Taking a Nanny on a Cruise

[PrincessShmoo]

Just wondering if there's a standard protocol. Sounds like everyone is in agreement.

Many years ago (when I was of babysitting age) my sister and I accompanied 3 families on a trip for the purpose of watching the children. While we pretty much did all the things that everyone was doing (meals, activities, etc) we were in charge of the kids. We got paid (in cash) at the end of the week.

 

[LAS2AMS]

OP needs to be aware that if the babysitter isn’t compensated, they can make a wage claim - even if it’s a verbal under-the-table transaction.

Check the laws in your state. In CA, the law specifies how babysitters are to be paid (not the rate, but double time etc.). I’ve worked with wage claims and they’re not pretty. Especially considering most of the babysitters I work with earn $300K/year and more (many near $1M). And they’re not live in, get to fly on private jets, eat gourmet meals at the top restaurants, stay in the best hotels, etc.

 

[Marthasor]

Yes, the sitter should absolutely be paid and the hours/expectations should be set prior to the trip. We took a nanny on a few trips when DS was smaller, including a DCL cruise, as DS was not comfortable in kids clubs until he was about 7 years old. We paid for all aspects of her travel (flights, own stateroom) and established her daily working hours/responsibilities prior to the trip. We paid her her full wage for her working hours. Those vacations were quite pricey for us, but worth it so DH and I could actually have a bit of a vacation.

 

[tvguy]

OP needs to be aware that if the babysitter isn’t compensated, they can make a wage claim - even if it’s a verbal under-the-table transaction.

Check the laws in your state. In CA, the law specifies how babysitters are to be paid (not the rate, but double time etc.). I’ve worked with wage claims and they’re not pretty. Especially considering most of the babysitters I work with earn $300K/year and more (many near $1M). And they’re not live in, get to fly on private jets, eat gourmet meals at the top restaurants, stay in the best hotels, etc.

It's a cruise ship in international waters. U.S wage laws would not apply. So I sure can't see how any wage claims could be made.

 

[LAS2AMS]

It's a cruise ship in international waters. U.S wage laws would not apply. So I sure can't see how any wage claims could be made.

You need to check your local labor laws. In CA, if a nanny is hired to perform services CA labor law applies to all travel, regardless of where or the duration.

No different that if you) hired an employee in the US to commute to India regularly, and docked their pay while working in India because labor is cheaper there.

Or better yet trying stiffing your DCL bill at checkout saying the items were purchased in international waters so there’s no enforceable contract to pay .

 

[tvguy]

You need to check your local labor laws. In CA, if a nanny is hired to perform services CA labor law applies to all travel, regardless of where or the duration.

No different that if you) hired an employee in the US to commute to India regularly, and docked their pay while working in India because labor is cheaper there.

I have no idea how California laws could possibly be applied outside California let alone outside the U.S for work performed outside the U.S. . Or any other state's labor laws. The ships are registered in the Bahamas, so I suspect Bahamian law would apply.
All the cruise ship employees are governed by Bahamian labor law.
I suspect babysitting is probably one of the jobs where labor laws are most often ignored. Using California since you mentioned it, as an example. How many Californians pay their babysitters minimum wage, $16.50 an hour? I suspect few...... if any.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I have no idea how California laws could possibly be applied outside California let alone outside the U.S for work performed outside the U.S. . Or any other state's labor laws. The ships are registered in the Bahamas, so I suspect Bahamian law would apply.
All the cruise ship employees are governed by Bahamian labor law.
I suspect babysitting is probably one of the jobs where labor laws are most often ignored. Using California since you mentioned it, as an example. How many Californians pay their babysitters minimum wage, $16.50 an hour? I suspect few...... if any.

The babysitter isn’t being hired to work on the cruise ship. The babysitter is being hired to work for the family, which involves going on the cruise ship. Local labor laws apply, not those on the cruise ship. If the babysitter were permanently based on the cruise ship, it’s a different matter.

I’ve been invoked of hundreds of wage suits involving domestic employees. And yes, many teens around the country have sued their employer (e.g. a friend or neighbor). 11yo babysitters should’ve gone the way of 11yo paper boys

 

[tvguy]

The babysitter isn’t being hired to work on the cruise ship. The babysitter is being hired to work for the family, which involves going on the cruise ship. Local labor laws apply, not those on the cruise ship. If the babysitter were permanently based on the cruise ship, it’s a different matter.

I’ve been invoked of hundreds of wage suits involving domestic employees. And yes, many teens around the country have sued their employer (e.g. a friend or neighbor). 11yo babysitters should’ve gone the way of 11yo paper boys

I apologize if you are correct. I just do not see how a state's law can be enforced outside the state or the country.