The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for Thomas McElhany, 26, who went overboard about 35 miles south of Islamorada.
The Coast Guard said crews searched for 32 hours and covered 2,086 square miles.
Cmdr. David Aldous, Coast Guard 7th District search and rescue mission coordinator said “I have been in contact with members of Mr. McElhany’s family throughout our search efforts and know this is a very difficult and painful time for them.”
“Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions we have to make as first responders, and it is never made lightly.”
According to the Carnival Cruise Line website, they are increasing automatic gratuities on drinks (both alcohol and non-alcohol) from 15% to 18%.
1.5% will go to the Carnival server and the remaining 1.5% will go into a pool to fund Carnival expenses
Carnival Cruise Line memo
The letter dated November 29, 2018 reads,
“We are pleased to announce effective on sailings starting on or after December 1st, the automatic gratuity added to the guests’ check for all beverage sales and a la carte dining outlets will increase from 15% to 18%. In addition the extra tip line will remain on all the guests’ checks. This enables our guests to add any additional extra gratuity they deem appropriate. This increase will reflect your first paycheck of December 2018.
From this 3% increase, 1.5% will go to server and remaining 1.5% will go into the ASP pool. As you know the ASP pool funds employee compensation and benefit programs that you receive; including bar level pay, itinerary stipend pay, as well as free uniform and return airline tickets.
Our Bartenders and Bar Waiters lead the cruise industry in compensation. This is a result on everyone’s hard work and efforts to increase overall bar sales as well as the success of the Working Smarter program. As we look forward to 2019, we expect this trend to continue and this will ensure that Carnival Cruise Line remains the employer of choice.
As you know the Beverage Team plays a vital role in creating Fun Memorable Vacations for our guests. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your Positive Attitude and for the Pride you show in our company.”
Florida couple finds a hidden camera pointing at their bed last October during a three-day Caribbean cruise.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Carnival acknowledged a “video transmitter” was found during a full investigation by the shipboard team, but says it “was not connected to an electrical source and not capable of recording.”
“This is certainly a unique and unusual occurrence and it is unclear who or why this transmitter was placed in the guest’s stateroom,” the statement said. “The safety and security of our guests and crew is of paramount importance and we have taken measures so that this sort of situation does not happen again.”
– HotelWiz
– HotelsCombined
