phone cards as added tips?

[DISNEYGATOR]

I have heard of people giving phone cards to non-tipped cast members, like the kid club couselors, do you ever give them to tipped employee's too...

I just have a bunch of phone cards that were given to me, and I will never use them since my cell phone has free long distance, so I thought I would give them away on the cruise. Problem is, I don't have kids, and the only people who will be helping me out a lot, are already tipped... Could I put phone cards in along with my tips, or will that look tacky or cheap, since they usually receive cash?

 

[floridaminnie]

I had enough phone cards to give out to the counselors (they did an awesome job!) I also gave some to our stateroom host, Clinton. He went above and beyond what I would have imagined. This was on top of more than min. tip we left him.

 

[ducklite]

We gave a phone card to each of the five CG staff. I also wrote a handwritten thank you to each of the three servers, one of the servers from Palo, one of the spa people, and our cabin steward. I put their tip card plus a phone card into the envelope with the thank you. I gave chocolates to our female servers as well as the two ladies from the concierge who took such good care of us as well. And we also tipped well above the suggested amount, we felt that every one of them more than deserved it.

Anne

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

okay, next question.. what would be considered a "good" tip...

for the 4 day, the suggested amount for the server and stateroom host/hostess is $14.00... how much do you normally go over, to give a nice tip to those deserving?

 

[ducklite]

We tipped close to double over the suggested amounts, not including phone cards and candy. We also left a cash tip at Palo (plus the automatic gratuities on alcohol and the service charge).

Anne

 

[inkkognito]

We usually add $10 to $20 over the suggested tip amounts, depending on the level of service received. That is usually in addition to phone cards, too.
I also found phone cards handy for High Tea. Since it is free, you don't get a slip to sign so you don't have an opportunity to add anything. I brought phone cards with to hand out...we had three servers "team serving" us, so we gave one to each.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[huckster]

remeber phone cards need to be internatinal because most cm"s are not from the states

 

[inkkognito]

Good point, Huckster.
Also, the minutes listed on the cards will be for domestic use, but when used for other countries it is MUCH less, especially when using a pay phone. For example, a 60 minute card may only be good for as little as 8 minutes, depending on where they are calling. But at least it gives them a chance to say "hello" to their family. I think the crew members really appreciate them because we gave one to our servers on one trip and one of them recognized us next time and said, "You're the people who gave me the phone card!"
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[rae519]

I think the phone cards are wonderful as are the Discover Gift Cards recently released. Discover is accepted most everywhere and the crew can get personal items or gifts for their families.

There is nothing wrong with tipping more than the required amount or being generous to those who help make your trip magical.

Rae

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

thanks Now I know some one will use them for something good. I was just worried that if it was someone who usually received cash tips, they would rather just get even more cash.

 

[GAKoch]

Where is the best place to buy phone cards? I've never had a need for them before so am clueless!
Thanks,
Georgianne

 

[OKWMEMBER]

We got a bulk pack of 60 minute phone cards at our local Sam's Club. They were very much appreciated by all the cast members.
Ours were AT&T cards so they could be used internationally.

 

[GAKoch]

Anyone know if Costco sells them also?

 

[ducklite]

We also bought them at Sam's, but I'm sure Costco and BJ's also carry them. At Sam's they are right by the register when you check out.

Anne

 

[Verandah Man]

I saw them near the checkout registers at our local BJ's the other day. When I saw them, I said to my DW, "That's what we have to get for our cruise in August." It's amzing the things you see at a store and it brings your cruise to mind.

 

[gfolchick]

Does anyone know how many counselors are assigned per child? We will have one in the 3-4 group and one in the 5-7 group. How many cards would you suggest?
I also read that many crew members go to WalMart while in Pt.Canaveral so that might be another idea. Thanks for the help.

 

[Verandah Man]

Thanks for the WalMart idea!!! We do a lot of school clothes shopping at WalMart.

 

[Jobro2]

Dumb question, but I've never bought phone cards and would love to get some for our upcoming cruise...are all AT&T cards good for international calling?? Does it have to specifically state this on the package or not? Just want to make sure I get the right ones! Thanks!

 

[inkkognito]

AT&T are the ones we get. The domestic minutes will be listed prominently, but if they are good for international calling, that will also be printed somewhere on the package. I think the number of minutes for the various international countries and the payphone surcharges are listed inside the package.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Verandah Man]

I went to Walmart.com this morning and purchased some "gift cards" for our upcoming cruise. For $2.70 Walmart will send the cards to your home. Saves an extra trip if you're not going to the store. Saves me money by keeping my DW and DD 12 out of the store, besides our nearest Walmart is about a 30 minute drive.
Just thought I throw this info in.