Gift and thank you ideas for Dream concierge hosts?

[DISdiningFan83]

I will be on the Dream in September and I am staying in a concierge one bedroom. My question is, I hear about how awesome they all are and how hard they work with minimal compensation. Any CM's who have worked on the cruises, what did you miss while on board that you couldn't get your hands on? I was thinking maybe some nice chocolates and other assorted goodies. I just feel as someone who works in the service industry, that when someone constantly is bringing me surprises and providing me with that kind of level of service I should return the favor and brighten their day like they did mine. Pixie dust should work both ways. Any suggestions?

 

[kapoof]

A nice tip is always good. I have read the crew really appreciate gift cards as well. Be sure to mention them by name on the comments card...they earn more time off off and raises according to what I heard.

 

[DISdiningFan83]

A nice tip is always good. I have read the crew really appreciate gift cards as well. Be sure to mention them by name on the comments card...they earn more time off off and raises according to what I heard.

Thanks I of course was planning on tipping above the standard $4 a night for them and I always fill out comment cards in the parks and such for CM's that go above and beyond. The gift card idea is great. Question though, Disney gift card or some other kind? I want them to be able to use it while still on the ship.

 

[AlexandNessa]

I wish there were some type of standard for tipping concierge, but I'm trying to figure out where you're getting the "standard 4$ a night" from. Is that a new standard?

We're told that concierge is now fully dependent on tips, so I'm sure they'd appreciate the cash.

If you're going to do gift cards, I think a ship bus takes them to Wal-Mart.

We had Shirley make us a gift basket for them with Gatorade, gourmet cookies, kettle chips, and lots of other snacks. The bartender gave me a big hug when she saw me bring it in for them.

 

[DISdiningFan83]

I wish there were some type of standard for tipping concierge, but I'm trying to figure out where you're getting the "standard 4$ a night" from. Is that a new standard? We're told that concierge is now fully dependent on tips, so I'm sure they'd appreciate the cash. If you're going to do gift cards, I think a ship bus takes them to Wal-Mart. We had Shirley make us a gift basket for them with Gatorade, gourmet cookies, kettle chips, and lots of other snacks. The bartender gave me a big hug when she saw me bring it in for them.

.
I got the $4 a night from the Disney Cruise website, it is auto charged to your room for stateroom attendants. No suggestion from Disney for concierge hosts. Thanks for the gift basket idea, I just feel like they deserve something nice for all they do for us while we are staying concierge.

 

[Doingitagain]

One time I used a family photo from our previous cruise to create a personalized Wal-Mart gift card. That way they could think of us when they used it. But then I figured they would like the cash and some good words on the comment form.

 

[patron4806]

I usually only do concierge either on a cruise or staying at the parks. I have spoken with them, as well as the shore side concierge service, and have gotten a resounding cash or chocolate.....chocolate of any kind just CHOCOLATE!!! I was told it is too expensive on the ships to buy themselves, so I have always taken Hershey Kisses (a few bags of different kids), Hershey bars and cash. To me tipping is all about the service you receive. I have heard as well that they rely more on their tips these days, so when I get exceptional service they get an exceptional tip...and chocolate. I personally use the Disney suggestion as a low point and it goes up from there as their service dictates. Example, last August I went on a three night Bahamas on the Dream, there were three lovely lady concierge and they all did such a fabulous job with my girls they each got a $100 tip from me. To me money very well deserved.

 

[DISdiningFan83]

I usually only do concierge either on a cruise or staying at the parks. I have spoken with them, as well as the shore side concierge service, and have gotten a resounding cash or chocolate.....chocolate of any kind just CHOCOLATE!!! I was told it is too expensive on the ships to buy themselves, so I have always taken Hershey Kisses (a few bags of different kids), Hershey bars and cash. To me tipping is all about the service you receive. I have heard as well that they rely more on their tips these days, so when I get exceptional service they get an exceptional tip...and chocolate. I personally use the Disney suggestion as a low point and it goes up from there as their service dictates. Example, last August I went on a three night Bahamas on the Dream, there were three lovely lady concierge and they all did such a fabulous job with my girls they each got a $100 tip from me. To me money very well deserved.

Thank you so much. This is what I was wanting to hear about, someone who has personally talked with the staff and asked them directly what they would like to have. I work in the service industry so tipping is a given for me. They do so much and that is their main source of income really. So CHOCOLATE it is. I was thinking some bags of chocolate and then maybe a box a piece of some Godiva. I'm also going on a three night Bahamian on the Dream and $100 dollars seems perfectly reasonable, especially for what I hear they do for you and how personable they are. I'm really looking forward to this trip and I just want them to know that I appreciate all they do for us, and how special they make our vacations. CASH & CHOCOLATE it is.

 

[calker]

There is a thread written by a CM who works in the kids clubs. She stated not only is chocolate appreciated, but any candy and current issues of magazines.

 

[DISdiningFan83]

Thanks guys. I'm getting lots of great ideas.

 

[patron4806]

Thank you so much. This is what I was wanting to hear about, someone who has personally talked with the staff and asked them directly what they would like to have. I work in the service industry so tipping is a given for me. They do so much and that is their main source of income really. So CHOCOLATE it is. I was thinking some bags of chocolate and then maybe a box a piece of some Godiva. I'm also going on a three night Bahamian on the Dream and $100 dollars seems perfectly reasonable, especially for what I hear they do for you and how personable they are. I'm really looking forward to this trip and I just want them to know that I appreciate all they do for us, and how special they make our vacations. CASH & CHOCOLATE it is.

 

[storknurse13]

The concierge team on the Fantasy is amazing!! They took such good care of our family of 5. They made the kids all kinds of special drinks and I had one child that primarily ate only fruit so they had that waiting every morning in the concierge lounge for him. So many perks but it is getting a little pricey!

 

[Namsupak]

Just one thing to remember about physical gifts is that CMs only have a little cabin space. Even the concierge hosts have limited living space.

 

[DISdiningFan83]

The concierge team on the Fantasy is amazing!! They took such good care of our family of 5. They made the kids all kinds of special drinks and I had one child that primarily ate only fruit so they had that waiting every morning in the concierge lounge for him. So many perks but it is getting a little pricey!

Yeah a little pricey is an understatement, especially for next year. Started looking at 2015 pricing and there is no way I'll pay the triple and sometimes quadruple over what I paid this year.