goodie bags

I have read several posts about people leaving "goodie bags" for their room steward. I think its a great idea if your room steward provides great service to leave a little something for them. I am curious as to what most people put in the bags. Thanks for the info.!

[antron]

i always just leave a good '' extra tip '' in a card. they love the money more than anything else. but others leave- international phone cards, candy, lotions and things like that. if you know how to judge their size, a nice t-shirt from one of the ports might be nice. have a good time.

[Luanne Russo]

I left the books i had read on the cruise, with money. They are always in need for reading material, and for those who are working on their English, it also helps.

Luanne

The stewards living quarters are very small and they simply don't have room for a lot of things. I've also read that they are able to buy necessities at very good prices on the ship. For that reason, I would think a little extra cash, instead of a goodie bag would be the way to go.

[Mike M]

I agree with Cali-croozer. Cash and a nice thank you note are about the best goodies you can give your steward. They do have small quarters and very little room for items and the ship's store has just about everything they need at very reasonable prices.

Each crew member I have spoken with have all said that phone cards, while nice gestures, are often the wrong types and usually don't work at the phones in the port areas and usually end up not being used.

Take care,
Mike

[hockeyluver]

I like the idea of leaving a book behind, my husband loves to read but cant stand to read a book twice.

[LisaK]

the last thing that your room steward needs is more "stuff" --living quarters are very small and tight. Cash is always appreciated.

Cash & an excellent write-up in the survey/questionaire at the end of the cruise are the 2 best things.

[Luanne Russo]

When I mentioned books, I forgot to tell you about where those books end up. After the crew has read them, they are placed in the library for the guests to use. I have only been on one cruise so far, but the library on the Ecstasy was terrible. The room was beautiful, but the shelves were bare. If every person traveling, took one book to donate then the libraries would be full, and many others could enjoy. If you are like me( I have requested that a book be placed in my casket, for surely I will have time to read on my way to heaven) you could bring just one, read on the ship, and then leave it for others to enjoy.

Luanne

[cruisequeen]

A nice tip and a GREAT comment on the comment cards is best. They can use the money for what ever they need most and the comment cards can lead to a promotion.

[David West]

On our last cruise, we gave some extra cash, room stewardess and her helper a bottle of wine,plus an extra tip, and a gracious write up for all of the above. The extra write up goes along way with them to !


Happy cruising to all;
david