creative tipping

[Lindsaysmom]

I've been trying to think of something creative to do, in addition to cash. Any ideas, already know about the phone cards.

Thanks

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Keep in mind that, for your servers and stateroom steward, the tips are their income. They send money to their familes in their home countries, so that their familes have a roof over their heads, food, clothing, and education. So money is the best tip.

Phone cards are appreciated on top of that because they allow phone calls to their familes back home -- and they don't take up much room.

Beyond that, I would be careful in being too creative. Your servers and steward have little use for merchandise or merchadise gift cards. They live in small, shared cabins, and have liitle room or need for "stuff." And, when they need something, money (instead of gift cards) gives them the flexibility to determine where and when they want to shop.

 

[Scratch42]

I gave her the over the door shoe organizer and my soft sided cooler. She did mention that they live in very cramped quarters and any space saving devices were appreciated!

Scratch

 

[inkkognito]

Florida lottery tickets!!
You can get them at the airport or if you have a car or are taking a towncar and doing a grocery stop. Otherwise, if you're staying the night before, you can get them at a convenience store or gas station.
They enjoy scratching them off, and who knows...they might even win a little extra $$. Then they can cash them in when they disembark at Port Canaveral to do their shopping.
I've gotten good comments from the crew members I've given these too. I also sometimes use them in thank-you cards for people in non-tipped positions.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Pixie Mom 3]

BUMP


any other info on this?

 

[rae519]

Large chocolate bars too!!!
Fresh flowers from the stateroom that you have received!

A note to the Supervisor commenting about their service, attitude or something special that they did for you - that is always a very welcomed gift!

I also give notes to those staff who I've had personal contact with and feel deserve that little personal boost! Two small words "thank you" but they leave such a big impression and great feeling!

Rae

 

[inkkognito]

Something from your hometown can be fun too. We used to bring little boxes of Frango Mints with a picture of the Chicago skyline (although they are no longer made in Chicago, and now Fannie May has left us too...it's getting so I can't get a good REAL Wndy City chocolate fix any more!). I figure something they can eat is better than something they can keep because they have very limited space in their staterooms. I've been know to bring items from Bath & Body Works too.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[GenieDana]

Even better than phone cards are gift cards from Target and Wal-Mart (both are visited by the "crew bus" when the ships are in port). This is tantamount to giving cash, and they are discrete. The crew buys essentials (toiletries and other items in lieu of spending their cash) with the cards.

 

[kcashner]

I would just add (as others have noted) that any "creativity" should be in addition to the cash tip, not instead of.

On our recent cruise, I charged the "suggested" tips, then added a little extra cash to the envelopes. I have never seen such generous thanks as I got on Sat. am! It really wasn't that much cash, but certainly was appreciated.