February 25, 2006 Western Magic Cruisers!!

[levea]

Hi Ilene,

RE: Tipping

You had mentioned getting alittle something for the kids favorite counseler. Did you mean money or gift? If you meant a gift, what sort of gift have you given in the past just to give me some ideas.

Thanks for the help

Alicia

 

[2littlemonkeys]

Hi Ilene,

RE: Tipping

You had mentioned getting alittle something for the kids favorite counseler. Did you mean money or gift? If you meant a gift, what sort of gift have you given in the past just to give me some ideas.

Thanks for the help

Alicia

Don't mean to butt in, BUT as I understand it, the counsellors are not allowed to receive cash tips. But gifts are ok. Most people give International phone cards from what I've seen. I also saw Target/Walmart gift cards mentioned. I decided to go with Walmart gift cards (Target's just not as common, I know there's a Walmart near PC and I saw a pic some posted from an island port and there was a Walmart!) My main reason is that I'd hate to buy a bunch of phone cards and then my kids not end up wanting to be in the club or something and be stuck with something that I could never use, KWIM? So I bought (5) $20 gift cards (for the counsellors and/or as an extra tip for servers and stateroom attendants should need be) and will hopefully have reason to use them all on the ship, but if I don't I know the money won't have gone to waste and I can use them myself when we get home.

Those with experience, please let me know if that is an acceptable amount...I'd hate to insult them when I was trying to be appreciative

Melanie

 

[hjensen]

I did the same thing as you did Melanie as far as the gift cards go! I also got 5-$20 gift cards from Walmart. And just the same as you...I figured if we didnt pass all of them out, then I can just use them when we get home!

 

[dreaming of BCV]

Hi everyone! There are 2006 Western Navigators posted on the Dis FAQ section, just in case you want to see going on on the ship.

Another idea someone mentioned on the boards was that the kid's club CMs like candy. They share it at their meetings, and it's really appreciated.


Lisa

 

[BusyMomIANH8115]

Hi
We have given out international phone cards mostly as gifts. If there ever were xtras we donated them to the armed forces collection of these. My DS's didn't much use the clubs or bond with any one counsellor (x your fingers - I so want them to go and have fun there). I'd say many who work on the ship get very little time away from the ship to shop (they work insane hours) but something that could be ordered and shipped to them in port would also work I'd imagine. I am sure that they must get some internet time. The amounts seem good as you can use them for anyone as a tip, I have also brought smaller amounts ($10) and given out more or less cards as necessary. We have often given our servers and room attendants a gift early in the cruise then the tip at the end. Not sure if we will do that this time around or not.

 

[2littlemonkeys]

Hi
We have often given our servers and room attendants a gift early in the cruise then the tip at the end. Not sure if we will do that this time around or not.

Ahhhhh, nice! Great idea, a little buttering up never hurts!

 

[dreamakermom]

I am so excited!! Thanks Jeff for the countdown calendar!!!!
I also got phone cards from Sams club. I also would hope that they would appreciate anything and not be insulted.
For all you NY'ers.... I grew up in Kingston and ended up in Syracuse. Now I am far from the snow in sunny Florida.
Do we know how the Magic is doing this week, as last I heard it was not good.
How many people are packed and how many aren't??? How many people already know they are bringing WAY too much stuff??!!
"Sea" you soon!

 

[2littlemonkeys]

I did the same thing as you did Melanie as far as the gift cards go! I also got 5-$20 gift cards from Walmart. And just the same as you...I figured if we didnt pass all of them out, then I can just use them when we get home!

Great minds...I figure even if they can't use them immediately they never expire and/or they could send them to family should they want to! And of course, online!

 

[BusyMomIANH8115]

I am so excited!! Thanks Jeff for the countdown calendar!!!!
I also got phone cards from Sams club. I also would hope that they would appreciate anything and not be insulted.
For all you NY'ers.... I grew up in Kingston and ended up in Syracuse. Now I am far from the snow in sunny Florida.
Do we know how the Magic is doing this week, as last I heard it was not good.
How many people are packed and how many aren't??? How many people already know they are bringing WAY too much stuff??!!
"Sea" you soon!

We're not packed at all yet .....not even sure if the kids dress up clothes & swim trunks still fit or not . Of course DH will have to come back into town and have all his decent clothes washed b4 we can even pack up. Oh well there's always a store or 2 along the way for the missed items. Atlease our door will be well dressed, been working on a few signs to switch it up some....

See yo all soon,
Ilene

 

[2littlemonkeys]

How many people are packed and how many aren't??? How many people already know they are bringing WAY too much stuff??!!
"Sea" you soon!

I haven't packed yet, DH and I will be in your neck of the woods for the Bon Jovi concert and a stop by the fair this weekend so I need some of the luggage for that, especially my "bathroom bag" as I fondly refer to it! LOL!

But I am chomping at the bit to get things packed so I'm sure I will start as soon as we get back and I get all the laundry done - AGAIN!

Melanie

 

[Jillykp]

I have had the 4 kids' clothes and mine laid out on my desk for about 2 weeks now, with pirate outfits, and some beach toys. I have a lot of summer sleeveless tops so I've been thinking about some cover up (sweater, long sleeves) for the cooler areas. Are we able to control the thermostat in our own cabins?
I loved hearing the ideas for the counselors- sounds like phone cards are the best thing.
My youngest (will be 21 mos) broke his femur in Dec and was in a body cast - both legs up to armpits. He's been "castless" for 2 weeks and just started taking steps again yesterday hopefully by the cruise he'll be more confident and able to be more independent. We'll have the stroller just in case.
Going to "game night" in a little while with 3 girlfriends- we love Euchre!
Jill

 

[SallyB]

Know how long it is until the ship leaves port
to the second

I have a link in my profile
Count down to the sec
and you BETTER be there...

AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH JEFF!!!!!!! Did you happen to look at the BOTTOM of that page you created? It's all sex pages!!!

 

[hjensen]

LMAO Sally!!!!

 

[hjensen]

Enjoy Bon Jovi Melanie!!! We saw them last month and they were awesome!!

 

[SallyB]

I am so excited!! Thanks Jeff for the countdown calendar!!!!
Do we know how the Magic is doing this week, as last I heard it was not good.
How many people are packed and how many aren't??? How many people already know they are bringing WAY too much stuff??!!
"Sea" you soon!

We are half ready as far as packing goes. But I'm not worried.. we're getting there. I have to go check on the live board to see h ow they are doing this week. Last I check many were very sick from the rough weather. I hope it's gotten better for them. Oh and I KNOW I'll have way too much stuff.. but if you dont bring eveything then you'll need whatever you didn't pack!

Oh well there's always a store or 2 along the way for the missed items. Atlease our door will be well dressed, been working on a few signs to switch it up some....

See yo all soon,
Ilene

The clothes may not be there but the door will look great!!!

 

[DecemberRoses]

AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH JEFF!!!!!!! Did you happen to look at the BOTTOM of that page you created? It's all sex pages!!!

Unfortunately, my kids just pointed that out to me. I opened the page and called them over to see how long we have left. Leave it to them to spot it. I didn't expect that! Maybe I'll avoid links from now on. LOL!

Tracy

 

[2littlemonkeys]

Enjoy Bon Jovi Melanie!!! We saw them last month and they were awesome!!

Thanks! I intend to shove DH out of the way and storm the stage at my first opportunity! *wink* *wink* I love Jon but I think Richie's more vulnerable now!

 

[SallyB]

Unfortunately, my kids just pointed that out to me. I opened the page and called them over to see how long we have left. Leave it to them to spot it. I didn't expect that! Maybe I'll avoid links from now on. LOL!

Tracy

Sorry about that Tracy.. I dont think he even knows it's there.. but as soon as he gets home I'll let him know. What an odd thing to put on the bottom of a counter page. Ugh!

 

[monsterchaser]

Does DCL stock the bathroom with shampoo, soap, etc? My DH and DS will use anything so I could save a little room in the suitcase!

Thanks,

 

[BusyMomIANH8115]

Does DCL stock the bathroom with shampoo, soap, etc? My DH and DS will use anything so I could save a little room in the suitcase!

Thanks,

They stock the bathroom with small packets of shampoo/conditioner combo, lotion and teeny tiny soap. I like how the shampoo/conditioner smells when my kids use it!! The lotion is okay as is the tiny soap.

The clothes may not be there but the door will look great!!!
__________________
Sally

Yeah, so is there a problem with that ?!?!?