Compare what they make to young enlisted Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen make. The cabin, wait staff, make equal or even greater than what most lower enlisted make in service to this country.
http://www.dfas.mil/army2/militarypa...yPayTables.pdf
Look at what a brand new Private E-1 makes $1,399.50 a month, both have equal benefits: Health care, room and board, etc. Both volunteered, and both work long hours.
But think about this. Those Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen put their lives in harms way. Endure extremes most of you will never have to experience, and ask for little in return. Some endure harsh living conditions while deployed that would make your skin crawl. Spend a year in the KOP (Korangal valley) in Afghanistan and it changes your perspective on what proper living conditions are.
I find this argument senseless, with people saying the cruise staff are "slave laborers" or indentured servants.
Point is, tip what you can afford to tip them. The crew on these ships are happy to have the jobs. They work hard for every dollar they earn. But stop saying these people are working against their will. Also they are not saints so lets not make them out for Mother Teresa either. Use common sense in your statements.