"Thank you gift" for employer paying for cruise

[PaisleyAnn]

In October my husband and I will be sailing on the Allure, thanks to the generosity of my employer. I won a year-long employee contest for 2011 and my prize was the 7-day Allure cruise with airfare, for two, paid by my employer. :D

 

While sailing the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, I would like to keep a look-out for a thank you gift to bring back for my boss. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Marty in KY]

Maybe a nice Christmas ornament (if your boss celebrates Xmas) or small piece of local artwork. Or a rum cake, coffee or other food or beverage that is local to one of your ports of call. You could even create a gift basket with something small from every port. It can be difficult to find "nice" souvenirs in the ports, especially near the docks. There are a lot of fun souvenirs, but I always wonder if they aren't truly made in China or Korea. Do a little research before you leave and see what your ports are known for producing.

 

I love receiving smaller, "extravagant" gifts like Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica for example, because it's something I enjoy that I probably wouldn't buy for myself. Of course, that's Western Caribbean. Here's one place you can start your research: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=523758

 

Congratulations on your award, by the way!

[Langley Cruisers]

Wow, that's wonderful! While you are obviously grateful, you won this and you earned it. I would advise you not overthink this - the goal was achieved and you won the prize (extravagant as it may be). You really are not in the position of having to give your employer some grand gift or gesture, really.

 

However, something small and local from the islands might be appreciated. Sorry, I don't like the rum cakes - too commercial and phony for me (no offense intended). I do like the coffee idea if you can get local coffee beans. Something local and handmade might be nice too.

 

Have fun! You earned it!!

.

[Beachin2]

It's a company reward - take a great seashell, vial of sand - somthing uber simple.

 

Corporate rules are tough these days.

[Bakincakes]

We take employees on cruises every year.

 

Since they know we travel they send us gift baskets as thank you gifts.

 

We've gotten baskets with wines and cheeses...baskets of fruits, nuts and candies...baskets of breads and baked goodies....

 

We love those baskets...we have more than enough "souvenirs"and don't need more "dust catchers". We certainly wouldn't turn away a gift from the islands but really appreciate getting gifts we can actually use and enjoy.:)

[molly361]

We take employees on cruises every year.

 

Since they know we travel they send us gift baskets as thank you gifts.

 

We've gotten baskets with wines and cheeses...baskets of fruits, nuts and candies...baskets of breads and baked goodies....

 

We love those baskets...we have more than enough "souvenirs"and don't need more "dust catchers". We certainly wouldn't turn away a gift from the islands but really appreciate getting gifts we can actually use and enjoy.:)

 

Can I come work for you???:D:eek::p

[Wilda]

We take employees on cruises every year.

 

Since they know we travel they send us gift baskets as thank you gifts.

 

We've gotten baskets with wines and cheeses...baskets of fruits, nuts and candies...baskets of breads and baked goodies....

 

We love those baskets...we have more than enough "souvenirs"and don't need more "dust catchers". We certainly wouldn't turn away a gift from the islands but really appreciate getting gifts we can actually use and enjoy.:)

 

I agree. I would give them a gift card to a favorite restaurant of theirs...something they can use. A trinket from the island, while thoughtful, is more meaningful for you and your memories of the trip than for them.

[FTLCruiseGal]

In October my husband and I will be sailing on the Allure, thanks to the generosity of my employer. I won a year-long employee contest for 2011 and my prize was the 7-day Allure cruise with airfare, for two, paid by my employer. :D

 

While sailing the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, I would like to keep a look-out for a thank you gift to bring back for my boss. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

On the Dutch side of St. Maarten, go to the Belgian Chocolate Box. They have a vast selection. They could put something together for you. Best part, you place your order, they put it together, and they have it sent to the ship. You don't have to carry it around.

 

If you don't get anything for your boss, I would go anyway. You will thank me later.

[xcell]

If he/she likes coffee, i vote for blue mountain coffee from jamaica!!

 

SecOnd vote would be a nice large conch shell. Speaking from my personal taste.

 

I would love to take my employees on a cruise (so they can experience it forthemselves) but alas, unless I lived in Florida and got the resident rate, that's too rich for me...

[rlpolobear9]

Cubans or a nice bottle of liquor

[CELTICGIRLCRUISER]

Cubans or a nice bottle of liquor

 

Hope it is not a female boss:D:D

[Galveston Cruiser]

Hope it is not a female boss:D:D

 

Why? I have been known to enjoy a very good cigar and a special bottle of liquor;)

[janetz]

Here is something you can only get on cruise ships and it would make a great gift. :) About 25.00 Even if they do not drink it is great when entertaining. Sheridans, an Irish coffe cream liqueur that layers as it is poured.

[gvlgolflady]

In October my husband and I will be sailing on the Allure, thanks to the generosity of my employer. I won a year-long employee contest for 2011 and my prize was the 7-day Allure cruise with airfare, for two, paid by my employer. :D

 

While sailing the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, I would like to keep a look-out for a thank you gift to bring back for my boss. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

 

In St. Thomas you can buy a bottle of Virgin Islands Rum (it is a pretty etched bottle and is wrapped in brown newspaper and has a straw hat on top) and in St Maarten they have Guavaberry Liqueur. I have purchased these on every cruise to these islands.

[overtheblue]

Great ideas! I was given my cruise also by a wonderful team that I am working with..... so I appreciate the suggestions. Many good ideas. I like the irish cream...may even have to get one of those for myself :)

[Bookish Angel]

Most people have more than enough "stuff."

[janetz]

Great ideas! I was given my cruise also by a wonderful team that I am working with..... so I appreciate the suggestions. Many good ideas. I like the irish cream...may even have to get one of those for myself :)

 

 

It is sooooooo good. During the cruise they will have a time where you can sample it, along with others. SIZE]

[iloverags2]

I like the idea of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Even if you are not calling on Jamaica, you may be able to find it in other ports (I do know you can find it in Nassau fairly easily). The idea about a liquor wrapped in a different way (the straw hat!) is cool as well. I would stay away from trinkets, but that is just my personal opinion and taste.

[fischymom]

Can I come work for you???:D:eek::p

You beat me to it, LOL! ;)

[teddie]

I like the idea of Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Even if you are not calling on Jamaica, you may be able to find it in other ports (I do know you can find it in Nassau fairly easily). The idea about a liquor wrapped in a different way (the straw hat!) is cool as well. I would stay away from trinkets, but that is just my personal opinion and taste.

 

I so agree, if the boss is a coffee drinker. The packaging is very cool, and the coffee is awesome! Very smooth; no bitterness. The coffee packages come in different sizes, including small souvenir-style give-aways, up to very large quantities. Watch out; they come whole bean or ground. Need to make sure the brand you are purchasing is JABLUM. It's the only one to choose for authentic Jamaican coffee. If you try to buy this coffee outside of Jamaica, the cost is upwards of $35 per pound.

 

teddie

[Langley Cruisers]

OP is sailing Eastern itinerary, not calling on Jamaica.

[sherilyn70]

As my own manager has pointed out... he doesn't want gifts from his employees. Someone may interpret them as us sucking up to him or as someone thinking he thought we owed him something for a favor (such as helping you win a great cruise). In this crazy world you're best to just say thank you and leave it at that.

[gerif]

As my own manager has pointed out... he doesn't want gifts from his employees. Someone may interpret them as us sucking up to him or as someone thinking he thought we owed him something for a favor (such as helping you win a great cruise). In this crazy world you're best to just say thank you and leave it at that.

 

I agree. If you are very friendly with your boss, then maybe something consumable (eg, a liquore, coffee, chocolates) at the most. A gift card would be like giving money - tacky at best. And no one needs clutter from someone else's vacation. A heartfelt thank you is more than enough.

[wwcruisers]

A very elegant, printed card, that reads:

 

A donation has been made in your name to the Allure of the Seas Casino .... :p

 

But seriously, you've received many good ideas here -- this is a great thread. And, BTW, CONGRATULATIONS! :D (and happy sailing :))

[xcell]

rum cakes?