Entertainment

Guests Challenge Tipping Norms on ‘Below Deck’ as Captain Seeks Discount

Guests Challenge Tipping Norms on ‘Below Deck’ as Captain Seeks Discount
Editorial
  • PublishedAugust 19, 2025

A recent episode of the reality series Below Deck showcased a rare situation where guests attempted to forgo tipping the crew, prompting Captain Kerry to seek a discount on their charter. This unusual scenario unfolded during the episode aired on August 18, 2023, when the yacht, St. David, faced a mechanical issue that prevented it from departing the dock. As the crew scrambled to keep the guests entertained, the situation escalated into a discussion about gratuities.

Two days into their charter, Captain Kerry reached out to the yacht agent, expressing concerns over the financial implications. “I am just trying to work out a number that we can discount these guys because we didn’t burn fuel,” he explained, advocating for a 20 percent discount due to the circumstances. Meanwhile, guests were deliberating whether to leave a tip at all, with one guest stating, “No tip is not a reflection of our group. It is a reflection of the circumstances.”

As tensions rose, the primary guest approached Captain Kerry to address their concerns. “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,” the guest stated. Although the crew received a standard gratuity, Captain Kerry maintained that the situation was unfair to the staff. “End of the day, it is the service industry,” he noted. “The house makes a mistake — the staff shouldn’t suffer.”

Despite Captain Kerry’s efforts to negotiate a fair resolution, the final tip amounted to just $19,000, translating to approximately $1,461 per crew member, which he described as “well short” of what they deserved. “Unfortunately, the guests — in their mind — they had punished us for the boat not moving,” he remarked to his crew.

The ongoing conversation about tipping standards in the yachting industry has been a recurring theme in Below Deck, which first premiered in 2013 and has since spawned several spin-offs. The show follows the lives of crew members aboard luxury yachts during charter seasons. Cast members earn a base salary along with tips from guests, which are often a significant portion of their income.

Chief steward Fraser Olender recently shared his expectations for gratuities during the charter season. In a June interview on SiriusXM’s Reality Checked, he stated, “If we are not getting between $20,000 — I’ll scrap that. $25,000 to $30,000 for the time we’ve done.” Olender emphasized the importance of this figure, adding, “I don’t care if that’s one day or three days or five. I’m waiting for that amount of cash, and if you can’t or if you’re not coming with that to be expected, just don’t bother. Maybe just go on a cruise.”

The episode reflects the complex dynamics of service expectations in the hospitality industry, particularly in high-stakes environments like luxury yacht charters. As guests navigate their experiences, the crew’s hard work remains a pivotal aspect of their enjoyment, and discussions around tipping practices will likely continue to evolve.

“Below Deck” airs on Bravo Mondays at 20:00 ET, with new episodes available for streaming on Peacock the following day.

Editorial
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Editorial

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