The Art of Tipping on Below Deck: A Look at the Generous and Not-So-Generous Charter Guests

The Influence of Tipping on Below Deck

The Bravo series Below Deck, which first aired in 2013, has become a sensation, captivating audiences with its luxurious yacht charters and the dynamic interactions between the crew and the charter guests. As the show gained popularity, it led to the creation of successful spin-offs, including Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Below Deck Down Under, and Below Deck Adventure. The success of the franchise can be attributed to the hard work of the crew members and the extravagant requests of the charter guests.

Erica Rose & Charles Sanders from Below Deck Sailing Yacht

One of the key elements that reflects the guests' appreciation for the crew's efforts is the tip they leave at the end of their charter. The average tip on Below Deck is a staggering $20,000, a substantial amount that underscores the significance of the crew's dedication and service. However, not all charter guests have upheld the tradition of generous tipping, leading to instances of disappointment and frustration among the crew members.

Timothy Sykes from Below Deck

The Impact of Tipping Culture

The charter guests featured on the Below Deck franchise are known for their affluent lifestyles and their extravagant demands, which often include specific food and alcohol preferences. These requests are a testament to the guests' willingness to indulge in luxury and create unforgettable experiences during their time on the yacht. However, the ultimate gesture that reflects their appreciation for the crew's efforts is the tip, which is divided among the entire crew, comprising eight to ten members each season.

Justin Thornton and Jane Zhao from Below Deck Med

Despite the substantial average tip, the division among the crew members results in a diminishing share for each individual, highlighting the significance of each guest's contribution to the overall gratuity. While some guests have been lauded for their generous tips, particularly those ranging from $20,000 to $25,000, others have drawn criticism for their lackluster and disappointing gratuities. The disparity in tipping practices has raised concerns about the treatment of crew members and the impact of insufficient tips on their morale and dedication.

The crew's arduous work on the yacht, coupled with the high expectations of the guests, underscores the importance of fair and appreciative tipping. It is a reflection of the guests' acknowledgment of the crew's relentless efforts to ensure an exceptional and memorable charter experience. However, instances of rude, demanding, and cheap tipping have tarnished the reputation of certain charter guests, prompting discussions about the ethics and etiquette of tipping within the yachting industry.

The Notable Charter Guests and Their Tipping Behavior

Throughout the history of the Below Deck franchise, there have been memorable charter guests whose tipping behavior has sparked conversations and controversies. Among them, Charles Sanders and Erica Rose, featured on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 3, have been labeled as the worst charter guests due to their incessant complaints and disrespectful demeanor. Despite the crew's extraordinary efforts to accommodate their demands, Charles and Erica left a meager $6,500 tip, drawing widespread criticism and disbelief from viewers.

Another infamous guest, Timothy Sykes, made waves with his exorbitant demands and passive-aggressive behavior during his initial charter on Below Deck Season 2. Although he later set a record for the highest tip in Below Deck history at $30,000, his initial tipping behavior, which involved retracting a portion of the gratuity due to his girlfriend's dissatisfaction with the chef's food, left a sour impression on the crew and viewers alike.

Jane Zhao, a guest on Below Deck Mediterranean Season 5, faced backlash for her low tip, which amounted to only 24% of the total charter cost, approximately $17,000. Despite facing unforeseen challenges, including unfavorable weather conditions that disrupted the yacht's itinerary, Jane's explanation for the minimal tip failed to resonate with fans and raised questions about the fairness of her gratuity.

These instances shed light on the impact of tipping behavior on the crew members and the repercussions of inadequate gratuities. The stories of these guests serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the need for respectful and considerate tipping practices that acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the crew members.