I think it depends on the company. Yeah RCCL suck for that, paying for the Windjammer buffet, uniform and nametag al the time in passenger areas, I hated it. You felt like a slave. I did a contract for a British cruise line called P an O Cruises and It was awesome. Went on an around the world cruise and got paid about $3000.00 US a month, wore anything you wanted to during the day, drank anywhere on the ship you wanted with a 1/2 price crew discount, passenger elavators, passenger pools, fitness center , etc....you walked around like you owned the place. Most night in the theatre was just blacks because you were on stage. Only wore a tux on if it was formal night AND it was a caberet instead of a production show. Best cruise ship gig I ever had! Going to work playing lead trumpet in the orchestra on Cunard's brand new Queen Elizabeth in Sept. this year...we'll see how that is.