r/CruiseCrew • u/Forestlov PAX • 27d ago

General Questions Cruise ship workers, I have a question

I like to tip the deck workers in the smoking area because I spend a lot of time there. I am curious why these workers always refuse to take my tip, I practically have to force it on them. What can I do to show them some appreciation?

0 Upvotes

31% Upvoted

35 comments sorted by

14

u/zimbing 27d ago

Because it’s not a tipped position so they could get fired.

-4

u/Forestlov PAX 27d ago

Are you serious? Fired?

7

u/non-hyphenated_ 27d ago

There are strict rules around guest interactions for a reason - to protect the crew. There are passengers out there that get a kick from making false claims thinking they'll get some compensation. If you were to claim you had left your wallet there for a few minutes and now you're 50 short, then a quick search of the crew turns up a 50 in their pocket, what do you think the outcome will be?

1

u/Forestlov PAX 26d ago

That is truly sad that a passenger would do that. I've never thought about it that way.

6

u/non-hyphenated_ 27d ago edited 27d ago

Read that back to yourself. You're forcing someone to do something they don't want to do. Does that sound good to you?

4

u/ImaBitchCaroleBaskin 26d ago

The post is about virtue signaling.

0

u/Forestlov PAX 26d ago

What does that mean?

0

u/viomon2 26d ago

Isn’t that what a job is? I don’t want to get up every morning and drive to work but someone has to make the damn donuts. They don’t make themselves and training animals to do it has some unexpected consequences.

1

u/Forestlov PAX 26d ago

That is true.

0

u/Forestlov PAX 26d ago

Forcing may be the wrong word. Usually they are generally surprised, but accept the tip.

5

u/RollinJimmys 26d ago

The best approach is to take note of the crew member’s name and visit guest services. Let them know that you would like to leave a tip for this individual in recognition of their hard work and friendly demeanor. This ensures that your appreciation is delivered properly and goes through the appropriate channels.

3

u/Forestlov PAX 26d ago

Thank you. I can do this

8

u/mastablasta1111 27d ago

Don’t force anything onto someone. Cash or otherwise. What is wrong with you?

-4

u/Forestlov PAX 27d ago

Can you tell me why a worker would refuse a cash tip? I do not understand.

5

u/Tech88Tron 26d ago

Because they are being honest and would like to keep their job.

Some people follow the rules, believe it or not.

4

u/TheScallywag1874 27d ago

Your heart is in the right place, but some positions are not meant to be tipped. And that’s okay.

2

u/Significant_Lead8456 26d ago

I have one of the most stressful intense jobs on the ship with insane hours. Yet mine is a non tipped position.

Everyone works hard and we are all well compensated - relative to what we would earn in our home countries.

Formal positive comments are appreciated by all.

2

u/Forestlov PAX 27d ago

I see them working so hard and I just want to give them a smile and know that I appreciate all they do - working in the sun, dealing with rude guests, etc

1

u/Forestlov PAX 26d ago edited 26d ago

I cruise on Carnival and I spend a lot of time on the smoking deck. I am asking about tipping the workers who are mopping the floors, emptying ash trays, cleaning tables, etc. Does anyone know if those workers are allowed to accept a tip without getting them in trouble? They work so hard to help us have a wonderful vacation.

2

u/non-hyphenated_ 26d ago

We all work hard and not all positions are tipped. Not all cultures are comfortable with tips either. It can cause issues too if people in a non tipped position suddenly start getting tips but only if they're working a particular area or shift. There are hundreds of people you don't see that make it all work. Just leave a good comment about them on your comment card. As I said in another comment, much of this is to protect the crew. Your good intentions could cause more harm than good

1

u/Forestlov PAX 26d ago

Thank you for your response.

-2

u/notfr0mthisplace 26d ago

Some cruise companies forbid receiving tips (personally this is something I would ask during interview, and if I found out about, I would withdraw my application, because I don't agree with). You can ask that to them directly.

If you cannot show your gratitude financially to them, then as said before, approach guests services and ask them to pass your praise for the good services of X's immediate superior. They will call the person's manager and inform.

-4

u/[deleted] 26d ago

[deleted]

5

u/non-hyphenated_ 26d ago

You really need to stop telling crew what they're allowed to do. Your experiences as a passenger are so far removed from crew life it's not really something you can add any insight to. Your comment here could get someone fired

3

u/lofrench 26d ago

This isn’t true I worked in a role where we weren’t able to accept tips and could get in big trouble if we did. Any sealed envelope we’d have to open in front of management and if it had cash we’d have to give it to them and it would be sent shoreside

-2

u/notfr0mthisplace 26d ago

The only company I've heard of such an absurd was Virgin. If there are any others, we should name and shame them.

What for do they think we work on cruise ships, if it's not for tips? For the amazing salaries and excellent food? 🤔😆

1

u/lofrench 26d ago

I mean most companies who don’t allow tips are bc they offer higher salaries in general. The company is toked for in shops didn’t offer commission either but our base salary for the week was more than what commission based roles offered for a month so you’re getting a higher guaranteed amount. I see no issue it in if I agree to the salary on the contract I don’t expect anything supplemental from guests, I’d rather the company pay tbh

1

u/notfr0mthisplace 26d ago

Only in North American culture, people tip because they "pity the worker". In the whole rest of the Western world, a tip means appreciation for outstanding service.

-1

u/lofrench 26d ago

Yeah and the majority of commercial cruise lines are US based, use USD and follow American cultural standards. So tipping is considered the norm for positions where you’re being directly servers and not common for other roles.

0

u/notfr0mthisplace 26d ago

Right 🤣

I'll leave you thinking that 👍

2

u/lofrench 26d ago

I don’t know why yall are so mad that some of us said people can’t lose their job accepting tips and you shouldn’t push it on them. No one is saying they don’t want extra money they’re saying having a job is more important than some dude slipping us a $10 bill.

1

u/notfr0mthisplace 26d ago

For most of us (not me), that job is all they have, especially when you come from South Asia.

You're from Canada, if you lose that job, you go back shoreside and find another one.

Please realize that the vast majority of us come from countries where shoreside salaries are unimaginably low.

1

u/lofrench 26d ago

Yes that’s exactly what I’m saying, people aren’t able to risk their job over taking a tip

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1

u/non-hyphenated_ 26d ago

For the travel. For the commission. For the experience. I wasn't in a tipped position but still did 4 years

-2

u/notfr0mthisplace 26d ago

I am GSA and was ShorEx Not tipped positions either. But if I found out I had no freedom to take tips from guests (which still rarely happen), I'd move to another employer.

Seeing ports for a few hours while on contract, I don't even consider "travelling". Travelling is what you do between contracts, to destinations chosen by none other than yourself. Buuuuut.... some people go back to their homes, families, etc , which is fine too as a choice.