lumpkin8 Posted December 17, 2012 #1 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I was planning on giving an envelope with a small tip for our room steward as a "gift" on xmas day (will leave on the normal tips on our room charge also of course). I was wondering what amount other people have given as a cash xmas gift when sailing on 12/25? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLE Litella Posted December 17, 2012 #2 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I was planning on giving an envelope with a small tip for our room steward as a "gift" on xmas day (will leave on the normal tips on our room charge also of course). I was wondering what amount other people have given as a cash xmas gift when sailing on 12/25? Thanks. What makes you think he or she celebrates Christmas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeyancho Posted December 17, 2012 #3 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I would think a twenty would be nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lumpkin8 Posted December 18, 2012 Author #4 Share Posted December 18, 2012 MLE, the steward does not need to celebrate Christmas in order to know that it is a popular holiday during which time gifts are often exchanged. I don't celebrate the holiday but participate in gift exchanges with some people. Those in the service industry often receive gifts at this time regardless of what they personally celebrate, because of the widespread custom. JoeyAncho, thanks for your suggestion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larkz Posted December 18, 2012 #5 Share Posted December 18, 2012 MLE, the steward does not need to celebrate Christmas in order to know that it is a popular holiday during which time gifts are often exchanged. I don't celebrate the holiday but participate in gift exchanges with some people. Those in the service industry often receive gifts at this time regardless of what they personally celebrate, because of the widespread custom. Agree. I don't care which holidays the crew celebrates. If I'm feeling festive and cheerful and want to share my happiness with a hardworking crew member, so be it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trev71 Posted December 18, 2012 #6 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I agree with the "what the what makes you think she celebrates christmas" comment, but hey if you want to give her some extra money only a fool would say no to it :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin 4 Ever Posted December 18, 2012 #7 Share Posted December 18, 2012 MLE, the steward does not need to celebrate Christmas in order to know that it is a popular holiday during which time gifts are often exchanged. I don't celebrate the holiday but participate in gift exchanges with some people. Those in the service industry often receive gifts at this time regardless of what they personally celebrate, because of the widespread custom. JoeyAncho, thanks for your suggestion. I agree iwth $20. And the "what makes you think they celebrate Christmas" comment is strictly meant to annoy I"m sure, so just ignore it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted December 18, 2012 #8 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I agree iwth $20. And the "what makes you think they celebrate Christmas" comment is strictly meant to annoy I"m sure, so just ignore it. I dont think the comment was meant to annoy. but it was something to think about. The people who work on the ships come from many different countries and cultures. Some dont celebrate our holidays. I think a thank you card instead of a christmas card would be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPete Posted December 18, 2012 #9 Share Posted December 18, 2012 MLE, the steward does not need to celebrate Christmas in order to know that it is a popular holiday during which time gifts are often exchanged. I don't celebrate the holiday but participate in gift exchanges with some people. Those in the service industry often receive gifts at this time regardless of what they personally celebrate, because of the widespread custom. JoeyAncho, thanks for your suggestion. I'm curious what one would give them should they be sailing on their stewards high holy days, who celebrate a different deity? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Room Service! Posted December 18, 2012 #10 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Any amount would/should be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare English Tim Posted December 18, 2012 #11 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I think a small present, like chocolates, would be more appropriate and they could share them with their mates. Your relationship shouldn't be all about money and service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tef43 Posted December 18, 2012 #12 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Worst case scenario: Would you really want to take the chance of offending your cabin steward by forcing your customs and traditions, and by extension, your religion, upon him/her? On the surface, a seemingly harmless, kind gesture. But one must think of the unintended consequences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevv Posted December 18, 2012 #13 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Worst case scenario: Would you really want to take the chance of offending your cabin steward by forcing your customs and traditions, and by extension, your religion, upon him/her? On the surface, a seemingly harmless, kind gesture. But one must think of the unintended consequences. Since the steward and other workers on the ship work for $$, I doubt very seriously that she/he will be offended by extra cash even if they do not celebrate the occasion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted December 18, 2012 #14 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I think a small present, like chocolates, would be more appropriate and they could share them with their mates. Your relationship shouldn't be all about money and service. money is better and more appreicated-. For one- you know nothing about allergies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcancruise Posted December 18, 2012 #15 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I understand that many people do not celebrate Christmas, but the op is not suggesting forcing them to participate in the holiday, just to accept a gift given in kindness. I think 20 would be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlk806 Posted December 18, 2012 #16 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Worst case scenario: Would you really want to take the chance of offending your cabin steward by forcing your customs and traditions, and by extension, your religion, upon him/her? On the surface, a seemingly harmless, kind gesture. But one must think of the unintended consequences. The OP is not suggesting she leave a bible story about the first Christmas. He/she even said that they dont personally celebrate the holiday itself, but do participate in gift exchanges in the spirit of the season. Leaving a card that says "Deck The Halls" or something of the like (NOT all CHristmas cards are religious, many say "Winter Wonderland" or something like that) with a cash tip, which everyone knows cash is highly appreciated by the hard-working stewards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMSACE6 Posted December 18, 2012 #17 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Personally I would just give it the last night of the cruise, same as always, but I also see nothing wrong with offering a little something extra on Christmas day, and as others say 20.00 seems appropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Room Service! Posted December 18, 2012 #18 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I think a small present, like chocolates, would be more appropriate and they could share them with their mates. Your relationship shouldn't be all about money and service. I agree with another poster that this is not necessarily a good idea. Would you rather have a box of chocolates or cash? Your "relationship" with the steward is pretty much about service on our end, ... and money on his/hers. Worst case scenario: Would you really want to take the chance of offending your cabin steward by forcing your customs and traditions, and by extension, your religion, upon him/her? On the surface, a seemingly harmless, kind gesture. But one must think of the unintended consequences. I don't see where the OP is forcing a custom on the steward. Now if they're tucking cash in the Bible ... . I see it as a thoughful gesture on the OP's part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPete Posted December 18, 2012 #19 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Since the steward and other workers on the ship work for $$, I doubt very seriously that she/he will be offended by extra cash even if they do not celebrate the occasion. Offended, probably not. But imagine being in the service industry and getting something extra mid October not for your good service, but because of that patrons holiday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riffatsea Posted December 18, 2012 #20 Share Posted December 18, 2012 If you want to give something then a $20 would be just fine. I wouldn't give candy or little presents. Here at home we purposely give those extra $20s to service people waaay before Christmas(when it is more of a surprise) as a token of our appreciation. We want the gift to be a special thank you from our hearts and not just because it is "customary". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Room Service! Posted December 18, 2012 #21 Share Posted December 18, 2012 Offended, probably not. But imagine being in the service industry and getting something extra mid October not for your good service, but because of that patrons holiday. I really don't think they'd care why they were getting a bonus, ... or when. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dashers Posted December 18, 2012 #22 Share Posted December 18, 2012 We cruised over Christmas ... They don't care regardless. We tipped the room stewards and kids club members with a seasons greeting card. We also knew when the staff party was and purposefully asked the room stewards not to do our evening turn down bc they were free to go to the party once they were done with the evening 'jobs'. It could be different on CCL bc we were on a 14 day HAL cruise though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fridaythe13th Posted December 18, 2012 #23 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I would ask if they celebrate the Christmas holidays. If they say yes, then $20 was my thought too. If they say no, end of conversation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loubetti Posted December 18, 2012 #24 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I've always felt that there are two Christmases, the religious one and the commercial / secular one (think Santa Claus). I see absolutely no harm in giving a $20 bill as a Christmas gift to your steward. I can assure you that they would prefer cash over a box of candy or whatever else, and will not be offended! Heck, I've had Jewish friends who put up Christmas trees! Here's some reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_worldwide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YubaSutter Posted December 18, 2012 #25 Share Posted December 18, 2012 I would wait and see what the steward gave me for Christmas and reciprocate with a gift of equal value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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