How many CM "gifts" should I bring? - The DIS Discussion Forums

Spazbat · 01-04-2013, 09:24 AM

So this is our first cruise and I keep reading about giving little "gifts" to special CMs and staff as a thank-you on top of tipping. I like the idea of giving a little something extra to make someone's day.

For a 4-night cruise, how many of these gifts should I expect to bring?

kcashner · 01-04-2013, 09:32 AM

Anywhere from zero to 1000 (or 1500 on the new ships) depending on your intention.

There are 4 tipped positions...so if your intent is something a little extra with those, the answer would be 4. If you have kids in the programming and want to do something for them, a group gift is more effective as your child may interact with 20 or more CMs during the cruise. If you are one of the people who hand out gifts to random CMs on deck or whatever, the number is totally up to you. I'm not saying this is a bad thing--these are the yellow jump suit guys who are rarely rewarded.

Some people leave stuff at Guest Services for a particular department--engine room, theater tech crew, etc....another way to do something for groups that are rarely recognized.

Bottom line--nothing is expected beyond cash tips for the 4 tipped positions. Anything beyond that is totally up to you. People in non-tipped positions are not allowed to keep any cash that is given to them. They MUST turn it over to their manager or to Guest Services or risk job loss. They can keep small gifts like a candy bar or whatever.

yearbooksharon · 01-04-2013, 03:46 PM

I'm new to the Disney Cruise business and we are planning our first cruise in June. I want to make sure I'm prepared. Does anyone have any feedback on what types of things are appreciated the most? I anticipated leaving a "bit extra" for the people who give outstanding service, but wonder what everyone else does.

dbarker · 01-04-2013, 04:15 PM

Our first cruise, I brought a bag of individually wrapped Life Savers for the kids' counselors from DS.

I didn't even think of the other unsung heroes of the ship until we were at Nassau, "parked" next to a different cruise ship. DCL crew were hard at work, scrubbing, cleaning, painting, etc. We did not see anyone working on the outside of the other cruise ship. Our ship looked GOOOD. I was proud to be able to say that we were on the "pretty" ship.

Needless to say, on our next cruise, I will be bringing something extra for the maintenance crew. They are constantly working to keep the ships looking new and clean.

01-04-2013, 09:24 AM	#1
Spazbat Earning My Ears Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 4	How many CM "gifts" should I bring? So this is our first cruise and I keep reading about giving little "gifts" to special CMs and staff as a thank-you on top of tipping. I like the idea of giving a little something extra to make someone's day. For a 4-night cruise, how many of these gifts should I expect to bring?

01-04-2013, 03:46 PM	#3
yearbooksharon Disney Veteran Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 74	What types of "gifts" work the best I'm new to the Disney Cruise business and we are planning our first cruise in June. I want to make sure I'm prepared. Does anyone have any feedback on what types of things are appreciated the most? I anticipated leaving a "bit extra" for the people who give outstanding service, but wonder what everyone else does. __________________

01-04-2013, 04:15 PM	#4
dbarker Mouseketeer You can't miss my DH. He's a big burly USMC redneck w/ a fanny pack and acting like a kid who can't wait for the next ride at WDW. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 2,161	Our first cruise, I brought a bag of individually wrapped Life Savers for the kids' counselors from DS. I didn't even think of the other unsung heroes of the ship until we were at Nassau, "parked" next to a different cruise ship. DCL crew were hard at work, scrubbing, cleaning, painting, etc. We did not see anyone working on the outside of the other cruise ship. Our ship looked GOOOD. I was proud to be able to say that we were on the "pretty" ship. Needless to say, on our next cruise, I will be bringing something extra for the maintenance crew. They are constantly working to keep the ships looking new and clean. __________________ Cruise Meet July 27, 2013 - Fantasy Eastern Caribbean Cruise Meet August 2, 2014 - Fantasy Western Caribbean

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01-04-2013, 09:32 AM	#2
kcashner DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 33,275	Anywhere from zero to 1000 (or 1500 on the new ships) depending on your intention. There are 4 tipped positions...so if your intent is something a little extra with those, the answer would be 4. If you have kids in the programming and want to do something for them, a group gift is more effective as your child may interact with 20 or more CMs during the cruise. If you are one of the people who hand out gifts to random CMs on deck or whatever, the number is totally up to you. I'm not saying this is a bad thing--these are the yellow jump suit guys who are rarely rewarded. Some people leave stuff at Guest Services for a particular department--engine room, theater tech crew, etc....another way to do something for groups that are rarely recognized. Bottom line--nothing is expected beyond cash tips for the 4 tipped positions. Anything beyond that is totally up to you. People in non-tipped positions are not allowed to keep any cash that is given to them. They MUST turn it over to their manager or to Guest Services or risk job loss. They can keep small gifts like a candy bar or whatever.