I also usually avoid tipping threads, but I have a bit of a unique situation on my next cruise, so I thought I would share my thinking and encourage feedback.
I have worked with a personal trainer for the last five years. I have a health condition that makes this necessary if I am going to continue to enjoy good strength and mobility. This trainer has been wonderful to me, so I am treating her to a cruise in an 8-day EV on Beyond.
This woman has had it kinda rough the past few years. She takes care of everyone else, but nobody takes care of her. I want her to be pampered and treated like the wonderful person she is by our butler and room steward.
I am a generous tipper because we usually do ask a lot, especially from the butler. I likely will ask a lot of both of them - keeping beverages stocked, keeping the plunge pool hot and clean, breakfast in the suite every morning after she puts me through my paces in the gym, perhaps a small cocktail party if we meet some nice folks. I would even hope for a towel animal or two to delight her!
I was thinking that I might tip both the butler and the room steward at the beginning and the end of the cruise, discreetly, without my friend knowing. At the beginning, cash in a note that tells them how very much I want my traveling companion to feel special and valued. I would tell them both that I also intend to tip generously at the end of the cruise, but that the initial tip is my gesture of good faith in the hopes that they will help me insure she has the time of her life.
I know that in-suite service varies from one cruise to another. I just want this one to be the best!
Do you think this approach is appropriate or over-the-top showing off? It has never been so important for me to have a cruise be the ultimate luxury experience, for her more than for me. Please be kind but honest in your feedback.