phone cards

[lisak1]

I'm reading alot about telephone cards for extra tips, or nice suprises for people who don't usually get tips.. like the Kids counselors. Does anyone have any other ideas about what would be nice to get for them? They must be innundated with phone cards at the end of all those weeks of people giving them the same things!

 

[jlp651]

...there is a Wal-Mart down the street from port that a lot of the crew uses for things. I'm thinking about bringing like $10.00 gift cards...that way if they need anything that can get it themselves...I thought it was a good idea-just a thought!

 

[lisak1]

This is a great idea, i'm thinking i'll do this, are there any other stores that are close by the port that you know of?

 

[DVC4US]

We did the Wal-Mart gift cards on our cruise in March and the counselors really appreciated them. I just got them in increments of $10. I don't really know of any other stores in the area, but maybe someone on the board will know that. Or, if you are using Shirley at The Perfect Gift she might know, since she lives in the area.
LeiLani

 

[lisak1]

I will be calling Shirley next week to order birthday things, I guess if anyone would know, she would!

Lisa

 

[hilltopfamily]

how many are usually given out---- or what I mean to say is-- if you have a child in the programs, is it typically 1,2, 3..etc. counselors you have given them to? As I will have 3 kids on the cruise (at least 2 of which will be in programs a part of the time) just wondering how many I should probably bring with me. Is it usually just 1 or 2 people who have "been there" for your child? thanks!

 

[DVC4US]

hilltopfamily,

I think that is up to you. We gave cards to all the counselors for the 5-7 age group which my daughter was in. This was either 10 or 12 I believe. Of course, I only had one in the clubs. I had cards for the counselors in CG, for older DD, but she did not spend much time there so we did not give those out. We even gave a card to one counselor who was with the 3-4yos. She knew us by name and we spoke to her a lot during the cruise, so since I had extra I gave her one.

One other thing that I did. I made up little post cards with a picture of the girls, date of the cruise and a little thank you message. I put these in a envelope with the gift cards, and that is how I handed them out.

Again, it is entirely up to you who you give the cards to. They are not expected like the other tips. If you can afford it I would give one to all of them, but if it is a cost issue, than just give it to the ones who you think spent the most time with your children. Also, if both kids are in the same age group then one card from the both of them should be fine.
LeiLani

 

[Verniebird]

I have American Express $10 gift checks that I won as sales prizes at my job. I saved them up for the counselor tips! But I do like the Wal-Mart gift card idea.

 

[hilltopfamily]

LNaylor863

thanks for the great response/explanation. that helps me a lot in planning ahead--luckily I still have time for some more saving prior to cruising!

I appreciate also your attitude that it is entirely up to each individual & circumstance. It's great to find understanding people on the boards!