Sharing is caring!
Cruise ship stewards are some of the hardest working people on board. They clean dozens of cabins, remember your name, and somehow make it all look effortless. There are some simple, concrete things you can do to really help them and maybe even provide you with a better service.
Your cabin crew can make or break your cruise vacation. They really do play a big role in your overall experience.
In this guide, I'll share 15 things cruise ship passengers can do that cabin crew members really appreciate, broken down into three helpful sections: Habits crew members approve of that make their jobs easier, gestures they secretly appreciate, and how to say thank you the right way.
Crew-approved habits make life easier
Make a space request before boarding the flight
You can make certain cabin requests online before sailing, during online check-in, or even when booking. Things like bed configuration are best arranged in advance.
Would you like your cabin configuration to have two beds pushed together into a queen-size bed, or would you prefer two single beds? Both are possible.
If you arrive at your cabin and find that it is not configured to your liking, your cabin crew can still make changes. However, doing this before boarding can make their job easier from the start. Other pre-cruise requirements include cabin gown requirements and special medical needs such as sharps containers.
first day request
On the first day of your cruise, you will Meet your cabin crew. This is the perfect time to make any first-day requests. These are often things you may only request once during your cruise, so letting your cabin crew know immediately means they can retrieve these items on boarding day and get your cruise started off on the right foot.
Some common requests include extra hangersextra towels, mattresses, ice buckets filled daily, and mini fridge emptied etc. personal requests. If you're cruising with family or friends next door, you can also ask them to open your balcony cabin partitions.
Know and use your cabin crew member’s name
This will be more important than you think. Your cabin crew will call you by name, which is a very nice gesture. Sometimes, your flight attendant may have a nickname that they prefer you to use.
Don't be embarrassed if you're not sure how to pronounce their name. Be sure to ask them and do your best. This small effort means more than you think.
Share your daily life
Don't worry, you are on vacation after all. However, it does help your cabin crew with their schedules since they have dozens of cabins to clean. Depending on your cruise, you might get one or two per day.
If you provide housekeeping once a day, you'll need to choose whether you want it to be cleaned in the morning or in the evening. We are big fans of morning cleanup and I always let our cabin crew know that we tend to leave the cabin around 8:00am for breakfast. We'll probably get back around 9:30 or 10:00. In the evening, housekeeping is done twice a day and we usually go to dinner around 7:00, so we leave the cabin around 6:30. When they learn about our daily lives, it really helps them organize their own.
Correct use of house numbers
Don’t forget to use the “Do Not Disturb” and “Make Room” signs. This makes your cabin crew’s life easier as they don’t need to keep checking back. While a “clear the room” or “make room” sign is crucial, a “do not disturb” sign is also crucial.
If you are napping, showering or doing other things in the cabin, put this sign up. Otherwise, your cabin crew may walk in, which can help ease any potentially awkward situation. Consistently using these signs is one of the easiest ways to cabin crew to help you.
Consider additional first-day tips
This has caused some controversy in the cruise community. Some cruise passengers say giving cabin crew $20 on the first day will ensure better service. Others say it really makes no difference. Do what you're most comfortable with, but I would avoid saying things like “where's more from” as that might be considered rude.
I will tell you, flight attendants say there is one thing that may be more valuable than a tip, and I will share that later in this post.
Keep the cabin relatively tidy
You're on vacation, and you don't need to clean your cabin before the flight attendant arrives. However, there are some things you can do to make their job easier. If you have clothes that haven't been hung up yet, don't leave them on the bed. They can't make the bed if your belongings are still there. Instead, place your clothes on a chair or couch.
In the bathroom, place all used towels in a pile in a corner or in the shower stall. Gather all your trash in one place, either in the dumpster or nearby. If you have any items on the balcony, please bring them in so your cabin crew doesn't have to go out and collect them. You are not allowed to leave swimsuits or other items on the balcony to dry and will need to be brought in by a flight attendant.
Follow room service tray etiquette
This will vary depending on the cruise line. Ask your cabin attendant what you should do with your room service tray. In some cases, the cruise line will ask you to leave the tray in your cabin and your cabin crew will pick it up.
In other cases, you will be asked to call room service and they will send someone to your room to pick up your order. Other cruise lines require you to leave your tray in the hallway. Yes, it can seem confusing and even dangerous at times, but that's what they want you to do. Ask your flight attendants so you can follow the policy and make their lives easier.
Report minor cabin issues immediately
This will relieve you of a lot of potential frustration and really make your cabin crew’s life easier. Things to keep in mind even on the first day of a cruise. Are all the lights working? Sometimes light bulbs burn out. Does your TV remote control work? Is your shower draining properly?
These are things that your flight attendant can take care of, or they can find the right person (including an engineer) to sort it out for you. Don’t wait until later in the voyage to bring up these issues.
Don't flush the wrong thing
Cabin toilets are very sensitive so only toilet paper can be placed in them. Even flushable wipes can become a major problem in cruise ship cabins. If you have other items such as flushable wipes or diapers, Ask your cabin crew Disposable small bags, or bring your own.
Never flush them down the toilet as they can cause flooding not only in your shed but also in the shed next to yours. This can cause a huge headache for your flight attendants and other crew members.
The flight attendant secretly appreciated the small gesture
Personalization (within reason)
Remember, your cabin crew may be away from home for six to nine months. Simple things like asking about their home country, their life and family, or even their career with the cruise line can really brighten their day.
These brief conversations show that you see them as a human being, not just a service provider. It creates a more meaningful connection during your time together.
Offer unused fruit or drinks
I'm not talking about leftover food. If you receive any loyalty benefits or gifts from your cruise line, such as a bottle of wine or a fruit basket, consider offering them to your cabin crew if you don't plan on using them. They cannot take these items without your request, but they can accept them when offered.
The crew was often given fruit, but it was usually quite ripe. Flight attendants told me how much they appreciated receiving fresh fruit.
Ask them if they need anything at the port
In my experience, flight attendants often say no. However, if you are sailing for a longer period of time, you may get to know your cabin crew better. If they could use some personal items but they don't get out of the car, you can bring the items back for them.
Many crew members mentioned that they just enjoyed a few snacks. Even without asking, you can always bring back some Doritos or chocolate for them. It was a thoughtful move that cost little but meant a lot.
How to say thank you the right way
Gifts They Really Appreciate
Crews prefer cash because cash is king. They often send this money back to their home countries and families. So a cash tip is always best. Other items they admired included cruise ship ducks. Many crew members said they couldn't pick them up themselves if they found them on the ship, but they could take them with them if a cruise ship passenger handed them to them.
Some crew members kept a couple in their cabins, or took some home to look after the children at the end of the contract. Other popular gifts include Laboos and friendship bracelets. Keep in mind that crew members don’t have a lot of space to store trinkets, so cash is still preferred.
grand debate
Let’s talk about writing the word “thank you” on your bed with a dollar bill or larger. Some articles said this was disrespectful to the crew. However, when I asked in the video, many staff members said they did appreciate it.
They will take pictures of it and it will make their day even better. On turnover days, when they move from cabin to cabin and things get busy, they don't have much reason to smile and laugh. This gesture can bring joy to that moment.
Leave a handwritten thank you note
This may seem old-fashioned, but remember, the crew is away from home for months on end and a personal thank you means the world. A handwritten note that says “Thank you for all you do for us” can put a smile on their face on a bad day.
These are things they can keep and review when they need a reminder that their work is important.
understand Cruise Tipping Guide It can also help you plan your gratitude appropriately.
Post-cruise survey
Not only do crew members get paid and tips, but a big part of their recognition is through being mentioned in post-cruise surveys. This can go a long way toward earning them extra time off, a day off, special shore excursions planned for the crew, and even bonuses and promotions.
Write down their names. Take a picture of their name tag or a card they may have left in your cruise ship's cabin. This recognition can literally change the trajectory of their careers.
Express gratitude regularly
Many cruise passengers make the mistake of waiting until the morning of disembarkation, or even the night before, to say thank you and possibly leave a tip. Often, you may not see your cabin attendant the morning you disembark, or even the night before, as they are very busy.
If you want to leave a tip and take a moment to show your appreciation, be sure to do so on the last full day before the cruise ends. This ensures they actually receive your thanks and enjoy the recognition.
Related and popular posts:
final thoughts
These simple gestures and thoughtful actions can transform your relationship with your cabin crew. They work extremely hard to make your vacation special, often spending months away from family. By following these crew-approved habits, you not only make their jobs easier: you also create a more enjoyable cruise experience for everyone involved.
The best part? Most of these things don't take a lot of time, just a little forethought and planning. From using the door tag correctly to learning their name, from offering an unused fruit basket to filling out the post-cruise survey, every little action adds up. Your cabin crew will remember passengers who treat them with respect and consideration, and you may find that kindness is rewarded with exceptional service.
Which of the following hand gestures have you used on a cruise ship? Will you try something new on your next cruise? For those of you trying to make your cruise vacation memorable, these small acts of thoughtfulness can make a huge difference.
