we have been on about 30 cruises- enjoyed every one! About the wages paid to the employees... they get a base hourly wage and the passengers are supposed to pay gratuities which go to the employees- more than 1/2 of the passengers do not pay their gratuities - in my opinion, gratuities should be mandatory /included in cruise fare so there is no way around it. we always pay the recommended gratuities and add some to those who we come in direct contact with like our room steward, bar tenders, and waitstaff for dinner.
