Cruise ship massages

[Surfguyxxx1]

Does anyone know if the massage staff work on commission alone? I've been hearing this and didn't know if it were true. Also, what does anybody tip on a 50 minute $119 massage? I just looked at the pricing for services to my upcoming cruise and "OUCH". And lastly, why don't any of the cruise lines have males doing massages? Thanks and enjoy your day!

[Mermen]

Hey Surf,

The MT do not work on commission alone. They are employed by the contracted spa services company, not Celebrity (who I am referring to, sorry!). They receive a small "minimum rate", which is not nearly as high as North America's "minimum wage". I asked our last MT if she had to pool the gratuity, and she did not. She was looking forward to going home to see her husband and kids.

I don't know why males are not employed as MT. Actually, I was wondering if the MT on board are actually certified. I never asked, but assumed they were. Would be nice to have a male MT...the one we had on our last cruise had the tiniest hands. I'm a big guy at 6'7" and really wanted someone to get in there and work my muscles, covering more territory than she did.

I would tip 15 to 18%. A $20 tip for a $119 massage sounds about right. Be warned...they WILL try to upsell you on their product, lol.

[aerospace]

Every cruise I've been on has had daily specials, usually right on the daily program. I like the choose your own, they have 5 services on offer and you pick 3 for $99. For example a 20min facial, 20min Swedish massage, 20min foot rub.

If price bothers you and you have time in port you can always go to a local joint though quality might be up in the air a bit.

[Spartan kent]

On some ships they do have male masseuses, the spa's are leased out to a separate company and the staff do get a salary that like most of the service side of the ships company is pretty poor. It is normal to give a good tip

[cjguyz]

I had a massage by a male abt 33 years old from South Africa (Afrikans) on a Holland America - he was so good I booked him a second time! Yes I tipped him well. It's a hit and miss!

[Surfguyxxx1]

Mermen, you are so right about selling. I can't believe how they try to sell you on these cruises. True story; I told one girl that I would like a full 50 minute massage with no selling. She did accomodate my request and I tipped her generously. I did however go back to buy product (Elemis massage oil is fantastic) and gave her the credit for it.