Gift box for room steward?

[LGW59]

3 hours ago, The Shrike said:

Yep, and not every Muslim is devout.  I've gone drinking with some and known ones that loved Jimmy Dean sausage.

When I was a practicing catholic I used to eat meat on Frday, intentionally. Please don't tell my mother.

[kelib]

Sorry if this offends someone but I don’t understand people who think it’s cute to bring $2 bills or silver dollars (the ones worth $1) You realize that they are going to be exchanging that out to a cashier who will roll their eyes at another rarely used currency.

 

Then you see comments like “ they really seemed to appreciate it”. What do you expect them to say…” no thanks I hate it”……. Of course they will be nice to the person who will hopefully give them a tip at the end of the cruise. Most of your novelty items will never make it back to their cabin. 
 

Money and a good review is what they want most 

[chengkp75]

8 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

What if it was a toilet drain? 💩🤣

We've had that, too, and there is a "parts catcher" at the end of the vacuum toilet system where we found all kinds of things.

[chengkp75]

6 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

I’m just curious.  Is this for sanitation reasons?  I remember about 5 years ago NCL started printing a message in the Freestyle Daily that people were not supposed to take food from the buffet to their cabins.  This didn’t last too long!

Yes.  It's part of the USPH/CDC vessel sanitation program, to keep pest infestations non-existent.

[Coastalbreezes]

Just have to respond to the nasty comments especially about pork rinds. I bring them for my Filipino crew friends. Perhaps I should have clarified (which means make a statement or situation less confused and more clearly comprehensible) to help with your understanding.

 

After 100 cruises, 80 on NCL I've become close with many crew members and tend to sail the same ships again and again. Prior to sailing I reach out and always ask if there's anything I can bring. The answers are usually the same: items they cannot get on board such as Doritos, pistachios etc. Some ask for hair gels or special shampoos, others (believe it or not) ask for feminine products because they are so expensive on board. On holidays I bring gift bags too. Oh the horror! 

 

Bottom line is yes cash IS king but the rude and snarky comments are so easy to dispense as many of hide behind an internet veil. There is nothing wrong with kindness towards others and it is how I choose to live my life. As a frequent cruiser I am very aware of how hard crew members work to make my vacation enjoyable and I will continue to bring my gifts and yes, tip well.

[raitch]

7 hours ago, margretha said:

I am always amazed at the variety of tones and lectures a simple question from someone trying to do a kindness provokes from people who prefer shouting to discussing. I thought the person was doing was giving a kindness to people who work so hard and so long. The snotty tone of some previous respondents remind me of a couple in a suite next to ours on one cruise. We were seated at dinner with them once and they spoke so highly of all the staff, especially the room stewards and the concierges who were just wonderful. They shared that because they had such good experiences on their last cruise on the ship, this time they brought onboard special gifts for some of the staff members. Frankly, when I saw the lovely wrapped gifts I felt like Scrooge since we were just putting cash in an envelope. Turns out the gifts were framed autographed color photos of the couple. Our steward and one of the concierges shared the "gift" with us as we were packing that last night. It was both hysterically funny (no one knew who they were and frankly the photo was not all that flattering) and unbelievably dim since the glass and frames were large and unwieldy.

Ooh, I know what all my family and friends are getting for Christmas this year! 

[smillerholmes]

6 hours ago, kelib said:

Sorry if this offends someone but I don’t understand people who think it’s cute to bring $2 bills or silver dollars (the ones worth $1) You realize that they are going to be exchanging that out to a cashier who will roll their eyes at another rarely used currency.

 

Then you see comments like “ they really seemed to appreciate it”. What do you expect them to say…” no thanks I hate it”……. Of course they will be nice to the person who will hopefully give them a tip at the end of the cruise. Most of your novelty items will never make it back to their cabin. 
 

Money and a good review is what they want most 

I am one of those that likes to distribute $2 bills.  I am not offended by your comment, just wondering why after all the debate about money vs. gifts someone would have an issue with the form of the cash given?  It spends the same right? And they have the option of keeping it "if" they want to.  Wouldn't it be the same if someone left euros? francs? pesos? pounds?  I typically pick up some local currency whenever I travel and if my vacation ends on the cruise ship I truly do not want to bring it back to the US so I try to use it up on the ship knowing they have a fairly easy way to convert it.  Like I said just wondering...

 

 

[AmazedByCruising]

On a cruise in Europe, I had unlimited internet on my phone in every port and I turned on the hotspot for a waiter during lunch. 

He was walking around with a serving plate full of cutlery and in the middle his own phone with a live connection to his wife and kids in The Philippines. He dropped by a few times to show the scene. I believe he did like that "gift".

Edited August 1, 2022 by AmazedByCruising

[chengkp75]

44 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

I am one of those that likes to distribute $2 bills.

 

44 minutes ago, smillerholmes said:

It spends the same right?

Not really.  You have to ask for $2 bills specifically at a bank, and I've never seen a store give them out as change.  Even though they are legal tender, and are supposed to be accepted as such, many businesses hem and haw and are very reluctant to take these, as there is no slot for them in the register drawer, and they have to be bundled separately when depositing the day's proceeds.  It's just like giving out the $1 coins, it's legal tender, but no one wants them, and stores avoid them like the plague.  You try passing a $2 bill at a store.

Edited August 1, 2022 by chengkp75

[smillerholmes]

13 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

 

Not really.  You have to ask for $2 bills specifically at a bank, and I've never seen a store give them out as change.  Even though they are legal tender, and are supposed to be accepted as such, many businesses hem and haw and are very reluctant to take these, as there is no slot for them in the register drawer, and they have to be bundled separately when depositing the day's proceeds.  It's just like giving out the $1 coins, it's legal tender, but no one wants them, and stores avoid them like the plague.  You try passing a $2 bill at a store.

Interesting.  I used to collect them, when I decided I didn't want to continue collecting I started to spend them and other than being a reason to do a double take/conversation starter I've never had an issue using them.  Thank you for your perspective.

[SimplyAlbert]

I always give extra money, but other things they've appreciated in the past are salty snacks, chocolate, toiletries, and recently, covid test kits.

[JustAPilot]

13 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

Typically, those who can't get ashore (and more back of house types are in this category than front of house), arrange with friends who can, to pick up things.  There is also a very busy "flea market" on crew decks, at least twice a week, where those who went ashore sell items to those who couldn't, or barter services (laundry, tailoring, haircuts) for items.  There are also ethnic "Mafias" that tend to take care of their compatriots.

Haha so true Cheng we asked one of the crew on our recent Med cruise what their favourite stop was and they mentioned Naples because how close it is walking and they have a Filipino grocery shop and it was rammed with crew when we walked by it, all covid precautions were out the door in that shop.

[ECCruise]

Salty snacks?  You know the recipient's not hypertensive perhaps?

Candy? You know the recipient's not diabetic?

 

Cash?  No allergies or health issues are known.

[kelib]

4 hours ago, Coastalbreezes said:

 

After 100 cruises, 80 on NCL I've become close with many crew members and tend to sail the same ships again and again. Prior to sailing I reach out and always ask if there's anything I can bring. The answers are usually the same: items they cannot get on board such as Doritos, pistachios etc. Some ask for hair gels or special shampoos, others (believe it or not) ask for feminine products because they are so expensive on board. On holidays I bring gift bags too. Oh the horror! 

 

 

In your case you are bringing things to people you know and bringing things that they want. That’s great (having Filipino relatives I understand the pork rinds) 

You are bringing them things that bring them some joy.

 

Bringing arbitrary things to strangers may not be the best idea. Sadly there are people out there who would consider it part of the tip (have seen it first hand) 

 

 

 

[graphicguy]

4 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

 

Not really.  You have to ask for $2 bills specifically at a bank, and I've never seen a store give them out as change.  Even though they are legal tender, and are supposed to be accepted as such, many businesses hem and haw and are very reluctant to take these, as there is no slot for them in the register drawer, and they have to be bundled separately when depositing the day's proceeds.  It's just like giving out the $1 coins, it's legal tender, but no one wants them, and stores avoid them like the plague.  You try passing a $2 bill at a store.

Still have a stash of $2 bills.  Wouldn’t hand them out on a cruise ship as I don’t know if any of the banks the crew would go to would accept them (even though they’re legal tender).

 

Heck, I’ve tried to use them in the U.S. and have had them rejected at stores and restaurants as many don’t know that a $2 bill is legal tender.

[PTC DAWG]

5 hours ago, smillerholmes said:

I am one of those that likes to distribute $2 bills.  I am not offended by your comment, just wondering why after all the debate about money vs. gifts someone would have an issue with the form of the cash given?  It spends the same right? And they have the option of keeping it "if" they want to.  Wouldn't it be the same if someone left euros? francs? pesos? pounds?  I typically pick up some local currency whenever I travel and if my vacation ends on the cruise ship I truly do not want to bring it back to the US so I try to use it up on the ship knowing they have a fairly easy way to convert it.  Like I said just wondering...

 

 

I have read where some banks in areas out of the US don’t like to mess with the $2 bills..make of that what you will…I see no need in complicating things for folks on board.  

Edited August 1, 2022 by PTC DAWG

[weltek]

In summary:

 

• If you want to say thank you, then say the words, write a positive comment card or say it with cash. Preferably NOT with currency like $1 coins or $2 bills. They can be a hassle to use, or at least be awkward to use, especially in foreign ports. 
• Snacks are sweet and will be appreciated, no matter what some people say. I mean, it's like visiting Grandma and she has favorite snack in the cupboard. Everyone likes snacks. Just don't be condescending about it. They can buy their own Snickers bar if they really want to. But of course you are a nice person if you give them a treat bag with a message that says something about it being an "energy boost" for your long days or something. If you want, be that person that brings snacks, and don't you be ashamed of it.
• Salty snacks seem more desired than sweet. But go ahead, just give 'em both. 
• If you are frequent cruisers and have become friends with crew, it's real nice ask if you can bring them anything. You are a good person. Especially don't be stingy with those feminine hygiene products. 
• Don't bring them trinkets. Or a signed photo, unless they can sell it for major cash on ebay.
• As we roll into another month on Cruise Critic, we can confirm that the tipping culture wars are alive and well.
• Oh, and in case you came in late and just want the Cliff Notes: give them cash.

Does that about cover it?

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, weltek said:

• Oh, and in case you came in late and just want the Cliff Notes: give them cash.

 

You almost covered it....ya gotta say this at the top like this:

 

"Tl:dr give them cash." 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, weltek said:

In summary:

 

• If you want to say thank you, then say the words, write a positive comment card or say it with cash. Preferably NOT with currency like $1 coins or $2 bills. They can be a hassle to use, or at least be awkward to use, especially in foreign ports. 
• Snacks are sweet and will be appreciated, no matter what some people say. I mean, it's like visiting Grandma and she has favorite snack in the cupboard. Everyone likes snacks. Just don't be condescending about it. They can buy their own Snickers bar if they really want to. But of course you are a nice person if you give them a treat bag with a message that says something about it being an "energy boost" for your long days or something. If you want, be that person that brings snacks, and don't you be ashamed of it.
• Salty snacks seem more desired than sweet. But go ahead, just give 'em both. 
• If you are frequent cruisers and have become friends with crew, it's real nice ask if you can bring them anything. You are a good person. Especially don't be stingy with those feminine hygiene products. 
• Don't bring them trinkets. Or a signed photo, unless they can sell it for major cash on ebay.
• As we roll into another month on Cruise Critic, we can confirm that the tipping culture wars are alive and well.
• Oh, and in case you came in late and just want the Cliff Notes: give them cash.

Does that about cover it?

Just don't understand why this is made out to be so difficult.  Cash is what the crew appreciates the most...and, not weird coins or obscure bills.  Forget $1, $5, $10 bills while you're at it, too.  Start at $20 bills and go up from there.

 

Save the money you'd spend on pictures, snacks, toiletries, gift cards (which they may not be able to use), doilies, "re-gifts", Hankies, underwear, potted meats, etc.  Put it towards the Pictures of Jackson, Grant and/or Franklin.  That way, there is no doubt about how well your gift will be received.  Easy-Peezy!

 

This discussion kind of reminds me of one of my first jobs coming out of college.  Got great reviews that first year.  Owner of the company and my Boss said I was an "up and comer" and expect a "bonus" at the end of the year.  Got excited as I thought..."ooohhh, a little extra cash I can use to keep me from living paycheck to paycheck.

 

He gave me a turkey.  Not a fresh one, either.  It was frozen.  Was I appreciative?  Of course, it was one more turkey than I had had before.  But, it was a turkey.

 

Crew on  a ship must feel similarly when they see a "gift" as a tip that's not a picture of a dead President.

[Oakman58]

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Still have a stash of $2 bills.  Wouldn’t hand them out on a cruise ship as I don’t know if any of the banks the crew would go to would accept them (even though they’re legal tender).

 

Heck, I’ve tried to use them in the U.S. and have had them rejected at stores and restaurants as many don’t know that a $2 bill is legal tender.

 

I've never had trouble spending $2 bills.  The cashier puts them under the cash drawer just like they do with $50's and $100's.

 

Wouldn't the ship's purser be able to turn them into $1 bills?

[ronrythm]

5 hours ago, Oakman58 said:

 

I've never had trouble spending $2 bills.  The cashier puts them under the cash drawer just like they do with $50's and $100's.

 

Wouldn't the ship's purser be able to turn them into $1 bills?

The most precious thing most of these employees have is time. They never have enough time for themselves. Having to take time out of their day to get a gift converted into something they can use negates the value of the gift.

Just my thoughts.

[cruise*enthusiast]

On 7/31/2022 at 11:44 AM, phillygwm said:

Yes.  Per the NCL website, you're paying the daily gratuity surcharge, which is split among everyone.  It's really a way to obscure the true cost of a cruise.  You're a budget traveler and think an indoor cabin is $500.  Sure, you figure that's doable, then you realize there's another $100+ pp added on.  I don't know if it's truly pooled among the crew and, if it is, whether there's some transparent accounting.  That really isn't my concern.

 

That said, I choose to tip my room steward, certain bartenders, waitstaff, casino dealers, etc.  None of this is a mandate and supposedly it isn't "expected" but it's something that many of us do.  Perhaps it's my imagination but it seems as though those I tip tend to be more attentive to my requests.

 

Thanks for the info!  I’m planning on giving them additional tips as well. I was just wondering if they received any of those chargers for tips, or if it was just another amount that the company gets to collect for themselves.  I just want to tip accordingly. 

 

[pcakes122]

I am honestly curious about something I've read on this thread and other "gift" threads but I think probably only @chengkp75may be able to answer since he worked on NCL ships.

 

I see people saying that crew members have asked passengers to get/bring them toothpaste or feminine products, etc.  My sister and brother-in-law worked on NCL ships for many years, but it has been some time since then. When they were onboard, there were crew shops that had very reasonable prices for these types of necessities (including lots of snacks.)  Has NCL done away with that in recent years? 

[BirdTravels]

16 hours ago, smillerholmes said:

I am one of those that likes to distribute $2 bills. 

In some cultures, the $2 bill is considered bad luck. Not something that I would want to receive. 

[chengkp75]

6 hours ago, cruise*enthusiast said:

Thanks for the info!  I’m planning on giving them additional tips as well. I was just wondering if they received any of those chargers for tips, or if it was just another amount that the company gets to collect for themselves.  I just want to tip accordingly. 

 

About 90% of the DSC is distributed to the crew who are in the "DSC pool".  Not all crew are in the distribution, it is mainly hotel staff (primarily front of house, but some back of house as well, no supervisors), not the technical departments or entertainment.  The 10% goes to crew welfare fund to fund holiday parties, and buy equipment for crew lounges and gyms.  The DSC makes up the vast majority of their pay.

5 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

I am honestly curious about something I've read on this thread and other "gift" threads but I think probably only @chengkp75may be able to answer since he worked on NCL ships.

 

I see people saying that crew members have asked passengers to get/bring them toothpaste or feminine products, etc.  My sister and brother-in-law worked on NCL ships for many years, but it has been some time since then. When they were onboard, there were crew shops that had very reasonable prices for these types of necessities (including lots of snacks.)  Has NCL done away with that in recent years? 

I have not heard that they did away with the crew stores, but don't know for sure.  Over the years that I was with NCL, they increased the HR department greatly, adding "crew welfare officer" to handle the store and set up crew parties, excursions, contests to  give prizes to crew who got the most "atta boy" cards from guests, etc.  I don't see them going backwards on this, in a time when obtaining and retaining crew is so difficult.