Tip to steward on Christmas Day...how much?

[lumpkin8]

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.

[MLE Litella]

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?

[joeyancho]

I would think a twenty would be nice.

[lumpkin8]

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.

[larkz]

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.

[trev71]

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 :)

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

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.

[serene56]

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.

[MrPete]

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?

[Room Service!]

Any amount would/should be appreciated.

[English Tim]

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.

[tef43]

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.

[Bevv]

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.

[serene56]

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

[jmcancruise]

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.

[jlk806]

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.

[SMSACE6]

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.

[Room Service!]

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.

[MrPete]

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.

[riffatsea]

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".

[Room Service!]

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.

[3dashers]

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.

[fridaythe13th]

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!

[loubetti]

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

[YubaSutter]

I would wait and see what the steward gave me for Christmas and reciprocate with a gift of equal value.