tdavis0990 Posted May 27, 2016 #1 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I saw it suggested on another post to bring a small gift for your room steward. I thought it was a nice idea, I mean who doesn't like gifts? Replies to that post were surprisingly negative, "They want your money, not a gift" "WHY would you bring a gift??" etc. :confused::( Anyway, does anybody ever do this? If so what do you give?? Just so its clear, I would NEVER tip less because I gave a gift, in fact I usually tip more than recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virtopia Posted May 27, 2016 #2 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I prefer to give the extra tip so they can buy what they want and need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdavis0990 Posted May 27, 2016 Author #3 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I prefer to give the extra tip so they can buy what they want and need. I usually do tip extra! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viv0828 Posted May 27, 2016 #4 Share Posted May 27, 2016 the only time we got our room steward a gift was when we were chatting and he mentioned that he was looking for a certain type of doll for his daughter. while we were browsing the market in one port we actually saw what he was looking for so we bought it and gave it to the guy. he was quite pleased. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinfool Posted May 27, 2016 #5 Share Posted May 27, 2016 If you could see the quarters where they sleep and keep their personal possessions you would understand why so many opt to give cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tee & Chilli Posted May 27, 2016 #6 Share Posted May 27, 2016 For my holiday cruises I gave out battery operated Christmas lights. I also give the extra tip like others have mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMagz Posted May 27, 2016 #7 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Do they still sell / use prepaid phone cards? Might also be an appreciated gift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted May 27, 2016 #8 Share Posted May 27, 2016 If you could see the quarters where they sleep and keep their personal possessions you would understand why so many opt to give cash. This! If you think our cabins are tiny, theirs are even smaller. And shared. They have very little room to begin with, so to add more clutter to that is not fair to them. If you feel you MUST give something other than money, consider a phone card (though I would ensure that it covers ANY nation if I bought it beforehand - or better yet wait until a port stop and get one that would definitely cover their home country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted May 27, 2016 #9 Share Posted May 27, 2016 The best thing to do extra for them is EXTRA money! It's what they will most appreciate. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdavis0990 Posted May 27, 2016 Author #10 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Thanks everyone!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinfool Posted May 27, 2016 #11 Share Posted May 27, 2016 consider a phone card This is a pretty good idea, but be aware that a LOT of crewmembers are master level users of Skype to call home....wherever home is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted May 27, 2016 #12 Share Posted May 27, 2016 We always usually bring them over-sized stuffed animals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pipo Posted May 27, 2016 #13 Share Posted May 27, 2016 (edited) I extra tip, and leave excellent feedback in the survey. I also give "something" that I must drop due to weight restrictions. I have given books, a flag, souvenirs. Things like that. Edited May 27, 2016 by Pipo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chandom Posted May 27, 2016 #14 Share Posted May 27, 2016 (edited) Some times I bring on some sort of prepackaged treat that couldn't be found onboard or easily a port of call. This last cruise it was a large bag of Ghirardelli chocolates. Thought process is... Even if they don't like them/eat them. I'm sure they could still be used as some type of barter. I'm sure cash isn't always king below deck. Edited May 27, 2016 by chandom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda3 Posted May 27, 2016 #15 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I agree with giving them money. You could put it in a greeting card though with a nice sentiment and your name so they remember you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixCruiser Posted May 27, 2016 #16 Share Posted May 27, 2016 We always usually bring them over-sized stuffed animals. And lots of perfume, nuts and T-Shirts from our hometown. ### Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted May 27, 2016 #17 Share Posted May 27, 2016 We always usually bring them over-sized stuffed animals. If you aren't being sarcastic, PLEASE reconsider that. Literally their SHARED cabins have a bed and bunk and a very narrow pathway to walk between that and a small desk/shelf area. If both are in at the same time, they have to coordinate walking. It's that narrow. There is NO room for "oversized stuffed animals". Odds are those would end up in the trash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieVisi2r Posted May 27, 2016 #18 Share Posted May 27, 2016 We always usually bring them over-sized stuffed animals. LOL. We had a reeally great steward in a family suite for a 29 day stint. He got a great extra tip. He was so happy he gave me an "over-sized stuffed animals" It was a finding Nemo toy and was given to him by a another guest. He had no room - or want of it! So rather then put it in the incinderator where most gifts go he gave it away. Funny. I will sometimes ask if they want something at the shops - like Soy milk etc. But never a gift that I think they will like. So on the subject of gift giving - Pictures of Dead Presidents (in what ever amount you want) is best! Raina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted May 27, 2016 #19 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I bring him a gift, it folds in half and has pictures of dead people on it. Together with numbers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted May 27, 2016 #20 Share Posted May 27, 2016 If you aren't being sarcastic, PLEASE reconsider that. Literally their SHARED cabins have a bed and bunk and a very narrow pathway to walk between that and a small desk/shelf area. If both are in at the same time, they have to coordinate walking. It's that narrow. There is NO room for "oversized stuffed animals". Odds are those would end up in the trash. Sarcasm.:D:D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khm1 Posted May 27, 2016 #21 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I gave our cabin steward a bag of Valentine's chocolates on our February cruise this year. He was extremely touched by the gesture and even asked to give me a hug. He was genuinely grateful. He even had a little tear in his eye. I was just glad that I could make his day a little better. Many of the crew are likely very lonely for their home and family. It is good to show them a little humanity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted May 27, 2016 #22 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I have asked if they wanted to keep books/magazines we have finished and unopened bottles of wine. they always accept. This is in addition to any cash tip we were giving, never in lieu of. Not really a pre-planned gift though I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted May 27, 2016 #23 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I think the stateroom attendant would most prefer cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted May 27, 2016 #24 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I saw it suggested on another post to bring a small gift for your room steward. I thought it was a nice idea, I mean who doesn't like gifts? Replies to that post were surprisingly negative, "They want your money, not a gift" "WHY would you bring a gift??" etc. :confused::( Anyway, does anybody ever do this? If so what do you give?? Just so its clear, I would NEVER tip less because I gave a gift, in fact I usually tip more than recommended. They want $$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted May 27, 2016 #25 Share Posted May 27, 2016 I recall somebody on this site said she gave the room steward photos of herself so he can take it home and show his family his favorite passengers.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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