Gifts for ship's staff in addition to cash

[suesings]

So someone believes they are better and not acknowledging the crew member, because they give them cash instead of a trinket, now that is a stretch. Why not ask the crew member if they would rather have gifts or the cash equivalent? You will probably be enlightened by the answer.

 

I NEVER said don't give them cash. Always give cash but it people want to give them candy or a singing card, that is great. Some people are just nice and like to give people things. Doesn't make them a bad person.

[NLH Arizona]

I NEVER said don't give them cash. Always give cash but it people want to give them candy or a singing card, that is great. Some people are just nice and like to give people things. Doesn't make them a bad person.

I don't think anyone said anyone was a bad person for giving gifts, just maybe naive thinking gifts are highly prized. You, however, eluded to the fact that those who don't give gifts are bad persons, by saying: There will always be the negative ones who don't acknowledge (or behave as if they are somehow better) than their room steward, gardener, house keeper, busboy, grocery bagger, etc. Sadly we see these kinds of people every day.

 

I'm just saying, ask them if they would prefer cash instead of a gift.

[pcakes122]

I don't think anyone said anyone was a bad person for giving gifts, just maybe naive thinking gifts are highly prized. You, however, eluded to the fact that those who don't give gifts are bad persons, by saying: There will always be the negative ones who don't acknowledge (or behave as if they are somehow better) than their room steward, gardener, house keeper, busboy, grocery bagger, etc. Sadly we see these kinds of people every day.

This. Obviously, we all have different views on this, but I think that the (one-way) trinket gifts almost underscore that the crew are service personnel and/or are somehow lesser. It's different if you are actually real-life friends with a crew member and are exchanging gifts as a token of that friendship.

 

I don't think I am better than the crew. I respect them, and the jobs that they do, and I reward that with cash that I trust they will know how to spend. I'm not sure how that makes me a negative person who doesn't acknowledge folks in service jobs.

 

Maybe it's a regional/cultural thing? I'm from the NY Tri-State area. We don't bring cookies to our bank teller or give cute cards to our landscapers. But we're known as a rough crowd. ;)

 

PS If I worked on a ship and a stranger gave me candy, I would never send it home to my child. But again, maybe that's just where I come from!

Edited September 1, 2016 by pcakes122

[swedish weave]

Why is it so difficult for some who are posting on this thread to understand the topic of this thread ??????

 

See below for reference ---

 

Gifts for ship's staff in addition to cash

[swedish weave]

I don't think I am better than the crew. I respect them,

 

Refer to previous comments that say they are not truthful and try to scam guests in order to get more tips. That belies the RESPECT comment.

[suesings]

I've stayed out of this discussion for the most part though I've been following along since it's been moderately entertaining. However, I take issue with the characterization of those of us who give cash without the addition of a gift as behaving as if we're better than those you listed. I have no issue with those who want to give gifts to their room steward and other crew. I think it's a little naive to think they cherish these gifts, but maybe they do. I don't know. I typically give a little extra tip to my room steward and when I get great service from a waiter. I sometimes write out the recognition cards when a staff member has done something that makes my vacation better. I don't think of myself in anyway better than any of them. I appreciate the work they do to make my vacation great.

 

I don't understand giving gifts to crew. I've certainly given my steward a bottle of champagne that's been sent to my room, but I don't act like it's a gift. I simply let him know I don't care for champagne and let him know I'm leaving it in the room--he can keep it or give it to someone else.

 

A friend of mine has a daughter who's getting married in a couple months. She's invited me to the wedding. I don't know her daughter (we live about 300 miles apart), but because I'm going to share in her day, I've made her a quilt (what else would Quilting_Cruiser do? ;)). It's been the most difficult quilt I've ever made because I don't know the bride and groom. I have struggled with every decision. I can't imagine trying to choose a meaningful gift for my cruise ship room steward. I wouldn't know where to start. And, like many on this thread, I believe they would prefer cash over any gift I could bring them.

 

I could care less who gives just cash or cash with a gift. I only care when people make fun of someone who likes to give their room steward or anyone for that matter a small gift WITH their cash. What is it to other people?? I don't get that? You don't want to give someone a gift, don't. So what...

[pcakes122]

I don't think I am better than the crew. I respect them,

 

Refer to previous comments that say they are not truthful and try to scam guests in order to get more tips. That belies the RESPECT comment.

 

WHEN did I say that??

[swedish weave]

I could care less who gives just cash or cash with a gift. I only care when people make fun of someone who likes to give their room steward or anyone for that matter a small gift WITH their cash. What is it to other people?? I don't get that? You don't want to give someone a gift, don't. So what...

 

Don't let them get under your skin. The same few posters make the same disparaging remarks EVERY TIME ANYONE MENTIONS GIVING GIFTS OF ANY KIND on these boards.

 

Their minds just seem to work that way. Pity them !!!!

[NLH Arizona]

This. Obviously, we all have different views on this, but I think that the (one-way) trinket gifts almost underscore that the crew are service personnel and/or are somehow lesser. It's different if you are actually real-life friends with a crew member and are exchanging gifts as a token of that friendship.

 

I don't think I am better than the crew. I respect them, and the jobs that they do, and I reward that with cash that I trust they will know how to spend. I'm not sure how that makes me a negative person who doesn't acknowledge folks in service jobs.

 

Maybe it's a regional/cultural thing? I'm from the NY Tri-State area. We don't bring cookies to our bank teller or give cute cards to our landscapers. But we're known as a rough crowd. ;)

 

PS If I worked on a ship and a stranger gave me candy, I would never send it home to my child. But again, maybe that's just where I come from!

Very well put. I don't think it is a regional thing, as I'm originally from California and moved to Arizona from Minnesota.

 

I believe that gift giving in this instance is purely for the enjoyment of the giver, but that is my opinion and other may feel differently which is fine, I'm not looking to change anyone's mind or perception.

 

In my job before retirement, we got some very good gifts from our company; such as, expensive watches, televisions, trips, Montblanc pens, etc., but if they would have asked us, most would have said they would prefer the cash and then we could buy what we wanted/needed instead of adding another watch to our collection or adding a television we had no room for. Think about it, if 10 passengers a week gave a room steward something worth $1, over a year that would be an additional cash equivalent of $520 that they could have spent, if the person gave them that $1 instead of a trinket.

 

I don't eat anything given by a stranger (and sometimes from folks who are not strangers), not even if it were my favorite oatmeal raisin cookies!!:)

Edited September 1, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[suesings]

Don't let them get under your skin. The same few posters make the same disparaging remarks EVERY TIME ANYONE MENTIONS GIVING GIFTS OF ANY KIND on these boards.

 

Their minds just seem to work that way. Pity them !!!!

 

It is kind of funny. They assume the crew is disingenuous or paranoid of being poisoned. If they don't want to give someone a token of appreciation and cash and just give cash, then do it! Who cares? I wouldn't make fun of them for not giving them a small gift.

But I do certainly doubt my room steward in my suite will assume I am trying to poison or pity them with my edible gift. :D:D:D:D

Edited September 1, 2016 by suesings

[suesings]

Why is it so difficult for some who are posting on this thread to understand the topic of this thread ??????

 

See below for reference ---

 

Gifts for ship's staff in addition to cash

 

Because that is the only way they can make fun of you is to pretend you are refusing to give them cash as well. How anyone cares what others do (that doesn't effect them) is beyond me.

[Casino Comp Chick]

You don't really think the steward paid for it do you?

 

 

It was either a regift and he doesn't drink alcohol and unloaded it on you

 

Or

 

It was from the ncl wine cellar

 

But what concerns me more is that he opened your luggage and put a bottle of liquid in it without asking first

 

 

Who does that in this day and age?

 

Simple answer...a crew member trying to unload a useless to him bottle of champagne someone gave him

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I never said it was a room steward.

Gift/Regift makes no difference to difference to me, It was the thought that counts.

When is the last time someone has done something nice for you just because they like you?

Edited September 1, 2016 by Casino Comp Chick

[pcakes122]

I actually thought we were just having fun this afternoon - not making fun of people. My mistake. Perhaps I don't analyze everyone's posts and assume their intentions enough. Thanks to the fun-loving few who got the joke - you made me laugh! :)

 

I find it interesting, though, that the "nice" gift-giving people were the first ones to start name-calling and directing less than nice comments at POSTERS vs. staying on the topic of crew gifts.

 

Reminds me of the people that go to church every Sunday and then gossip in the parking lot.

 

I think I'd rather stay a negative non-gifter LOL.

[Crusin6]

I never said it was a room steward.

Gift/Regift makes no difference to difference to me, It was the thought that counts.

When is the last time someone has done something nice for you just because they like you?

 

 

So you are saying other crew members had access to your luggage?

 

I thought that only the steward could access a pax cabin and I figured your luggage would be in your cabin

 

 

Can you give further details of how crew were able to put something in your luggage?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[swedish weave]

I actually thought we were just having fun this afternoon - not making fun of people. My mistake. Perhaps I don't analyze everyone's posts and assume their intentions enough. Thanks to the fun-loving few who got the joke - you made me laugh! :)

 

I find it interesting, though, that the "nice" gift-giving people were the first ones to start name-calling and directing less than nice comments at POSTERS vs. staying on the topic of crew gifts.

 

Reminds me of the people that go to church every Sunday and then gossip in the parking lot.

 

I think I'd rather stay a negative non-gifter LOL.

 

I see the following comment as an attempt to degrade gift giving.

 

I think that the (one-way) trinket gifts almost underscore that the crew are service personnel and/or are somehow lesser.

 

I see that in nearly every thread on this subject, but if someone refers to cash giving as "pennies" is that acceptable to you as a rebuttal ??

[Swells1]

I give the crew gifts I know they like and can use. I would not consider ridiculing them with other types of gifts.

 

Would you mind giving us a few examples of the gifts you bring?

(Because I've read the last few pages, I feel it necessary to say I'm legitimately interested. No snark.)

[txagfan]

Because that is the only way they can make fun of you is to pretend you are refusing to give them cash as well. How anyone cares what others do (that doesn't effect them) is beyond me.

 

 

If you give them cash "as well" you are giving them less cash than if you have them just cash. Do none of you understand that?

 

I don't care what you guys give crew, but unless you live in a world of infinite resources you are giving them less cash when you give cash and a gift. [emoji23]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PoppyandNana]

Would you mind giving us a few examples of the gifts you bring?

(Because I've read the last few pages, I feel it necessary to say I'm legitimately interested. No snark.)

 

 

Quote:

"I give the crew gifts I know they like and can use. I would not consider ridiculing them with other types of gifts".

 

 

 

 

I'm still confused on how people "know" what staff members want or don't want. The only way that can be determined is by asking or probing the staff person. To me this is rude, invasive and crosses the boundaries of manners and good taste.

 

Stewards and waiters, the ones I assume are the targets, deal with hundreds of passengers week in and week out. To think they "remember" the gift giver or even more consider the pax their "friend" is so totally unbelievable. This is totally one sided and clearly the illusions or disillusion of the passenger.

 

We had a waiter on our last cruise that our entire table got friendly with. This cruise was his last on his current contract and was going home. We arranged for a cake on the last night and for all his coworkers to gather around and sing For He's a Jolly Good Fellow. He actually starts to cry. Everyone at the table added a substantial amount in a envelope. No knitted hat.

 

People, these people are employees of a company providing you with a service. Treat them with respect and courtesy and give a gratuity you feel is warranted. In most cases the established daily charge is more then sufficient. For a steward or waiter who clearly goes above and beyond recognize their good work with cash and a note to the Hotel Director mentioning the individual by name.

Edited September 2, 2016 by PoppyandNana

[txagfan]

^

|

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This poster gets it, though I think more stewards and waiters are deserving of additional cash gratuity than probably receive it.

 

I always also write a very nice review/feedback for people who go above and beyond with SPECIFIC examples which mean more than "he/she is great" blah blah blah.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nyfltraveler]

Crew members for the most part (the service crews, not the entertainers, etc.), are on board to earn cash to send home to their families. They are not on board to be entertained or collect souvenirs. Port calls, when they get them, are spent shopping for staples, or things to take home, not trinkets and souvenirs.

So yes, cash is best.

 

Agreed. Nobody cares about your box of candy. These people work hard for months at a time to earn money to send home to their country.

[suesings]

Agreed. Nobody cares about your box of candy. These people work hard for months at a time to earn money to send home to their country.

 

I really cannot wait to have this conversation with my room steward, butler and concierge in November. Should be very interesting.

[suesings]

Quote:

We had a waiter on our last cruise that our entire table got friendly with. This cruise was his last on his current contract and was going home. We arranged for a cake on the last night and for all his coworkers to gather around and sing For He's a Jolly Good Fellow. He actually starts to cry. Everyone at the table added a substantial amount in a envelope. No knitted hat.

 

Why in the WORLD did you get him a cake and not give him the cash you spent on the cake?? How do you know he likes cake?? His crying must have been fake since they only want money.

 

Sorry, just had to join in with all the people who think they really aren't caring humans. :D:D:D

[suesings]

If you give them cash "as well" you are giving them less cash than if you have them just cash. Do none of you understand that?

 

I don't care what you guys give crew, but unless you live in a world of infinite resources you are giving them less cash when you give cash and a gift. [emoji23]

 

So you are saying you give more money then those of us who bring them something? Some how i doubt that :D:D:D

[suesings]

Would you mind giving us a few examples of the gifts you bring?

(Because I've read the last few pages, I feel it necessary to say I'm legitimately interested. No snark.)

 

Don't do it!!! You know the Sharks will just be ready to pounce!!

[pcakes122]

You just gave me an idea! On my September cruise I am going to give my room steward a DVD of West Side Story. After he watches it I am sure he will ship it home to his family for them to enjoy as well! I love being a nice person!!