There were 3 couples at our table alone, he had 2, maybe 3 tables, and the 6 person tables were the smallest. So figure at least 16 people. The tip recommendations were something on the order of $8-10/person/day.

DCL, as well as almost every other cruise line sails under a foriegn flag. By doing so they don't have to abide by wage standards of the US. From what I've heard DCL treats its employees far better than any other line. Yes, they receive minimal pay, and work for their tips. Is it right or wrong? That's up to each person/party to decide.

Could they charge more and eliminate tips? Sure. Would quality of service go down? Probably. It has been tried on other cruise lines, and the service went down the tubes because the employees knew they were no longer working for tips.

Yes, they make a lot of money by any standard with no expenses. However, many cruise staff members are supporting families in third world countries. And many will be able to retire by the time they are 35 or 40.

I think staff memebers who live in the US probably have to pay taxes and don't fare as well as foriegn staff members, and that is why you don't see as many staff members from the states. But I could be wrong.

By American standards, even with my larger tip estimate, wages are low. Even at a generous $1000+ per week, since it's only seasonal work, they likely make well under $20,000 in a cruise season.

I was under the impression DCL staff signed on for 6 month contracts and the ships sailed 12 months a year. :confused:

DCL is year round but many cruise lines operate specific routes only seasonally (most Mediterranean lines take five months off for winter).

Cruise lines pay decent wages if you're young and have no attachments. As you get older though, even if the pay is ok it does mean long absences from home. One article I just read said that the industry average pay was around $2,000/month with about 60 hours per week working.

Oh yeah, forgot about that. That might explain why the recommended tips are lower on a DCL.

US flagged ships are notorious for the lack of service provided by the US crew, who are not nearly so thrilled to work for the wages provided.

This thread is making me feel ickier about crusing

Why? It doesn't seem much different from the staff at the location of wherever you take your vacation.

Perhaps - but even the students of Paris take time off for a good strike/riot every now and then. When's the last time we had a good cruise ship mutiney?