I should quit replying to this post...but with the discussion of truck drivers and others in "non-tipping" positions....
It's never wrong to do something to thank any person or group of people who do something special for you.....
I'm reminded of a trucker who stopped and helped me change a tire on the way to my first job interview many years ago. He was sweet, and commented that he always hesitated to stop because of the nastiness that went on "on the road," but somehow I'd reminded him of his wife back home and he always hoped someone would stop and help her if she ever needed it. I can't thank him in person....but that sure makes up for the times someone tailgates or cuts me off!
When I had scheduled surgery, I tucked 3 big boxes of candy into my suitcase for the various nursing shifts. Hospital personnel always appreciate food! Ok, not the ones on diets, but.....again, these are not tipped people, but a little rememberance is nice.
I like the idea of phone cards for the counsellors in the kid programs...again, just a little something to say thanks. I'd much rather buy a phone card for a counsellor than an arcade card that my kid doesn't need (hee hee!)
The real idea in non tipping positions is to just take a minute to say "thanks for making my cruise special." If it is accompanied by something tangible, that's nice. It's also been my "thing" to write a letter to
DCL (or someone's employer) if someone does a special job. It's nice to thank them, better to have a positive review in their personnel file!