Think you’re the perfect cruise passenger because you neatly fold the towels, reuse linens, and leave the cabin spotless? Think again! You might think you’re helping, but some of those “kind” gestures actually stress the crew out more than you realize.
Here’s the kicker: Cabin stewards are trained to smile through everything, including a guest’s annoying habits. But behind the politeness? Often, there’s quiet frustration, annoyance, and eye rolls saved for private staff chats. I know because I’ve read countless Reddit confessions, cruise forum rants, and inside chatter in Facebook groups.
If you don’t know these habits, there’s a good chance you’re guilty of a few—I know that I’ve been in the past. Don’t be the passenger they whisper about in the crew hallway—learn what to stop doing now.
Stop Cleaning Up—You’re Hurting Your Cabin Steward More Than You Think
Are you the type of guest who scrubs the sink, bags your trash, and leaves the cabin spotless so your steward “won’t have to”? It feels considerate. But did you know it makes their job harder? They can’t tell what needs changing or where something might be hidden.
Of course, we’re not talking about trashing your cabin daily and expecting the attendant to clean the mess. Some stewards posted on Reddit that “the cleanest cabins are often where we find the weirdest stuff. We’re happy to tidy up a bit of mess, and cleaning is what we’re paid for.”
Leaving the “Do Not Disturb” Sign on All Day While You’re Out
Think you’re being respectful by giving your steward space? That “Do Not Disturb” sign might block them from cleaning your cabin for hours. Stewards are on strict schedules—and if they miss your window, they often have to double back late at night when you’re finally done with the room.
One crew member shared their frustration at having to wait until 9:45 p.m. when the couple was at a show to clean one cabin. Another posted, “They were gone all day—but the sign never moved.”
Stop Saving the Planet With Towels—It’s Wasting Everyone’s Time
You skipped the towel on the floor signal and re-hung yesterday’s. Maybe you even told yourself you’re saving water and “making it easier” on the crew. The problem? Now, your steward has to guess what’s fresh, what’s damp, and what you just forgot to toss.
“I wish they’d just leave used towels in one pile,” someone commented in a crew thread. “It’s not eco-friendly since I end up washing them all anyway—just in case.”
Folding Towels Isn’t Helpful—It Just Confuses Your Cabin Steward
Unless you secretly joined the housekeeping team, leave the towel tricks to the professionals. Folding used towels into cute little bundles doesn’t speed things up—it slows everything down. Your steward now has to unfold each one, sniff it, and guess whether it’s decorative or damp and dirty.
Even folding used towels into neat piles annoys stewards. Why? They say that folded towels are the biggest reason dirty ones get missed and why you might be reusing more than you planned.
Also, don’t take soaked towels and pile them neatly in the corner. That little towel tower might feel tidy, but it still creates a soggy mess. Moisture seeps into grout and flooring, and stewards still have to haul it all off—only now it’s heavier and half-dried weird.
Crew often say they’d rather see towels left openly on the floor or in the shower—at least then, they know exactly what they’re dealing with.
Trying to Quietly Deal With Problems Instead of Speaking Up
I used to think reporting problems was rude. A flickering light? I ignored it. Toilet flushing weird? I figured it’d sort itself out and didn’t want to seem like a complainer. But here’s the thing: cabin stewards can’t fix what they don’t know, and by day three, minor issues might be major ones.
Several stewards have said they wish more guests would speak up early. Silent suffering may seem polite, but it ultimately creates more work in the long run.
Neat Pile of Trash? Still Trash—and Still a Problem
They stacked their used napkins into a neat pile or wrapped an apple core in tissue and left it on the vanity. The big question: Why haven’t they learned to put their used stuff in the trash? Now, the steward has to pick up rubbish that could be harboring bacteria.
Some crew say these “tidy” piles are worse to deal with than regular mess. They’re unpredictable, messy underneath, and never as “helpful” as you think.
Tipping Too Soon Sends the Wrong Message—And Stress
Think handing over cash on day one guarantees five-star service all week? Not quite. To some stewards, it can feel less like appreciation and more like a bribe. Early tipping sets weird expectations and adds pressure they didn’t ask for.
Several cruise ship employees have shared that while tips are always welcome, the timing matters. Gratitude feels more genuine after good service—not when it feels like you’re buying perks and special requests upfront.
Complaining That the Room Wasn’t Cleaned—When You Never Left
Unless you’re on a Harry Potter-themed cruise, your cabin doesn’t clean itself while you nap under the covers. If you’re hanging out in the room all day, stewards can’t do much more than smile awkwardly and move on. So, unless you’ve vacated the room for a time, there’s no point complaining about the mess.
Hiding Room Service Trays Somewhere “Out of the Way”
You think you’re being considerate by tucking your tray behind the curtain or sliding it under the bed so it’s “not in the way.” Just don’t forget about it. Otherwise, your steward has to go on a scavenger hunt to find where the funky smell is coming from.
Stateroom attendants say hidden trays are one of the worst surprises. They’ve seen it all—shrimp tails in drawers, sauce-covered plates in closets, and even a melted ice cream puddle under the bed. Hiding dirty dinnerware is never as helpful as you think.
Hanging Wet Clothes Over Every Rail and Lamp
It might seem harmless to drape swimsuits over chairs, lights, or that tempting little sprinkler on the ceiling—but it’s a serious hazard. Those systems are sensitive, and one wrong move can trigger a flood across your entire deck.
Many crew say soaked clothes in the wrong place are a daily problem. Use the shower line or ask for more hangers—just keep it off the fire system.
Bringing Your Own Toilet Paper Clogs the System
Your extra-plush, triple-ply toilet paper you got from Costco might feel like an upgrade, but the ship’s vacuum system wasn’t designed for it. Cruise toilets are finicky and work differently from the one in your home. The wrong paper doesn’t just clog your bathroom—it can knock out plumbing for the whole hallway.
Stewards often mention this as a silent nightmare. They know the signs the moment they walk in—and no, bringing your own “eco” wipes doesn’t help either.
Using the Sink or Shower for DIY Laundry
You’ve read the hacks—bring a little detergent, rinse out a shirt in the sink, and save on laundry fees. I’ve even written about it myself. But let’s be honest: by day three, that “quick rinse” can turn into soaked clothes everywhere, dripping across tiles and blocking the shower drain.
If you’re going to do it, do it right. Rinse and wring clothes thoroughly, hang them only on the retractable line in the shower, and never leave wet items dripping on the floor or furniture.
Crew members often mention the mess it creates. One said they found underwear hanging from the showerhead, a washcloth damming the drain, and the bathroom reeking of soggy fabric softener.
Remember—leaving your underwear to soak for the entire day grosses out cabin attendants.
Leaving Food in the Trash or Bathroom Bin Invites Bugs
That leftover fruit or toast crust might seem fine to toss in the bathroom bin—but warm, humid cabins turn those scraps into a magnet for bugs. Bathroom bins aren’t sealed, and even wrapped food starts to smell fast.
The crew on cruise ships says fruit flies can show up within hours. One mentioned finding yogurt cups leaking through tissues and a slice of pizza that had practically glued itself to the plastic liner.
If you’re tossing food, wrap it well and use the main trash bin—or better yet, leave it outside with the tray. It’s faster, cleaner, and spares everyone the smell.
Leaving Balcony Doors Open All Day—Fine if You Hate A/C and Love Flying Guests
You want fresh air. Maybe some ocean sounds. But leaving your balcony door open all day kills your A/C—and sometimes invites unexpected guests. Stewards say it’s not uncommon to find cabins full of mosquitoes and, in rare cases, birds.
One cruiser shared their horror on TikTok after returning to a cabin full of frantic birds. The poor steward had to clean poop from the vanity, floor, and curtains. Golden rule: Keep the cabin door closed—your cabin attendant will thank you for it.
Moving Furniture Around “For Comfort”
That chair by the window you dragged it to the balcony door. Or the bed you repositioned for a better TV view. Or—yes, true story—the mattress on the balcony because some cruisers wanted to sleep outside. But for every piece of furniture you move, your steward has to put it back—exactly. Every time.
Many stewards say this adds unexpected work to tight turnarounds. One noted it’s not just about looks—furniture has to be in specific spots for safety checks and cabin inspections.
Your Power Tower Hack Might Spark More Than Joy
We all get it—cruise ship cabins are notorious for having few outlets. And with a ton of devices to charge, bringing a couple of power strips can seem like a great cruise hack. But cruise cabins aren’t designed for that kind of load. Overloaded sockets can melt cords and cause onboard fires.
In 2024, an electrical fire broke out on the MSC Seashore. OK, it wasn’t caused by a passenger thinking the outlet was a Tesla charging station. However, the report said that electrical fires can happen due to “frayed wires, overloaded circuits, or loose wiring connections.”
Don’t make your power tower jungle one iPhone away from turning your cruise into a fire alarm situation.
Expecting a Butler—Not a Cabin Steward
Your cabin steward isn’t here to unpack your bags, iron your shirt, or track down your favorite brand of sparkling water. They’re not your personal concierge—they’re managing 20 cabins, not just yours.
Cruise stewards joke that some guests expect Downton Abbey–level service with a Carnival budget. They’ll do their best—but no one’s laying out your tux or fluffing your slippers twice a day.
Want that level of pampering? Book a suite next time and enjoy the butler service that you’ve paid for.
Saying “Thank You” Costs Less Than Your Gratuities
One of the biggest pet peeves among cabin stewards? Guests who walk past them as if they’re invisible. No hello. No smile. Not even a nod. Just because a cruise guest has spent hundreds on gratuities, it doesn’t mean that saying “thank you” is out of the equation. It costs nothing and means more than passengers think.
Many cruise workers say that a simple “good morning” or “thank you” makes their day. It’s the smallest kindness—and somehow, the one some people forget the most.
Leaving Valuables Out? You’re Stressing Out Your Cabin Steward
It never occurs to some guests that leaving cash, passports, or jewelry out on the desk puts everyone in an awkward spot. Cabin stewards aren’t thieves—but they also don’t want to be accused of touching what they never asked to see.
Stewards often say it’s uncomfortable cleaning a room with wads of cash on the nightstand or designer watches by the sink. The safe isn’t just for diamonds—it’s for peace of mind on both sides.
Cabin in Chaos? Guess What Your Steward Thinks
Cruise line workers hate it when they come to make up a cabin, and it looks like a tornado has passed through it. Some cruisers believe that it’s their personal space and they can do as they please. But stewards have their duties to care for, and they don’t want to feel like a mother cleaning up after a two-year-old.
Smoking on the Balcony and Pretending It’s Fine
Some passengers think they’re being discreet—stepping outside, blowing the smoke out to sea, and hoping no one notices. But this isn’t a polite slip-up. It’s a safety violation, a fire risk, and it puts your steward in a tough spot.
Crew often say reporting it can create tension, but ignoring it could cost them their job. Want to be respectful? Follow the rules—especially the ones printed in all caps.
Ringing for Ice at 3 a.m.? Hope It’s for a Sprain, Not Champagne
Was it an emergency? A busted lip? Better not be a late-night champagne craving! Because unless someone’s injured or your mini-fridge has burst into flames, there’s really no reason to ring for ice at three in the morning, no matter how politely you ask.
Stewards say they’ve been woken up for cooler refills and warm soda complaints. Middle-of-the-night requests might feel harmless, but they still yank someone out of precious off-hours.
Rrquesting Last-Minute Rollaways or Bed Changes
Needing the bed setup changed in the cabin? No problem, just ask your cabin crew to do it on embarkation day or during regular hours. They’re more than happy to help. But a total furniture rearrangement at 9 p.m. is not reasonable.
The crew says these requests always come when the carts are put away, and the linens are locked up. Beds aren’t magic—and your cabin isn’t a game of Tetris.
Hovering Outside the Cabin Before It’s Ready
You think you’re being so polite by containing your excitement to get into your cabin, unpack, and head to the buffet. But waiting quietly outside your cabin, maybe pacing a little with your bag just outside the door, is sending nervous vibes to your steward. They feel pressured, which makes them anxious and frustrated.
Many cruise ship workers say this “silent pressure” throws off their rhythm. They’d rather you grab a drink or explore the ship—because that fresh, spotless room takes focus, not an audience.
Tipsy Chats Aren’t Charming—They’re Just Cringe for Cabin Crew
You think you’re being friendly—just a little buzzed, making conversation with your steward in the hallway. Maybe a compliment. Perhaps it’s a joke that lands weirdly. But for the crew, it’s uncomfortable—awkward at best, creepy at worst.
Stewards say tipsy guests often cross lines without realizing it. What feels like harmless banter to you can leave them feeling trapped or disrespected—and they still have to smile through it.
Flirty Comments Aren’t Cute—They’re Just Super Awkward
Don’t be that passenger who crosses the line while pretending a bit of flirting is only cheeky fun. A teasing compliment here, a little wink here and there, and a bit too much lingering in the hallway. You think you’re being harmless—just playful, just friendly.
But for stewards, it’s not playful. It’s pressure. They’re trained to smile and be gracious, even when a guest makes them really uncomfortable. Several say they’ve endured awkward advances just to avoid complaints. It’s not hospitality—it’s emotional labor.
Remember, cruise line rules mean that it’s a fireable offense if a member of the crew hooks up with a passenger.
Saying, “Can I Speak to Your Supervisor?” Over Something Small
Maybe your towel wasn’t folded the same way. You noticed some dust that was there yesterday. So you politely ask to escalate—to “just have a quick word” with someone higher up. But here’s what you might not realize: that simple request puts your steward in a tough spot.
Most cruise guests don’t realize that cabin stewards are expected to resolve issues first. If you don’t give them a chance to fix it first and want to escalate it, you get them in trouble. It’s not rude to speak up. Just speak to the right people in the right order.
Want to Be the Guest They Remember For the Right Reasons? Now You Know How
Now, you’ve got the inside scoop about what’s polite and what’s not on a cruise ship. With this insider knowledge, you can be the thoughtful, seasoned cruiser who earns a quiet nod of approval. No need for extra money or effort. Just awareness, a bit of empathy, and understanding.
One cruise employee said the best guests “just get it—they’re relaxed, respectful, and low-drama.”
Follow these tips, and you’ll never be the one crew whisper about in the staff corridor. Wishing you smooth sailing and pleasant encounters on your next cruise.
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