Tim Tam
We Aussies are a generous bunch. We also love to share our greatest exports with non-Aussies so that they can also revel in our favourite foodstuffs: Vegemite, meat pies and Tim Tam.Now, I have no idea how or when the practice started, but it seems that many Australian cruisers believe that the wonderful room stewards who change our sheets, clean our toilets and make whimsical towel animals want Tim Tam as either a sign of gratitude or in lieu of a cash tip.
Before I go on, I'd like to first state some truths here:
1) Tipping is NOT obligatory
2) Stewards do NOT work for tips
3) Stewards do NOT expect nor ask for tips
4) A tip will not affect the service you receive
5) Stewards will accept any gift with gratitude
6) Steward cabins are small. There is NOT a lot of storage
On many social media forums, the issue of gifting stewards Tim Tam biscuits is rampant. I completely understand that cruisers want to do a nice gesture and are just looking to sweeten another person's day.
But, rumours and myths can be detrimental. Especially to new cruisers who come to these forums for advice.
So, in an effort to dispel the myth, I spoke to a very, very reliable source. I have promised to keep this person anonymous, but my source has worked for P&O* for more than a decade and in a position to give a 100 per cent accurate answer to this hotly debated question:
"No. This is completely inaccurate."
Why?
"Our stewards are [mostly] Asian and don't give a toss about Tim Tam. Cash is what they'd prefer."
So there you have it folks.
Now, I'm not telling you what or what not to give your room stewards. If you want to leave a cash tip, then feel free to give what you can afford. If you can't afford to, them do not feel guilty. A thank you, a smile and a friendly word can brighten someone's day. If you have time, fill out a feedback card.
Personally, I leave money. Anyone that is cleaning my toilet deserves cold, hard cash.
Personally, I leave money. Anyone that is cleaning my toilet deserves cold, hard cash.
Now let's not talk about the Tim Tam ever again!
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