So many experts, so little valid information. Why is it that there are so many people who respond to these post who know what the staff earn but do not have any real personal experience?

Who really cares what they make?

Who cares what he makes??? He chose the job. The only question is was the service acceptable, good, or excellent? The individual is entitled to make a living and a better than average one if good at their jobs. Isn't that what employee reviews we all face cover?

I have been a fine dining waiter for over ten yrs my last job was at Wolf Gang Pucks bar and grill in the MGM Grand on average my monthly sales were 50,000. Do the math and keep in mind i'm only expecting to take home 10% of that when it really should be closer to 20% which is what people should tip. with that said it really depends on where you work. i have been earning 4 to 5k per month, a dennys waiter makes much less. location,location,location!

William - this post is NINE years old.

I really don't think your financial history at the MGM Grand has anything to do with anything. Like you say: location, location... well, there's a subtle difference between a cruise liner and Wolfgang Puck in Vegas.

And I particularly don't like being told what I <i>should</i> tip. For you - nothing.

My son was a waiter on The Canadian Pacific Line.in the early 70s I Know he made good money & loved the life. Tipping was volentary then. But they received a union rate base pay.
Regarding taxes the majority of ships are registered in the Bahamas.and the cruise lines do not have to pay minimium wage to non US residents.That is why the waiters & food service staff are mainly non US. The crew can send money home like the illegals here do.Via Western Union & the like
NCL tried to change this by registering 2 of there ships in the USA. based in Hiawaii,and employed mainly US residents This was a disaster. as the majority of the shaff. would not work the long hours , they were off partying at port stops.(the foriegn staff are restricted and are reported to emigration & police if they do not return to the ship ) .
I have a very good friend who is Hotel Manager of a cruise ship. who has comfirmed this.

I can make more than $30,000 waiting tables in land establishments. When i worked as a Waiter on the M/V Disney Wonder, my first week I made $750. The most I made in 3 months was about $1200 in a week. Its up and down. It depends on how many people you have, how good your team is and how muchg people want to give. It can suck, it can be bad ass.

OMG, such an old thread, but fun to see a posting by the beloved Dogster. Just for that, I am glad someone brought it up. He was such a delight.