Where is my FAVORITE DCL cast member?

[sandals421]

Originally Posted by TaTa4Now1968

What port has a Walmart close enough to take a shuttle? You have to make sure that there is a Walmart at one of the ports that they could use the Walmart gift card. I think the tip that you are giving to them it more than enough.

I think Port Canaveral has Wal-Mart somewhere nearby.

If you have ever worked as a tipped employee, then you know it only takes a little bit extra to make a person's day. It also helps make up for the person that stiffed you, and some people really do refuse to leave a tip. It is absolutely demoralizing when it happens to you. I always leave extra, because if I had eaten those meals at any other restaurant, 18% would have been much more. Combine that with the phenomenal service, a little extra goes a long way. These people treat you like royalty and family,while they don't get to see their own family for long stretches at a time. They work 15 hour days without a break for months on end. They are grossly underpaid, IMHO.

[minie_meese]

Originally Posted by sandals421

I think Port Canaveral has Wal-Mart somewhere nearby.

At breakfast on our last morning our wonderful server said she was headed to Wal-Mart after breakfast time to do some shopping.I got the impression it was very close to the port.

[rays2001]

Originally Posted by Pea's Mom

Toto is on the Fantasy. He was our server on the 6/23 sailing.

We are planning to go on the Fantasy 10/27 Western Caribbean cruise saling. We were hoping to ask for Toto as our server, since we have had great service from him on 3 earlier cruises. Did Toto say how long he was going to be on the ship and whether he would sign up again for a new contract? Thanks.

[sdlong329]

Originally Posted by sandals421

Thanks, based on your suggestions, I have started a care package, with snack sized candy bars, prepackaged Goldfish, and a gift certificate to the Hard Rock Cafe. I checked HRC's website and they are located in Nassau, St. Maarten, as well as one in Portugal. He should be able to use or barter these anywhere!

I have found SOME countries have availability of SOME U.S. chocolates. My Assistant Server (Bulgaria) said he can get Snickers at home ... so I will sometimes ask him is he has ever has "x" or "y" before sending him new stuff. I try to send things which they cannot get at home. My next shipment will contain York Peppermint patties (Hershey and York, PA), as well as Peoperidge Farm MILANO cookies.

That reminds of of a time when we had 25 exchange students in Philadelphia (from the UK). The UK does not have the same junk food we have ... and they were BEGGING for Oreo cookies. I asked them ... "what kind?" They looked at me like I had two heads. They only knew of one variety. So, I told them of mint filled, orange filled, double creme, fudge covered (etc). They did not believe me, so I took them to the local grocery store. I swear, they were praying in the junk food aisle!

[sdlong329]

Originally Posted by jilljill

You should check to see that US$ gift cards are accepted at HRC's outside the US.

I agree ... no matter if it is a Hard Rock, WalMart, or Costco. Some companies may issue gift cards in US dollars, but may have limitations upon where thay may be used. This would be on special concern for locations where the local currency is not OFFICIALLY the US Dollar (ie: anywhere outside the USA).

So, if you are going to purchase a gift card, make sure you ask if they can be utilized outside of the USA ... as well as whether there are transaction fees or non-use fees for use outside of the USA. You might want to start off with a relatively small gift card ... and make sure your cast member knows that the card SHOULD, but MIGHT NOT work. I would hate for a CM to head to Hard Rock or Walmart with only the gift card, only to find out there is / was a problem.

WOULD YOU DO US A FAVOR? If you hear back from your CM (that the gift card works outside of the US), would you post it online for the rest of us to know? I think that is a great idea, and am sure others would love to provide gift cards as well.

[sdlong329]

Walmart Supercenter
1500 E Merritt Island Cswy
Merritt Island, FL 32952
(321) 452-6058

Merritt Island is right across the causeway ... heading towards NASA

[sdlong329]

Originally Posted by rays2001

We are planning to go on the Fantasy 10/27 Western Caribbean cruise saling. We were hoping to ask for Toto as our server, since we have had great service from him on 3 earlier cruises. Did Toto say how long he was going to be on the ship and whether he would sign up again for a new contract? Thanks.

I am hoping someone will respond to your question regarding how long Toto would be on the ship. Generally, contracts are renewed, as needed. Sometimes, a cast member can be recalled sooner (or later) than normal. Sometimes, a Head Server might be recalled as a Main Dining Room Server, or Palo Server ... depending on the need.

Cast members are provided with lists of future sailings ... often, before new itineraries and sailings are released. As an example, CM's were provided with estimated dates for the Inaugural Alaskan Cruises several months before the information was officially released to T/A. This allows cast members to plan for their next contract ... in case one would like to change ships, or sail a new itinerary. It is not uncommon for cast member changes to be made prior to, or just after special itineraries (ie: Panama Canal, TransAtlantic, Alaska, Mediterranean).

When I become friends with certain cast members, I make sure I have a general understanding of the dates when they go on, or return from vacation. I have scheduled cruises based upon dates when cast members were scheduled to be on a specific ship, AND, some cast members will sometimes alter their vacation schedule (albeit, slightly), if they know they will be reunited with some of their favorite guests.

[Momma2Jax]

As far as the walmart question, our servers were saying that they generally find a Walmart in most ports and take a shuttle together since lots of them need supplies there.

[TaTa4Now1968]

Originally Posted by Momma2Jax

As far as the walmart question, our servers were saying that they generally find a Walmart in most ports and take a shuttle together since lots of them need supplies there.

I looked at most of the ports and did not see a lot of Walmart locations. Usually, the ones are at the embarkation and disembarkation ports and the crew members cannot get off the ship and go shopping during that time. Unless it was the eight night cruise out of NYC, and that would limit it to that itinerary. Which, cruise were you on that you saw crew members with Walmart bags?

[jilljill]

Originally Posted by TaTa4Now1968

I looked at most of the ports and did not see a lot of Walmart locations. Usually, the ones are at the embarkation and disembarkation ports and the crew members cannot get off the ship and go shopping during that time. Unless it was the eight night cruise out of NYC, and that would limit it to that itinerary. Which, cruise were you on that you saw crew members with Walmart bags?

Actually some crew members are given time off while in port on embarkation/debarkation day. There's a Walmart close to Port Canaveral and there's one across the port in Puerto Vallarta.

[TaTa4Now1968]

Originally Posted by jilljill

Actually some crew members are given time off while in port on embarkation/debarkation day. There's a Walmart close to Port Canaveral and there's one across the port in Puerto Vallarta.

yes but that is only some crew members and only like two ports, so giving advice on giving Walmart gift cards to the all crew members for all cruises in inaccurate, not all cruises have ports at a Walmart and not all crew members can get off of the ship. If you wish to give a crew member something extra, the best thing would be cash. The OP for the Walmart gift card was not specific on what cruise they were on.

[sdlong329]

For the Dream and Fantasy ... a Walmart is indeed, close by. Since the Wonder and Magic change home ports, it could be an issue with being able to utilize gift certificates ... especially when not on US soil. A gift card to Hard Rock Cafe (or their favorite hang-out at a port-of-call) sounds nice ... but you'd have to research to make sure a US purchased gift card (in US Dollars) will work abroad (possibly in Peso's ... which may be subject to a transaction fee).

Sending CASH through the mail is not an option ... though it's FABULOUS when in person. For those who communicate with CM's (Facebook, e-mail or snail mail), why not ASK them if you (the guest) could buy them a gift card ... ask the cast member what type of gift card they would like. I am sure they will be flattered ... some might decline (depending on how well you know them). If I were to ask my CM's if they wanted a gift card, I am sure they would give me a LIST of acceptable locations.

Since we will be sailing on December, we will be bringing a few extra bottles of Hungarian Tokaji ... I am sure the Hungarian servers will appreciate a taste of home. While we are on the ship, we can ask what gift cards would be appropriate. Just remember, if their ship changes itineraries ... the ports (and hence, the stores / restaurants) will change. There aren't too may options for Alaska ... not sure about Vancouver or Seattle ... but when the Wonder sails into Miami, it's a different story. FWIW, there is a Walmart in Miami (8651 N.W. 13Th Terrace, Miami, (305) 470-4510), which is about 10 minutes west of the airport (take Perimeter Road). This isn't REAL close to the port ... but might be worth consideration. If that does not work ... perhaps a GC to a local eatery would fit the bill. You might think they will like Jimmy Buffet's, but they may prefer Peco's Bill's! It's safest to ASK the CM for their preference.


Feel free to send your CM's a quick letter ... invite them to send a response via e-mail or Facebook (they have limited time online, and are required to pay for internet time).

[COASTIEandMATE]

Originally Posted by sdlong329

For the Dream and Fantasy ... a Walmart is indeed, close by. Since the Wonder and Magic change home ports, it could be an issue with being able to utilize gift certificates ... especially when not on US soil. A gift card to Hard Rock Cafe (or their favorite hang-out at a port-of-call) sounds nice ... but you'd have to research to make sure a US purchased gift card (in US Dollars) will work abroad (possibly in Peso's ... which may be subject to a transaction fee).

Sending CASH through the mail is not an option ... though it's FABULOUS when in person. For those who communicate with CM's (Facebook, e-mail or snail mail), why not ASK them if you (the guest) could buy them a gift card ... ask the cast member what type of gift card they would like. I am sure they will be flattered ... some might decline (depending on how well you know them). If I were to ask my CM's if they wanted a gift card, I am sure they would give me a LIST of acceptable locations.

Since we will be sailing on December, we will be bringing a few extra bottles of Hungarian Tokaji ... I am sure the Hungarian servers will appreciate a taste of home. While we are on the ship, we can ask what gift cards would be appropriate. Just remember, if their ship changes itineraries ... the ports (and hence, the stores / restaurants) will change. There aren't too may options for Alaska ... not sure about Vancouver or Seattle ... but when the Wonder sails into Miami, it's a different story. FWIW, there is a Walmart in Miami (8651 N.W. 13Th Terrace, Miami, (305) 470-4510), which is about 10 minutes west of the airport (take Perimeter Road). This isn't REAL close to the port ... but might be worth consideration. If that does not work ... perhaps a GC to a local eatery would fit the bill. You might think they will like Jimmy Buffet's, but they may prefer Peco's Bill's! It's safest to ASK the CM for their preference.


Feel free to send your CM's a quick letter ... invite them to send a response via e-mail or Facebook (they have limited time online, and are required to pay for internet time).

Hi! We were on the Inaugural Alaska cruise with you! In Ketchikan my husband went Salmon fishing and I got on the WalMart shuttle that came right up to where you walk off the ship! Yes there were some CM's on the shuttle as well!

[sdlong329]

Originally Posted by TaTa4Now1968

Usually, the ones are at the embarkation and disembarkation ports and the crew members cannot get off the ship and go shopping during that time. Unless it was the eight night cruise out of NYC, and that would limit it to that itinerary. Which, cruise were you on that you saw crew members with Walmart bags?

Crew members get free time at various times of various days. It is not uncommon for cast members to get time off the ship(s) during embarkation day ... granted ... not every cast member gets time off. As a side note, there is no reason why a cruise out of NYC, let alone an 8-day cruise, would be the only time for a cast member to get time off the ship.

The same can be said for Castaway Cay ... some cast members get time off, while others get no time off (though this changes cruise-by-cruise).

[sdlong329]

Originally Posted by TaTa4Now1968

... giving advice on giving Walmart gift cards to the all crew members for all cruises in inaccurate, not all cruises have ports at a Walmart and not all crew members can get off of the ship. If you wish to give a crew member something extra, the best thing would be cash. The OP for the Walmart gift card was not specific on what cruise they were on.

This thread deals with knowing where your favorite DCL Cast Member(s) is / are located. Some of the discussion grew to what can we give (or send) to cast members. Of course, when you are face-to-face, cash is very nice (though other SPECIAL thank-you's are appropriate, as well). Some of us choose to send care packages ... I send packages every 4-6 weeks.

Someone posted they had thought of sending a gift card. I believe that is a great idea ... especially since sending cash via mail is not the best choice. Granted, the choice to send a gift card involves some homework. If a ship is sailing out of Port Canaveral, there is indeed a WalMart close to port. If the ship is sailing to Nassau, or Western / Eastern Caribbean ... I'm hoping the guest would research which retailers / restaurants are close to specific ports (ie: Hard Rock in Grand Cayman or St. Thomas). That being said, it also makes sense to ASK your cast member if they have a preference (some may forego Hard Rock in favor of Bubba Gump in Puerta Vallerta and Cancun).

While not every cast member gets time off at the same port each cruise, it's generally accepted for a cast member to get some time off at each port ... during the course of the season. I would not suggest sending gift cards which can only be used in a single port on a specific day (ie: Gibraltar, or Azores, on a TransAtlantic cruise ... or Cartegena or Aruba on a Panama Canal Cruise). I do not believe anyone intended or suggested a WalMart gift card would work on all cruises, for all cast members. Again, check with your cast member ... ask them would they would like (they know their itinerary, and where they like to go).