Trinkets for Cruise members

[ava_girl_123]

The only control we have on how people respond to us is the phrasing of the question. How boring would this board be if it was nothing but "yes" or "no" questions? I sometimes wonder why people get so upset over the questions they get. If the OP wants to do this, why do they need a bunch of internet yahoos to valid their opinion. Do it! Do what you feel you need to do or want to do! If you have to ask the question, don't you already have the answer in cases like these?

 

 

 

I also agree with you as well LemurCat, but as I said before in the other thread that has since been removed, I think it is the "tone in which some answer here..

I personally think finding out if there is anything specific that the steward enjoys, like the chocolate suggestion is a nice gift on top of the very well received cash...

[LemurCat]

I also agree with you as well LemurCat, but as I said before in the other thread that has since been removed, I think it is the "tone in which some answer here..

I personally think finding out if there is anything specific that the steward enjoys, like the chocolate suggestion is a nice gift on top of the very well received cash...

 

See, here's the thing why I dislike that statement. It's the written word. Short of writing in ALL CAPS or adding *asterisks*, there is little to no way for you to really know what the tone is short of word selection. And since we're not exactly talking about Pride and Prejudice, Ulysses, or The Road, most of the time the "tone" of posts is what people assign to it. I read everything in a neutral tone and assume positive intent. There are very, very few posters here who have a superiority complex. There are, however, quite a few court jesters.

[ryanpatricksmom]

I remember when I first contemplated a cruise (seems like a hundred years ago now). We sailed on DCL, and I researched message boards for months before we cruised. It was clearly thought to be the cool thing to come up with extra gifts for the crew members. It seemed like a nice idea to me, so I brought the phone cards and some other stuff that I can't remember. It was all meant with the best of intentions, and certainly not meant to patronize. Maybe because it was Disney, the idea of trying to make the crew feel special in a more personal way seemed like the right thing to do. We did offer extra cash also, but after following the discussions, I definitely came away with the idea that I needed a personalized presentation.

 

On our second cruise we sailed the Carnival Destiny. We still ate in the MDR at that time, and our assistant server gave my son oodles of attention. She brought him to the front of the line for the midnight buffet (I stayed behind to avoid bloodshed), and made a point to seek him out everywhere on ship. They exchanged e-mail addresses and vowed to keep in touch. On the final night, we presented her with a hand written note wrapped around what I'm sure she considered a significant cash gift. I actually felt a little funny doing it, because I was still of the opinion that cash without some sort of personal touch would be crass.

 

Ryan sent her an e-mail shortly after returning home. No response. Ryan sent another one, and then another one. Weeks later, he received a short note that she was on vacation. At that point, the correspondence ended. I realized that despite how congenial any of the crew can be, it's their job. It is a rare thing, I'm sure, for relationships to continue after you leave the gangway. From that point forward, I have given cash to express my gratitude. While I appreciate the sentiment and effort that goes into coming up with an idea that's not cold cash (heck, I'm from the South, we don't even give cash at weddings) these people are in the service industry and the best way to express your appreciation is to pay them. :)

[albether7]

Don't leave me, Al. I need your attention to fill up the heart-shaped hole in my soul.

 

Al here,

 

Don't worry your heartnone mam, I ain't goin nowhere. I'm just getting started pressing buttons and clickn' my mouse.:)

 

Seriously, what is it that makes me need "happy posts" from complete strangers to make my day?:)

 

Hey I DID use a smiley face;)

 

Al

[big_duck]

See, here's the thing why I dislike that statement. It's the written word. Short of writing in ALL CAPS or adding *asterisks*, there is little to no way for you to really know what the tone is short of word selection. And since we're not exactly talking about Pride and Prejudice, Ulysses, or The Road, most of the time the "tone" of posts is what people assign to it. I read everything in a neutral tone and assume positive intent. There are very, very few posters here who have a superiority complex. There are, however, quite a few court jesters.

 

Tone is definitely in the mind of the reader for the most part.

 

Get yourself some catnip for that observation.

[LemurCat]

Get yourself some catnip for that observation.

 

It's medicinal, I swear. ;)

[ava_girl_123]

The tradition of the court jester, a man who would amuse courtiers and monarchs with his antics and jokes, is ancient. Most people associate jesters with medieval and Renaissance Europe, but in the fact the practice of retaining a jester or fool goes back beyond the birth of Christ. In the modern era, jesters can still be found on Cruise Critic message boards, although the official position of a royal jester at court is not often filled. Many fans of medieval history like to dress up as jesters, celebrating a rich and complex tradition. The court jester can also be seen symbolically in many places, including decks of cards, where he is known as the joker. :D

[rgalpaugh]

They are not on vacation, they are at work, they work to make money, let's say that half of the time they would like a trinket (although I don't think so) all of the time they would like money. I worked for the Army for many years and constantly had this debate with my military bosses who believed that employees would sooner get a certificate of appreciation than a cash award. That would be true in very, very few cases. Just do the math in your head on how much you would spend on the trinket and give them that much cash. If its an insignificant amount then just skip it.

[LemurCat]

Somebody's been playing on Wikipedia again ... ;)

[ava_girl_123]

Somebody's been playing on Wikipedia again ... ;)

 

 

 

<<<<------Blushing.. But don't you like what I added into it? I am playing the Court Jester now.. ;)

[albether7]

They are not on vacation, they are at work, they work to make money, let's say that half of the time they would like a trinket (although I don't think so) all of the time they would like money. I worked for the Army for many years and constantly had this debate with my military bosses who believed that employees would sooner get a certificate of appreciation than a cash award. That would be true in very, very few cases. Just do the math in your head on how much you would spend on the trinket and give them that much cash. If its an insignificant amount then just skip it.

 

Nicely put! Succinct (from Latin succinctus having one's clothes gathered up by a belt, tightly wrapped, concise)

[kelz66]

Somebody's been playing on Wikipedia again ... ;)

 

you mean...WikipediaWikipediaWikipedia

:rolleyes:

[LemurCat]

<<<<------Blushing.. But don't you like what I added into it? I am playing the Court Jester now.. ;)

 

Of course I do. Wiki trolling is an art form. :p

[NutsAboutGolf]

Future cruise certificate would be the most amusing gift you could give...They would give a very interesting reaction... :p

[Lady_Jag]

Someone has to ask, might as well be me - Is this really something that warrants a "debate?" If someone wants to give little gifts in addition to tips, why would it bother anyone here?

 

I had no idea there was such an exact "science" to tipping - give money, but not in the form of casino chips. Tip extra in cash, but not $2 bills. Show your appreciation to those who go above and beyond, but don't give them a gift. Too much contradiction for me, especially if I'm trying to relax on a cruise! :rolleyes:

[LemurCat]

Someone has to ask, might as well be me - Is this really something that warrants a "debate?" If someone wants to give little gifts in addition to tips, why would it bother anyone here?

 

Maybe people are trying to be helpful and tell them not to waste their time and money.

 

I had no idea there was such an exact "science" to tipping - give money, but not in the form of casino chips. Tip extra in cash, but not $2 bills. Show your appreciation to those who go above and beyond, but don't give them a gift. Too much contradiction for me, especially if I'm trying to relax on a cruise! :rolleyes:

 

Which is why so many times the advice on these messageboards is worth exactly what you pay for it -- nothing. Ultimately, you need to do what you need to do. ;)

[BarleyJack]

Just my two cents. Again, I'm new and fully prepared for flames, but here goes anyway.

 

The OP in no way indicated that she wouldn't provide financial thanks for services rendered, and was curious as to what else might be a nice token of a thank you.

 

There have been posts upon posts upon posts about cash cash cash. Yeah, that's great and she indicated previously that would be provided as well.

Some people, more than one might realize, actually prefer a token that requires thought. I don't know about you but when I get a gift card for Christmas is p***es me off.

 

I'm a nurse. I get paid in cash for delivering a service. But the most meaningful forms of appreciation I've received are "trinkets" from people as a show of thanks-it means that what I've done is appreciated on a human level, not just a financial one. That is all the OP was asking about. Money is money, sure its nice, but part of what makes us human goes beyond cash. We are people.....persons....personal.....

 

And no use of wiki was used in this post.

 

Fire away!

[Name Of The Game]

I love gift cards!

 

Although some of you are being thoughtful in providing special gifts, the staff doesn't have room for "stuff" that just takes up space.

[abacophil]

I can picture it now- Malik from Indonesia is finished with his shift. Trash emptied, ice buckets filled, beds turned down, towel animals made, and towels exchanged. It's been a long day. He returns to his very small cabin which is shared by another crew member. Out from under his bunk he retrieves a shoebox full of trinkets (aka dollar store junk). His favorite thing to do at the end of each day is to go through his trinket box and remember all those fine folks who gave them to him as a thankyou. Yeah right! Crew members smile and do their their job well because it is their job and they want a good tip. They are not your friend nor do they want to be. As soon as you are off the ship (or sooner) you are forgotten just like the thousands before you. Just leave $$ and forget about the junk that nobody really wants.

[LemurCat]

I love giftcards as well. I simply don't have the cajones to ask people to buy me the things I want (because most of them are expensive), and quite frankly, I don't want someone to give me something just to give me something. It's that thought that counts, right? But does that mean the fact someone thought enough about you to buy you something? Or the fact that someone thought so little about you to buy you something you'd hate or is totally out of character for you? Hence, giftcards and cash unless I *know* someone will really, really dig what I get them.

[SMSACE6]

Wow, this post has grown so fast! I first saw it early this am after only one post. I didnt have time to answer, and had to go to work.

 

I come home, and see how many responses/pages since this morning. I have not read all the posts. I read the first page only.

 

No disrespect to the OP, your heart is in the right place! but I have to agree with those folks who say that "Cash" is the most appreciated token of appreciation! I have never thought to bring trinkets or things to give my room steward or dining room servers. But on cruises where they provided exceptional service, or even just good service, I will leave/give them a little extra over and above the basic automatic tips.

 

When I do this, I have gotten some huge hugs from my room steward, dining room servers, favorite bar server etc. I think they for the most part would be polite and thankful for what you give them, but yes.....I have to go with the crowd who say Cash is the "BEST" reward! JMHO.:)

[sharecruises]

I doubt if the crew would appreciate John Deere Stuff LOL>> I know I would not want it LOL

 

I think it is sort of patronizing and silly to try to give "trinkets">> just leave the auto tips on, if you want, tip more...money is always appreciated

 

writing good comments about them on the comment cards (by name) is appreciated

 

if you read Cruise Confidential you would realize how small their living quarters are....they spend most of their time working...where on earth or why would they wear a John Deere Gimme cap and why would they want to>>?

 

I will never forget a really silly post here about some "Girl Scout Moms" who gave the crew members girl scout cookies for a "taste of home">> well they probably don't have thin mints in their homeland/s LOL...not to mention that putting up with a bunch of giggling girl scouts all week they probably should have been tipped with extra CASH :p

[Crusin6]

Don't forget the $1000 sheets...

good thing I am not drinking coffe right now!!!

[Sarah@Sea]

A pin isn't going to take up a lot of space, geez people. Do want you want, you never know the response you will get.

[Sarah@Sea]

So...here's an idea...John Deer note cards...to write your thank you and slip in the extra cash. =) Just because Americans don't always appreciate other cultures doesn't mean crew from other countries won't appreciate ours.