Gifts for staff?

[BarbMike821]

On our upcoming cruise my family was discussing the possibility of giving our room steward and dining staff gifts at the end along with their tip (not in place of). Are they allowed to accept gifts from guests? The last thing I want to do is get them in trouble, but we were thinking something small from our hometown along with candy and other treats.

I understand they have limited space so it wouldn't be anything big, but definitely something useful.

 

[Bishoparc]

I haven't personally given gifts but I have read about people giving staff gifts from the staff member's home country (such as chocolates) but that would have to be for a crew member you already knew.

We started on our last cruise giving them cards from our hometown that had a painting of a local landmark on the front. That's what we gave them their tips in. We bought them from a local art gallery before we left for our cruise.

 

[MSPeeler]

Yes! Many people I've read on here will bring things that they don't readily get on board, but remember if it is food related, it must be pre-packaged and nothing open/home-made or perishable. I am thinking of making something myself, but not sure what would be useful for them.

 

[ludari]

I believe my first cruise I gave my cabin steward some gifts from my home town but after reading the disboards I just give extra cash to my service team which is easier to transport and they can spend it on whatever they choose.

 

[Quellman]

Edible items (store sealed) or consumables make good gifts. It allows them to share if desired, it also takes up less time as it gets consumed, yum!

 

[RedSox68]

Yes -- we have given them candy, boxed treats, salt water taffy, gift cards and phone cards -- all in addition to their tips. As a side Note: If you leave anything in your room for them at the end of the cruise -- like items you didn't want to pack but were too good to toss -- you must leave a note to them that they can have them or give them to crew; otherwise they run the risk of getting in trouble.