Room steward gifting dinner at Sabatini’s

[bielikov]

We were just gifted a dinner at Sabatini’s by our room steward.  It makes me really uncomfortable that he would actually do this given his salary and how hard he works. Could it be that the ship gives him the perk to give to one of his staterooms or even instructs him to give it out in his name.  He just gave us a handwritten note—nothing on official stationary. Has this ever happened to anyone else? ( We don’t even have the special relationship that we have had with some room stewards in the past)

 

[PacnGoNow]

7 minutes ago, bielikov said:

We were just gifted a dinner at Sabatini’s by our room steward.  It makes me really uncomfortable that he would actually do this given his salary and how hard he works. Could it be that the ship gives him the perk to give to one of his staterooms or even instructs him to give it out in his name.  He just gave us a handwritten note—nothing on official stationary. Has this ever happened to anyone else? ( We don’t even have the special relationship that we have had with some room stewards in the past)

 

I’m surprised, but I would be uncomfortable too.  I know GS can do that, or other gifts like flowers, etc and those don’t come out of their own pockets.

 

I would probably just check with GS and ask if stewards would have to pay out of pocket for such a gift?  If so, I’d reimburse him with an extra tip.  But, that’s just me. Let us know please.

[MissP22]

That's a new one to me. Somehow I think it really wasn't the cabin steward but from someone in management. 

[Cruise Raider]

I know many of the officers and department heads have an allowance for certain gifts for the passengers.  They may have extended this to some of the crew as well.  
You may have done something, such as not making him work so hard by keeping your room tidy, that made him/her give you the special gift.  

Take advantage of generosity, thank him/her and maybe leave a nice tip at the end of the trip. 
That is what I do would do, anyway.  
 

 

 

[dog]

Thank him. Use it. Mention it to guest services, captain Circle host.

Leave cash tip at end of cruise, as well.

 

Having known a crew member I received something from them and accepted it graciously. 

[kiwimum]

We had a similar offer from our steward on our last cruise on the Sapphire.  As we had eaten in both restaurants a couple of times we did not accept.

[memoak]

I have seen multiple offers of free  specialty dinners from casino hosts, guest services, officers etc       Usually to make up for a mistake someone made or to make up for say an issue in a stateroom 

[startedwithamouse]

No, not out of their own pocket. This is usually done for guest recovery. 

[sfpd3000]

Earlier this month, the maitre d on the Royal gifted us one night in any specialty restaurant.

Cruise Raider: it was from Daniele

[damiross]

Do you know for sure what his financial situation is?   One should never assume what another person's financial situation is.  He could be single and have more money saved up from his work than you and I combined.  He could also be dirt poor.

 

In any case, accept the gift.  In a way, it would be rude to not accept a gift without a good reason.  Guessing the steward's financial situation is not a good reason.

[Coral]

I would ask at Guest Services desk. Maybe they are giving room stewards dinners to give out at their discretion (not costing them anything)....?

[dog]

40 minutes ago, damiross said:

Do you know for sure what his financial situation is?   One should never assume what another person's financial situation is.  He could be single and have more money saved up from his work than you and I combined.  He could also be dirt poor.

 

In any case, accept the gift.  In a way, it would be rude to not accept a gift without a good reason.  Guessing the steward's financial situation is not a good reason.

I know crew. It is not coming out of their pay. The cruiseline is providing  it.

 

speak to GS. 

Edited January 29, 2023 by dog