That is largely debated, discussed, and remains unresolved. It’s never been totally clear if there isn’t an “administrative fee” deducted by cruise lines so that in the end the staff actually get say 15-16%. Like many controversial subjects there are many “experts”, “insiders”, and others “in the know” who say yay or nay and indeed it may differ from cruise line to cruise line. The one general consensus is that if a cruise line withheld too much staff would either not sign up or would leave for other lines. Generally speaking cruise ship staff positions are highly sought after and a substantial number of staff sign new contracts year after year.