Like most first-time cruisers, I thought cabin stewards were just there to make the bed and keep our cabin clean.
With time, I discovered there’s so much more these hard-working crew members can do to make your vacation amazing.
After countless cruises and conversations with fellow cruise lovers, I’ve learned there’s a whole world of items and services your cabin steward can bring to your room. Things most passengers don’t even know to ask for!
Knowing these ten things will take your vacation from great to unforgettable!
Before I share my insider tips, remember: Every cruise line is different. These items should be available upon request but aren’t always.
1. Mattress Toppers
If you’re anything like me, sleep matters the most to you. After all, nothing beats a cozy curl-up in bed after a long day of cruise activities, right?
So, in case you need one, it’s good to know that your steward can bring you a mattress topper.
Some of those cruise beds can be rather tough on the back, and a topper could do wonders to help.
Those of you paying for a queen or a king-sized bed in your cabin could also benefit from a topper. Usually, cruises just push two beds together and call it a day. A topper could hide the crack between both beds, making sleep much better.
If you are interested in other tips for sleeping well on a cruise, I have also written a dedicated article with 10 things you should do to sleep like a baby on a cruise.
2. Extra Pillows, Blankets, Hangers, and More!
Okay, even some first-time cruisers know you can ask for extra towels or toiletries. Let’s be honest, those tiny shampoo bottles are only enough to wash a kid’s hair.
And if you didn’t know, now you do! Request as many bottles of shampoo, lotion, conditioner, and bar soap as you wish.
It’s also good to know you can ask for more than just that. Your cabin steward can bring you more blankets for when it gets cold, hangers if you need them, and pillows.
Of course, finish the products you have before asking for more. When the cruise ends, you can take the mini-sizes home. They are on the list of things you can take free of charge from the cabin.
3. A Corkscrew Along With Wine Glasses
Brought some wine or champagne but forgot the ever-so-important corkscrew? No worries, it happens to the best of us! And luckily, your steward can get you one upon request.
If necessary, you can also ask them to get you suitable glasses to drink out of. The steward will decide which ones to bring depending on the occasion and how many according to the number of people in the cabin.
4. A More Personalized Tea & Coffee Corner
Sure, most cabins come with the basic tea and coffee set-up, which, don’t get me wrong, gets the job done for the most part.
But, if you’re more like me, and like to drink your morning cup of coffee in a certain way, this cruise secret can come in handy.
Ask your steward for specific brews or tea types if you must. You can always request more coffee pods or sugar packets as well.
Remember that if you make very specific or pretentious requests, it would be good to tip the cabin steward.
5. Late-Night Snack Trays & Platters
Raise your hand if you’ve been hit with the midnight munchies! This happens to me a lot, especially if I eat dinner very early.
In case you like having something to nibble on when those late-night stomach grumbles hit, you can call on your steward to send up a snack tray or a platter of knick-knacks. One time, they sent me some cookies and salty pretzels.
Depending on the cruise line and cabin category, delivery may cost extra. This free privilege is more often reserved for those staying in higher suites.
6. A Mini-Sewing and/or Shaving Kit
Wardrobe malfunctions happen to the best of us. I had a friend pop a shirt button right before a formal night and panic.
That’s how they learned a cabin steward can bring you a compact sewing kit for a quick fix. On some cruises, however, you have to buy them (in which case, a steward would tell you where to get one).
Your cabin steward can also bring a minimal shaving kit if, between packing and booking, you forgot your razor back home. It’s usually also among the things you can request for free from guest services.
7. Comfy Bathrobes & Slippers
Not everyone knows this, but you can actually request a cozy bathrobe to use during your cruise.
I always ask for one on day one because I believe there’s nothing better than wrapping up in a fluffy robe while watching the sunset from the balcony.
For the perfect ensemble, ask for in-room slippers as well. Again, some cruise lines only give bathrobes and slippers to suites, but it costs nothing to ask.
8. Daily Ice In Your Bucket
One of my favorite things during the summer is having ice ready whenever I want it.
Your cabin steward can fill your ice bucket if you ask for it – which is perfect for keeping drinks cool or making your own cocktails in the cabin.
Also, if you’d like your bucket full of ice on a daily basis, let your steward know on your first day there. They’ll make sure you never run out!
9. Small Fan and/or Air Refresher
I’ve been on enough cruises to safely say that even at sea, that cabin air can get stuffy.
Of course, it happens more often in inside cabins or those with windows that cannot be opened. Despite the AC running, I sometimes find myself needing to clear out that stale indoor air.
Fortunately, a cabin steward can bring you a small fan to keep the air moving. Sometimes, they can also provide air fresheners if you wish to add a pleasant scent to your space.
I recommend that you make these requests at the beginning of the cruise since these extra items are available in limited supply.
10. Adapters, Power Strips, and Even Extension Cords!
I wish someone had told me before my first cruise that cruise ship outlets are seriously limited (especially on older ships). If you need to be plugged in constantly and have a lot of devices, that could be a bummer.
Sometimes, cabin stewards can bring power strips, adapters, or extension cords. However, if you already know you will need them, I recommend bringing them from home.
Just be careful to choose the cruise-approved ones or they will end up on the pile of items that are always confiscated.
I know they may seem expensive, but I have them, and I assure you they are fantastic. They are essential if you love traveling!
