

Our servers had three tables so I'm figuring about 18-20 people per team. I know we weren't the only group tipping these guys but even at that they are making about $400 per week.

Maybe they make more than they would in their own countries but still, it's pennies per hour based on all the shifts and hours they work.

I'll have to go again and tip more!

 

[ivanova]

I've heard from many sources that they make $50 a month, and other sources it's $50 a week. Either way, it's not sufficient by itself and they rely heavily on tips.

 

[jennat]

They sure don't make enough. That is why I have a problem with the idea some cruiselines are going with, to pool tips. So, if I give my stateroom attendant and extra $25.00 she HAS to pool it and divide it equally amoung the others. What happened to tipping for service rendered and for the motivation to do well by getting tipped. Now it is simply me paying some of their salary. I would rather they raise the cruise price and let me tip what I want above and beyond and they get to keep it. I honestly think, though, they do okay, simply because they have virtually no expenses and they have 3 tables X 2 seatings. I'm pretty sure we don't want to look at per hour though! Yuck! Also, I know a lot of these, especially in housekeeping, come from places where it is very difficult to get a job, much less one that pays this good (sounds funny next to our standards!). I just know, they make the cruise what it is (or isn't, as evidenced last year on Princess) and I am happy to loosen the purse strings to make them just as happy. Pathetically, I didn't even think last time, to tip at the pay restraunt Don't you hate when you do something stupid. Now I feel terrible! Won't make that mistake again!!! Thanks to all of you! Thank goodness for these boards!

 

[Verandah Man]

I've heard from many sources that they make $50 a month, and other sources it's $50 a week. Either way, it's not sufficient by itself and they rely heavily on tips.

Maybe it was $50.00 per month I read, plus room and board, I know it wasn't much.

I was told by our server on our first cruise that each server has "about" 18 guests for each dining, so that would give them "about" 36 guests per night.

 

[disneysooz]

I guess the other thing I think of also is, when their contact (6 months is it?) is up they get how much time off (something like 2 months?)? What do they do for money during this period? I suppose I always assumed that if they work for 6 months and then signed up for another contract, then the money they just made would have to also cover their time off until the next contract started? If so, that is some serious budgeting to cover. And what about health insurance? Anyone know?
Susie

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Maybe it was $50.00 per month I read, plus room and board, I know it wasn't much.

Yep. Numbers around $50 per month have been reported in various articles that I've read. That's for 7 days a week. For servers, the work day goes from early in the morning until late at night, with a few hours off here and there, at times when not all servers are needed for food service. Sure, they get room and board, but we're talking about tiny, shared rooms below the water line.

The mainstream cruise lines essentially don't pay the servers and stateroom hosts on their "all inclusive" cruises; they expect the passengers to do so. But the system works well, although it comes as a shock to some first-time cruise passengers.

It still bothers me that DCL price advertisements (even on the official DCL website) have a footnote that includes the line "Government Taxes and Fees and excursions are not included," without even mentioning that substantial gratuities -- which, unlike excursions, are really are not optional -- aren't included either.

 

[Verandah Man]

When our server was going on her two month vacation between contracts I asked her what she does with her two months, her reply was "SLEEP!!!" I then asked her if she works at all during those two months at home and her reply was "NO!!!" I can surely understand that reply!!!

 

[princess Snow]

I work for DCL, so I can tell you that servers' wage without tips is $50 a month, NOT week. Room and food is provided, but keep in mind, the crew cabins are closet-sized, and the food is not the same as what guests eat in the dining rooms. When I go home for vacation, I have to buy a temporary health insurance plan. DCL only covers while we're on the ship.

 

[SandraLee]

I can't find the recommended amounts listing. I used to have a link to a tip calculator, but can't find it now.

Can someone post the link?

I know they work very hard and they work incredibly long hours and they are very fun, but I'm not convinced they don't make decent money from tips. They deserve every penny, but it is not a piddly amount when they are all added up.

 

[LuvThatMouse]

I would be curious to hear what the servers think. It must not be too bad a deal or they wouldn't take the job. I had a nanny job years ago that included room and board. So, all the money I made could either be saved or spent. If they make $400. in tips a week, that's a pretty good amount. And being on a cruise ship for 6 months, where are they going to spend it? Sounds like a good opportunity to see some interesting places and make money at the same time, especially for young adults. I'm sure they do rely heavily on tips which is probably part of the reason the service has a reputation of being so good. I'm looking forward to my cruise and intend to tip well for the great service.

 

[alexandrew]

I agree with lovethatmouse....The servers and Stateroom hosts do their jobs effectively and enthusiastically....I'm sure if they thought as a concensus that they were being exploited by DCL, dont you think it would show in their work?....I've spoken candidly to many servers over the last few years, and not one has ever even alluded to being in any way exploited...Often, they are from countries with crushing poverty...The $ they make onboard is far more than they could make in their respective countries....I'm sure there are some servers and stateroom hosts that actually thank God they have this gig....One that pays for room and board in good working conditions,meeting and bringing joy to thousands of people....

 

[LuvThatMouse]

I'd also say that I am love the fact that the servers, crew and counselors are international in representation. We love meeting people from other countries and I looked forward to meeting and talking with servers, crew, attendants, counselors, etc. from other countries. What a great educational experience for my DD.

Given that the servers are so highly thought of by nearly everyone who goes on a cruise, we are considering bringing something associated with our region of the country...like a fridge magnet or a pin or something, to include in the tip envelope with the money. Just a thought. Don't know how that would go over.

 

[Hans Solo]

I can't find the recommended amounts listing. I used to have a link to a tip calculator, but can't find it now.

Can someone post the link?

Here's the link you were looking for.....

http://members.aol.com/CruiseTip/