Do you want to experience an unforgettable cruise? Your cabin steward is the behind-the-scenes magician who turns vacations at sea into magical adventures. As some of the hardest working crew members, cabin stewards ensure your cruise is comfortable and stress-free. But did you know that they can elevate the cruise experience even more? You just need to know what to ask them.
From my first cruise, I learned that cabin stewards go out of their way to make you feel at home. And it’s not just making beds, replacing towels, and replenishing toiletries. There’s much more they can do for you. They’re happy to fulfill special requests, deliver food, and give advice on ports of call.
Are you curious about the hidden perks you can request from your cabin steward? Ready to discover insider secrets to turn a great cruise into an unforgettable adventure? I’ll share my top questions to ask cabin stewards to enhance your voyage.
Duties of a Cruise Ship Cabin Steward
A cabin steward is your room attendant for the length of the cruise. Their duties include making beds, replacing towels, and cleaning the bathroom daily. They also ensure the cabin or stateroom is clean and tidy. Additionally, they handle special requests like bringing extra pillows, adjusting the room arrangement, and delivering the daily cruise schedule.
Cabin attendants work hard to enhance your cruise experience. Think of them as your go-to person to assist with the following:
- Resolve maintenance issues
- Arrange room service at specific times
- Get tips on the best times to visit popular ship areas
- Receive insider information about ports of call
- Get personalized advice on the best onboard activities
Cabin Steward vs. Hotel Housekeeper
Thinking of your cabin attendant as a hotel housekeeper is a common mistake first-time cruisers make. Unlike housekeepers who only clean rooms, cabin stewards build personal connections with guests. Their job is to provide personalized services and handle special requests throughout the cruise.
Ten Questions to Ask Your Cruise Ship Steward
Your cruise ship steward is a key to unlocking a smoother, more enjoyable vacation. They’re ready to help make your cruise as comfortable and memorable as possible. However, knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference.
On several cruise discussion forums, I noticed that some passengers decided to leave a tip at the start of the voyage. They say that this ensures more attentive service throughout the cruise. Others choose to tip the cabin attendants when they make special requests.
Are you confused about tipping? Check out my article on what you need to know about gratuities.
Apart from asking their name, here are ten essential questions to ensure their expertise and services maximize your vacation enjoyment.
Deliver a printed copy of the daily schedule
Many cruise lines no longer automatically provide printed copies of the daily schedule. So, if you’re a person who prefers paper over screen, ask your cabin steward for a copy each day. For me, it makes it easier to plan activities, especially when I decide to stay on board on port days.
Get your ice bucket replenished daily
One of the most common requests for cabin attendants is replenishing the ice bucket daily. There’s nothing better than enjoying ocean views from my balcony and sipping a chilled drink. Asking the attendant to fill the ice bucket is ideal on cruises where you can bring your wine or soda.
At the same time, you could ask for a corkscrew and fresh glasses in your room. This way, you could save on the corkage fee if your cruise line allows you to bring alcohol on board. But always check the ship’s policy beforehand; otherwise, your alcohol may be confiscated until the last day at sea.
Change bed arrangement and pillows
Many cruise guests ask cabin stewards to change the bed arrangement or provide different pillows. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial on a busy cruise. Sometimes, it’s as simple as separating the beds from a double to twins. On one cruise, I asked my steward to adjust the bed configuration, which was done by the time I returned from dinner.
Other passengers share similar experiences. They say cabin stewards are happy to provide softer or firmer pillows, different bedding, extra blankets, or even extra pillow chocolates. I read about one cruiser who usually requests a board under the mattress to make the bed firmer.
Other things to ask for your cabin or stateroom include the following:
- Extra hangers
- Extra towels
- Mattress topper
- Individual toiletries if you don’t like the larger refillable bottles
- Magnifying mirror
Remember, stateroom attendants are there to ensure your comfort. And a quick request can make your cabin feel like a home away from home. It also saves you a trip to Guest Services to get room modifications.
Daily service frequency
You can ask the cabin steward to change the frequency they service your cabin. Cruise lines typically service cabins twice a day. However, some have switched to a daily service. So you can request your room service at the frequency you desire.
I’ve read that many cruise passengers request less frequent cabin servicing. For example, they ask that beds be changed every other day or less frequently. You can also order the time to service the room—usually when you’re out. Therefore, it helps to let your cabin attendant know when you’re at breakfast, dining, or on shore excursions.
Empty the mini-fridge
I usually ask the cabin steward to empty the mini-fridge on the first day. Even with a drink package, the mini-bar is not included. With an empty fridge, I’m free to store my personal water bottles, sodas, and bottles of white wine. One of the tricks I learned with a drink package is to always pick up a couple of bottles of water from the bar and keep them in my room.
The mini-fridge can be handy for storing some food items. However, don’t expect it to keep food as cold as your refrigerator at home. I once mentioned this to a cabin attendant, and they told me it’s a “cooler,” not a refrigerator.
Ask for certain perks
Sometimes, the cabin attendant will get you some extras that are not in your grade. I’ve often been able to bring slippers and a bathrobe that are usually reserved for staterooms. Or maybe you prefer individual toiletries or extra pillow chocolates. You may be able to get these if you ask nicely. (This is one reason I usually tip beforehand).
I also read that some cruisers even get coffee makers for their cabin by asking nicely.
Of course, none of these items are guaranteed. But it’s possible to get extra perks that aren’t usually included in the cabin type.
Swap balcony furniture or a different arrangement
Nothing is better on a cruise than enjoying privacy and sitting outside on a balcony. However, most cabins have chairs on the private cabin balcony. So, asking the steward to swap the chairs for a lounger—if the balcony is big enough—is a good idea. This can make a huge difference to your cruise experience.
Do you have family or friends in the neighboring stateroom? If so, it may be possible to remove the balcony dividers. This way, you can enjoy socializing on a private balcony rather than the noisy lido deck or pool area.
Ask for suggestions for the best time to use the pool, fitness, and spa area
One of the first questions I usually ask cruise ship stewards is about the best times to use the ship’s facilities. The dynamics of each cruise ship are different, and stewards know when things tend to be quieter. Their insights can allow you to enjoy peaceful times at the pool, dining venues, or more relaxed spa treatments.
Get advice on ports of call
Before disembarking at ports of call, I always make it a point to ask for recommendations from my cabin attendant. They usually have valuable insight into the best local spots, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and typical tourist traps. Even if they’ve not visited the port, they typically pick up information from other passengers.
Seasoned cruisers will tell you that stewards offer perspectives you won’t usually find in guidebooks or brochures. In the past, I’ve had great tips on local cafes, must-see landmarks, and delicious delicacies to try. Also, advice on places to avoid has been invaluable, especially in some Caribbean cruise ports.
Ask for things to help make your stay more comfortable
Most standard cabins have basic amenities. So, you should ask your cabin steward for extra touches to make your cruise more enjoyable. They are usually more than happy to fulfill your request. It may be that you’d like different towel animals each day for a surprise when you return to the cabin.
Here are some items that are usually possible to get if you ask the cruise ship steward:
- Small fan, if you prefer that over air conditioning
- Reading light
- Extra coat hangers
- Extension cord
- Extra blankets
- Room service menus
- Beach towels for shore excursions
- Umbrellas for rainy port days
- Scissors to remove tags from new clothes
- Phone charger
- Shower seats
What Cabin Stewards Are Not Responsible For
Unless you are on a luxury cruise with butler service, cruise ship stewards are not personal concierges. For example, although they are responsible for cabin cleanliness, they are not expected to clear mess and clutter. Also, they are happy to advise on ports but don’t become personal travel planners or book excursions.
Here’s a list of other things your cabin steward isn’t responsible for:
- Babysitting: Use the onboard childcare services if you need time alone.
- Unpacking: The attendant will bring luggage to your room but cannot assist with unpacking or packing.
- Maintenance: While they may make minor repairs, you should contact Guest Services for maintenance issues
- Personal assistants: Contact Guest Services if you need help booking shore excursions.
- Cash and valuables: Use the in-room safe for storing valuables, as cabin staff cannot handle these items.
Understanding these boundaries ensures you contact the right member of the crew for various needs. This way, your cruise experience is smoother and more enjoyable.
How to Make the Cabin Steward’s Life Easier
Your cabin steward works hard to ensure your cruise experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Aiming to make their life easier isn’t about doing their job for them. It’s about not becoming a burden on their workload. After all, you’ll have a more enjoyable cruise if your room attendant is happy and not stressed. It also ensures that your cabin stays clean, organized, and comfortable throughout your trip.
Here are some practical tips on how to help facilitate your cabin steward’s job.
Keep the cabin tidy
Cabin stewards are trained to clean and organize cabins when you’re not there. However, they are not waste collectors who go around picking up after obnoxious cruisers. Therefore, avoid scattering towels, keep your personal belongings organized, and don’t have clothing strewn across the floor.
Communicate preferences early
Tell your cabin attendant your cabin preferences on the first day, if possible. Let them know how you like your bed, if you need extra bedding, or if you want them to service the cabin at a specific time.
Keep special requests reasonable
Cruise ship stewards are happy to fulfill special requests and go the extra mile to make your trip enjoyable. However, keep requests reasonable. Asking for extra towels or a specific time for room service is fine. But don’t bombard them with numerous or complex requests. Remember, they are responsible for around 20 cabins, staterooms, or suites.
Let them know your schedule
Do you have a specific routine onboard? For example, breakfast times, dining times, or visits to the fitness gym. If so, cruise ship stewards appreciate knowing when you’ll not be in your room. They will plan their busy schedules accordingly, and you’ll always return to a well-serviced, clean cabin.
Don’t leave anything on the bed
It shows appreciation for their work if you avoid leaving personal items on the bed. Stewards have limited time to clean each cabin, and leaving personal items on the bed can slow them down. It also means they won’t touch your personal belongings. This simple action helps maintain a tidy cabin and makes your steward’s job easier.
Cruise Ship Steward FAQs
I’ve compiled a list of questions many first-time cruisers ask about interacting with their cabin steward. Knowing what to ask them and their responsibilities ensures excellent services from embarking until disembarking.
Should I tip my cruise cabin steward?
Cruise ship stewards are some of the hardest-working and lowest-paid members of the crew. Although gratuities are included in the cruise price, this is divided equally among all crew members. So, it’s customary to tip cabin staff if they’ve provided exceptional service.
Does the room steward have a key to my room?
Room stewards have a master key to access cabins for cleaning and maintenance. They aim to do this when you’re not there to ensure a fast and efficient service. Cruise lines take your privacy seriously, and stewards are trained to respect this.
Will the room steward touch or take my stuff?
Cabin assistants don’t touch personal items unless necessary for cleaning or making beds. Also, they don’t tidy rooms, put clothes away, or declutter desk surfaces. If you don’t want them to touch anything, keep items off beds and the floor, put clothing in the closet, and store valuables in the cabin safe.
What if I don’t like my room steward?
You can contact guest services if you encounter issues with your room steward, such as feeling uncomfortable or unsatisfied with their service. They can address your concerns and, if needed, assign a different steward to your cabin. The goal is to ensure you have a pleasant and stress-free experience.
Can I bring a gift to my cabin steward?
Cabin stewards generally appreciate a small gift. Beyond tipping, you could consider giving them a small token of appreciation like snacks, toiletries, or a thank-you note. Remember, they live in small, often cramped quarters, so don’t buy anything bulky. Just be mindful of any guidelines the cruise line may have regarding gifts.
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