Arrival Gift for Cabin Steward?

[BlueRiband]

I just give a little extra at the start and go from there.

 

Personally, I would never, ever, give anything to my cabin steward at the start as it looks like a bribe. (Nor would I sail on a ship where that was customary.) I leave autotips on and give a disembarkation day envelope to whomever I think deserves it.

[TomAceEsq]

Personally, I would never, ever, give anything to my cabin steward at the start as it looks like a bribe. (Nor would I sail on a ship where that was customary.) I leave autotips on and give a disembarkation day envelope to whomever I think deserves it.

 

 

I'm failing to see how me handing my cabin steward a $20 at the beginning of the cruise and telling him thanks for a clean and well prepared cabin could be construed as a bribe? While they aren't directly in charge of turn down service, they certainly play a part in making sure the room is tidy and ready to be occupied as I board. I believe that is worth something. I also used to work in the service industry so I know how hard it is to paste a smile on your face and to perpetually sound chippy, even on off days.

[bUU]

The cabin steward's job during the cruise is to ensure clean and well prepared cabins. It is worth something, but everyone else that steward serves has already arranged to receive a fair share of that cabin steward's efforts in that regard.

Edited February 24, 2015 by bicker

[Shmoo here]

I'm failing to see how me handing my cabin steward a $20 at the beginning of the cruise and telling him thanks for a clean and well prepared cabin could be construed as a bribe? While they aren't directly in charge of turn down service, they certainly play a part in making sure the room is tidy and ready to be occupied as I board. I believe that is worth something. I also used to work in the service industry so I know how hard it is to paste a smile on your face and to perpetually sound chippy, even on off days.

 

Look at it this way, you hand a little cash to someone, say a host at a casino showroom, and say "I'd sure like a table right next to the stage". Is that a bribe? I think some people would say it is.

 

Asking for something ahead of time, and "tipping" to ensure that the request is honored - yeah, sounds like a bribe.

 

We just tip additionally (if warranted) at the end of the cruise when we've seen what efforts have/have not been taken to make our cruise enjoyable.

[TomAceEsq]

Look at it this way, you hand a little cash to someone, say a host at a casino showroom, and say "I'd sure like a table right next to the stage". Is that a bribe? I think some people would say it is.

 

Asking for something ahead of time, and "tipping" to ensure that the request is honored - yeah, sounds like a bribe.

 

We just tip additionally (if warranted) at the end of the cruise when we've seen what efforts have/have not been taken to make our cruise enjoyable.

 

You quoted me then went on to talk about blatant bribes. Right on, but nowhere in my post did I remotely talk about giving them money then asking for something. Have a great week!

[Shmoo here]

You quoted me then went on to talk about blatant bribes. Right on, but nowhere in my post did I remotely talk about giving them money then asking for something. Have a great week!

 

Nowhere did you ask about blatant bribes. But you did say "I'm failing to see how me handing my cabin steward a $20 at the beginning of the cruise and telling him thanks for a clean and well prepared cabin could be construed as a bribe?"

 

Suppose you go out to dinner, and, after being shown to your table, do you tip your server before service? I mean, the table is clean, possibly well decorated with tablecloth, and centerpiece, menus are clean and clear, nice tableware and ambiance. Or maybe tip the host seating you? I rather imagine that you tip at the end of the meal as a thanks for all service attributes, not before.

 

What's different about you tipping your room steward as soon as you see him/her with a comment about how nice the room is? I would think it could be construed as "there's more where this comes from if you keep up the good work" Maybe not blatant, but certainly obvious to me.

 

I just prefer to tip after the service is completed (at the end of the cruise) not in increments (daily, or whatever).

[Cruisin' Chick]

Nowhere did you ask about blatant bribes. But you did say "I'm failing to see how me handing my cabin steward a $20 at the beginning of the cruise and telling him thanks for a clean and well prepared cabin could be construed as a bribe?"

 

Suppose you go out to dinner, and, after being shown to your table, do you tip your server before service? I mean, the table is clean, possibly well decorated with tablecloth, and centerpiece, menus are clean and clear, nice tableware and ambiance. Or maybe tip the host seating you? I rather imagine that you tip at the end of the meal as a thanks for all service attributes, not before.

 

What's different about you tipping your room steward as soon as you see him/her with a comment about how nice the room is? I would think it could be construed as "there's more where this comes from if you keep up the good work" Maybe not blatant, but certainly obvious to me.

 

I just prefer to tip after the service is completed (at the end of the cruise) not in increments (daily, or whatever).

 

We wouldn't tip ahead of time. Of course, we're not asking for this and that (I've seen some people on CC mention all the requests they're passing on to their cabin steward as part of their first day routine...for us, it's only if something in the cabin needs fixing. Even something like removing the cans in the cabin fridge, we just go ahead and do on our own). To me, it's like saying to the steward, "You better do stuff for us first ahead of others."

[Hlitner]

Listen folks. We have spent a lot of time as cruise ship passengers (nearly 4 years on ships) and actually have a few long-term friends who work on ships. So let me be clear. Crew members live in relatively small cabins which is their home for 6-9 months at a time. These cabins have very little storage space and the last thing most crew want is "stuff" that clutters their tiny cabin and which they have no room to pack in their luggage when they go home between contracts. What the crew do want is money! If you have a good cabin steward, just give him/her extra tips near the end of the cruise. If you are thinking of buying a "gift" for a crew member, give him/her the money instead.

 

And heavens, do not give the crew food or candy! Chances are they do not even eat that stuff (many come from parts of the world where they have totally different diets). Those kind of gifts will likely end up in the trash, or perhaps dropped in a crew lounge. And we recently saw a situation where a passenger gave a bottle of good Scotch to his steward. What the uninformed passenger did not know was that the particular cruise line (HAL) no longer allows any of their crew to consume (or possess) alcohol other then wine and beer. Getting caught with that bottle could actually cost that crew member his job or other disciplinary action.

 

Another gift we have seen commonly given (especially on long cruises) are phone cards. Some passengers think this is a good idea, but the truth is that a majority of the crew does not even use phone cards. Most have Smart Phones or Laptops that they use to keep in touch with their families, and this is usually done ashore (during time off) via free internet.

 

Hank

[tarheelmjfan]

I don't know about the gift vs. money debate, but I don't think all the crew just want you throwing money at them either. As a matter of fact, I know that not all of them do.

 

We order room service daily & on rare occasions order RS lunch. Knowing this, we take along several ones & fives. We tip for each delivery, because we feel room service is going beyond basic service. On our last cruise, the same man delivered RS breakfast to us multiple times. Half through the 10 day cruise he refused our tip & said, "No you've given me enough. I'm happy to do it." I felt horrible thinking we had insulted him or something. In that case, some candy bars in lieu of money may have been more appreciated.

 

I can't imagine something consumable like candy bars clutters up a cabin for long. ;) As far as them being able to buy them, have you seen the candy prices on the ship? :eek: Plus, anyone who has been on many cruises knows you can't just buy American candy everywhere. In some countries that's a good thing, but some people may prefer to receive American candy they can't get elsewhere.

 

PS: For what it's worth, I don't see why some people get so upset over old threads being resurrected. As long as the info isn't obsolete, I don't see why it matters. Many of the same people would be complaining because a new thread was started for an often discussed topic.

Edited February 25, 2015 by tarheelmjfan

[Cuizer2]

Good grief. This thread is more than ten years old! :eek:

[cruzeluver]

Good grief. This thread is more than ten years old!

 

Right? And in the time that has elapsed no one has brought anything new to the discussion either. ;)

[notentirelynormal]

I can't imagine something consumable like candy bars clutters up a cabin for long. ;) As far as them being able to buy them, have you seen the candy prices on the ship? :eek: Plus, anyone who has been on many cruises knows you can't just buy American candy everywhere. In some countries that's a good thing, but some people may prefer to receive American candy they can't get elsewhere.

 

Well, I for one have my favorites in candy and know that there are some that I wouldn't eat even if I was hungry and craving candy. Just because you like American candy doesn't mean others do. When I go back to Canada (where I was born) one of the things I bring back are candy bars and cookies. I would think a candy from their actual home countries would be more valuable then American candy.

 

That's why I give them cash. So they can send money home and if Stewart wants candy - he can have it shipped to him from home.

 

Oh, and they don't buy their candy from the gift shop. The would buy it from the crew store.

Edited February 25, 2015 by notentirelynormal

[tarheelmjfan]

Well, I for one have my favorites in candy and know that there are some that I wouldn't eat even if I was hungry and craving candy. Just because you like American candy doesn't mean others do. When I go back to Canada (where I was born) one of the things I bring back are candy bars and cookies. I would think a candy from their actual home countries would be more valuable then American candy.

 

That's why I give them cash. So they can send money home and if Stewart wants candy - he can have it shipped to him from home.

 

Oh, and they don't buy their candy from the gift shop. The would buy it from the crew store.

 

People are different. We would try anything & actually much prefer foods that we can't get often or haven't had. The last thing I would want is US candy, but that's me. As I said, we're not all the same.

 

My point is none of us really know the answer to this question, because the crew are human beings & not all the same. To affirm you know for certain what they want is disingenous. (not specifically you, but everyone here who says they know the crew wants money, candy, ???) Everyone is guessing, regardless of how many cruises they've been on or how much they want us to believe they are the definitive answer. The crew being human suggests what they prefer would vary. As I noted originally, our RS attendant wouldn't take anymore cash. It wouldn't occur to me to take gifts of any kind. We only take cash, so I don't know if he would have enjoyed candy or not. I just know he didn't want more money.

 

IMHO those who believe in cash only should give that. Those who want to give a gift should be able to do so without people here giving them a hard time for it. After all, one opinion is as good as another. Everyone here is just guessing, when it comes to individual crew members. No one knows all of them.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Well, I for one have my favorites in candy and know that there are some that I wouldn't eat even if I was hungry and craving candy. Just because you like American candy doesn't mean others do. When I go back to Canada (where I was born) one of the things I bring back are candy bars and cookies. I would think a candy from their actual home countries would be more valuable then American candy.

 

That's why I give them cash. So they can send money home and if Stewart wants candy - he can have it shipped to him from home.

 

Oh, and they don't buy their candy from the gift shop. The would buy it from the crew store.

 

Listen folks. We have spent a lot of time as cruise ship passengers (nearly 4 years on ships) and actually have a few long-term friends who work on ships. So let me be clear. Crew members live in relatively small cabins which is their home for 6-9 months at a time. These cabins have very little storage space and the last thing most crew want is "stuff" that clutters their tiny cabin and which they have no room to pack in their luggage when they go home between contracts. What the crew do want is money! If you have a good cabin steward, just give him/her extra tips near the end of the cruise. If you are thinking of buying a "gift" for a crew member, give him/her the money instead.

 

And heavens, do not give the crew food or candy! Chances are they do not even eat that stuff (many come from parts of the world where they have totally different diets). Those kind of gifts will likely end up in the trash, or perhaps dropped in a crew lounge. And we recently saw a situation where a passenger gave a bottle of good Scotch to his steward. What the uninformed passenger did not know was that the particular cruise line (HAL) no longer allows any of their crew to consume (or possess) alcohol other then wine and beer. Getting caught with that bottle could actually cost that crew member his job or other disciplinary action.

 

Another gift we have seen commonly given (especially on long cruises) are phone cards. Some passengers think this is a good idea, but the truth is that a majority of the crew does not even use phone cards. Most have Smart Phones or Laptops that they use to keep in touch with their families, and this is usually done ashore (during time off) via free internet.

 

Hank

 

And on their rare days off in port, if they wish to buy something in port (ie their favorite snacks, etc), they can take tip money into stores there.

[mar_y_sol]

Everyone appreciates cash, no one disputes that, but one of my favorite things about Christmas is the always the stockings my family does and "secret santa" stuff. And at work this year, we had people put together Halloween "boo" presents and everyone enjoyed getting one. Yes, I could buy all that stuff myself, and, yes, some of it isn't going to be used, but it's thoughtful and fun to get a little present. I realize the crew quarters are small so my gift will fit in a very small little bag. I'm also going to include a magnet hook that can hold the present on the wall (Amazon sells hooks that hold from anywhere from 4 - 50 pounds!). Maybe they can get everything in port themselves, wouldn't it be nice not to spend your rare off time searching for chapstick (factory sealed, with spf, btw) and sugar free altoids?

 

I'm the kind of person who puts together little gift packs for everyone when we do a road trip. I like to do it. I will still give extra cash at the end, if service is great, but I enjoy putting a little gift together. If some of my present ends up in the trash or given away to another crew member, I don't really care. I'm making little bags for my family on the cruise, too. They probably won't use everything I include. So be it. They know I was thinking about them and the enjoyment they might get from something I included.

 

I looked up this thread to see what suggestions people might have to include in my gift bag and was kind of surprised at the tone. If you want to give cash, give cash. If you want to make or bring a little gift, do it! Or do both!

 

In addition to the altoids and the magnetic hook and chapstick I'm putting in the reusable drawstring bag, I'm also including a bandana (100 uses for a bandana!) and small super strong earth magnets. Since the ship is metal and the quarters are cramped, magnets that can hold stuff to the walls will hopefully be appreciated.

[Langley Cruisers]

Well, since you've bumped this thread...

 

I looked up this thread to see what suggestions people might have to include in my gift bag and was kind of surprised at the tone. If you want to give cash, give cash. If you want to make or bring a little gift, do it! Or do both!....

 

 

But you see, that's what people here are saying - the crew does not want "stuff". I guess no matter how much it's said, some people just don't want to listen, or they don't like the answer when it's given. :(:o

.

[cb at sea]

I've never brought a "gift" for a hotel housekeeper...and I don't do it for the attendant on the ship! They really don't want gifts of anything but money.

[Keith1010]

While many people don't do this, we do something similar for our cabin stewardess/steward.

 

I think it is a very nice thought.

 

Keith

[Elaine5715]

Everyone appreciates cash, no one disputes that, but one of my favorite things about Christmas is the always the stockings my family does and "secret santa" stuff. And at work this year, we had people put together Halloween "boo" presents and everyone enjoyed getting one. Yes, I could buy all that stuff myself, and, yes, some of it isn't going to be used, but it's thoughtful and fun to get a little present. I realize the crew quarters are small so my gift will fit in a very small little bag. I'm also going to include a magnet hook that can hold the present on the wall (Amazon sells hooks that hold from anywhere from 4 - 50 pounds!). Maybe they can get everything in port themselves, wouldn't it be nice not to spend your rare off time searching for chapstick (factory sealed, with spf, btw) and sugar free altoids?

 

I'm the kind of person who puts together little gift packs for everyone when we do a road trip. I like to do it. I will still give extra cash at the end, if service is great, but I enjoy putting a little gift together. If some of my present ends up in the trash or given away to another crew member, I don't really care. I'm making little bags for my family on the cruise, too. They probably won't use everything I include. So be it. They know I was thinking about them and the enjoyment they might get from something I included.

 

I looked up this thread to see what suggestions people might have to include in my gift bag and was kind of surprised at the tone. If you want to give cash, give cash. If you want to make or bring a little gift, do it! Or do both!

 

In addition to the altoids and the magnetic hook and chapstick I'm putting in the reusable drawstring bag, I'm also including a bandana (100 uses for a bandana!) and small super strong earth magnets. Since the ship is metal and the quarters are cramped, magnets that can hold stuff to the walls will hopefully be appreciated.

 

Let me try to be as clear as possible..giving breath mints is an insult to crew, there is no wall space for them to hang anything and they might use a bandana to clean with but nothing else..they would MUCH, MUCH, MUCH rather have $1.00 than everything you have listed. More importantly, a note to Guest Services mentioning them by name can result in extra privileges, promotions, etc. Spend your energy on that instead of stuff they not only will end up in the trash but cause additional work for the recycling/trash team (who never come in contact with passengers nor receive any tips or treats.

[BlueRiband]

Because some like those in posts #30 and #67 want to justify their giving "stuff". Giving "stuff" is more for the giver "feeling good" rather than for the intended crew member.

Edited October 29, 2015 by BlueRiband

[Flatbush Flyer]

Because some like those in posts #30 and #67 want to justify their giving "stuff". Giving "stuff" is more for the giver "feeling good" rather than for the intended crew member.

 

 

So true- somewhat ironic that their "giving" is to their own ego.

[Kneve27]

Hi folks

 

I have 2 adults and two kids (15 & 7) cruising in December. How do I know how much to tip the tour guides at port? obviously based on being please with the service but then what, how long the tour lasts, by the number of people in the party? Help! Thanks!

[Sauer-kraut]

This is a great question, but I'm afraid it will get lost in the basis of this very OLD thread.

 

I often just hang back and see what others are giving. Sometimes just a few dollars up to $5 max but I travel by myself. It also depends on if the driver is separate from the guide. In that case I go to the upper limit and they will divide it as they see fit, if its "all in one" then I go to the lower end.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Hi folks

 

 

 

I have 2 adults and two kids (15 & 7) cruising in December. How do I know how much to tip the tour guides at port? obviously based on being please with the service but then what, how long the tour lasts, by the number of people in the party? Help! Thanks!

 

 

Wrong thread - old and different topic. Do a CC search and tag on to one that is newer.

[Cuizer2]

Wrong thread - old and different topic. Do a CC search and tag on to one that is newer.

 

How about just starting a new thread?