Jim - Thanks for confirming my understanding that many of the CD's are either contractors or "employees" of the line whose compensation is in great or total part made up of the gratuities. However, that does not address the level of such compensation, which seems to be disproportionate to the rest of the crew and to the degree of difficulty/responsibility of the position.

Recognizing that it is a highly demanding job which, if done well, may be of considerable value to many passengers, I remain somewhat at sea (or, maybe better, "at river") as to the justification for $4,000 to 5,000 per week for such a job.

Cheers, Fred