BELOW DECK, Captain Kerry Titheradge, (Season 11, premiered Feb. 5, 2024). photo: Fred Jagueneau / ©Bravo / Courtesy Everett Collection
A recent episode of Below Deck showcased a rare situation where guests attempted to forgo tipping their crew due to unexpected issues with the yacht. The incident occurred during the episode that aired on August 18, 2023, when the yacht St. David faced significant engineering problems, leaving it unable to set sail.
With the vessel unable to operate, the crew was tasked with keeping the guests entertained while remaining docked. This unusual predicament led Captain Kerry to contact the yacht agent to discuss potential discounts for the guests, given that they were not consuming fuel during the situation. He proposed a 20 percent discount, highlighting the unique circumstances affecting the charter.
As discussions about gratuities unfolded, one guest expressed that not tipping should not reflect poorly on their group. “No tip is not a reflection of our group,” he stated, “It is a reflection of the circumstances.” Despite this, Captain Kerry maintained that the crew’s hard work should be recognized, regardless of the yacht’s operational challenges.
In a private conversation, the primary guest acknowledged the crew’s efforts, stating, “You guys have been great, by the way. We have been completely happy, but normally when something is significantly wrong — like the boat not leaving — that isn’t a small matter.” He indicated uncertainty about the group’s willingness to provide the standard gratuity.
Captain Kerry countered this sentiment by asserting that service industry standards should prevail, regardless of the situation. He remarked, “End of the day, it is the service industry. The house makes a mistake — the staff shouldn’t suffer.” Despite his efforts to highlight the crew’s dedication, the final tip amounted to $19,000, significantly below expectations. Each crew member received approximately $1,461 for their work during the charter, a sum that Captain Kerry felt was inadequate given the circumstances.
The Below Deck franchise, which premiered in 2013, follows the lives of crew members aboard luxury yachts during charter seasons. The series has spawned several spin-offs, capturing the dynamic interactions between guests and crew. Crew members earn salaries supplemented by tips from charter guests, which can vary significantly based on guest satisfaction.
Fraser Olender, the chief steward, previously discussed the expectations surrounding tips during the charter season. On a June episode of SiriusXM’s Reality Checked, he asserted that he would not smile unless the tip ranged between $25,000 and $30,000, regardless of the duration of the charter. “If you can’t or if you’re not coming with that to be expected, just don’t bother,” he advised potential guests.
The ongoing challenges faced by the crew during this latest episode of Below Deck serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of working in the service industry. The episode aired on Bravo at 20:00 ET, with new episodes available for streaming on Peacock the following day.
