Cruise cabins come with the basics. But the setup waiting on embarkation day isn’t necessarily the only setup available.
A few simple requests can make that little room much more comfortable, without adding another charge to the onboard account.
There’s a catch, of course. Availability depends on the cruise line, cabin category, and what the ship has on hand. Some extras are widely available; others are specific to certain lines.
These seven are worth asking about, especially before buying something you could have borrowed for free.
1. A Bathrobe (Even If the Closet Is Empty)
An empty hook doesn’t always mean bathrobes are reserved for expensive suites.
Carnival offers bathrobes on request in its regular accommodations, while Princess also lists robes as available through the stateroom steward.
So it’s worth checking before assuming your cabin doesn’t qualify.
A robe is particularly handy after a shower, while getting ready for dinner, or during a quiet morning in the cabin. And it’s one bulky thing that can stay out of the suitcase.
Ask whether complimentary robes are available for your particular cabin. Policies on other cruise lines may depend on cabin benefits or loyalty status.
One small detail: free to use onboard doesn’t mean free to take home. Leave the robe behind unless you’ve arranged to purchase it!
2. Extra Pillows That Make the Bed Work for You
The pillows already on the bed might be enough. Or they might flatten into something resembling a folded napkin.
Before accepting a week of uncomfortable sleep, ask the cabin attendant for another pillow.
Royal Caribbean specifically lists extra pillows among the requests its attendants can help with.
Be clear about what’s needed. One additional pillow is a different request from replacing a pillow that feels unsuitable.
Ask about alternatives if the existing pillows don’t suit you, but don’t expect every ship to offer a full pillow menu.
It’s a small adjustment, yes. Still, being comfortable enough to sleep properly matters rather more than the decorative cushion looking nice.
3. Another Blanket for a Cold Cabin
Sharing a cabin with someone who loves strong air conditioning can turn bedtime into a nightmare.
An extra blanket gives the colder sleeper another layer without changing the temperature for everyone.
Royal Caribbean includes extra blankets among its cabin attendant requests, too.
Ask for a separate blanket if that’s what you need, rather than simply saying the room feels cold.
It can also be useful when one person wants to rest on the sofa while the other uses the bed. No wrestling the duvet off the mattress required.
If the cabin temperature seems wrong even after adjusting the controls, report that separately. Could be a maintenance problem that deserves attention.
4. More Hangers Before Everything Gets Creased
Cruise packing has a way of expanding. Suddenly, dinner outfits, cover-ups, shirts, and extra jackets are everywhere.
Then the closet opens. Six hangers between two people doesn’t go very far.
Ask your steward for additional hangers before leaving half the clothes folded in the suitcase.
Give a rough number so the request is useful: four more, for example, rather than “lots.”
Hangers won’t create a bigger closet, sadly. But they can make unpacking easier and keep the cabin chair available for actually sitting down.
5. An Ice Bucket and Ice Service
An ice bucket may be available even when one hasn’t been left in the cabin.
Princess confirms that ice buckets requested through the steward or by phone are complimentary. Ask about ice refills and when they can be provided.
This is useful for keeping permitted drinks chilled while spending time in the room.
Check the cruise line’s drink policy separately, since a free bucket doesn’t change what passengers are allowed to bring onboard.
6. Fresh Fruit on Cruise Lines That Offer It
This one is easier to overlook because there may be nothing in the cabin advertising it.
Some cruise lines list fresh fruit by request among their stateroom services. If that sounds useful, ask the steward what’s available and how to arrange it.
A little fruit in the room is handy between meals, particularly when dinner is still a while away.
Just be sure to request a modest amount that will actually get eaten. A large bowl turning soft on the desk isn’t much of a perk.
7. Extra Towels for the Way You Actually Use the Cabin
The standard towel supply doesn’t always match the number of showers, hair washes, and people getting ready in a shared bathroom.
An extra bath towel or a couple of washcloths can make the routine easier.
Tell the steward what’s missing rather than asking vaguely for more towels. Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths serve different purposes.
If the same quantity will be needed throughout the sailing, mention that and ask what can be arranged during regular service.
And remember to keep pool and beach towel arrangements separate, since those can have their own return rules.
Ask Early and Be Specific
The best time to mention these requests is when meeting the cabin steward or once there’s a chance to check the room.
Ask for what will make your stay more comfortable, and allow time for delivery.
Embarkation day keeps the housekeeping team busy, so if you can, it’s better to wait a bit for non-urgent requests.
Some of them won’t sound like much of an upgrade. But when you’re using the same small space for a week or longer, those little extras can make a real difference.
