Revelations

[Baldy]

The landlord of a pub just around the corner from me was on the cruise ships a few years back. From what he has told me it seems to have been a shagathon from beginning to end. An endless supply of new potentials coming aboard and "the banker of the staff" if nothing good turned up. He always talks about his time offshore with a huge grin. 

[Pastis]

Ok, I saw it      What a crap documentary for starters, low value schmentertainment from Ch 4.

- I've had no experience of Celebrity Eclipse (the ship) or Royal Caribbean (the owners) but most large cruise Co.s operate on similar lines.
- Why were they banging on about UK min. wages? The ship's American, registered in Malta and sails all over; nothing to do with the UK.
- Little mention of free board and lodging, medical cover, earnings tax free (I think), tax free and discounted purchases on board etc.
- No days off? Bollocks. The guys I saw coming out of a brothel night club in Puerto Quetzal certainly had time off and a smile on their faces.
- Recruitment agencies may well be to blame for offering an inaccurate picture to close a sale and secure a commission but that's not the Cruise Co.
- The "helper" charging for extra duties is something I've never seen or heard of in my experience but with 1,000 plus staff on board I wouldn't be surprised at scams, cliques, tricks to exploit the gullible.
- The tipping culture is contentious; I'd say the majority of earnings (below stairs) come from tips either directly or out the communal pot. The cruise Co.s operate a well crafted system. They offer competitive and keen prices to the punter knowing the staff pay will be made up through tips. As for the margin they make on the F&B account and the Excursions account, well ... 

Shall I go on?  Nah, better not 

[Nick]

You should write a book about it, like 

[Pastis]

Indeed. D'you want to pre-order your copy?   

[Nick]

Through the Amazon linky?

[Pastis]

 

[Barman]