Gifts to servers/stateroom hosts?

[candeeapril]

Does anyone give little gifts to your servers or stateroom hosts? If so, any suggestions as to what is allowed and liked?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Does anyone give little gifts to your servers or stateroom hosts? If so, any suggestions as to what is allowed and liked?

Some people do. However, just keep in mind that the CMs have limited space in their (shared) rooms, and typically extra cash tips are more appreciated.

 

[candeeapril]

Ok thanks. I was just thinking something small like candy in addition to $$

 

[jlynch924]

We've always done little candy treats for our stateroom host/hostess (in addition to their usual cash tip). Usually, it's those movie-theater size boxes with a little note of thanks. I try to make the note reflect whatever the candy is... for example, with a box of LifeSavers - "Thanks so much for leaving that extra shampoo... you're a real life saver!" With a box of Milky Way - "You're out of this world! Thanks for all you're doing!" And so on. Cheesy, but whatever... I think it's appreciated.

 

[candeeapril]

We've always done little candy treats for our stateroom host/hostess (in addition to their usual cash tip). Usually, it's those movie-theater size boxes with a little note of thanks. I try to make the note reflect whatever the candy is... for example, with a box of LifeSavers - "Thanks so much for leaving that extra shampoo... you're a real life saver!" With a box of Milky Way - "You're out of this world! Thanks for all you're doing!" And so on. Cheesy, but whatever... I think it's appreciated.

Great idea

 

[Quellman]

Consumables (like candy) are a great idea if you want to supplement you tips. You can also leave blank post cards from your home town if you normally chat up your host as well. They can then send it to their family back home if they want as a neat "gift" as well.

 

[Pegasus928]

After reading countless threads on countless forums I have come to the conclusion that the best gift you can give them is the gift of time. And as positive reviews translate into extra time off for them whilst in port I will be sure to make my feelings known should any of them go above and beyond.

 

[bumbershoot]

I give cash.

Being American, I would never give candy, as our candy is utter junk compared to what an international person can get. Why give other nations the dubious gift of HFCS and other weird ingredients?

Cash. And smiles and thank yous and their names on the comment card.

 

[gumbypee]

I give cash.

Being American, I would never give candy, as our candy is utter junk compared to what an international person can get. Why give other nations the dubious gift of HFCS and other weird ingredients?

Cash. And smiles and thank yous and their names on the comment card.

While I completely agree extra cash is the way to go... i have to say that some "junky American candy" might also be appreciated as they may not have much money to buy candy when they are home or in ports. Now I know you might say, with the extra cash you can give they can buy good candy, but they may not be able to justify that indulgence. For example, I personally am having financial issues right now so for my parents to give me cash for Christmas or Birthday would be awesome... but it will go to bills, no fun. But if my mom would buy me a mani/pedi i would love it because it is a cost I can't justify for myself right now.

am I making any sense??

 

[August2010]

We give cash. Little gifts are thoughtful but cash is more appreciated.

 

[beach baby]

I do all of the above. Always leave extra cash. Always leave feedback on the comment card. (you'll need extra paper for detailed comments because there isn't enough room on the card.) Always thank them when I see them during the cruise for taking great care of us. And I leave small gifts for them daily, with a short note of thanks. Some of the gifts I've given are candy, chewing gum, Starbucks gift cards because they seem to be in every port and they have free wifi. Walmart and Target gift cards because those are stores near Port Canaveral. Small things that don't take up too much space.

Edited to add that the gift cards aren't large amounts. Starbucks is enough to enjoy a drink and a snack while they use the wifi. Walmart etc. are the same.