Tipping the concierge . . . the poll . . .

[Pixie Dusted]

As anyone that has worked in a tipped position at a restaurant or such in the US would know, tipped wait staff do get paid a lower hourly rate than salaried staff.

You mention half minimum wage. That is a generous estimate. The last time I checked, minimum server wage was $2.00 an hour. Yes, it covers taxes, but is definitely not half the minimum wage.

I would not be surprised if cruise ship workers made even less than that with the justification that they were being supplied with room and board.

Not sure why cruise ship workers would get less even with room and board, but it is possible. FYI, according to the US dept of labor, Florida tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $5.08, NY is $7.50, California is full minimum wage...Yes, Texas and Puerto Rico are low at $2.13, which totally stinks. Gave these numbers as they reflect departure ports in the US for DCL. Did not take the time to check international ports.

 

[TestingH2O]

Not sure why cruise ship workers would get less even with room and board, but it is possible. FYI, according to the US dept of labor, Florida tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $5.08, NY is $7.50, California is full minimum wage...Yes, Texas and Puerto Rico are low at $2.13, which totally stinks. Gave these numbers as they reflect departure ports in the US for DCL. Did not take the time to check international ports.

But US labor laws (including minimum wage) are a big reason that cruise ships are flagged in other countries. US wage requirements do not apply in the Bahamas, and that is where the DCL ships are flagged.