? Re: Tipping CMs in Lab/Flounders

[grlzmom]

Hello, getting all set for 5/18 Magic (our first cruise) and need some info/suggestions on what to tip the CMs in Lab/Flounders if the kiddos use these services.

Calling on you experts out there to give me some guidelines/ideas

Thanks in advance, and hello to all my 5/18 Magic Buddies, we are getting closer by the minute and my kiddos are getting totally excited.

Jeanne

 

[Michelle]

Jeanne, the CMs in the kid's clubs are not tipped. Some people do give them small gifts but it is not necessary.

 

[wdwobsessed]

My budget is very tight on this trip. So I'm not sure if I will be able to tip or do the phone card thingy for anyone "extra".

But I did get a great tip about the Flounders / Clubs staff. They love it when you bring them a dessert from the dining room.

I plan on trying to do this on occassion. Just ask for an extra dessert to take back to the room then give it to them.

You don't have to tip, but from what I have been told, Flounders staff is volunteer. (This was from a CM that used to work on the magic.) So, if you can, it would be nice. Or a phone card, or even dessert if you are limited funds wise like me.

Just something so say thanks...if you are happy with thier care.

wdwo

 

[grlzmom]

Thanks so much for the info. Sorry to be asking all these silly (and probably asked a million times before) questions but first time and there is alot to learn

I will pick up some phone cards and the dessert idea is a good one. Maybe wont even need to worry about it. Goodness knows my 11 month old dd would go beserk if she even knew I was contemplating a possible dinner at Palos without her attached to my hip

Any more info or suggestions for a first time cruiser with kiddos would be appreciated.

Jeanne

 

[GoofyDisney]

According to a CM, the Childrens CMs (Reef, Lab, Club) are salaried and are not "allowed" to accept cash.

Even if money is tight, a nice thank you note might be as well received.

We wrote a thank you note, and put 6 or 7 phone cards in for the CM to distribute between themselves.

 

[wdwobsessed]

Goofy -

Mmmmm I was told by a CM during a chat on this very site that YES they could accept tips ..... they just were not on the reccommended tipping list.

She seemed kind of urked when I told her that I had heard the same thing as you ..... that they were not allowed to take tips.

She assured me that they are .... and appreciate them very much.

So I don't know what to think?

Obviously ... our CM reports conflict (what else is new).

wdwo

 

[GoofyDisney]

The CM at Guest Relations told me that....and I am kind of chuckling cause what if GR is telling people that and it isn't true and the CMs in the kids areas are getting mad...(not that this is really funny, but funny in the way that sometimes someone will tell everyone the rules to the game, and those aren't really the rules at all...) Know what I mean?

GR specifically told me that they are salaried and are paid well, and they are not "allowed" to accept cash. It is okay if that is true, but oo bad if it is wrong.

 

[atigeg]

I like to pick up items from Bath & Body Works. They make great little gifts for crew members. I've also picked up small boxes of Frango mints (a choco-minty Chicago treat), four-packs of hard lemonade, and other little items like that to use as crew member gifts. I also do the phone cards, and I've been wanted to find the elusive Port Canaveral internet cafe to see if I can get some pre-paid cards there, but so far no luck. In addition, lottery tickets seem to be a welcome item (a good indirect way to potentially give money, at least if the recipient is lucky!). And of course, I always pack a box of thank you cards.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[grlzmom]

These are all great ideas and glad for the replies.

Would really be nice to know if the CMs are salaried/paid well and/or if tipping really is or isnt allowed for these guys. I dont use childcare very often but am a firm believer that teachers and child care providers (among others) take care of our most precious cargo and should be treated well

Barb, those Frango thingys sound wonderful. Will be in Chicago in July, where can I get them Always thinking ahead to my next choco fix.

You guys are completely wonderful, so glad I found this site.

Jeanne

 

[wdwobsessed]

Barb -

After a day with my kids ... they will need that hard lemonade.

rotfl

wdwo