17 Things You Can Request for Free from Guest Services on a Cruise

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Leo

On all cruise ships, as well as in hotels, you will find a guest service desk with staff ready to help you and meet your needs.

I have to be honest—I’m always a bit hesitant to go there because I’m not the type to ask for freebies. But it’s nice to know that if you ever need help, there’s someone you can turn to.

In this article, I’ve put together a list of things you can usually request. That said, try to reach out only when it’s really necessary in order to keep lines short and avoid long waits for passengers with urgent needs.

1. Seasickness Remedies

Seasickness pouches
Seasickness pouches

If you’re caught off guard by motion sickness, guest services can often provide free over-the-counter seasickness medication.

Unfortunately, this is not the case on all ships, and some cruise lines charge extra for these medications (usually a few dollars).

For this reason, I recommend that you always bring something for seasickness from home.

2. Repair Luggage

broken suitcase
Broken suitcase

If your luggage gets damaged during boarding, guest services can often help arrange for repairs, such as fixing zippers or wheels​.

In case the luggage cannot be repaired, they can usually give you a form to request compensation.

3. Set Up the Internet

Another thing you can ask is for help connecting your smartphone to the ship’s WI-FI.

This is usually not a difficult thing to do, but some less tech-savvy passengers may struggle with it.

Let me also remind you that you will need a specific package to use the connection, and unfortunately, it’s among the things that are always overpriced on cruise ships.

4. Currency Exchange (usually limited)

Need cash in a different currency? Many guest service desks provide currency exchange options, but availability can vary depending on the ship and destination​.

My advice is not to change money, especially if you stay in a port with a different currency only for one day. Also keep an eye on exchange rates, on the ship they may be higher than usual.

5. Additional Toiletries

Complimentary toiletries on Royal Caribbean
Complimentary toiletries on Royal Caribbean

In your cabin, you will definitely find shower gel, shampoo, and probably other basic toiletries.

However, If you need extras like toothpaste, a razor, shaving cream, lotion, mouthwash, or feminine hygiene products, you can ask Guest Services or your cabin steward for them.

Some ships also offer deodorant, cotton swabs, or a nail file if needed. Availability varies, but it’s always worth asking before buying something onboard.

6. Organize Special Occasions

Wedding cake
Wedding cake on a cruise ship

Whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, guest services can help plan celebrations, including arranging cake, flowers, and decorations.

You just have to make sure you give enough advance notice. It would usually be best to mention if you want to celebrate something already during the booking process.

7. Emergency Laundry Service

If you need emergency laundry service, guest services can arrange a pick-up and, on some ships, even offer same-day service.

If you want to be even faster, they can give you information about the self-service launderettes on the ship. On some ships, you can find them on every cabin deck.

8. Provide Hypoallergenic Pillows

If you have allergies, you can ask for hypoallergenic pillows or extra blankets.

You can also ask your cabin steward if you happen to see them—but let’s be honest, they often work so efficiently that your room is cleaned before you even notice!

For serious allergies, I highly recommend notifying the cruise line before your trip to ensure they can provide the right assistance onboard.

In addition, remember to take a look at the 10 surprising things your cabin steward can bring you on a cruise.

9. Extension Cords

extension cords
Confiscated extension cords

Some devices, like CPAP machines, require extension cords—but since passengers typically aren’t allowed to bring their own, guest services often have them available to loan.

Usually, extension cords are not allowed, but exceptions can be made for medical reasons, so remember to bring a document certifying your need.

10. Mail a Postcard

On many ships, you can drop off postcards at guest services, and they’ll take care of mailing them while you’re at sea.

On my last cruise, there was a designated box at the front desk. They didn’t have envelopes, though, so bring a few from home if you think you will need them.

11. Blankets or Towels

If you tend to get cold easily, you can request extra blankets or a heavier one.
In addition, remember that your cabin has a thermostat for the air conditioning, allowing you to adjust the temperature as you like.

If you’re using the pool or heading on a beach excursion, you can ask for additional towels as well. Some cruise lines even offer larger or more plush towels upon request.

12. Book Sold-Out Shows

Hawaiian show

If your preferred onboard show is fully booked, Guest Services can sometimes find you last-minute availability.

In particular, they may have availability of some special seats such as those dedicated to people with disabilities.

To avoid being left without a seat, I always recommend booking in advance. Often, you only need to use the cruise line’s official app to make reservations.

13. Medical Coolers

For those who need to store medication requiring refrigeration, guest services can provide special coolers​.

In most cabins, you will find coolers, but they are designed only for drinks and a few snacks and do not reach very low temperatures.

14. Arrange Shore Excursions

shore excursion
Shore excursion

If your preferred shore excursion is booked, guest services might be able to arrange an alternative or put you on a waiting list.

On some ships, there may also be a desk dedicated only to excursions. However, as I have told you many times, to avoid these problems always book the things you are interested in well in advance.

In this article, you can find a list of all the essential things you need to do before the cruise.

15. Earplugs

Do your husband or traveling companions snore? Unfortunately, the cabins on cruise ships are very small, so you can hear all the noises.

Fortunately, guest services on many ships have earplugs you can use to reduce noise and sleep better.

I tried them once, and they were not of great quality. If you already know you’ll need them, buy good ones before you depart!

In addition, take a look at these tips to sleep like a baby on a cruise ship.

16. Handle Complaints

For any major concerns during your cruise, guest services are your go-to place to submit complaint forms and resolve issues​.

Remember to express your complaint always in a polite and composed manner. Everyone can make mistakes, and on the ships, I have always found people ready to help.

17. Provide Extra Deck Chairs

big balcony on Royal Caribbean
Big balcony on Royal Caribbean

If you have a balcony and would like extra chairs for lounging, you can request them at the guest service desk.

Just keep in mind that this isn’t always possible—it depends on the size of your balcony.

If you’re thinking about making some changes, check out 8 ways to instantly make your cruise cabin more comfortable.

18. Facilitate Room Service Adjustments

Want an item not on the room service menu? They can often make special accommodations​, especially if you have allergies or if you follow special diets.

As I mentioned earlier, it is not always easy to accommodate all guests, so it is important to let them know before departure if you have special needs.

19. Replacement Keycards

MSC cruise card
MSC cruise card

If you lose your room key or need extra keycards, go to the guest services to ask for replacements​.

Some hotels charge an extra fee if you lose your key, and they have to issue a new one. This has never happened to me on a cruise,e but please always be careful where you leave it so you don’t lose it.

20. Luggage Valet and Disembarkation

Some cruise lines offer a luggage valet service, allowing you to bypass airport check-in. Guest services will handle your luggage, give you boarding passes, and transfer your bags directly to the airport​.

They also take care of all the requests regarding disembarkation, so you can ask them for additional luggage tags or more information about the schedule to leave the ship.

If you haven’t yet, also check the 10 disembarkation tips every cruiser needs to know.

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