Phone Cards ?

[mhb]

Okay, say I buy the phone cards and want to hand them out to different people on the cruise. Ex room stewart, waiter, etc. Can they use them on the ship or do they use them when they get to port?

Also, how much should they be? Who else should I give them to?

Do you think they would prefer cash on the phone cards? Should I but some in smaller amounts to give to room service?

Thanks for all your help!!!!

 

[kcashner]

If you do phone cards, these should be IN ADDITION to the regular cash tips, not instead of. They will be used on land when the ship is in port. Any amount is appreciated...we usually get $10 cards (which you can sometimes get on sale!), and give them to people who aren't normally tipped.

Your server, asst, and room steward should be tipped in cash. A phone card as an extra gift would be appreciated, but they'd probably like more cash better. Use phone cards for people like the kid counsellors, any CM who gives you a special service, etc.

 

[inkkognito]

As the previous poster said, this should definitely be an add on rather than a replacement for tips. We buy them in bulk at Sam's Club. Just remember to get ones that can be used internationally, and be aware that the minutes listed on the card is not what international folks will actually get. Those are U.S. minutes from a non-pay phone. A 60 minute card can be more like 10 minutes to another country from a pay phone, which carries surcharges.
In addition to regular tipped positions, we sometimes give these to people in non-tipped positions, along with a thank you card.
Barb

 

[mhb]

Who are the people that you would give phone cards to in non tipped positions?

 

[inkkognito]

In the past, I've given them to people in Guest Services who have gone that extra mile, a person behind the scenes (taking orders on the phone) in room service, cruise staff (entertainment), and our servers at high tea in Palo (you don't get a payment slip at high tea, so you can't charge a tip on your card). You could probably give them to the bartenders, too, in addition to the autogratuity. I have never done that, but just thought of it now as I was trying to think of people we've given them to...I might try that on our next trip.
Barb

 

[CM_Mom]

FYI, several of the CMs in the Club/Lab have cell phones so WalMart gift cards are also appreciated. In talking to our Stateroom Host I found out he had a cell phone so we gave additional cash.

Take ones to use for tips for room service.

If you're going to have children in the Club/Lab, one pre-cruise activity I recommend is to have the children make home made thank you cards. Then when the cruise is almost over they can look at the counselors pictures in the Kids navigators and plan who they want to give the cards to. I think this activity helps the kids expect to have a great time. The CMs really appreciate the effort when they receive notes.

 

[tinksmom]

CM Mom --
DD and I were discussing this just the other day. I asked her to look at "thank you" notes in Target. She couldn't find anything she liked and said she would rather make some at home as they would be more special! Now, I've just got to get her busy making them.
We look forward to looking for your daughter on July 24. Does she know yet if she'll be in the Lab?
tenya

 

[CM_Mom]

Tenya, as of last Saturday, she was still in the Club but it's still several weeks before July 24th. Right now she's working with the 5-7s. She usually calls me when she's in St. Thomas which is tomorrow so I may know more.

I know you're getting REALLY excited as the time gets closer.

 

[yodasdabomb]

Originally posted by tinksmom
CM Mom --
DD and I were discussing this just the other day. I asked her to look at "thank you" notes in Target. She couldn't find anything she liked and said she would rather make some at home as they would be more special! Now, I've just got to get her busy making them.
We look forward to looking for your daughter on July 24. Does she know yet if she'll be in the Lab?
tenya

Having just finished up student teaching and working in classroom for years I have to agree that homemade is more special (fun for the kids and inexpensive!). I got this great thank you card from one of my kinders just last month! Even thinking about it now it make me smile! It had a little boat and the font with three interconnecting circles..... gee I wonder what that was
Anyway back to my point I would encourage homemade cards if you are going to give them out!