Bunch of $10 Target Gift cards and fine chocolates for tips?

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Hi,

I plan to give at least the recommended monetary tip to our waiter, room steward, and all the other people as suggested by DCL.

However, I would like to give something extra to those who do not normally get a tip (guest services, kids counselors, anyone else?). I would LOVE to give cash, but they wouldn't get to keep it anyway so my plan is to get about 10 Target gift cards in the amount of $10 each plus 5 boxes of chocolates. And thank you notes, too. Should my gift cards be a larger amount? $15? $20? more? Do you think I would need more or less than 10 cards and 5 boxes of chocolate? This is our first cruise and I want to treat these hard working people to something extra. Our cruise is 4 days and I have 3 kids.

Thanks everyone!

 

[johare]

I'm not sure how often they would have access to a Target. I've heard that phone card's are appreciated because many of the crew members have family they like to keep in touch with and that gets a little expensive. A non-store specific gift card like a Visa or American Express gift card might be a nice idea too. Chocolate idea is a nice additional touch as well.

 

[justmestace]

Why would they not get to keep cash? I have always given cash tips, not charging it to my account, and they have always seemed extremely grateful!
I did have one massage therapist tell me that she prefers to have her tips added onto my charge, so that she isn't so tempted to spend the cash....she was saving for her wedding. But she also laughed and said thank you!

The phone cards are a great idea....and I've seen more WalMarts in ports than I have Targets.

 

[ashman]

Do a thread search for tipping for child counselors, there are some specific dos and don'ts to consider. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=888375&highlight=tip+child should take you to a link that discusses this in pretty good detail. Not sure how to post a link to another thread so someone correct me if I goof it up!

 

[UGAFan0829]

I'm with the other poster...I'm not real sure how often they would get to actually use a Target gift card although it is a very thoughtful gift.
I know I read here somewhere before that some people give phone cards so that they can call back home to their families, and a lot of them are really thankful for these.
Just a suggestion, hope it helps!

 

[johare]

Do a thread search for tipping for child counselors, there are some specific dos and don'ts to consider. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=888375&highlight=tip+child should take you to a link that discusses this in pretty good detail. Not sure how to post a link to another thread so someone correct me if I goof it up!

Not sure I like that the child counselors have to pool any gifts they get. I think if I find one that's exceptional, I'll ask them for their email address and use it to send them an Amazon.com gift certificate...or even a tip via a Paypal payment. Don't think there is any way they could be made to share that.

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Here's what I have gathered from this board:
*People like camp counselors and guest services (not waiters or spa attendants) can't keep money for themselves. It goes into a big pot and the group does something as a whole (like breakfast off the ship while in port).
*Phone cards aren't as needed because a lot of the people have cell phones
*WalMart and Target are the big places they like to go while in port.
*Cards like VISA and Amex gift cards sometimes have fees associated with them such as $1 per month
*Food, especially those they can't get often, are appreciated because their rooms are so small and they can eat the food relatively quickly.

So that's why I came up with the Target gift cards (I'd get WalMart, but the closest one ain't too close but Target is. I can make my way to WalMart if that is the better place though). I just don't know how many and in what amount for each card. I also read about the fine chocolate in a gift box (like the ones for Valentines Day but not all pink and foo-foo). Thought that was a great idea.

Am I on the right track?

 

[johare]

Don't know if it's really good cholocate, but these would be cute:

http://www.favors-to-treasure.com/Trans_Products/Cruise_Ship.htm

 

[cockermom]

I remember reading some of that same information, LoveMyLAP-BAND -

* with the increased use of cell phones and calling plans, phone cards aren't as necessary as they used to be;
* there are weekly trips to Target (and WalMart?) for the crew to restock personal items between cruises, so those gift cards can come in handy;
* goodies, such as candy, have been a big hit with crew members.

I'm planning on getting $10 cards from Target to give out for exceptional service. Figure we could always give two cards, if we wanted to give someone more.

And I like the idea of the fine chocoates. On our last trip to WDW, we left some wrapped Belgian chocolate truffles with the daily Mousekeeping tip. On our final day there, our Mousekeeper stopped us in the hall and thanked us for the delicious chocolates!

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Great chocolate of a cruise ship, johare. Would be great for a bon voyage party, too!

Cockermom, looks like we are on the same page. That's a great idea that I could give two cards if I wanted to give someone more!

I think I may go with WalMart though. It's closer to the port.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

I dont know if this will help any, but last May from our room we could see all the crew members as they arrived back to the terminal by bus from their shopping trip. Their security check point was right outside our window. All the bags that had names on them were WalMart. I didnt see any Target bags, so maybe WalMart is easier for them to get to, I dont know. Just thought it might help you to decide
mom x4,grandma x4.

 

[mott]

I did a search on all posts from one someone who was part of the entertainment on DCL (sorry I don't remember her name) and she said that Wal-mart was on the bus route. Don't know about Target. She also mentioned Olive Garden and some other restaruants. Let me see if I can remember how I found the post and get the link...

 

[mott]

Ok, these are a few months old, but I would think they still apply. I am going to try to include 2 links to posts by princess Snow who is a DCL CM.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=8158330#post8158330

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=7067327#post7067327

This should give you some ideas.

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Thanks for the info on WalMart. Target is just around the corner from me and WalMart is I-don't-know-where, but I just checked the WalMart website and you can buy gift cards from there. The handling fee for ten $10 cards (so $100 total) was less than $2 so I think I'll do that! I'll probably cost me that much in gas just to get to my local Target!

PLUS, get this. One of the card options is a picture of Disney's Mr. Incredible and the gift card says "You're Incredible" How appropriate- and useful, too! I think I'll get those with some Incredibles Thank You cards. Too cute.

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Ooooh, Mott, thanks for finding those posts. Very helpful!

 

[CM_Mom]

Just an FYI for availability of stores. The crew can take a "fun bus" that regularly goes to Wal Mart and they can request that it take them to Target also. DD shops both when the ship is in Port Canavaral so whichever is easiest for you would work for them.

 

[johare]

Just an FYI for availability of stores. The crew can take a "fun bus" that regularly goes to Wal Mart and they can request that it take them to Target also. DD shops both when the ship is in Port Canavaral so whichever is easiest for you would work for them.

Is there any place else the "fun bus" takes them? I guess if I had to pick I'd go with the "You're Incredible" cards from Wal-Mart since they seem the most appropriate for someone who's gone out of their way for you...and they have a nice Disney tie-in too! Think I'll pick up a handful before we go on our cruise.

 

[professorandmom]

Just a comment about the value of the card...I cruised 2 years ago when phone cards were a big deal. The cards at Sams were around $3 each. I gave 3 or 4 to each of the special people (asst server was awesome, counselors (careful - don't wait until late the last night, many of the special ones my sons wanted to thank had ended their shift) and room steward)...they seemed very happy so I think $10 would be very appreciated. I got the impression that any special notice is very appreciated
The chocolates are a great touch but I hope you aren't going in the summer!
Have a great trip
Barb

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

I am glad, professorandmom, that I was on target with the $10 card. I din't want to seem cheap as they are taking care of my kids!

P.S. I am going in January! Can't stand the heat.

 

[Downrivermama]

I am so glad you started this thread. I was wondering too, how much the gift card should be. I was thinking $10, but didn't know if that was too cheap! I did come upon a map of the port area and saw Wal-mart and a mall. We are going in Feb and dd will be in Oceaners Club. In my area I have easy access to both Target and Wal-mart. Since I have 6 months to wait, I thought I could space out some of the buying.

CM Mom your knowledge is priceless!!