Aloha Cruisers

Oh, another thing room stewards like are food - we often bring them something back from port stops - of course we check first to see what they like.  They really don’t get off the ship too often and when they do priority is to wire money to their families.    And Don, I think they do care about our hometown - a case of macadamia nut chocolates can be shared or traded for something with their friends on board during their long contract.  We see the same stewards often and they come to say Hello or teach our new steward some of our habits.  As I said, we love cruising!!  Over 100 cruises with Princess so I’m not joking.  We do appreciate and respect all the hard workers.  My husband even tips the waiter who brings us water in the Wheelhouse 

Lounge so don’t misunderstand me.  Sorry if I didn’t phrase things better 4 U.

Leilani🌺

HA!  We do Both!!! Once I even bought an MBA basketball for a room steward who wanted one for his nephew and couldn’t get off the ship - he was disembarking soon.  He couldn’t believe our tip either!!!

It’s also helpful to learn a few phrases in their language-they so appreciate it and will reward you with the biggest smiles.  

We feel fortunate and grateful to be able to travel and Princess has been very good to us.

Leilani🌸

I have found the people from Japan to be the most respectful and polite of all our worldly travels.  For example in Nagasaki I asked for directions to a bank and the lady walked me several blocks to the bank making sure I realized it was on the second floor.  In Yokohama once a shop owner closed his shop to show me how to get to an art gallery and again in Osaka when I asked train transfer information a young college student showed us.  They are sooo very helpful.  I saw something interesting at the Kyoto train station -

signs for “Women Only” cars.  I had to take a photo of that!  I often take small gifts from home to give the local people in places we visit who we appreciate.  We are very much looking forward to this cruise.  

Leilani🌸

Yes, the past few years and this past winter Diamond Princess provided hot

water kettles.  We prepurchase cases

of bottled water delivered to our stateroom and bring Starbucks coffee, filters and strainer to make our own coffee in the morning.  

And, we bring a gift for our room steward

from home.  They work hard and a little gift goes a long way...remember they are on the ship about 8 months on average. 

C U onboard.🌺

Leilani